A TRIBUTE TO 2018

WOW, what a year it has been!

A year ago I was in Japan, thinking about how in a short four months I would be seeing my family and be back in America. The previous year I had traded my camera for a name-tag and title of Sister Bates (or ベイツ姉妹) to become a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The time I spent in Japan is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I returned from Japan in April. I wasn’t sure what my future looked like. A year and a half before, I had had dreams of becoming a professional photographer, but I had put them on hold to go to Japan. I didn’t know where I stood and if I even wanted to continue to pursue photography professionally.

Shortly after returning home I picked up my camera again and started playing around. It felt natural in my hands.

Oh boy, it has been a wild ride since then!

I flew to Arizona to and shot some special family sessions.

I partied alongside some of the most beautiful brides and grooms.

I planned and executed my first stylized shoot.

I met up with old friends, and made some amazing new ones.

I ate cake. Lots of cake.

I photographed special moments.

I went to Canada for the first time!

I relaxed & rejuvenated in LA.

I pushed myself artistically, stepped outside my comfort zone, and gained confidence in my work.

2018 is a year for the books.

I cannot say thank you enough for the amount of support I have received.

Thanks to you, I am able to pursue my dream, learn new things everyday, and improve my photography.

Here’s to 2019!

I look forward to working with you all,

and many new faces, in the coming year!