Some footage from my return trip to the Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF), my cousin David  and his wife, Kim, surprise party, TED (Talk) Cinema, Black Sheep Skate Shop video premiere and my coworker’s rendition of “Bad and Boujee.” Oh, and of course – more skate footage.

I’m growing to love film and video more than ever because for the first time I’m using it to document my life. It’s not so much for posterity, but more as a reminder of how blessed I am to have good family and friends (that are like family) around. I can unashamedly say that I account for probably 99 percent of my video views, but the eyeballs on my mini edits doesn’t bother me. These videos have been so helpful in keeping me motivated, inspired and appreciative of just being alive and in good health. I began battling anxiety and depression around middle school, and it has become a big part of my life. Making these edits has given me more tangible memories to combat both anxiety and depression when they decide to creep in, giving me the encouragement to get out of bed and see what the world has to offer me today. In time though, I hope to be able to offer the world something.

In July, I’ll be meeting my nephew for the first time and look forward to capturing him on film & video, which will in fact be for posterity. His name is Jayden and he’s six years old, and easily the coolest person I’ve (n)ever met. Hopefully in the future, I’ll be able to make an edit that spans the years showing his growth as a person. Maybe it’ll even show some of my growth behind the lens.