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Q: What initially drew you to photography, and how did you transition from music and acting to fitness photography?A: I%u2019ve always had a love for the arts and a creative soul, which is why I found myself working in the film and music industries. I believe these fields make a huge impact on the world by inspiring people with their craft. I always wanted to be part of that, seeing it as my way to leave a legacy%u2014knowing I did something great in this world by creating inspiring and impactful work and experiences. My journey into photography was unexpected, and life has taken so many directions that it sometimes doesn%u2019t make sense to me (haha).My dad gave me his camera, and at the time, I had been a personal trainer for seven years. When COVID hit, the gyms closed, and my business took a hit. I was ready to retire from personal training as my creative soul craved something different from working on a gym floor. Combining my passions, I discovered fitness photography. It felt like the perfect blend of my love for creativity, my experience in the fitness industry, and my skills from acting and music.Now, I truly live my dream, knowing that I provide great value to my clients. Through my work, I manage to impact and inspire people, helping them rediscover themselves while experiencing the photoshoot together.Q: Can you describe the moment you realized photography was more than just a hobby for you?A: Photography started as a hobby during my personal training days. I experimented with everything%u2014shooting cats, dogs, streets, and random people. A family friend, who is a professional photographer and had photographed my parents%u2019 wedding, noticed my work and told me I had a natural talent and should pursue it. This encouragement was crucial during my first year of hobby photography. After COVID, I decided to make photography my career. That decision was pivotal%u2014I realized this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At the same time, I didn%u2019t really have a plan B, so this was all I had.Q: How did your background in music and acting influence your approach to photography?A: In school, I was involved in local theatre and plays, learning about expression, body movement, dancing, and posing. This background helps me direct clients effectively. The biggest influence is showing up to photoshoots with the best energy, knowing I can transform clients%u2019 experiences. I encourage my clients to be present and bring their best selves to the shoot, creating a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere by being in the spotlight (just like on stage). My experience in performing taught me to capture the essence of movement and emotion, which I now apply in my photography.Q: What challenges did you face when starting your photography career, and how did you overcome them?A: Starting from scratch was tough. I had little money, no knowledge of the industry, and barely knew how to use a camera or flash. But I reinvented myself, showing up every day determined to be the best photographer I could be and finding my way through. During COVID, it was challenging to do gym photography, but I leveraged connections and friends to create opportunities. Persistence and adaptability helped me overcome these hurdles. I found resources, learned step-by-step, and made the most of every opportunity that came my way. I also faced a lot of resistance from the industry, encountering gatekeeping and jealousy from others who didn%u2019t appreciate my sudden emergence. Despite this, I pushed through and kept focusing on my goals.Q: What are the most important qualities you look for in a location for your shoots?A: For gym shoots, the location%u2019s quality is crucial. I can work in any environment, but certain factors make my job easier%u2014open space, a reasonable layout, high ceilings, and controlled natural lighting so I can use flash photography effectively. The location needs to support the shoot%u2019s goals without overpowering the subject.10 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 51