I've been doing photography for as long as I can remember.  I picked up my first camera somewhere around 10 or 12 years old, and I got my first "real" camera from my grandfather when I was 14.  Photography is my passion, my life, my creative soul.  I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else.

My photographic career began as a professional Horse and Dog Show photographer at the age of 18. But following the show circuits took me away from family and friends, and eventually weddings took over my weekends. So today I get my "critter fix" by photographing my clients' dogs...and cats, horses, goats, chickens and whatever else they have.  And a few times a month I donate my time to photograph the pets needing homes at local shelters.

When I was 20, my best friend asked me to photograph her wedding. Word got around and before I knew it, I'd found my lifelong passion. A lot of photographers do weddings just for the money, but I do weddings because I honestly love them!  Nothing makes me happier than being able to capture all of the emotions, details, and relationships that come with a wedding.  And yes, every once in awhile I still cry at a wedding.

As my business grew I started bringing in new photographers to help with weddings.  A happy side effect of doing that was the introduction of new ideas and younger attitudes which has ended up keeping our studio's style up to date and fresh.  I also...surprise, surprise..discovered a love for teaching!  

I've been teaching my own photographers, other upcoming photographers, and photo hobbyists for over 20 years now.  I've taught at the Adult Learning Center in Virginia Beach, and I'm presently teaching at Norfolk Botanical Garden.  When I realized how many women were coming into photography with absolutely no training, I started the Tidewater Women Photographers Facebook page as a place for female photographers to network and learn.  I also offer one on one tutoring sessions, workshops, and group classes at my studio.

Once my brides started having families of their own, I was launched into the world of family photography. One of the things I enjoy the most is seeing my clients' children grow up. Working with children has been amazing. I've learned about joy, wonder, and laughing till your face hurts. And...after photographing young leukemia patients...I've learned what's truly important in life.

Life is fleeting. Memories fade. Don't let life slip past you. Have your wedding photographed. Have your loved ones photographed. And have them photographed by an experienced professional photographer.

        Silver Winner 2015                        Gold Winner 2016                      Gold Winner 2017

        Coastal Virginia Magazine Overal Winner for Best Photographers 2018 and 2020 (we forgot to compete in 2019)

Preferred Photographer at:

                        Signature Golf Course

       Official Photographer for the Builder:  

     Extreme Home Makeover/Virginia Beach

Publications:

In my free time I love traveling, cooking, camping, boating, spending time with friends and family, and of course photography!  I live in Kings Grant with my significant other, Gary and our three rescued Brittanys: Hannah, Skye and Cooper.