World Photography Day: A Love Letter

Dear Photography,

I remember when you first came into my life…

Dusty family photos sitting on my Nanna’s bookshelf. Each weekend I would spend hours looking at you, never tiring of the images I had already seen a hundred times.

In my teenage years, you became my outlet for experimentation. Darkrooms and digital, film and pixels, wondering whether to take the old path or embrace the new.

Then, in my twenties, when my life lacked direction, when passion and purpose felt far away, you returned.

I had no idea what journey awaited me in the decade ahead, only that I hoped it would be filled with adventure, excitement, and awe. Together, we found all three.

Over 50 countries, several continents, and thousands of images later, my life is immeasurably richer because of you. You helped my dreams take shape.

You’ve given me community, connection and people I will know for many years to come. You enabled me to document those who mean the most, and to bring joy to the countless people who stood before my lens.

And when life took its darkest turn, when my body no longer felt like my own; you were there.

As my body and mind drifted from the person I once knew, you gave me reason to keep going.

You showed me strength, guided me to still see beauty in the world, and kept me connected to others, even in my limitations. You were my passion and my purpose when I needed them most.

Thank you for always being there. Thank you for helping me build a life of my dreams. And thank you for all that lies ahead.

Happy World Photography Day.

I love you.

Want your work featured on Them Frames? Pitch us.