Reaching and Growing

One of the biggest blessings that has come along the never ended road to being the best photographer that I can be is that I have developed the skill of being able to look at people and see their beauty first. What does that mean? It means that I look at people through the eyes of compassion, care, and love. I LOVE people, and because I love people, it’s really easy for me to notice the beauty that is in everyone. Whether it’s their eyes, hair, how they dress, their skin, their joy, their enthusiasm, their compassion, their talents—I notice, and I want to capture that in a photograph to show others the beauty that I see. Many people come to me with a somewhat distorted idea of how they look based on a lifetime of looking in the mirror, examining every perceived flaw, and viewing themselves through their insecurities. So many not only deal with the regular stuff that we all go through that impede the realization of our self worth, but too often they also have had inconceivable hurts inflicted on them mentally and physically by those who should have loved them and supported them best. I can look at them with fresh eyes, recognize the journey they have taken to get where they are, and am humbled by their wisdom and strength through adversities that are unique to them. They are so inspiring and courageous, and being able to help them see how amazing they are is humbling. It is pretty special to be able to capture them, help them see their beauty, and empower them to continue to see it moving forward. Being able to see your beauty and have something tangible to remind you of it in trying times can be life-changing.

My journey to becoming an acclaimed portrait photographer is a work in progress, and started, not with buying a “big-girl” camera and taking a photo or two, but rather when I learned how to appreciate and love others in a profound and personal way. Personal growth doesn’t just walk in the door uninvited. It comes from setting goals and stretching yourself—getting outside your comfort zone. That’s where the best things happen! The ability to really see people is not something that I was naturally gifted with. On the contrary, I came wired as a very shy person, head down, too nervous to really talk to anyone, and I certainly wouldn’t think that I loved people! They were pretty scary! Of course I improved as I matured, but speaking to people was pretty terrifying, and the thought of rejection was paralyzing. In 2012 I decided I needed to get over it, so I set a goal to photograph 30 complete strangers, one every day, for a month. Holy Hannah! It was so scary! The first day I must have driven around for an hour before getting the courage to ask someone for a photo, and it took a long time to get over the shakes, but by the end of the month it was actually kind of fun! Not only that, but it forced me to get out of the house and go somewhere new every day, and I met some interesting people, each one with unique stories. I learned to enjoy people, to be interested in people, and I LOVED seeing their beauty! Men, women, kids—people are beautiful!

The journey continued as I soaked in everything I could about photography and discovered a love for classic, painterly portraits. My technique got better with work and practice and taking step by step, sometimes outside what I was comfortable with. Several years ago I entered a couple of photos into The Portrait Masters Awards and Accreditation. I wasn’t really anticipating getting accredited, I just wanted to see where my work stood, as judged by 7 world renowned judges. Was it at professional standard? My hands were shaking when I clicked submit, and my stomach was rolling around in knots the day the results were released. Yes! High professional standard! So then I thought, well, I guess I’ll work towards accreditation. Doing so required that I submit a large body of work, which was then judged, and points accumulated towards accreditation. It took about two years to become accredited as an Associate Portrait Masters photographer, which I received in 2020. A few months ago, I received my Master’s. I’m super pleased that all but 3 of the submissions towards this award were strictly client work from the 50 Over 50 Portrait Project from last year. To receive Master’s, the judges look over all of the work submitted from the start, not just the ones submitted between levels, to see if your work is consistently at the standard required. I certainly breathed a big sigh of relief to see my name on the list! I’m so grateful for each of the women who have been in front of my lens. Without them I wouldn’t grow as a photographer and artist. And they’re pretty amazing, funny, warm, incredible humans to get to know and add to my tribe of friends.

Through hard work and luck I’ve been taught by some of the best photographers and mentors in the world. Sue Bryce, Felix Kuntz, Pratik Naik, Joel Grimes, Kara Marie, Richard Woods, and so many more. They are so talented and gracious and giving. I’ve heard it said that the photography industry is full of selfish egos, but seriously I’ve found myself surrounded by artists and educators who understand that a rising tide helps all boats, and it’s remarkable to be able to learn from them and call so many of them friends. They make photography exciting and the prospects for this career bright and inspire me every day.

There is so much I want to learn, so many ways that I can grow, and I’m excited to take more steps along the road and see where it goes! Come with me! Let me capture a part of your journey and show you that you are beautiful right at this point. Right now. This moment.

Step outside your comfort zone. The best things happen there, and you will be amazed at what you will find!