About the Photographer

A little background on me:

I began taking photographs when I was about 5 years old. I recently stumbled upon some pictures I took of our babysitter at the time "modeling". She didn't think there was really film in the camera! I joined 4-H throughout elementary and middle school where I entered photos every year in the Hamilton County Fair. I attended many workshops and worked hard to better myself.

I was a sophomore in high school when I decided I wanted to make photography my living. I took as many photos at sporting events, plays, concerts and musicals as I could to practice; I was even a nerd and brought my DSLR to prom! Our school didn't have a photography program, but many teachers were eager to help me whenever they could. I graduated and went on to attend Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA.

At Hawkeye, I graduated with a top three portfolio in Photo Journalism.  I feel like my experience in photo journalism helps me capture natural expressions and to be patient with people in order to get the best shot. I also took a full semester long course focusing on Wedding Photography.

I received a Merit Award and two honorable mentions at the Heart of America Photographers conference, with scores earning me second place amongst my classmates.

In 2008 I graduated college and began taking on freelance photography jobs, mainly weddings. I have fallen in love with weddings and never tire of them. In 2010, I rented an old, remodeled building on Main Street in Jewell, IA. It is PERFECT and everything I had dreamed of in having a studio. I now take photos of families, children, seniors and weddings with occasional "odd" jobs thrown in.

Everyday I am reminded of how lucky I am to get to live my dream, and I hope to be doing so many years from now. I'm blessed to have parents who support me in everything I do, even if that dream isn't to be filthy rich :)