How did you get started?

How did you get started?

My first wedding was in 1999. I was a freshman in college and attending a friend's wedding. His mom asked me to take candids - they had hired a pro photographer. The couple (and their families) used my pictures instead of the pro's! I was honored and thought, "I loved that! I could do that more often..."

Then, once I had shot one, I simply told people and got more and more.

In 2001, I started assisting Kelly Brown. This was one of the best decisions that I have ever made! Working with Kelly was hard and a lot of work, but I learned so much information really quickly and got a lot of experience.

I signed a 3 year contract with Kelly and I think that was vital to the whole process. It would have been easy to go on my own after one or two years, but we had made and deal and both honored that. Actually, I worked with her for 4 years!

Kelly had very high expectations for me and I believe that it has made me a better photographer and mentor for others.

While working for Kelly, I taught Art and did weddings on my own. Finally, three years ago, I quit teaching and have been doing full-time photography. I went from 2-5 weddings in 1999-2001, to assisting 18 weddings in 2002, to lead shooting 23 weddings in 2003, 27 in 2004, 32 in 2006, 25 in 2007...in 2008, I got pregnant and was due in November, so I raised my prices a bit and cut back on the number of weddings.

This year, I've booked 18 and my goal is to be between 15-25...so I'm there. It's so good.

Just remember that it takes time. You'll have to do quite a bit for free or cheap...and really try to accept constructive criticism. When you receive criticism, grow from it. Figure out how to make the changes necessary and if you don't agree with what is said, chalk it up to experience.

We never really get to a point where we have no where to grow...remember to always find inspiration and continue to learn.