From the very beginning, my parents have been my biggest supporters in my photography journey. I still remember when they gave me my first hand-me-down camera, a simple yet significant gesture that sparked my passion for photography. Every time I went on field trips, my parents would hand me one of their compact cameras, trusting me to capture memories and moments. Even when I wanted a disposable camera, my mom was always there to buy me one, encouraging my love for capturing the world around me. As the years went by, I found joy in taking pictures of my friends, making them smile with the memories I could capture for them. It was this joy that pushed me to pursue photography as a career. While the path hasn’t always been easy—no one is perfect—I’ve had my parents' unwavering support every step of the way. A moment that stands out was when my mom flew me to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the Professional Photographers of America conference. There, I had the chance to learn from top-tier photographers, gaining invaluable skills. I also took photography classes in college to continue improving, and even after all this time, I still find that every session teaches me something new. My parents’ belief in me has made all the difference, and their love and support continue to drive me forward.

-Xo, Alexandra