My interest in photography developed from two very different trips to Paris. It started when I was in second grade and my dad had a business trip to Europe. He decided it would be a good experience to bring the whole family even though none of us spoke any other language besides English. On one of the many times that we found ourselves lost in Paris we stumbled upon a fashion photo shoot. It was taking place in one of the historical squares. This is when I first fell in love with photography and more specifically the idea to using it to tell stories. There were big lights, reflectors, props, a full crew of photographers, assistants, make up artists and models. Many young girls may have been attracted to the models in a situation like this, but I was intrigued by the entire process -specifically the cameras. Fifteen years later I returned to Paris with a brand new SLR in hand and created my first photographic “art”.

After years of photographing everything from babies to bridges, weddings and seniors, I have come to realize that the photography I am most attracted to are the projects that tell stories inspired by family life. When I finally began digging into my own childhood memories and creating photographs that meant something to me personally I found that others could relate and find comfort in those memories as well.

Today, I live in Ventura County, California, with my husband and three energetic children that provide much entertainment and beautiful models. Proving that childhood dreams do come true I took a position as a teacher several years ago and now passionately teach film, photography and yearbook to middle school students at a private school. Nothing compares to seeing a middle school student understand that they have the power to create powerful stories with the use of a camera.

While I enjoy all mediums of art my favorite is photography and specifically using photography to tell stories inspired by my life and the lives of those I have met.