Answering your questions...

I promised a reader recently that I would take a few minutes to answer her questions. Instead of responding back just to her, I figured I would share them on my blog. Eh, why not!

Did you really fall in love with photography at 7 years old??
Yes! My first camera was a fisher price 110 kodak camera. My Mom bought it for me for Christmas. It was an awesome gift, and you know that to be true because I still remember it! Thankfully, Santa hooked it up with several rolls of 110 film in my stocking. I think it lasted me all of 20 minutes! My Mom has some of my first artistic creations in our family album. There really aren't all that many because once my Mom realized the costs' invovled with buying and processing film, I was told I was only allowed to photograph on special occasions. So are they any good? Well, my personal favorite image is the one I took of my Mom. Sure, she's headless but don't judge, it was likely the vision I was going for. I think?

What took you so long to decide to go seriously into photography?
Honestly, I don't know. I do know that once I learned the in's and out's of CS3, my life changed. I esentially fell in love with photography all over again. Sal saw something in me, I guess. Sounds so weird, I know but literally one day he was like, "You should do this whole photography thing. Your pictures are really good and you love taking pictures, why don't you do it?" The next thing I knew, he was out buying me my camera. Goodbye Fuji, Hello Canon! Shortly thereafter, I found out that my department was being eliminated. I emailed my friend/my wedding photographer and asked him what he thought of my new venture. When he responded with excitement and positive feedback, I knew it was time. One door shuts, another opens...

(shortening this question) What would you consider your style when you shoot?
I never really put much thought into my style. When I'm shooting, I get caught up and I just go with it. When I'm processing I like to listen to new Indie folk tunes for inspiration, like The Weepies, Iron and Wine and most recently, Joshua Radin. You will likely notice that a majority of my pictures are warm, soft or textured. This is the vibe I usually opt for. One of my friends told me that she felt my work was very dark and romantic. Knowing that someone saw that in my work almost made me cry. Seriously, dark and romantic? It doesn't get any better than that.

What's your goal with photography?
Weddings! I've been asked countless times by friends, family and strangers to shoot their wedding. Having to say NO has been extremely difficult. When I shoot weddings, I want to be primed and conditioned to handle it all. It's important for me to make sure that I'm 100% confident in myself and my product before I attempt to take on such a huge obligation.

Has your life changed since you decided to pursue your dream?
Absolutely! The life I view now is brightly colored. It's full of potential, beauty and tranquility. Shooting is like no other feeling in the world, at least for me. Once I opened that door and allowed myself to just feel it, things just haven't been the same. The life behind a lens' is never ending. When you are driving you are scoping for new locations to shoot, when you are shopping you are looking for props or ideas, when you are in conversation you long to discuss your passion, and when someone is celebrating a special moment you wish you hadn't left your camera at home. I know, it sounds so dramatic but it so very much is...