From Intimidated to Photographer of the Year, Twice

There are moments in life when you make a decision that quietly changes the trajectory of your future. For me, one of those moments happened at a Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association (TAPPA) meeting.

I remember attending one of my first meetings and watching as they handed out the previous year's awards. As photographers walked across the stage to be recognized, a thought popped into my head:

"I'm going to win Photographer of the Year next year."

At the time, it was a bold statement. Maybe even a little crazy.

You see, when I originally joined TAPPA back in 2009, I was intimidated by print competition. The thought of putting my work in front of experienced photographers and judges for critique was enough to keep me on the sidelines. I admired the photographers who entered, but I never imagined myself being one of them.

For years, I watched from a distance.

Then something changed.

In 2023, I decided it was time to stop letting fear make decisions for me. I entered print competition, knowing full well that my work would be evaluated, critiqued, and compared alongside some incredibly talented photographers.

What I didn't realize at the time was that print competition wasn't really about winning.

It was about growth.

Every image I entered forced me to become more intentional. I studied lighting more carefully. I paid closer attention to composition, storytelling, and technical excellence. Most importantly, I learned to view critiques not as criticism, but as opportunities to improve.

Putting myself out there pushed me in ways I never could have imagined.

The growth that came from entering competition didn't just improve my photography—it transformed my career.

That journey led to earning Photographer of the Year at TAPPA.

And then, incredibly, it happened again.

Winning Photographer of the Year once was an honor. Winning it two years in a row feels surreal.

But the awards didn't stop there.

Along the way, I earned my Master of Photography Degree through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), a milestone that represents years of dedication to the craft and a commitment to continual learning.

I was also honored to receive a Judges Choice Award at the Florida Professional Photographers (FPP) print competition and, in March of this year, earned Best in Show at TAPPA's annual print competition.

Each award represents far more than a trophy or title. They represent every time I chose growth over comfort, courage over fear, and progress over perfection.

Looking back, I'm grateful for the photographer who sat in those early TAPPA meetings feeling intimidated. She didn't know it then, but those feelings were simply part of the journey.

The truth is that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones.

If I had continued sitting on the sidelines, afraid of critique or afraid of not being good enough, none of these accomplishments would have happened.

The lesson I've learned is simple: you don't have to be fearless to pursue your goals. You just have to be willing to take the next step despite the fear.

Today, I am incredibly grateful for the mentors, judges, fellow photographers, and friends who have challenged and encouraged me along the way. The photography community has played a tremendous role in my growth, and I would not be where I am without them.

As proud as I am of what I've accomplished, I'm not finished yet.

My next goal is to earn my Florida Degree of Excellence through the Florida Professional Photographers Association. Like every milestone before it, I know it will require dedication, learning, and stepping outside my comfort zone.

And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Because if this journey has taught me anything, it's that the magic happens when you're willing to put yourself out there.

And sometimes, the things that intimidate you the most become the very things that change your life.