My story is rather simple. I bought a used Nikon crop sensor camera one day thinking I would use it at my sons baseball games and family vacations. I quickly realized how much there was to learn and submersed myself in education. I soon figured out that sports and events were not my passion. I wanted to create portraits. Not just any portrait- fine art, hang above your mantel, stunning pieces of art. My photography education went even further with workshops, mentoring, online education, joining professional associations, submitting to contests and publication. I have seen the power of portraits change people. One day, I was photographing my son and using him as my practice subject. His friend stopped by and I knew he had not had professional images taken since he was a baby. I reluctantly got him in front of the camera and within the first 10 images, he became more comfortable and confident. After 10 minutes, they were both done and left for a bike ride. I quickly edited a few images for the friend so that when he returned from outside, I could show him his portraits. As I scrolled through them, I watched his face. It changed! This sweet 12 year old boy went from "Ok, whatever, let me see" to truly seeing himself as the world did. Handsome, confident, self-possessed and strong. I was seriously floored. I am an emotional soul and had to keep the tears filling my eyes from falling. They again disappeared outside to be 12 year old boys but I sat there reveling in the moment. I just witnessed something amazing! I knew then that I wanted to feel that same type of joy as often as possible. What greater gift can you give someone then to show them the beauty that lies within them, the beauty that the world sees. I am not talking about Instagram selfies or outward appearances. Portraits have the ability to capture moments in time that are fleeting, rare, and special. Moments of celebration, milestones reached, professional opportunities to achieve. I love that this career allows me to connect with families, women, children, professionals and teens in a time of their lives that is special, important. It all started with a used camera and a desire to see the world for the beauty it holds.
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