PHOTOGRAPHY PHILOSOPHY

Ever since I had my first camera—a basic, Fujifilm 6 mega-pixel point-and-shoot—I’ve been smitten with taking pictures. The little gallery above are some of my very first "I'm-so-proud-those-are-mine" pictures, and where my real photography dream started. At the time I got my first camera, MySpace was a big deal (Lord have mercy)—so lots of people were becoming quickly obsessed with calling themselves “photographers,”  snapping pictures of all sorts of things...but mainly themselves. (RIP the age-old, one-arm, bathroom selfie.) Words can’t quite explain how or why, but something about photography has always been different for me. Now, I don’t want to bore you with phrases like “Photography is my passion,” or “I couldn’t imagine doing anything besides photography.” Do those things apply to me? I guess. But for me, it’s deeper.

My infatuation for creating with a camera runs incessantly through my veins. My cameras aren’t just tools I use for a paid photo project and set back down to collect dust until the next. Rather, I feel that they’re truly a part of me, woven into the fiber of who I am. I use a camera literally every single day—whether it’s my iPhone or one of my trusty Nikon’s. I don’t do it to continue building a portfolio or anything of that nature. I do it because my mind and eyes are always watching, always open to seeing the world from a dazzling, fresh perspective…and because I might never see something THAT same way ever again.

I'm fully aware it’s not scientifically proven that short people are good at taking pictures, but for me—I feel it’s true. Something about being small allows my inspiration to be deeply rooted, both figuratively and literally. When I get into my pic-snapping “zone,” I’ll do just about anything for the shot. You’ll find me anywhere from lying, face-in-the-dirt on the ground, to climbing up trees or onto rooftops. My small stature continually pushes me as a creative, therefore I use each and every day as an opportunity to perfect my craft. 

Now when it comes to you- potential clients, friends, and family alike, my goal is to preserve the most genuine reflections of who YOU are, deep down. I like giving just enough direction and guidance to my subjects—but never too much. Cause if we’re being totally honest, weird poses and over-thought photographic compositions don’t showcase people honestly. I’m all about honesty, especially when it comes to honestly depicting each individual's incredible uniqueness. Whether you’re a graduating senior, a newly-committed couple, or a fabulous and fast-growing family, my goal is to keep and preserve all the features and quirks of who you are at this very moment in your life. Life is messy, and people aren’t always perfect—and I think that is beautiful—and I want my work to be the most ideal, genuine representation of that. But hey, let’s embrace everything—the good, the giggles, the crazy windblown hair, the dimples and laugh lines, and the dreaded (and sometimes inevitable) double chins. You’re in safe photographic hands with me. With my eye and your individuality, we’ve got the means to create stunningly sincere pictures you will treasure for years and years to come. 

I think Imogen Cunningham expressed it best when she said, “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

So here’s to that, and all the favorite pictures I cannot wait to take tomorrow, the next day, the next, and the next.

Let's get snappin'.

Cheers.