Halfway through 2025, and It’s Starting to Make Sense

Six months into 2025, and I’m sitting with a mix of emotions—some fear of the unknown, a lot of curiosity, and an unexpected lightness. Life isn’t rushing past me like it used to. I’ve been intentionally stepping away from the pace of the world, and that’s been one of the biggest gifts I’ve given myself.

Slowing down to enjoy the view that I have passed hundreds of times. pic by: Kelly G.

At the start of the year, I wrote about leaning into simplicity, connection, and letting photography tell deeper stories. That still rings true. But what I didn’t expect was just how much I’d let go of to really make space for it.

I walked away from my Airbnb business this year—not because it wasn’t working, but because it was distracting me from what actually matters to me. I wanted to be all in on photography, storytelling, and creative projects that make me feel alive. And I’m proud of that choice. Scared sometimes, sure. But proud.

One of the things I’m most grateful for is the small test gallery show Kelly and I hosted. We called it Good Times—just a couple friends, some food, drinks, and about 50 of my favorite prints on display. It wasn’t about selling anything. It was about creating space to share, connect, and experiment. And it confirmed something I’ve felt for a while now, the real magic happens when we create from a place of joy, not pressure. The full public show is coming soon, and luckily, the only thing we’re changing is the venue—because honestly, Kelly nailed the rest. Event planning is her superpower.

Here are some of the prints that we hung up for our intimate showing called, Good Times.

Kelly and I have also hit a new chapter in our relationship. We’ve been through some tough moments—some really hard ones—but something’s shifted. It’s like we’ve come through a tunnel and we’re walking toward the light together. There’s trust, there’s creativity, there’s fun. And we’re building something we both believe in, side by side. That feels rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

Creatively, I’m curating a few things right now: a coffee table book, limited-edition travel collections, and new ways of storytelling that feel personal.

We’re also working on a separate project that brings us a lot of joy—whether we’re in the same room or miles apart. It’s lighthearted, fun, and fulfilling. And honestly, that’s kind of the point.

Kelly and I on a Catamaran on the SF Bay.

I’m also learning to let go of expectations and outcomes. Not perfectly. But I’m trying. That space—where I’m not trying to control or predict everything—that’s where presence lives. That’s where creativity lives. That’s where I live now, more than I ever have before.

If the first half of 2025 was about stripping things down, I want the second half to be about showing up—fully, honestly—for the people I love and the life I’m building. I want to be the best partner, father, and friend I can be. I want to live simply and show up presently. That’s it.

If this year were a photo, it would be of Kelly, the kids, and me walking down a quiet beach, sun low in the sky, everyone laughing and in the moment. That kind of joy—the real kind, not the polished one you post online—that’s what I’m chasing. That’s what I want more of.

Thanks for being here. For reading, following along, and letting me share what this life looks and feels like from my side of the lens. Here's to the next six months—whatever they bring.