I look through the view finder and try to find what most people wouldn't see. The child laughing in the corner or the mom taking the picture of the Bride and crying at the same time. I want the experience for my clients to be as stress free as possible, and I want them to enjoy it. I want to capture what they are feeling, who they are, and what they want to be. Not just a picture. I want to tell their story. Even if it is just a baby who is three months or a couple that has been married 50 years. What is your story and how can I tell it?
At the age of 15 I started taking pictures and competing in class competitions. My senior year I received 12a first place awards out of 15 submissions at the state competition. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to do photography. I love taking photos when a mom says “oh, that's my little girl, you captured her” or a bride and groom tell me how much they love their portraits and what a good time they had taking them. My day is complete.
I started out working at the mall for JcPenney. My husband and I married young and he was in the navy. We traveled from Connecticut to Washington State. I just transferred from location to location with JcPenney. We had two beautiful boys Adam and Chuck, and in 1994 we moved back to Illinois. I went to work at Expressly portraits, and within a couple of years was managing the store. We became Picture People and grew very quickly. I had a staff of 21 one Christmas season and “oh what fun we had.”
I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge of Photography and become a better photographer. So, I went to work for a local Professional Photographer. I learned a lot in the two years I was there. I received my certificate from Professional Photographers of America for Certified Professional Photographer in 2001. I enjoyed working there, but we decided to have another baby, so I went back to work at the mall. In 2004 we were blessed with another little man named Nathan. So I decided to work from home. I've enjoyed every moment since.
I want to photograph your baby now at five months, her first tooth, at 13 with her braces, senior year with all the excitement of graduation, and also on the day of her wedding. To tell her story and the changes that have brought her to today.
Take a look at the samples on the portfolio page and give me a call, consultations are free.
