Why I Chose Photography: The Moment Everything Changed


I don’t usually write blog-style posts—this is new for me. But a good friend of mine recently started sharing more of her heart through blogging, and it’s inspired me to do the same. I want to start small, nothing fancy, just a space to connect with my clients and friends on a deeper level. One question I get asked often—by clients, strangers, or even close friends—is:

“Why do you do photography?” Some say, “You just take pictures and send them off. What’s the big deal?” But for me, it is a big deal. It’s much more than just pressing a button. Photography is storytelling. It’s freezing emotions in time. It’s preserving moments that will never happen again. So today, I want to share my why. The moment that made it all clear for me—the one that turned this passion into my purpose.


A Story of Waiting, Praying, and a Miracle


My family and I are Mexican. And let me tell you, becoming a U.S. citizen—or even getting legal residency—is not easy. I’ve seen the process up close, and it’s full of waiting, praying, hoping, and long nights of uncertainty. Even if your family has never broken the law, you live with this shadow, always looking over your shoulder. It’s emotionally exhausting. My dad was able to get his green card through his job. But my mom’s journey was harder. We had to wait until I turned 21 before I could legally help her. We saved every penny we could and hired a lawyer—hoping and praying we wouldn’t get scammed, like so many others do. Thankfully, our lawyer was trustworthy and truly wanted to help families like mine. Still, the waiting was hard. The lawyer said it could take anywhere from one to eight years to hear back. Then one day, I grabbed the mail and saw a letter addressed to my mom. It was the letter. My hands were shaking. I didn’t know if it held good news or another roadblock. I opened it, and there it was: her actual residency card. Not just an approval notice—but the real, physical card we had prayed so hard for. I broke down crying right there on the spot. God had answered our prayers. I immediately called my parents—sobbing, yelling with joy. We all cried together. Even our lawyer couldn’t believe how fast it had happened. But when God moves, He moves mountains.


The Reunion I’ll Never Forget


It had been over 23 years since my mom had seen her mom and sister. In that time, her sister had gotten married and had a son. So many moments missed. So much time apart. We didn’t want to wait another minute. We planned a surprise visit to Mexico. When we arrived, my mom hid by the car while we went ahead to my grandma’s house. We hugged my aunt and grandma and told them we had a special gift for them. They were curious but had no idea what was coming. Then my mom walked around the corner. I’ll never forget what happened next. It was like watching a little girl run to her mother. Tears. Screams. A hug that said everything words never could. After 23 years—my mom was home. And I was there. Camera in hand. A beginner photographer, still figuring it all out, capturing a miracle.


That Was My Lightbulb Moment


That moment—that reunion—was when I knew. This is what I’m meant to do. Not because of the money. Not because it’s trendy. But because of the power a photograph holds. I realized then that photos are more than just images—they’re memories. They’re prayers answered. They’re moments frozen in time that families will hold onto forever. Whether it’s a one-year-old’s birthday party, a wedding day, or a life-changing reunion after decades apart—I want to be there. To capture the big and small miracles of life.


So, Why Do I Do Photography?


Because I’ve witnessed what hope, faith, and answered prayers look like.

Because I’ve seen firsthand how much a single moment can mean.

Because I’ve been blessed with the gift of preserving memories for others.

And because I believe every picture is worth a thousand words—and sometimes, even more.