After a severe trauma, I found myself seeking solace by the water, where I would cry so my children couldn’t hear. I didn’t want to upset them or cause worry, so I would sneak away at sunrise, sitting on the shore, tears streaming down my face as I prayed and begged God to show me something to hope for—something still beautiful in the darkness of the world.

Morning after morning, I sat crying, praying, grasping at some kind of reason to continue. Then, God opened my eyes to the sunrise. The same sun that rose every other morning of my life had suddenly been given a new meaning for me. The beautifully painted sunrise, each one different from the last. Some mornings were like cotton candy, others sherbet, some stormy with heavy clouds to hide behind. Nevertheless, all were new, all powerful, all a blank slate to start anew.

One day, I decided to take out my cell phone and start photographing the morning sunrise to keep with me, safe in my pocket as a reminder when I struggled throughout the day. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I simply took out my phone, saw the sunrise, and reminded myself that today is new. Today is new.

During these difficult weeks, I learned the importance of being quiet and listening, being still and watching, and being open to new beginnings. In those quiet moments, I began to hear the whispers of hope. In the stillness, I saw the beauty of the world around me. By being open, I found a new passion that would become my lifeline. I found forgiveness and grace for myself and those who had harmed me.

Over time, I began thinking how I was certainly not the only one struggling with hope in this world. I decided to start posting my images on Facebook, hoping they would make someone smile, reminding them of newness, hope, and beauty. To my surprise, people began to notice my photography and asked if I would take photographs of them. I knew very little about photographing people and didn’t even own a camera of my own. So, I bought one, set it on manual mode, and began photographing everything in sight! This was the beginning of my healing.

Seven years later, I firmly believe that God saved my creative soul by opening the door of photography. The cracks of my brokenness began to fill with gold and smiles became more natural, my long-lost friend called “laughter” returned and I am grateful for the second chance to see the world with new lenses.

I have had the privilege of witnessing over 500 weddings, where the messages of love, hope, forgiveness, and future rang out and struck my heart. Often finding myself brought to tears by the messages and tenderness of the moments. The opportunity to be on television as a selected photographer on “Married at First Sight” and seeing my first Magazine cover in print both gave me a boost of confidence that this path was certainly healing and definitely my jam.

Now, my focus is on empowerment photography, helping people see beauty in themselves and those around them. We all need healing. Photography is my tincture. Through the lens of my camera, I capture not just images but stories of hope, resilience, and the ever-show possibility of new beginnings. And in those quiet, still moments, I am reminded that every day is a new canvas, waiting to be filled with beauty and light. If I can touch even one person’s hurting heart through my photography I will be forever grateful to pass along the gift of hope I was given through it.