About Me and Images

I started photography when I was in high school and I needed an elective. My Mom encouraged me to enroll in the class, which means she mentioned it daily. (I love you, Mom!) While I was in high school I learned how to process film and use a dark room. I have appreciated this background in photography. While in high school, toting around a camera allowed me privileges. Take pictures at sporting events? Here is a sidelines pass. These opportunities and my increasing knowledge of photography increased my self-confidence. My camera proved to be a great travel companion when I went to Mexico as an exchange student during my senior year.

I continued studying photography through college. I worked in the college’s photography lab and went to Germany, Holland, and London as a photographer for one of the college’s traveling dance teams. I also spent several days in Yellowstone helping teach Senior Citizens photography. Photography gave me the opportunity to have paid travel experiences. My knowledge and understanding of people, cultures, and geography increased as I explored the world with my camera. I graduated with an Associates degree with a major in Photography.

After school I got married and started having children. Of course, children are great to photograph. I started to miss creativity (beyond having five children). I started photographing weddings, families, babies, and high school seniors. I met more great people and found more great places to take pictures. My sister and I worked together to learn about digital cameras and Photoshop. I learned about layers and file sizes. I made mistakes and I learned from them. I really appreciate not having to store and take care of film and negatives. (I still have a film camera.)

While I was going through divorce and grieving the loss of what I thought would be my happily ever after. I picked up my camera and received strength, passion, and joy in remembering who I am . My first love will always be the me I found while studying, exploring, and growing in photography.

I continued studying and earned a Bachelors degree in Digital Technology and Culture. What is that? It has to do with all things related to the web and culture associated with the web. I love that it enabled my to continue to study design and photography. I also added coding (I can do it but it isn’t really my thing.), web design, editing audio, electronic music, and video to my photography habit. Come to find out it wasn’t that easy to get a job…until I learned about Instructional Design.

I am currently working on a Masters of Science in Education with a major in Information Technology. I love learning about Instructional Design. It takes the things I enjoy, puts them in a package, and ties it with a creative bow.

The photography adventures continue.