My Deepest Purpose Why I Teach Photography
Today I want to ask you a question that has really shaped my life and my photography journey.
If you had all the money you could ever need, what would you do?
Now, I’m not asking you to say, “I’d travel the world” or “I’d take more photos” (though, honestly, those are great answers!). What I really want to get at is this:
What does happiness look like to you?
I’m here to tell you that happiness doesn’t start when you reach financial freedom or retirement. It doesn’t happen when you check off the next item on your to-do list.
Happiness is in the moments right now, in the present.
Decades ago, I was chasing what I thought would make me happy—working 100-hour weeks, traveling 5 days a week, making a great paycheck. But despite all of that, I felt like something was missing. I had no time for the things that mattered most—like quality time with friends, being present with my loved one, or doing something that truly fulfilled me.
I thought happiness would come later, once I had more time or more money. But over time, I learned something important:
Time is our biggest asset.
And when we don’t manage it well, we lose touch with ourselves.
Photography became my way of reconnecting with my true self. It helped me be more present, and see the beauty in the everyday moments, and the richness I already have in my life.
But even more than that, photography became a tool to bring balance—not just to my schedule, but to my entire life. It gave me the peace I’d been searching for, even in the midst of chaos. It allowed me to capture moments of joy, and to truly live a life that felt more meaningful.
This is exactly what I talked about in my free live masterclass last week. If you missed it, you can sign up to watch the whole 1.5-hour replay, which is available only for the next 24 hours.
Years ago, I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, a great book about visualization and the law of attraction. It talks about how our thoughts and feelings shape the reality we experience.
At the time, I didn’t realize that photography was helping me do exactly that. Looking back, I can see it now: the photos I took at different stages of my life reflected my inner world. When I felt calm and grounded, my photos reflected that sense of peace. When I was overwhelmed or scattered, my photos captured that chaos.
Photography didn’t just help me capture memories—it helped me visualize the life I wanted, and even attract it into my reality. It became a powerful tool for personal growth, for understanding myself better, and for living a more intentional life.
Now, you might be wondering:
Why is photography so powerful for growth?
Photography is a tool that helps us see the world differently. It allows us to observe more intentionally, noticing the light, the connections, and the small details that often go unnoticed. As you practice this skill, it can deeply shift how you experience life OFF the camera too.
When you learn to capture life through a lens, you start to experience the world in a richer, more meaningful way. And when you do this consistently, it has a ripple effect on everything you do.
This is exactly why I created my course, Document Happiness: Roadmap to Capturing Joy—not just to help you take better photos, but to help you live more intentionally, to embrace the present, and to experience the joy of capturing authentic moments.
My photos—whether of my family, travel, or fleeting moments—reflect my joy. Your joy could look completely different.
Maybe it's the vibrant energy of a market, or the culture or strangers in the street. The principles I teach for capturing those fleeting moments apply no matter what you’re photographing, be it family, kids, travel, or beyond.
But before I wrap up, let me leave you with this thought:
Photography is more than just a hobby.
It’s a way of living. It’s a tool that helps you see the beauty of your life through a fresh perspective, connect more deeply with the world around you, and capture the moments that truly matter.
Be very careful if you say something like “I don’t have time for this” or “I have other priorities right now.”
Life’s precious moments are passing us by, whether it’s kids growing, a life-time travel moment, or a connection with the richness you already have in your life.
When we wait for the “perfect” time to act, we risk missing out on the beauty happening right in front of us, or attracting them into our life.
The great thing about photography is that it helps you make the most of your time. With the structured lessons in my course, you’ll learn how to take photos quickly and confidently, so you can capture those fleeting moments intentionally, and still have time for everything else you love.
Remember, it’s not about “perfect shots”; it’s about capturing the joy that’s already in your life and building memories along the way. If you’re ready to start making more of those moments count, I invite you to join Document Happiness course today.
Thank you for reading (or watching the video above), and I look forward to seeing you embrace the power of photography to live a more joyful, present life.
Pin it 👇
You may also love…
If you wonder why I changed my life from being a professional with a 6-digit paycheck to pursuing passion in photography 18 years ago, or want to know how photography has transformed my life, or may possibly transform yours, read this blog post.