Photography to me is a pictorial assemblage of two words, “zeit” (time) and “geist” (spirit). With every image, I try to freeze a moment, and with that, the attempt to convey its essence. From cars hurtling down a track at 200 mph to a box turtle creeping over a stream, the noises are silent, but the photograph speaks. 

I can create my own language with my camera, one I taught myself three years ago. Am I fluent? No. But, with each attempt to freeze time, do I learn more? Yes. 

I enjoy the challenge of capturing an image. How do I convey to the viewer the senses that are silenced by the lens? How can they hear the fireworks pop, smell the tires burn, feel the grief of destruction? Through light, balance, and composition, these concepts are suspended in time. 

This journey of curiosity has led me to become a professional photographer, working for a local magazine. I also shoot for my high school and for my rowing club, and I find images vital to me.

Will my fluency grow as I practice? Of course-it is my language, I can take it anywhere. It only takes time to capture the spirit.