By me and about me…

biopic2 So many photographers can say they grew up taking pictures. Not me. I grew up wanting to be a detective. Or a newspaper reporter.

While I was having an affair with words and mysteries, my Dad bought me a used “real camera” from a pawn shop when I was 12. I didn’t know the slightest bit about how to take photos and teaching myself wasn’t very easy to do since the Internet had yet to put knowledge at everyone’s fingertips. So in my drawer is where that camera stayed, and instead I bought a lot of disposable cameras to bring with me everywhere. All I had to do was point and shoot.

But in college, on the path to a degree in magazine journalism, I took a photojournalism class and learned the technicalities of photography. The first wedding I shot was of a couple in their late 80s. They showed me that true love is beautiful — and possible — at any age.

When I finally went digital, there was no looking back. I started my photography business in 2007, while we lived in Columbia, Mo.. At that time, I could only work on evenings and weekends as I also had an 8 to 5 job in marketing/PR. We moved to Kansas City in 2009, and shortly after, I made a leap of faith (and fear!!) and kicked my steady paycheck to the curb so I could focus solely on my business full-time. There hasn’t been a day that I’ve regretted that decision. I’ve been able to connect with most amazing families, couples and babies, and I’ve gotten to witness all forms of love. It’s not easy to own my own business, but it sure helps that I truly love what I do.

But what I love even more than my career is my family. I am so lucky that I get to share my life with my supportive and witty husband, Neil, our charming and hilarious son, Weston, and our ornery and playful cat, Kramer.

When I’m not working, most of my free time is devoted to my darling son, but I also love to cook, play board games, eat, read and explore Kansas City. Ok, I like to shop, too.

If there is anything else you want to know about me, just ask!