The story of how I became a photographer is very similar to many other’s stories. And that’s ok, it really doesn’t matter how I got to this point, what’s matter is that i’m here now.

Like a lot of other women, I wanted a “big” camera when I was pregnant with my son. I wanted to be able to take nice crisp photos of him, because I was, and still am, terrible at iPhone photos. So I reached out to my wedding photographer and asked her what camera I should get. She recommended the Nikon D5300, which was the newest of the series at that time. I went to Costco and got the package deal and my husband gave it to me for Christmas. I had about three months before my son was born to practice and learn the camera.

Since I didn’t really have an inspiring subject, the camera sat. I didn’t even take it to the hospital when he was born. I bought the hospital pictures of him and I thought they were great (I know have a different opinion)!

When he was one week old I broke the camera out and took his newborn photos. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t hire a professional for this. I was not a professional at that point and I did not do those photos justice. When I took them, I was happy with them and did not feel like I needed to spend the money on a newborn photographer, but when I go back and look at the photos now, it makes me sad I didn’t invest in someone to document those first moments at home with him.

I continued to take a few photos of him here and there, but I knew I needed help. I had no intention of starting a business, I just wanted decent photos of my son! So, I invested in my craft, and I continue to do so to this day.

I found a mentor, I took a couple classes, I sent photos to photographer friends and asked for critiques, I took online workshops, in person workshops and one on ones. I got better. I learned my camera, by the time he was 9 months old I was considering taking clients. I started doing free sessions for neighbors to make sure I wanted to do it. I took an editing class. I took photos every day. I got better, I got a lot better. I kept practicing. Still to this day, I invest in education, I love learning new things, practicing them, and expanding my knowledge and skills.

I realized I had as much fun taking photos of other people as I did of my own kiddo so I went into business and started taking paid clients. All the while, still working full time for an energy marketing company. For the next year and a half this is what I continued to do. When I had my second son, I decided to go full time with photography. I worked hard at it for 7 months until we moved to Florida. I ddn’t think moving a business would be difficult, since I was from Florida, but it is. Florida is a different market, and i’m still trying to find my footing here. I’ve gone back to working full time and doing photography on the side but I love every single minute of it.

I wouldn’t change my story for the world. I had a muse, and he inspired me to be better. So I learned and practiced this craft, and I still do. I’m constantly investing in education to improve my skills. I thought it would be fun to share some of the first photos I ever took with my “big” camera. It really does show how I started out not knowing anything and how much I have grown in this art. Starting at the beginning with some more photos from recently.

Senior Photos booked with me are an experience! I love to make my seniors feel beautiful and special, after all, they have put in a lot of hard work in high school and its time to relax and have a little fun. Plus senior year is busy, it’s a great reminder to slow down and photograph things that are important to you. What do I mean? well, do you play sports? Let’s do some photos in your sports gear, and open the field. Are you a musician? Bring your instrument with you. What makes you special? I want to document that!

Getting Ready

It starts with hair and makeup, I have partnered with an artist to provide hair and makeup if you don’t have someone you want to use. There is nothing like freshly done hair and makeup to make you feel beautiful! Then it comes to the shoot. Bring as many outfits as you would like, I have a style guide and i’m more than happy to provide insight in what to wear for your photos. Send me pictures and I can let you know what will and will not photograph well. Also, don’t forget your sports uniforms!

Choosing the Locations

Senior photos are the only type of sessions I include more than one location. I usually don’t recommend more then three because it does take some time out of our session time for all the traveling, but I love to provide all the variety for seniors. Usually there is a location the parents really want, and a location spot the senior really wants, and often times I like to make recommendations of locations I know photograph really well.

The Actual Shoot

Grab your outfits, your sports gear, your instruments, your dog, your car, everything that is going to make your senior photos YOU and let’s go do it! I will walk you through poses and make it as relaxing and fun as possible. I will ask you to do some action shots whether you are a dancer and showing off some dance moves or simply walking through the tall grass. Bring someone who will help you have fun and be relaxed. Have a best friend you want in one or two photos? Bring them too!

What Happens After the Shoot?

You go home and relax, and I get to work! Within a week of our session we will get together and have an ordering session. You will get to see all the photos and choose the ones you want! You will get the digitals to share online with all of your print purchases. After the ordering session, I will edit all the photos you have chosen (you will get to see an example of your photos edited at the ordering session) and order your products . Then you wait for delivery in about two weeks!

Congratulations on your senior year! Contact me to get your session on the calendar.