I’ve always loved this photograph. I took it up with me when I moved to New York and it’s the only physical photo that I have in my possession. Composition-wise, it ain’t perfect, but it manages to capture all the emotions in that moment. Equal parts curiosity and fascination, I keep this photo as a reminder to stay curious and engaged in the moment.

I suppose that’s part of the reason why I latched onto photography; it’s now a way for me to assemble my own narrative. When I was young, I used to try and picture what I would be like as an adult and nearly two decades later, I’m trying to look back and piece together my past.

That’s why these old photos are so crucial. That little tub of shit has has dreams and expectations. He can’t possibly know how tragic and difficult life can be. And through it all, he serves as a reminder to do my absolute best to make him proud of the person he’ll wind up being.

As photographers, we take pictures to stop time, to commit moments to eternity.

I recently spent some time back at my parents place in Maryland. I took the time to capture some day to day moments, moments that I know I’ll treasure. I think as I get older, the more urgent it is for me to document loved ones as they were.