Time should be impossible to stop let alone be stored but that’s the beauty in the gift of photography. Back in 2016, I was first introduced to the gift of photography. A close family friend took me along with him to capture photos of a camplike event where I was tasked with sorting the images. It was a simple task, mundane at best but I was happy to be part of the effort. Without hesitation, I completed my task and was surprised when I was offered the chance to go out and take some photos myself. The camera was almost as big as me and my kid-size hands could barely grip it but there my new passion was born. In the following years, my friend became my mentor and gave me the resources to develop my art. He showed me the ropes and helped me discover what photography truly was. Photography allowed me to dream, it gave me something to be excited about. By teaching me the art my friend enabled me to begin a career and even helped me become one of the top 150 artists in the state. He helped me reach my highest potential but most importantly through him, I learned that photography was more than taking pictures but a way of making others happy. At first glance, the delicacy of the art of photography can be overpassed by its frequency. Photos are everywhere, they are on our phones, our books, and our walls, but regardless of where they are at, they all hold a value. Photos have the magical capability of freezing time and capturing moments forever. A photo could mean so much to a person and the happiness it could bring is unmeasurable. Knowing this for the past years I’ve made it my mission to share the gift of photography. With everything my friend taught me I’ve been able to take “incredible” photos and gift them. Ever since comprehending the power of a photo I’ve taken photos for free at numerous events like graduation parties, baby showers, baptisms, and many more. For years now I adopted the habit of giving extra photos to my clients and even occasionally surprising them with prints of their photos without extra cost. In the same way, I’ve also gifted photography by capturing photos at my high school’s sports games. As an athlete myself I’ve always dreamt of having the “perfect” photo and having the opportunity to give someone else that “perfect” photo makes the extra effort worth it. Although I’ve been giving the gift of photography for the past years I believe I can do more. Recently I’ve been exploring new ways to give the gift of photography but the one, in particular, has grasped my attention; the idea of introducing someone new to the world of photography. Gifting photography is like no other gift, it cannot be bought in stores instead only a few can have the honor to give the gift of photography. Becoming a mentor for someone is now a goal and although it might be a far-fetched idea I know that there is a chance, just as it did to me, that photography can change someone’s life. Without knowing my friend gave me a gift that money could not buy and it is only fitting for me to do the same. In the future, I will continue to gift photography just as I’ve done to this day but now it’s also my goal and desire to mentor and show someone else the beauty in the gift of photography.