A Father’s Day Reflection: From His Garage to My Viewfinder


I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. Growing up, some of my best memories are of tagging along while my dad worked in the garage—woodworking, fixing up cars, or just tinkering with something because he could. He’s the kind of person who can take things apart and put them back together better than they were before, and watching him taught me how to be curious, patient, and creative.


What I didn’t realize back then was how much those early years would shape who I am today. It was my dad’s old Pentax camera that first sparked my interest in photography. He handed it down to me years ago, and that simple gesture opened up a whole new world. That camera still has a place of honor in my home studio. Every time I pick it up, I think of him—and all the ways he quietly encouraged me to follow my passions.


Though we live in different states now, we still talk often. He loves hearing about my latest shoots, and I love sharing them with him—especially the ones that feel more like storytelling than snapshots. He gets it. He’s always understood how meaningful it is to create something with your hands and your heart.


So this Father’s Day, I just want to say thank you—to my dad, and to all the dads who show up with love, patience, and a knack for passing down more than just tools. Whether it's a camera, a set of jumper cables, or a life lesson that sticks forever, your impact runs deep.


Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you, and I’m grateful every day for the quiet way you’ve shaped my story.