As a creative professional and a Marketing Director at a commercial real estate company (CRER, to be precise), I’ve spent the past 15 years dipping my toes into the world of photography. As I approach the bittersweet milestone of a decade and a half, I can’t help but look back at how far I’ve come and share some thoughts on the future of photography and creativity.

Is it a hobby? Maybe. Or is it a full-fledged profession? Perhaps. At this point, it’s hard to tell because my passion for photography has seeped into my daily work as a Marketing Director at CRER, where I’ve been for the past 7 years. Either way, I’m forever grateful for the journey, which has allowed me to work with fantastic people and capture a piece of the world as I see it.

My photographic journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my two close friends, Jim and Martin (Marty). These fine gentlemen have been my trusty companions for 12 of the 15 years I’ve spent honing my photography skills. From our early beginnings with iPhones in hand, we’ve spent countless hours exploring the streets of Chicago, Gary, Rockford, and beyond, capturing the industry and its vibrant life and architecture.

Ah, the iPhone days! It’s hard to believe that I started with “iPhoneography” (yes, it was a thing) and even had the honor of being featured on Instagram’s blog as one of the featured Instagrammers in Chicago. It seems like a lifetime ago, but it’s a testament to the fact that you don’t always need fancy equipment to make great art. Your passion and creativity are what truly matter.

As a lover of architecture and preservation, I’ve always been drawn to the history and stories that buildings tell. This passion has made me appreciate the intricate details and artistry that go into creating these structures. It’s been a privilege to use my photography skills to help preserve these memories for future generations.

But let’s not forget the crucial role that code has played in my life. As a creative professional, I’ve found that code bridges the gap between my ideas and interests. It has given me the tools to bring my visions to life and share them with the world.

Now, as we dive headfirst into the future, I can’t help but ponder the possibilities that await us with the advancements in technology, AI, and creativity. Will AI-powered cameras replace the need for skilled photographers? Or will it only enhance our abilities to capture the world around us? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – as long as there’s a story to tell, I’ll be there with my camera, ready to seize the moment.

So here’s to 15 more years of laughter, exploration, and growth as a creative professional. May our cameras never grow tired, and our enthusiasm for capturing the world never wane. Cheers!