Before we ever called Oklahoma home, we made a quick, spontaneous trip to check out Oklahoma City—and of course, I brought my camera along. As a photographer in Oklahoma City, I’m always inspired by new places, and I’ve found that traveling with my camera helps me slow down and really see what’s around me.
At the time, we were living in St. Louis while my husband finished his graduate program. We’d heard good things about OKC and were curious about what life here might be like. So, we loaded up the car and made the trip—my husband, one year old son and me, a little bit of hope, and a lot of curiosity.
Our visit happened to fall during the State Fair, and it was the perfect way to experience the energy of the city. We loved the friendly people, the mix of tradition and growth downtown, and that feeling you get when you think, we could actually live here.
I carried my camera everywhere that weekend. There’s something about seeing a new place through my lens that makes me feel more connected to it. I snapped photos of fair rides, local shops, quiet city corners, and golden-hour light falling on unfamiliar streets. Those images still bring back that sense of wonder and possibility.
Looking back, it’s fun to see how those first impressions shaped our decision—and how they continue to inspire me as a photographer in Oklahoma City.
Traveling with a camera is part of how I connect, remember, and dream. I’m so glad I had it with me that weekend.
All shot with a Mamiya 645AF on Portra 400 film. Developed and scanned by The Find Lab.
