“Your pic sparked a journey which can impact an industry” The Power of a Photo.

Recently, my sister said to me, “You photographers play a vital role in society. You preserve memories, allowing people to relive moments—that’s an amazing gift.” I smiled and agreed. But her words also took me back to an experience I had in January.

Wayneworth reached out to me for professional portraits. Initially, I thought it would be just another session. However, as we spoke, I realised our encounter was no coincidence—it was years in the making, beginning with a single photo I took of him in 2012 at the Built Environment Awards at the University of Technology, Jamaica. That night, he received the Newsome, McCook, and Associates Award.

As photographers, we sometimes underestimate the significance of a single image—the power it holds in shaping lives. In that 2012 photo sat a young woman who printed the image of her and Wayneworth after his award ceremony. She framed it and gifted it to him, saying, “Wayneworth, one day you should be the Director of Surveys in Jamaica.”

Tragically, she never saw that dream come true—she passed away in a car accident the following year. That young woman was his late wife. But every day since, Wayneworth held onto that photo and her words, using them as motivation to fulfil the promise he made to her.

“That conversation the lady had with me while placing that pic in the house is responsible for all that I did since August 1, 2013 the day of her passing. Understand that your art is art to you but life to others. Thanks for that flash, that image, that memory which may be responsible for changing an industry. A serious ting u a do with that camera Jah”

A single photograph. A framed gift. A partner’s unwavering belief. Tragedy and a vision. These threads wove together a journey that led Wayneworth to where he is today. And now, over a decade later, that path has come full circle—he has stepped into the role of Senior Director of Surveying and Mapping in Jamaica as of February 3rd, 2025.

Congratulations, Wayneworth Hamilton. This achievement is well deserved, and no one is more suited for the role. I’m deeply honoured to have captured your story, from that 2012 ceremony to this new milestone. Thank you, Yvonne Jacqueline Hamilton and may you continue to rest in peace.

This experience reaffirms an important truth: no photo is insignificant. What may seem small to one person can mean the world to another. Cherish every moment, give your best in all you do—you never know what piece of the past might return to inspire the future.

Stay grateful. Stay humble.