About Me and This Site

Photographs are more than mere images; they tell vivid stories that spark curiosity, foster connections, and evoke a sense of wonder. For me, they acted as windows into a world I had yet to explore. I didn't grow up taking international trips or having extravagant adventures. Most of our family vacations were weekend drives to a nearby lake or occasional visits to a local campground. I didn't even board a plane until I turned seventeen. Life was modest, and many things felt impossible while growing up in my rural corner of Tennessee.

Long before that flight, I had already explored the world in my own way. I followed Steve Irwin on Animal Planet from my tiny TV in my bedroom. I spent weekends watching the History Channel when it actually covered history, rather than just aliens and pawn shops. I also read nonfiction books filled with maps, adventures, and diverse cultures. Central to much of this was photography. Through the art of others, the stories gained depth and texture. Their work allowed me to experience things I never thought I would.

A turning point came when I discovered that my extended family was living in Alaska. At seventeen, I booked a flight with Northwest Airlines to Fairbanks. That trip marked a significant milestone in my life. It got me on my first plane, and it also convinced my grandmother to take hers. A year later, I returned to Alaska on my own for a longer stay that reshaped how I viewed the world and my place in it.

That experience taught me a lesson I've carried ever since: many barriers are simply puzzles waiting for creative solutions. With persistence and a thoughtful plan, even the most distant goals can come within reach. These days, I'm fortunate to travel more often. But I know that not everyone can. My hope is that through photography, I can offer a window into places others might never see firsthand, just as art did for me. I believe in the power of images to help people experience the world, even when they can't physically go there.

This site exists to share stories, inspire people to travel, and provide an opportunity for those who can't travel to experience places. Whether you're dreaming of change, chasing an idea, or building something just for yourself, I hope these pages encourage you to stay bold. Progress is rarely instant. But step by step, you can make progress toward something meaningful.

Here's to creative thinking, relentless effort, and the travels that transform us. Let's keep moving forward, together.