How I Fell in Love with Photography

Hey friends! Have you ever looked back at an old photo and instantly been transported to that exact moment in time? That feeling—the ability to freeze a moment and hold onto it forever—is exactly why I fell in love with photography. My journey started when I was just a kid, and over the years, it has grown into something that is truly a part of who I am.

The Beginning: A Love for Capturing Moments

Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by photography. While other kids might have been playing with dolls or action figures, I was running around with a camera, snapping pictures of anything and everything. I started with an inexpensive film camera, and I loved the excitement of getting my pictures developed. Waiting for those prints felt like waiting for a surprise—you never quite knew how they would turn out, but that was part of the fun.

I quickly became the unofficial family photographer, documenting every holiday, birthday party, and random moment in between. Looking back, I realize that even then, I understood the value of capturing memories—not just for myself, but for everyone around me.

From Film to Digital: The Game-Changer

As my love for photography grew, so did the cost of developing film (which my parents quickly noticed!). Luckily, right around that time, digital cameras were becoming more popular, and my parents surprised me with a Kodak EasyShare digital camera—complete with its very own little printer! This was a total game-changer. Suddenly, I could take as many pictures as I wanted without worrying about wasting film, and I could print my favorites instantly.

With my new camera in hand, I became even more obsessed with photography. I took it everywhere—family gatherings, school trips, and everyday moments. I loved the idea of being able to document life as it happened, and my camera became an extension of me.

High School & College: A Camera Always in Hand

By the time I got to high school, photography wasn’t just something I did for fun—it was something I wanted to share with others. I joined the yearbook staff, where I had the incredible opportunity to capture moments for my classmates. Seeing my work published in our yearbook and knowing that my photos would be cherished for years to come was such a rewarding feeling.

In college, my love for photography only grew stronger. No matter where I went, my camera was always with me. Whether it was taking pictures of friends, documenting events, or just capturing everyday life, I loved knowing that I was creating memories that I (and others) could look back on forever.

A DSLR & a Whole New World

Then came one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received—right before our first baby was born, my husband surprised me with my very first DSLR camera. I was so excited! Up until that point, I had mostly used point-and-shoot cameras, but this DSLR opened up a whole new world for me.

I started experimenting with new techniques and quickly became obsessed with sharp subjects and beautifully blurred backgrounds. At first, I practiced on butterflies and dragonflies, perfecting my ability to keep my subject in crisp focus while creating that dreamy background blur. But once my baby boy arrived, I had the most perfect subject to photograph.

Capturing every little detail—his tiny fingers, sleepy smiles, and first milestones—made me fall even deeper in love with photography. I wasn’t just taking pictures; I was freezing time, preserving moments that I could relive over and over again.

Why I Fell in Love with Photography

Looking back, my love for photography has always been about one thing: preserving memories. Life moves fast, and moments that seem small at the time often turn out to be the most meaningful later on. Being able to freeze those moments and revisit them months or even years later is so special to me.

Photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about storytelling. It’s about holding onto the moments that matter, the people we love, and the memories we never want to forget.

And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

Where I Am Today

Now, as a professional photographer, I get to help others capture their own memories—whether it’s through family sessions, business branding, or special milestones. Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded of that little girl who loved taking photos just for the joy of it.

If you’ve ever thought about booking a session, I’d love to help you create memories that you can treasure forever. Because at the end of the day, photos are more than just pictures—they’re little pieces of our lives that we get to keep forever.

Thanks for following along on my journey! I’d love to hear—what’s one of your favorite photos that brings back a special memory? Drop a comment and share your story!

Megan Gioeli