From Politics to Photography: Why I’m Chasing My Dream by 30

“I want to be a full-time photographer by the time I’m 30.”

I’ve spoken that sentence a million times since I was 19 and first picked up a camera. And while I always meant it, I never fully believed it—not really. Of course, I wanted it. But as I entered my 27th year, that dream began to feel more distant than ever.

Burnout at 27

For most of my twenties, I poured everything into building a career in politics. I worked for top-of-the-ballot campaigns, the United States Senate, and eventually became a government affairs manager for a national philanthropy.

It was a killer career—both in the sense that I was reaching incredible milestones early, and in the sense that it was slowly draining the life out of me. I was working in one of the most volatile periods in American politics since the Civil War, and it showed.

By the end of 2024, the burnout was soul-crushing. I was exhausted, stressed, and starting each day by doom-scrolling through Politico before I even had coffee. I wanted to quit, but I felt a deep responsibility to the nonprofits I was representing in D.C.

The Layoff That Changed Everything

Then, in the second week of the new year, it happened. Leadership announced layoffs across our team. For the first time in my career, I was being let go.

I was angry. I was scared. But—if I’m being honest—I also felt immense relief. It was like someone had cut the cord that had kept me tethered to something I no longer wanted. I suddenly had the freedom to ask a bigger question:

What if I chose something entirely different?

What If I Chose Art?

I started to imagine a different future.

What if I didn’t just take the next logical job in government affairs? What if I didn’t hire a recruiter or enroll in more policy workshops? What if, instead, I used my severance and professional development funds to bet on something that had always been quietly calling to me?

What if I finally gave photography a real shot?

And then I thought: Why not?

Betting on Myself

I’d taken bold chances before—moving coast to coast three times in five years for work, delaying my college graduation to help win a Senate race. I had bet on myself over and over again.

So I did it again.

I hired a photography coach who taught me how to turn a passion into a profession. I invested my money, my time, and my energy into my art—and into myself. I gave myself permission to explore something unknown. And something beautiful started to happen.

The Artist’s Way

Honestly? It’s still terrifying. Walking away from a stable, high-achieving career to pursue a creative path isn’t easy. But I know—and it’s becoming clearer to the people around me every day—that this is the right direction.

Since making this change, I’ve felt lighter. More joyful. More me.

This is the artist’s way. I’m not here to starve for my art—but I am here to meet the struggle and the truth that good art uncovers. I want to tell stories with honesty and heart. I want to offer healing through the images I create, for myself and for the people I photograph.

Join Me on This Antventure

I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I know it’s worth it. I know I’m worth it. And I know Antventures is, too.

If you’ve ever dreamed of something bigger or braver—whether that’s in your career, your creativity, or your relationships—I hope you’ll follow along. I’d be honored to have you join me on this Antventure.

👉 Explore my photography work here
📸 Book a session or reach out

Let’s make some art—and memories—together.