Photos as keepsakes
Keepsakes is a thing I talk about a lot, and if I had to define it, it would resemble items, files, letters, or photos that capture the essence of the moment in which they were created. For me, photography has always been one of my most treasured forms of keepsakes.
Photos tell a story, and that’s why looking through photo albums has always been one of my favorite pastimes. No matter how much time passes, the memories never fade. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about preserving memories and ensuring they tell a story. I guess that’s why I’ve saved everything — from my elementary school photos to the first newspaper that featured my photography on the front page.
The perfect way to kick off Digital Shift Happens is by highlighting photography and the incredible role it’s played in my journey as a creative storyteller.
Capturing the Creative Spark
Photography was my first creative outlet. I remember “borrowing” my sister’s camera to take pictures of anything I could find—plants, my dogs, and even random objects like watches. That curiosity sparked a growing passion for capturing moments, mastering equipment, and most importantly: storytelling!
My first DSLR camera was a Nikon D3100, which I got in high school. I would take it with me everywhere even on vacation! Back then, I even created my school’s social media account, and my first form of content creation was photography. I took photos around the school and posted updates, aiming to get people to follow and engage with the school’s social platforms. I would capture sporting events, school happenings, and highlights. My camera became a bridge to getting to know people and helping them preserve special memories.
Zooming In on Passion
In college, my photography journey reached new heights. As a a contributor—and later staff photographer—for The Daily Targum (one of the oldest newspapers in the country), I gained experiences I never imagined. And as I perfected my craft, I met inspiring people and explored places I never thought I’d see. Some of my favorite memories are meeting Marc Ecko, Eric LeGrand, Gyptian, Wendy Williams, and shooting photos at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, the practice facility for the New York Giants and SHI Stadium, formerly High Point Solutions Stadium at Rutgers University. Most importantly, I received credentials I never took for granted. Being part of the “media” meant having a ticket to virtually anything I wanted to cover.
Beyond media coverage, photography earned me enough confidence and immense honor to capture special milestones like graduations, baby showers, weddings, and more. It’s how I built connections and friendships. After all, who doesn’t love a great photo?
Through the Lens of Time
Over the years, I’ve experimented with everything from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to GoPros, video cameras, external mics, lighting, and even green screens (before fancy virtual backgrounds). Today, my iPhone or my husband’s Android is all I need to capture stunning photos.
Photography was truly where my creative storytelling journey began. It gave me the courage to explore new creative outlets like video, graphic design, and web design— eventually leading me to launch my own website in 2015. Though I don’t pick up the camera much anymore, photography will always hold a special place in my heart as the foundation of my creative journey.
Photos remain my favorite keepsakes—whether they’re ones I’ve taken or those taken of me. Through every phase of my life, photos have captured my journey and growth, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
