I would describe my style of photography as…
…motivating. Through my use of colors, lighting design, and motion, I aim to produce imagery that motivates the viewer and highlights people as their best selves.
What was your first camera, and how’d you get started in photography?
My first point and shoot camera was an Olympus that I bought in high school for my magnet photography class. Growing up I was always into art, I started off drawing and painting and was in the magnet art program in middle and high school. One of my older cousins would make movies of my twin sister and I and that’s when I became fascinated with cameras and would play with his camera. I also had another older cousin that did photography, so the sparks began to fly there. In high school, along with drawing/painting, we had to take photography and video classes, and that’s when I really started to fall in love with photography.
Why did you want to become a photographer?
When applying for colleges, I was at a bit of a crossroads not sure what I wanted to do. My photography teacher, Ms. Stemple, told me I had a gift and if I took it seriously it could really open doors for me. I made the decision to study photography and never looked back. In college, was when I really started to find my voice behind the lens, and learned that this camera was a tool for me to change the narrative and create imagery that I was passionate about.
What’s your most memorable shot or shoot, be it challenging to capture or interesting subject?
My most memorable shoot so far would have to be my latest campaign for Adidas Women. It was somewhat challenging because of COVID the team had to be tuned in virtually to direct and oversee the shoot, and because we shot in the middle of nowhere service was a little difficult. But it was memorable for me because I had the flexibility to just have fun and shoot the talent, as well as the team was put together by a mostly female team worldwide, so it was awesome to be connected with people all over the world virtually during this shoot.
What image are you most proud of from your photography portfolio?
My most proud image would have to be one I took in 2015, of a swimmer diving into the pool. For me, it was one of those, ah ha moments, where my confidence grew behind the camera and I really felt motivated to push harder and to continue challenging myself when creating imagery.
My dream gig would be…
One of my many dream gigs is to shoot portraits at the Olympics!
My favorite piece of gear is…
My favorite piece of gear is my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It’s my go to lens for most of my shoots.
Do you shoot tethered?
Yes, for most of my shoots I prefer to shoot tethered. It allows my clients and subjects to see the images and what we are producing, as well as it allows us to communicate as a team to make sure we are getting the perfect shots. With a lot of client relations happening remotely due to covid, tethering allows my clients to virtually see how the shoot is going and to still offer feedback without them being physically here.
My favorite piece of Tether Tools gear is…
My favorite piece of tether tools gear is the Air Direct remote. Typically when shooting, I love to move around a lot, and the Air Direct gives me the flexibility to move around with my subjects, without limiting me to being close to my workstation.
What’s on your photography gear shopping list?
Right now, I’ve been playing around with the Canon R5 & R6, still waiting to see which one to add to my kit. And as far as lighting, the Profoto B10s may be a new addition very soon!
The best advice I can offer a fellow photographer would be…
…to Bee Fearless N Create! Don’t allow anything to stop you or discourage you from creating!
