A lot of times to make small talk at the start of a photo shoot, people will ask me how and when I got started in photography. It’s not the most exciting or interesting story but it got me to where I am today and I’m thankful for it.

After I graduated high school, I did what everyone was doing. I took the next step in my “educational career” and went to college. I attended Colorado State University studying Apparel Design and Merchandising. I want to dress mannequins for a living, you guys.. Really, that was my dream job. While I was at CSU, I worked at Hollister, Co. (i know, i know) and learned just how hard putting clothes on a plastic body was. That job, no matter how loud or over-priced didn’t change my mind about what would happen next. The 2 years that I was at CSU were the most miserable in my life. I hated being on campus, the big hot classrooms, broken desks, squeaking chairs, history, math, english. Having to learn stuff I’ll never use or remember again. I could go on. Blaahhhhhhh! College was NOT for me! I finished out 2 years there and decided to “take a semester off.” And never go back.

My FIRST “About Me” pic! I loved that little bunting and hung it in my office. I was a proud young business owner!

I was 19 at the time and still living at home. My mom told me I can’t just do whatever I want, but if I want to live in my parents house for free, I need to get a full-time job. That’s when I started browsing good ol’ craigslist for the next hot opportunity. I found a job listing for a portrait company that did school portraits. Like picture day, photos on your ID card, sports pictures. You know. And you probably dreaded the day! They offered me the job right on the spot and I took it. The hours were long and started early in the morning. While I was learning the in’s and out’s of taking a great yearbook photo, I began to fall in love with the sound of the shutter and making kids smile. I always liked taking photos but never thought it could be or was a real job. Throughout my first season there, I got my first DSLR camera. I began doing free sessions for people so that I could learn more about “how to be a photographer” and camera settings, composition and so on.

My First REAL logo!

Little did I know that it would all lead to this. I had created a dream job for myself. A wonderful passion. It keeps me on my toes at all times. I’m always learning, searching and seeking. If you go back on the blog far enough you can probably find some of my first photos. I am grateful for this journey that I am on. Where I have been placed. And I thank The Lord every day that I get to do this! I am also thankful to clients, friends and fans for supporting me in this! MUAH!

My first “Behind The Scenes” pic. HA! Could my logo get any bigger? I think not!