This was my first time displaying my photography in public. What a remarkable experience. Having your friends and family coming out to support you means more than I can describe.

I learned a lot, especially about the importance of printing and displaying your work. You see your tendencies and mistakes in a different light. There were a few photos that I wish I enlarged after seeing them in 4x6. In the future I’ll print fewer, larger photos.

While there were plenty of great chats, my conversation with Rory was most memorable. He understood what I was doing. He asked the right questions and it made me feel seen. I can’t describe how gratifying that is, especially since it was my first art fair. I live for these little moments of humanity. He took my business card and was excited about the book I’m working on – so if you’re out there reading this, thanks Rory.

A young volunteer, who couldn’t have been more than 10 years old, asked me why I take photos. It was such a simple but beautiful question that I was taken slightly aback. It was the way she said it. It wasn’t just a kid asking one of those “why” questions, either. There was a level of sincerity that I wasn’t expecting (maybe I’m not giving 10-year-olds enough credit). I stumbled in my brain before I told her that it just makes me happy.

She loved this photo of my cat, Penny, basking in the afternoon sun. I told her it was my only copy, so if she sends me an email I can print one for her. Instead she came back at the end of the day as I was packing up. I loved the gusto, so I gave her the 4x6 to take home. That moment was worth everything.