Getting to Know You: Little Known Facts

While working hard on some sneak peeks, album designs, and orders, I thought back to a recent client’s comment – she mentioned that I sneak peek so many photos and events, but haven’t posted much about the person behind the camera.

I once read that your website is your handshake, and your blog is your hug. In other words, the website is the business-y side of things and the blog allows people to see more of the personality, fun, and passion that you have for what you do. With that thought, I’m adding a new side to my blog through some different types of posts.

In the coming weeks, keep an eye out as I share some photography tips with you! Some of my favorite at-home ways to improve your holiday photographs and capture the spirit of your vacations, family gatherings, and life through the lens. The holidays are such a mixture of emotions, traditions, faith, and wonder that it’s a truly magical time to photograph.

In the meantime, here are five little known facts about me…

I’m a mom!

That part is pretty well-known…but many people don’t know that I’m a mom of a preemie. Our son was born at 29 weeks, and he spent a good bit of time in the NICU. Children are a blessing from God, and we are truly blessed to have our tough little cookie! He’s stubborn, strong, energetic, smart, loving, playful, funny…and most importantly, our little happy, healthy, joyful boy.

Clearly, I’m not biased at all when I say he’s the best. kid. ever. He’s even learned to say CHEESE when he sees Mommy’s camera!

My career has taken me down a winding path.

I’ve previously worked as a software instructor and writer, which enabled me to learn more about my passion for photography and study under other photographers before starting my own business. I’ve worked in a few different industries, but the one that most mommies are excited to hear about is that I’ve worked with exceptional children (special needs) education professionals, and that I completed my Masters of Education.

I believe in God, and I believe in giving back.

I love what I do, and it allows me to give back in different ways…from pets to people, I enjoy working with non-profits and fundraising events. Some of my recent favorites have been the Humane Society, various churches, Boy Scouts, and an organization that assists the homeless with medical care.

My husband and I have fostered quite a few animals over the past decade, and although at times it is daunting to know that you cannot save them all – it is a little comforting to know that you can make a difference in one life, one at a time.

I consider my clients extended family.

I love that sometimes my clients just stop by and hang out at the studio! My goal is for the studio to be a comfortable home away from home where people can relax. You should feel like you can take your shoes off, sit on the floor, and forget about the worries you’ve had that day or the stress that is on your shoulders. I want my brides to feel comfortable that their day is taken care of in organized hands, and my families to feel like their kids can jump and run and play!

In fact, the new studio is set up for just those things. The portrait area is wide open for children to feel more like they’re playing than being photographed, and the second room is a vintage-style living room for meetings – but I also use it for sessions to add a modern vintage edge!

Fall is my favorite season.

I love the blue of the sky, the crisp of the air, the crunch of the leaves, and the vibrance of color. Every time I smell a pile of leaves burning, I’m immediately transported back to a childhood full of running through pumpkin patches, building a scarecrow out of Daddy’s old jeans and flannel shirts, buying bushel boxes of apples to freeze, and riding in the tractor cab until I fell asleep.

I guess it’s no surprise that I get so excited about Fall Portrait and Wedding Season!

Now it’s back to editing sessions and sneak peeks…I hope that you enjoyed this diversion away from the norm. Feel free to let me know your thoughts – the “photography tips” and “getting to know you” posts might just become a regular feature.

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