Welcome to my life-

Being a full-time student and a working photographer might sound like a wild combo, and it definitely is, but it's my passion! I'm a high schooler based in Claremont, CA, and I run FFotos, a local photography business focused on Headshots, families, and events. Here's a look at what it's like balancing school, editing sessions, managing a website, and chasing perfect light. All before Bedtime.

6:00 AM - Mornings Start Early

Most days begin before the sun's even up. I'm up by 6 AM to get ready for the school day. Brushing my teeth, washing my face, and doing my hair. I pack my Brevite Backpack, double check my Lumix S5 and lenses (24-105mm f/4 and 85mm f/1.8), and fill up my 40 oz Owala bottle before leaving for school. My commute to school is quite long, usually around 45 minutes, and yes, I bring all my gear to school. You never know when you're going to get the perfect subject

8:30 AM to 4:45 PM - School Day with a sprinkle of Business

I have a long school day, having academic classes until 2:35 and then Conservatory. I attend a performing arts high school with a focus on Musical Theater. This makes my day extra hectic since I'm trying to balance three different subjects at once: Academics, Photography, and Musical Theater. Between Classes, I'm replying to DM's, confirming shoot times, or jotting down ideas for new blog posts (Welcome to the first one!) I recently had one of my photographs featured on the landing page for Varsity Yearbook. FFotos isn't just my business; it's something people at school have increasingly recognized me for, and I love that.

6:15 PM - 10:00 PM - Homework, Editing, and Sleep

Once I'm home, it's all about prepping for the next day. I hunker down at my desk, turn on my pomodoro timer, and lock in. This consists of completing my homework, working on an editing work session, and even catching up on some media. A recent watch of mine was Marcel the Shell with shoes on, and man, did I cry like a baby! Such an emotional film with a simplistic premise, I loved it. I check my website's health with web apps such as Google Analytics and Search Console to see how my website's performing and where I'm ranking for keywords like:

• Claremont Family Photography

• Headshots Glendora CA

• Event Photography near Pomona

It's not always Glamorous. Lots of late nights, trial and error, and always working to improve my SEO.

Why do I do it?!

Being a Photographer in high school is work, but it's also the most rewarding thing I do. It teaches me time management, creative problem solving, business skills, and confidence. Plus, it allows me to meet new people, tell their stories, and grow.

I'm not just clicking buttons. I'm capturing people's milestones, personalities, and moments they'll look back on for years. That's something school could never teach me.

I may be young, but I take this very seriously. FFotos isn't just a side hustle. It's my dream in active motion. And every shoot, every blog post, every happy client is just one step closer to building a legacy that lasts beyond high school.