This is my journey to being a photographer. Did you know there are people out there that can’t read music? I didn’t. Growing up since I was in third grade I’ve been able to read music. So it blows my mind when I see someone not able to understand sheet music. It’s the same with photography. I started very young taking photos of everything I liked with a disposable camera. Finally I was in 7th grade and my dad bought me my first camera. A Pentax 35mm. He bought it from a fellow fire fighter and it was a dream since it came with so many filters and exchangeable lenses I had no idea how to use yet.

While learning how to focus using this camera I remember the first real advice I got about photography. It wasn’t from some famous photographer either. It was from my dad. He said, “To make a great photo, take a beautiful scene by itself, and then throw someone in it.” Granted the rule of thirds and lighting come into play later but his advice has always stuck with me. At this point I knew I wanted to add photography into my professional career growing up. That and being on broadway. I did ballroom dancing, acting, and singing was second nature. I even auditioned for UMKC’s musical theatre program after community college. I did get in but sort of realized I am no Lea Michelle.

So I must have taken all the photo courses I could right? No. In high school they only did digital photography and I wanted to learn film. So I stuck with drama and choir for electives. Then once getting to college I got into digital photography and my school was mainly only offering film education. Go figure. I took some entrepreneur classes along with business and most importantly, choir. Along with some one on one instruction which was awesome. Like I said earlier, I auditioned for the Musical Theatre major at UMKC. After I learned I was accepted I realized I wouldn’t go as far as I really wanted to. By this point I had already photographed some friends for senior photos and 4 weddings. So naturally I was a pro already. HA!

Since my college didn’t offer the classes I wanted, I drove 35 min to school to learn studio lighting. While walking to class one day I saw a flier for the schools graphic design program. The flier mentioned everything I already did on my spare time so it was perfect.I worked part time jobs and got my degree in Graphic Design. During these 2 years I bought my first Canon along with a speedlite and 2 lenses. One of my part time jobs was working with Bella Baby Photography. I had to talk with at least 10 moms a day about their newborns and photos. Since then, I’ve been out of my box and so much happier for it. During this time I also did my share of weddings at $300 for all day coverage with all of the digitals. I participated in the KC Bridal show where Simply Grace really took off.

After college I landed an amazing opportunity with Milbank as a Marketing Specialist. I didn’t get to edit many trailers but they were amazing enough to fuel my photography passion with having me do their companies headshots and inventory. On the weekends I photographed couples around the city and thought I’d never leave Kansas City. However, the love of my life was in the military and we were called to hot and humid Georgia.

Once in Georgia and settled, we welcomed Maddie J to the family and being with her made me realize how precious, time is. Georgia is not my style as far as weather but their history and beauty can not be beat. Voted the 2nd friendliest city and it is true. I was able to work with local wedding vendors and I was blown away with how friendly and how forward everyone was with helping me grow my business. Once I thought I had at least 2 more years there, my husband had to deploy and we decided it was best for Maddie to come back home to good ole Kansas City!

That’s my story. That’s my my journey to being a photographer. In the 10 years of being paid to take pictures I’ve had amazing opportunities, made big mistakes, worked for nothing, relocated 3 times, had a baby, attended countless photography conferences and seminars, and have photographed over 250 weddings, 43 families, over 600 newborns, and over 200 corporate headshots.

If you haven’t had enough about me. Go to my About Me page.