For the longest time, I’ve struggled with the fact that my career has been, well… all over the place. I’ve had multiple jobs, different sources of income, and it always felt like a bit of a failure in my eyes. It seemed like I was supposed to choose one path, stick with it, and somehow, I hadn’t quite managed to do that.

But then, over the past year, I started hearing terms like “multi-passionate” and “portfolio career” enter the conversation. When I first heard them, it was like a light bulb moment. I thought, holy shit, I’m not a weirdo—this is me!

My career has been anything but traditional. I started out by joining the Marines, a path that pushed my physical and mental boundaries in ways I could never have anticipated. After that, I pivoted into biotech research, after earning my undergraduate degree in biology. I dove into the world of science, which spoke to my curiosity and analytical mind. I worked in a lab, contributing to projects that required the same level of detail and discipline that I’ve carried into my creative work today.

From there, I moved into the world of photography when I decided to pursue my MFA in photography. Early on I worked as a studio manager for a retouching studio. This role introduced me to the post-production side of photography, and soon after, I found myself freelancing as a retoucher. That experience gave me a new appreciation for the work that goes into crafting the perfect image. Later, I transitioned into being a photo art director, guiding shoots from concept to completion, working with photographers and clients to bring creative visions to life.

All of these roles taught me so much about different aspects of the industry. Each job added a new layer of understanding and gave me unique skills that I use in my photography practice today.

Recently, Rob Haggart (APhotoEditor) posted an essay by photographer Richard Kelly that hit home for me. It mirrored so much of my own experience and made me feel seen. It was incredibly validating to read about someone who, like me, has navigated a career full of twists and turns. If you want to dive into his full essay, you can check it out here.

But to give you a little summary, Richard shared a conversation he had with a long-time client and creative friend. He realized that what he was offering went far beyond just taking photographs. His friend told him, “Man, you’re just figuring this out now? The ‘Richard Kelly Experience’ has been there from the beginning. What you do is different from any other photographer, and that’s why I hire you. It’s not just the photographs; it’s the whole production value, the fun, the creative ‘big top’ experience. It’s how the subjects feel and how the client celebrates when they see the final product.”

That really resonated with me because I’ve come to realize that, like Richard, my work isn’t just about the images I produce. It’s about the entire experience I create—making sure my clients feel valued, heard, and taken care of (I’m also pretty funny from time to time ). Whether it’s an editorial assignment or a larger production, my goal is always to leave my clients feeling excited and proud of what we’ve created together.

The pandemic, like for so many of us, forced me to reevaluate things. Some of my long-term clients in interiors, healthcare, and editorial had to hit pause on projects, and with tighter budgets, the pressure to deliver was higher than ever. But I kept moving forward, adjusting to the new normal. And while I sometimes feel irrelevant in a TikTok-driven world, I’ve learned to embrace my path and trust that there’s still a place for my kind of work.

Talking to my peers , I see that those who are thriving have found new avenues. Many have shifted to weddings, portraits, pets, and small business branding. Some are producing daily content for influencers, athletes, and musicians. Their careers have become like a “Swiss Army Knife” of skills, combining photography with audio, video, editing, design, and even motion graphics. The industry is evolving rapidly, but there’s still a strong need for passionate, creative thinkers who can adapt and deliver.

For me, success has never been about sticking to the old models or trying to force myself into a single role. It’s about embracing new opportunities, building genuine relationships, and staying open to what’s next. I’ve found that my focus isn’t just on taking pictures—it’s about helping my clients succeed in whatever ways they need, while still staying true to my own creative instincts.

Honestly, this career is nothing like what I envisioned back in art school. But it’s evolved into something so much richer. Photography has given me incredible experiences, meaningful connections, and the ability to constantly adapt to an ever-changing industry. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success doesn’t come from holding onto the past—it’s from embracing what’s next.

So here I am, still figuring it out, but feeling more confident in my multi-passionate, ever-evolving portfolio career. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.