I'm Back! Now Let's Get Personal.

TL;DR For the past two years, I've been on a wild adventure. In this post, I share how I've grown as a photographer and person.

Life is hectic, let's face it. Ever since the start of high school, my life has only gained immense momentum. I started this blog at the beginning of my second semester of my freshman year. Mr. Meurett, if you're reading this (which I am sure you are), this blog has made more of an impact in my life than you may know! Ever since the creation of this blog two years ago, I feel I have grown not only as a photographer, but also as a person. This blog stands as a testament to my growth.

Once in a while, I would look back to see all of the mistakes I made photography and writing-wise. (I cringe at those old posts!) For a while already, I've been meaning to get back to writing and posting here, but I just couldn't find the time nor the courage. Many thoughts would rush through my head while thinking about my blog: "I haven't posted since last year! An abrupt comeback would be too unusual." "I don't have any quality content to share." "What even is there to share?"

However, now that I'm in my third year of high school, I feel that I've grown enough as a person to realize that I do have very many experiences to share with all of you! Let me backtrack and give a recap of the highlights from when I was a little freshman to a slightly-less-little junior. I must admit, as mature as some may believe me to be, I am sure that I have not yet reached my full potential. But that's okay! There's no need to rush through life like some sort of convoluted race. I'm only seventeen, after all. :)

Okay, now, where was I? Ah, yes, highlights! I believe I made a post about this a while ago, but I'm going to give a recap anyway since it was such a monumental experience in my life. The summer after my freshman year, I spent three weeks at Northwestern University taking a course containing a year's worth of Algebra II and Trigonometry. To me, I believe this is what really set the ball rolling in terms of wanting to really succeed and excel in life. (Okay, I always knew I wanted to succeed, but my idea of success drastically changed that summer.) Growing up in little old Neillsville, life is very simple — finish high school, maybe go to college, get a job, start a family, BAM, you're set! For a long time, I thought I was content with the life I had planned for me. Little did I know, however, that my perspective of life was much more narrow than I had thought. During those three weeks at Northwestern, I made friends from all over the world — Japan, Russia, China, and all over the United States. That is definitely something that you can't do growing up in Neillsville, and I don't ever take it for granted. Because of all the new connections I made that summer, I truly found out how limited my thinking used to be. I realized that I can do whatever I want to do with my life as long as I put in the required effort. There's no one and nothing stopping me from reaching what was once, quite simply, the unimaginable.

After that summer, I returned to Neillsville with a different outlook on life. Simply put, I wanted to be the best. I took the hardest classes in the school, and everyday was a challenge. I took pride in what I was doing; however, little did anyone know the toll such a lifestyle had on myself. My social life had begun to diminish, and, for the most part, I was a lonely soul. Everyday seemed like a battle, and I woke up in the morning only to wish to go back to sleep. Many other things were going on my life as well, but I think I'll leave those for another time. Perhaps I'll discuss them in my award-winning, best-selling autobiography. ;)

There are many things I could say about my sophomore year, but I will just leave you with this: I survived. Admittedly, there was mainly one thing that kept me from blowing over — Harvard. The summer after my sophomore year, I embarked on another adventure. This time, I found myself spending seven weeks at arguably the most famous institution in the world. Like the summer before, I walked out a completely different person than I was when I walked in. I don't just mean that I became more knowledgeable in the areas of neurobiology and theoretical physics; I mean that I became more of an independent person. Being halfway across the country without my parents around to tell me what to do, was, quite honestly, like a breath of fresh air. (Sorry, Mom and Dad!) While there, I got to interact with some of the greatest minds I'll ever meet in my life — this includes professors, proctors, other students, and even my own friends! Besides all of the classes and studying, those seven weeks were packed with so many fun and new experiences. I got to explore Boston, eat at some of the most amazing restaurants ever, fall in love, and make life-long friendships with some of the nicest, most intelligent people I have ever met in my life. To be honest, it felt like I was in an environment where I was finally understood. Up until then, I felt like an outsider wherever I went. It was finally at Harvard that I found a home. I will admit that there were, of course, some low points in those seven weeks, but I look back at those times with understanding. All in all, it was one big humbling learning experience, and I really matured as a person in a relatively short period of time. If you happen to be one of those people I had the pleasure of spending those seven weeks with: Thank you! You are amazing.

Widener Library — the greatest place to be

Returning to Wisconsin after such an unbelievable summer probably was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Readjusting to the calm, quiet lifestyle from the hustle and bustle of urban living took me months to do, to be honest. However, what's pulling me through is yet another intensive year of school. With six AP's and an Honors, I'm not sure how I haven't fallen apart yet. I think I owe it to the amazing friendships I've made with people that truly understand what kind of person I am. It is so comforting to know that there are people out there that genuinely care for you, even if they are hundreds or thousands of miles away. :)

So what's in store for the future? I can excitedly say that I'm heading out to the West Coast next summer to enjoy the ever so beautiful Stanford University. I made a post a long time ago about a trip I took to California, so it's thrilling to know that I'm returning with a purpose!

Remember this? I'm heading back!

I apologize for the extremely long post, but I feel it's the least I can do since I haven't posted in over a year! So many things have been bombarding my life, so it's natural that my blog slowed down. I've decided that I will update the blog more often—I realized it's a great way for me to unwind, explore photography some more, and write down my thoughts for all of you. I may not have realized it before, but creating and cultivating this blog is one of the greatest things I've done thus far. So thank you Mr. Meurett for this fantastic little treasure! And if you happen to currently be in his class, don't take the class for granted! You are going to have a lot of fun, and learn a lot about photography. Try your hardest to take good pictures, because it's such an amazing skill to have. That being said, I'll leave it here with some pictures I've taken in the past year to share what I've been up to photography-wise. Cheers!

This picture was taken in Portland, Maine, and I must say it is one of my most favorite pictures. This charming city is extremely picturesque, and I recommend everyone to go and visit. (Also, did I mention lobster heaven?)

This photo was also shot in Portland! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to add a lock of my own. Perhaps one day? :)

Say hello to my dad and my sister! I first discovered dodge and burn when I was editing this photo, and it really adds an extra dimension of warmth and nostalgia.

I've started to focus a lot more on portrait photography lately, and I must say that black and white pictures are not easy to pull off. The balance between the whitest of whites and blackest of blacks is crucial to making the pictures work.

I've also started experimenting some more with different scenes. I will admit that nature scenes are not my thing (Sorry, Mr. Meurett! I know that's your thing), but it's interesting to see what sort of geometry I can conjure just by using natural light.