In 2015, I decided that I wanted to start shooting cars and build stories. I hoped I'd get the chance to have my work featured in publications, backed by brands people knew all over the world. At the time, there wasn't a single reason why that should've or could've happened. So I started practicing. I photographed a variety of vehicles, even shooting some small videos to help with story telling and to dip my feet into a changing market, all with the hope of being noticed by the right people and paving the way for a future in automotive photojournalism.

In 2018, I decided that hope wasn't getting me anywhere. I teamed up with a friend who had a pretty incredible Volkswagen, we put together a fairly challenging shoot at night, released a single image and a blog post about what we hoped to accomplish, and then I actually did the leg work to get that in front of the right eyes. Instead of a quick share on Facebook or Instagram, I looked up the editor's information of the publication I wanted in, I passed on the private gallery of photos even the owner hadn't seen yet, along with some build details, and told them exactly what I wanted. Seven hours later it was green lit to be published.

2019 has been the year that my work has transcended beyond my own label, Cinemauto, and into the pages of some well known publications. While I've had a few small bits in publications before, this is the year I took control, started the conversations, and made the necessary moves to bring my dream to life. It sounds ridiculous to say that, because it's only been three publications this year, but two have landed covers. For someone who was absolutely no one this time last year, I consider that a victory.

As I write what will likely be my last entry for 2019, I'm thankful. I've had the chance to work with some really great people, to share my passion for this craft with more people than I ever imagined, and to grow as both an artist and an individual. While photojournalism will likely never be a career for me, its practice has taught me a great deal this year. Having crushed my 2019 goal, I'm excited to see what 2020 brings!