The portfolio I submitted follows my creative eye throughout the beginning of my career with my background stemming in sports photography where I learned action and timing, to street photography where I picked up patterns and color theory, to finally photojournalism where I seek to find the beauty in everyday encounters. My first photo titled "Contemplation" depicts a catholic sister standing next to a young girl. These two subjects both contradict and compliment each other through tension. While they are separated by space, they are united by the wave-line in the background. This white glow which interrupts the 8 shades of blue, and symbolizes the bond of sisterhood they still have for each other. The purpose of this piece was initially comedic, although it speaks more to the preconceived notions we as a society create for people who we do not personally know yet. My second photo titled "Morning shift" depicts a chef working in an old fashioned diner. This image uses frames to pay homage to the painter Edward Hopper who depicted stories of people in cafes using similar framing methods. My third photo titled "Nostalgia" depicts a vibrant night at the county fair. Bright lights, vibrant color, and the smell of sweet popcorn fill the air at county fair after dark. This image reflects the feeling of being surrounded by an almost childish recollection of the beauty a fair holds. My 4th photo titled "The Border" depicts water jugs placed under a tree with a bucked filled with canned food stashed on an nearby branch. Taken while on an immersion trip to the Mexico Arizona border in Nogales, this image documents one of many humanitarian water drop zones along a highly traveled trail through the desert. This scene is to be presented as observed, without any added interpretation which could border political bias. My 5th photo titled "Game Point" depicts the home team player pump-faking his defender to jump in the air and miss a block. Both Athletes have pushed themselves to their limits of exhaustion and athleticism as made evident in their facial and body expressions. The performance of these two athletes has lead them to this singular point in time which decides who will walk away defeated and who will emerge victorious. Together, these images reflect my growth as a photographer and observer, using photography to capture authentic moments and better understand the world around me.