Growing up, I remember there always being a camera around the house. My family loved capturing moments for us to look back on and it was such a big part of us coming together. I think back to how much of our lives were documented through the years and that’s one of the biggest reasons why I love photography. 

My earliest memory of my first camera was when I was 5. My parents gave me a disposable Kodak to occupy me on our family trip to Paris. I was confined to my stroller most of the time and of course all the shots were from my view. As you can guess, the photos were of shoes, sidewalks, and toys. Little did my parents know, they helped create this passion. My mom still has the scrapbook she made from that trip which I jokingly say is my first portfolio. 

In 7th grade, I entered my school’s photography contest just for fun. I was shocked when my photo was voted first place. When I think back, I can still remember that feeling of achievement. Getting recognition gave me a new sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed at the time. I still have that little green ribbon. 

I spent a lot of time in the darkroom at my high school and that’s when I first fell in love with film. Developing my own photograph for the first time was absolute magic. I knew in that moment just how much photography really meant to me and how it has always been my creative outlet. It serves as a gentle reminder for me that life is meant to be remembered.  

Thank you for letting me share this part of me with you.

With love,

Krissana Renáe Porto