Do you want to read a resume of a 25-year career in design and photography? Probably not. So, instead, how about a few tidbits to help you get to know me?
I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years. It is amusing the things a teenage girl will do to impress a cute boy. "Your a vegetarian? Gee... I can be, too!"
I do not fit the mold of the industries in which I work. Ever see me at a fashion show? I look like I should be at a church potluck somewhere serving a Jell-O mold.
I adore the cold. Maybe it is all the years I have spent in Minnesota, but I love winter, snow, air conditioning, and the crisp air that comes with it all.
I pray, a lot. My Christian faith is the cornerstone to my identity. If you ever see me singing joyfully at the top of my lungs while driving my car, I am surely singing "I Can Only Imagine" (and rarely hitting the right notes).
I hoard cardigan sweaters. Whether it is an homage to Mr. Rogers or my grandpa, I love cardigans of all shapes, styles, and colors. I collect duplicates of my favorites (and, yes, I have an equal obsession to black ballet flats.)
I have 3 adult children who have inspired me more than anything to take risks in my life and to embrace failures. Sometimes, the life we didn't plan becomes the best gift of all. (I am also a three time grandma!)
I am actually quite shy, despite my outspoken nature. I am oddly nervous of new situations and would much rather be a fly on the wall and simply observe. So, it is no surprise I became a photographer.
I have an IQ of 143. This doesn’t mean I am smart. It simply helps to explain the way I process things, always looking for patterns and correlations.
I am obsessed with the Tiny House movement. I would love to one day to live in a small cabin in Montana, grow vegetables, and write a book for no one but myself.
I have a heart for adoption. I have never adopted or served as a foster parent, but something in my heart tells me I have another child in this world, I just need to find them. (So far, I have photographed 43 adopted children for airport homecomings, court appearances, and finalization celebrations.)
I love new challenges and diversity in my work. It is like a woven tapestry of of my experiences, styles and opportunities. Some of the most unforgettable moments I have photographed include:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined. ”
Military Family Memorial Tribute at the State Capitol - standing in a torrential downpour to capture Governor Dayton, Tim Pawlenty, Amy Klobuchar, and other noteworthy attendees.
USAW National Youth Championship (an Olympic qualifying event) with World champion weightlifter CJ Cummings as he set a new world record with Nike asking for my photos to be wired to them minutes after he did so.
Minnesota Vikings from within the field team huddle, photographing a Korean War Hero for Wish of a Lifetime. (Sorry Adrian Peterson for the elbow to the gut, you were in my way!)
In10city National Dance Championship - Left my arm in a sling for over a week from the strain of shooting 636 dance routines over 3 days (14-hours days, non-stop).
Memorial Roses for Backing the Blue Line - My first task was capturing rose preparation for the funeral of a police officer killed in the line of duty. There are no words.
Twin Cities Color Run - A simple 5k marathon, but man, did the participants seem to have fun and I am still finding color powder on my gear!
Women’s' March Minnesota - As an official photographer for the organizers, there are no words to adequately portray the emotion I felt this day standing amid 100,000 protesters of all ages.
Urban Assault Ride - Google it, bowling and skateboards will never be viewed by me the same way again!
Fight Club - The conceptual photoshoot (seen here) was fun, but the best part was knowing these boys left my shoot as they were and went straight to Arby's for dinner! Can you imagine being in that restaurant when they walked in?
California Closets - I was hired to photograph for a national advertising campaign. It was a new experience working with the ad agency in Los Angeles and all the amazing resources that were provided to me. I wish all commercial clients were this organized and communicative.
