From Dreams to Display: My First Gallery Show Adventure

Gallery Show Excitement

A few months ago, the Round Rock Arts Center announced a call to photographers for their first-ever all-photography gallery show. The moment I saw the opportunity, I knew this could be an exciting next step in my photography journey. Over the past year, I’ve been challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone—submitting to competitions like the PPA International Photography Competition and the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest. A gallery show felt like the next logical leap.

I bookmarked the application and kept returning to it as the deadline approached. Slowly but surely, the idea of showing my work in public began to take root. And then came the flood of questions: What photos should I submit? How many? What print size? How should I print them? Would anyone even want to buy these? After weeks of research and endless internal debates, I finally had a plan.

Just a few days before the application deadline, I sat down to complete it. I triple-checked every field, ensuring it was as perfect as I could make it. I decided to submit two pieces:

• “Echoes of the Ancestors” – A favorite from Round Rock’s Día de los Muertos celebration, which I’ve loved photographing for years. This image captures the spirit of the event with its vibrant cultural attire and energy.

• “Midnight at the Vatican” – A standout from my Rome at Night series, featuring a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Basilica at midnight. The usually bustling Via della Conciliazione was serene, bathed in the glow of streetlights.

When I hit “Submit,” a mix of excitement and anxiety set in. I marked December 20th on my calendar, the day I’d find out if my work was accepted.

The Wait

As the days crept by, life felt a little heavy. My weekend plans for December 20th included a trip to Dallas—a much-needed getaway for rest and renewal after a tough season. On the morning of the 20th, while heading out, I made a quick stop at Buc-ee’s (aka the beautiful beaver in the sky) for breakfast tacos (if you know, you know!). Something told me to check my email, even though I was convinced it was too early to hear back.

I opened my inbox, and there it was: “Congratulations!”

I couldn’t believe it. My photos had been accepted! I shouted in my car, “I DID IT! THE PHOTOS WERE ACCEPTED!” Passersby looked over at me, wide-eyed, probably wondering what was going on. I smiled and gave them a thumbs up—it felt like a moment worth celebrating with the world.

The Big Moment

For the first time ever, my photography was going to be part of a gallery show, displayed alongside the work of so many other talented artists. I felt incredibly honored. Over the following weeks, I prepared my pieces for display. I ordered canvas prints, which turned out AMAZING (huge shoutout to Bay Photo—you’re the best!).

I was also invited to participate in an on-camera interview to talk about my photography (you can check it out below!).

Shutterbuggin’ Gallery Show

The Shutterbuggin’ Gallery Show is now open through March 8th at the Round Rock Arts Center in downtown Round Rock. The reception will be held on February 14th from 6–8 PM. If you’re in the area, stop by to chat with the photographers, hear their stories, and soak in the incredible art.

When I walked through the gallery for the first time, I was in total awe of the range of work on display. Each photograph tells its own story, showcasing the unique styles and passions of the artists behind the lens.

This experience has been such a rewarding milestone in my photography journey. I hope you’ll stop by and take a look—maybe you’ll even find a piece that speaks to you.