Leopard Sharks in La Jolla, California | August 22, 2024

As part of my growth as a photographer, I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone and exploring new and exciting things. As much as I love capturing people, there is something deeply exhilarating and rewarding about wildlife photography. A bit of luck, adrenaline, and patience are required, forcing my often anxious mind to pause and focus. And with time, I am finding the art of drone photography to be therapeutic and calm to a storm that usually is found in the mind of an artist.

Many photographers, including myself, get lost in perfection, or the techniques, or seeking virality and fame. When capturing wildlife, you must hope for the best and be at peace with it because even after hours of searching, no animal might cross your path.

During my recent trip to San Diego, CA, my best friend Bri and I decided to see if the Leopard Sharks were out and about during a quick stop between our work session and lunch break,k so we hopped to the beach to see what we could find. While we only stayed briefly, I captured a few photos as I didn't charge all my batteries. However, unlike a handheld camera, I wasn't sure I caught anything worthwhile.

Weeks passed, and I had other client projects to complete, the hustle and bustle of life taking over me, and at night, before bed, wondering what I captured that day. Thankfully, a gentle reminder from my husband was the encouragement to remember to take the time to edit the photos that pull at my heartstrings, the ones I take for myself and no one else. Eventually, I listened and felt that after every couple of client gallery deliveries, I would prioritize the photos that further my art and reward myself for perfecting photos to perfecting pictures for myself. 

These images are what I created on this sunny afternoon with my best friend, and these photos will forever take me back to my first time capturing sharks from above.