It all started when I was a little girl. My grandmother, who was a German immigrant, would take me to her friend’s house while she was babysitting me. They would chat with each other; sitting on the sofa in a dimly lit room, drinking tea and speaking in a thick foreign accent. Not understanding anything they were saying, I would walk around this house admiring the photos on the walls and shelves. I would just venture anywhere I could to seek out another photo – a moment in time that had been captured. Everyone’s family photos told these amazing stories. Every photo had its own beautifully unique composition. I loved how some of them were faded, and some had drastically vivid colors. Some were solely black and white, and some were even torn. But my favorite part, my very favorite part, was that it was real life. Something had happened the day that these photos were born. Someone had picked up a camera and visually saved an important moment in time. To me, each photo was the most beautifully written story anyone could tell, and it was all their own.
From that time on, I always remember admiring portraits wherever I would go. Then, on my 15th birthday, the most wonderful thing happened. My mom and dad bought me an Olympus camera! I carried that camera EVERYWHERE, and I showed off my images wherever I could! People were beginning to notice my art! And then, my friends and family started asking me to photograph their weddings, senior photos, and their children. That is when I first realized my passion for photography.
When I started college, I submerged myself into as many photography classes as I could. I knew at that moment that I wanted to write beautiful, visual stories like the ones I noticed when I was just a little girl! I wanted to create these stories in such a way that would draw attention to the art. You know, photos that you couldn’t help but look at.
In the winter of 2011, I got really excited to use my visual gift beyond what I was doing for friends and family, so I played with my kids during the day and drowned myself in any photography-related material at night, sometimes all night! I taught myself everything I thought I might need to know to run a business – Photoshop, the camera (inside and out), business 101, what was trending, which artists were trending...I read it all.
After about six months of non-stop reading, I bought my first Nikon, a faster computer, and Photoshop. I lined up a few clients and off I went, ready to let my creativity fly free! I started booking one session after another until I built up my clientele to where it is today. Without the support of my amazing clients, my family, and my friends, I wouldn’t have been able to make these dreams blossom into my reality.
I can’t wait to get you in front of my lens, creating not only beautiful images but also creating an amazing adventure as we work together to tell the story of YOU!
Comments