Saying It Again

I never imagined how meaningful this work would become when I first stepped into photo management. In the beginning, I thought it would simply be about scanning old photos and organizing chaotic digital libraries. But the more I’ve grown in this field, the more I’ve realized it is so much deeper than that.

I’ve learned that I get to show up for families during some of the most important moments of their lives—both joyful and heartbreaking. From birthdays, graduations, weddings, and once-in-a-lifetime trips… to helping honor a loved one’s life through remembrance slideshows and legacy collections. I get to see the full spectrum of what it means to live, love, and remember.

I’ve also discovered how much I can support small businesses by helping them share their stories, preserve their history, and keep their doors open through strong visual communication. I work with new parents as they try to make sense of overwhelming collections of childhood photos, capturing their family as it grows year after year. And soon, I look forward to collaborating more with nonprofits—helping them get their message out into the world while giving back through the donations I make.

For over 20 years, my photography career has been rooted in storytelling—from documenting the Texas Rollergirls (and publishing my own book about them) to capturing life on film and television sets. Now, instead of only telling stories through my own lens, I get to help others tell theirs. Through their photos, their memorabilia, their documents, their voices, and their memories.

Becoming a Legacy Preservation Specialist has opened a new chapter for me. It means I get to continue this work for years to come, helping families preserve their stories through video, audio, and beautifully organized archives that can be passed down for generations. And the truth is: there is no such thing as a small life. Every story matters.

Joining senior-focused networking groups has also connected me with incredible professionals—people who dedicate their lives to supporting individuals in their later years. I’m humbled to be even a small part of the services they offer. Working with families affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s has been especially meaningful. My grandmother experienced something similar, though we called it by another name back then. Now I understand how powerful a single photo can be in sparking recognition, comfort, and connection.

There are so many ways to help people through this work, and the more I learn, the more grateful I am to have found this industry. It has already changed my life for the better, and I know it will continue to.

I’m truly proud to call myself a Photo Manager.