I have discovered my talent and calling. I have discovered what I was built to do. Everything I see, everything I do reminds me, that I am on this earth with the purpose of capturing people and moments—time frozen in a quick snap.

I have uncovered a skill that seems to be imbedded in my being; the ability to reveal someone’s emotions, thoughts, fears, regrets and longings through photography. Raw human emotion becomes exposed, frame by frame. Slowly the layers of life’s wallpaper starts to peel, and the true being, my subject, is exposed.

Every shoot I’m learning. I want to be able to continue growing my talent, watering it and feeding it and letting it grow naturally into the fully mature state that I know I can reach. I want to continue adding light and love to people’s lives through my work.

I’m learning that everyone is different, but everyone wants the same thing—they want their personality to be immortalized in a lasting image that proves they were somebody with something to say and something to give. I love being able to offer this gift to those who seek to find themselves through my art.

The importance of my photography lies in the hands of those I shoot. But, for me, my photography acts as my personal meditation. I find myself concentrating strictly on my subject, my surroundings and my instinct, and fully present in the moment. To me, I find the greatest peace, when my camera is pressed against my brow and my eye sees something too beautiful to leave un-captured. I photograph life and in return reveal the love and beauty in all.

– Mercy McNab