On August 9th, 2021, I ventured out to capture the sunrise at a picturesque local covered bridge, hoping to enhance the scene with light trails from passing cars. At the time, I was also nurturing a fledgling YouTube channel and aimed to gather some engaging video content. Envisioning the water flowing under the bridge as captivating b-roll footage, I grabbed my GoPro and carefully navigated the rocks to find the perfect spot. Unfortunately, on my way back, I slipped on the dew-covered rocks and fell. When I looked down, I was horrified to see blood and bone protruding from my knee.
The fall resulted in a fractured patella and a torn quadriceps tendon, leading to hospitalization, surgery, and four months of intensive physical therapy. During my recovery, my parents took turns caring for me, helping me with basic tasks and ensuring I was comfortable. For the first three weeks, my leg was completely immobilized in a straight-leg brace. After that, I transitioned to an articulating brace, marking the beginning of my physical therapy journey. The initial sessions were agonizing, with pain more intense than anything I had ever experienced. However, as therapy progressed, I gradually regained mobility, and the pain began to subside.
This unfortunate incident forced me to put my photography on hold. I had planned to continue shooting landscapes and to branch out into portraiture. However, once I regained enough strength and mobility to venture outside again, I found myself facing a significant mental hurdle. Fear of re-injury or another accident sapped my motivation, and I ended up stepping away from my camera for several years. Now, looking back in mid-2024, I ask myself, “What was the hold-up?” and “Why did I lose my drive?”
The time has come to move forward. It’s time to immerse myself in the beauty of landscapes again and to dive into portrait photography. As I work on building my portrait portfolio, I am offering my services at a significantly discounted rate—75% off. You can book me for family photos, pet portraits, or corporate events. Headshots will be available soon, once my studio is complete.
In reflecting on my journey, I realize that the road to recovery—both physical and mental—has made me more resilient. It has reignited my passion for photography with a newfound appreciation for every moment I can capture. I am excited to get back behind the lens, and I look forward to creating beautiful memories with you. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to see what we will create together.