This past week has been busy, but in the best way. Life has a way of piling everything on at once, and that helps me feel productive and motivated.
The biggest highlight has been starting work on my new book, a memoir titled Unbroken. Writing about my life has been an emotional endeavor, as it requires digging into a lot of painful childhood memories. My goal is to have the manuscript completed and ready for the publisher by the end of February 2025. Deadlines have a way of keeping me focused, and I’m determined to meet this one.
In the midst of writing, Amelia and I decided it was time to upgrade my camera. Photography has always been a big part of my life since I was eight years old. It was my way of capturing and appreciating the world around me. Leica announced that they had released a new camera, and after looking over the specifications, I ordered it through B&H. My new camera is a Leica SL3-S with a 24-90mm zoom lens, and I’m excited to start using it. A new camera always brings fresh possibilities, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can create with it.
Balancing writing and the anticipation of new photography projects has been exciting. These two creative pursuits often influence each other—a photo can remind me of a story, and a story can inspire a photo. This connection has fueled my creativity throughout my life, this keeps things interesting, and keeps me inspired.
As I think back on this week, I’m especially grateful for Amelia’s love and support. Whether it’s encouraging me to upgrade my equipment or giving me the time and space to write, she’s always there for me.
There’s still a lot to do—finishing Unbroken, experimenting with the Leica, and working on new projects. For now, though, I’m happy to celebrate the progress I’ve made this week and look forward to what’s next.
January 17, 2025
The way your photography and writing inform each other is interesting. When I wrote art criticism for publication it gave me a new appreciation for the saying a picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures and words can both convey so much but they do so in very different ways.
I’m really looking forward to your memoir.
Thank you, Christopher! My goal is to have my memoir published this coming spring. If all goes as planned and there are no delays, it will be available through Barnes & Noble. Stay tuned!
A new camera is exciting and for me, was frustrating! Like you, I have someone who encourages me to upgrade my photography stuff, mostly camera bodies. I’m currently shooting the Nikon Z 6iii. Supposedly the upgrades from the original Z6 were to improve in areas, mainly focus, that had issues. I have to say I think the Z6iii is way better at a correct focus…but why they decided to move the buttons around from where they were on the Z6ii is beyond me! Especially since I do night photography and my fingers had memorized where stuff was. ANYWAY…I hope the final edits of your new book are almost complete and soon we will find it on the shelf of our favorite bookstores! Best wishes with everything!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and supportive comment—it truly means the world to me.
As for my book, I’m thrilled to share that it will finally be off to the publisher by spring. It’s been an incredibly long journey to get to this point, and the process has been equal parts challenging and cathartic. My goal with this memoir is to offer an unfiltered and honest look at my life, spanning from birth to today, at age 45. I’ve poured my heart into documenting not just the highlights and successes, but also the grit, the raw moments, the failures, and the triumphs that have shaped me along the way.
On another note, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about my photography journey—something that’s been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. Since the very beginning, I was a Canon girl through and through. My father gifted me my very first camera, a Canon AE-1 with a 50 mm lens, and that’s where it all began. I shot Canon almost exclusively for decades until last year when I made the bittersweet decision to sell all my Canon gear and take a leap with Leica.
My current setup with the new SL3-S—is nothing short of transformative. It’s a massive upgrade and unlike anything I’ve ever worked with before. It’s opened up entirely new ways of seeing the world and has been a refreshing challenge that reignites my love for photography.
When FedEx delivered my camera, it was shipped with restricted delivery, meaning I had to sign for it personally. The delivery person, William, seemed skeptical that I was, in fact, Thomas—because, in his words, “Who would name their daughter that?”
He even asked if my husband was the intended recipient. I explained that my spouse is also a woman, which seemed to catch him off guard. As we chatted for a few minutes, I shared how my name has often caused confusion throughout my life when people meet me for the first time. Eventually, he handed over the package, and I was finally able to hold my new camera in my hands.
Thank you again for your kind words and encouragement—it means so much to have support along the way. ❤️