After 3 years of college and the somewhat sudden realization that I wasn't happy with the way life was heading for me I switched my major from business management to photography. Photography had always intrigued me, but until I developed my first role of film I had no idea what kind magic, wonder and mystery was awaiting me. For the first time in my life, with a camera in my hand, I knew I would be taking photographs the rest of my life. It was the switch to photography that really opened up my life and and I haven't been the same since.
After graduating with a B.F.A. in photography from Northern Michigan University, in December 2008, I moved to Minneapolis, MN. For the next two years I worked in many different niches of the commercial photography world. Editorial, advertising, food, fashion, event and product shoots were the bulk of what I worked on. In the summer of 2010 I volunteered for 5 weeks in Haiti to help with earthquake relief efforts. Although I had spent time volunteering in both Kenya and Malawi, it was whilst photographing in Haiti that I really began to understand where I wanted to put my efforts in photography. There are few things that make me happier than documenting the different and diverse cultures around the world. I have two loves in life, photography and traveling. I also have two loves in photography, photographing the beauty in nature and in people. Whether it is a person in the right light with the right smile on their face or a rainstorm coming in on a summer day in the Teton Mountains, I love capturing the natural beauty of this world.
Trying to capture a true moment of emotion in someone is what pushes me to keep photographing people. The same is true when it comes to landscapes. I strive for moments where the light is just right, and I'm the only person in the world that knows about it.
I feel so fortunate that I am able to combine the things I love most in life. Photography is a gateway for me to view and explore the world. My love for adventure and exploration pairs very well with photography. At times I feel that without one, the other might not exist. I can only hope that I'm able to continue doing what I love for the rest of my life.