What was my life like before I knew photography? You know, I don't even remember much of that life anymore. I remember getting my first camera when I graduated from 8th grade and another when I graduated high school but at that time, it was just a trinket designed for snap shots when out with my friends at concerts or on a weekend trip to the beach. Taking pictures turned into taking photographs after my second year of college while fulfilling an extra humanities course. I chose to take a photography class because I thought it would be fun, yet easy A. Boy was I wrong - that class would not only be a harder A than I expected but it would also shift the course of my entire life.

I remember the exact assignment that hooked me in. We were required to design a story in 3 images and from there, my mind raced. I did not need anyone to explain this concept to me, I did not need anyone to search out a topic for me, I did not need anything at all. I visualized a story and then captured images conveying it. When I came to class the day that the assignment was due, I could tell by the professor's expression and comments (and later grade) that I nailed it. From then on, I was constantly trying to outdo myself, tell better stories, give clearer messages and I constantly added more of myself to my images. After winning Photographer of the Year, I transitioned into photographing people and eventually delved into wedding photography. From that first wedding I was hooked with telling the "wedding story" in clear, concise images that captured as much of me as possible. 

Every step that I have made in photography has been exactly the same - I try, I love, I explore, I grow. In 2009, I photographed my first wedding and since that time I have made the exact same pattern. I am so happy with my life of trying, loving, exploring and growing, and I could not be more excited about the possibilities that are coming for me. The future's lookin' bright, ya'll!