My journey with photography started in high school after moving to the United States from Ethiopia at 16. I became interested in photography and wanted to join the photography class, but I had registered too late. I was told I could try again the following year, so I decided I would spend that year preparing.

There was only one challenge, I didn't have a camera or any of the equipment I needed.

I would need a camera, lenses, batteries, a tripod, and other gear that was simply out of reach for me at the time. So I started working and saving, determined to have everything ready by the next registration.

As the year went on, I kept in touch with my photography instructor and made sure he knew I was still serious about joining the class, even though I hadn't been able to get the equipment yet.

Then one day, he called me out of class and surprised me with something I'll never forget.

My photography instructor, along with other instructors and staff at my school, had come together to give me a Nikon Z6, three lenses, two batteries, a battery grip, a backpack, and a tripod. They even covered two photography trips for the class.

Just like that, I finally had the opportunity I had been working toward.

That Nikon Z6 became more than my first camera. It became the beginning of something I never expected would grow this far.

Years later, I'm still creating with that same camera. What started as an interest in a high school photography class grew into years of learning, creating, and documenting meaningful moments for others and eventually into Meroid Studios.

Today, I'm continuing that journey in Portland, photographing people, relationships, milestones, and celebrations while constantly growing behind the camera.

And I'm Only Getting Started.