Connecting the Dots: From Data Science to Photography

“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” — Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement 2005

Lately, I think about this quote a lot. It’s true in my data scientist career and I hope it will be true in my journey as a photographer.

Years ago, a summer spent learning HTML landed me a web development job while I was still in school. That led to programming skills, which later supported my pivot into data science. None of it felt connected at the time—but looking back, every dot mattered.

Now, I need to remind myself to trust the dots will connect again.

📸 Building a Photography Business from the Ground Up

After posting photos on Instagram for years, I launched my own photography website. Nine months ago, I opened my print shop on SmugMug. Two months ago, I doubled down—adding new prints weekly, writing blog posts, and learning how to drive traffic from social platforms.

I am doing all these while managing my Instagram accounts and working a full time job. Every step is part hustle, part hope.

🚀 What I’ve Learned So Far About Growth

I have been trying to drive more traffic to my website without much success. The other day, I posted a photo on Instagram and got hundreds of likes within the hour. It was normal. But for the first time in a while, I saw it differently: that kind of response was a big deal. It’s validation. It’s momentum. And above all, it’s something I shouldn't take for granted.

If you’ve liked my work—even once—thank you.

💬 Final Thoughts

I don’t yet know which dots will connect—but I’m showing up, creating, and planting seeds wherever I can. This journey might look small now, but I believe it’ll build something meaningful.

👉 Want to see where the dots are taking me?

Explore my latest posts, my latest prints and blog reflections