My First Photo Contest (and Day 2 of Not Missing a Post… Barely)

So here we go… I’m about to enter my first photo contest.
Nothing huge or intimidating—just a small local contest in a neighboring town, Zephyrhills. But still. A contest is a contest, and this feels like one of those “just do the thing already” moments.

This afternoon, we spent a couple of hours wandering around town with the camera, just taking it all in. No rushing. No pressure. Just driving around, observing, clicking when something felt right. And honestly? We got some really good shots. The kind that make you pause and think, okay… maybe I actually know what I’m doing.

That said, I think we’re going to head back in the morning. Same places, different light. Because lighting changes everything, and early morning has a way of telling stories differently than the afternoon does.

If you know me at all, you know I gravitate toward documentary and street-style photography. Real life. Real people. Real moments that aren’t staged or polished or perfect. This contest actually fits that part of me really well, which makes it even more exciting. It’s not about chasing a style that isn’t mine—it’s about leaning into what I already love.

Do I want to win?
I mean… sure. Of course that would be nice.

But truthfully? I don’t really care if I win or not. I just really love taking pictures. I love noticing things. I love freezing moments that would otherwise pass by unnoticed. If nothing else, this contest gave me a reason to slow down, explore a town a little more deeply, and do something creative just because I wanted to.

And also—important update—I’ve officially made it two days in a row without missing a post.
Barely. But still counts. 😅

Small wins. Small towns. Quiet moments.
And showing up anyway.

Here’s to day three.