Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’m drawn to storytelling through photography especially cinematic, warm-toned portraits that feel real and intentional. I like creating images that have depth, emotion, and a sense of atmosphere, even when they’re captured on something as simple as an iPhone. For me, it’s about turning everyday moments into something that feels timeless and meaningful. I enjoy blending natural light, subtle edits, and composition to create work that feels both raw and polished at the same time.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from my own life experiences. I went through a period of homelessness on Skid Row, and in that time I saw a lot, felt a lot, and learned how to keep going even at my lowest. Being surrounded by struggle and poverty gave me a different perspective on life and people. No matter what I was going through, I never stopped creating. Art became my outlet it kept me grounded, gave me purpose, and helped me stay positive when everything around me felt uncertain.

What would you do with $25,000?

With $25,000, I would build a creative photography studio not just for myself, but for my community. I want to create a space where people who can’t afford studios or equipment still have the opportunity to create. I’d invest in lighting, backdrops, and essential gear to make it a professional environment. I would also host monthly classes and workshops to teach photography, editing, and creative direction. My goal is to give others the same outlet that helped me through hard times