The first time I was really inspired by a photo I took was in 1996 when I was in New York City for the first time. Disposable camera in hand and the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty. I snapped away amidst the crowds of tourists and my uncle/tour guide sleeping on the ground nearby. The result: a gorgeous black out silhouette of Lady Liberty clothed in a sunshine halo and set in a blue cloudy sky. I still remember that photo as if I took it yesterday.
Fast forward to 1998. I was a sophomore in high school and I knew that the photography elective was the best choice for me. The same uncle/tour guide, (who happens to be an amazing photographer) sent me my first 35mm SLR, an Olympus OM-1, that I still have. For the next 3 years that camera became an extension of my arm and the dark room became my second home. I developed film, learned the ins and outs of filters, contrast, f stops, aperture, and photo paper. I used the skills from high school working as a printer for a local portrait photographer and honed my skills. In college I found another opportunity to study photography, so I bought a used Nikon SLR to use in my courses. The dark room became my second home once again and I continued to develop my passion for portrait photography.
As an adult, I have made the switch to digital with my best bud, a Canon 50D. I am specializing in portraits of infants and children, as well as families, expectant mothers and engaged couples. I have no desire to make your family appear perfect. I want to photograph the tears, drool, and maybe even a little snot. Being real and being present in your life is such a joy to me and I hope that you’ll be as excited with the results as I am.
