After taking an extended break from photographing professionally to settle into a new career and city, I’ve felt the familiar urge to pick up my camera again!

I grew up in a suburb of Denver, Colorado but left for college at 18. While away, I welcomed my daughter, Ruby, and married my husband, Dustin. I earned a Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Nebraska and began my career as a curator and arts administrator. Photography entered the picture 😉 in grad school, offering a creative outlet to balance long stints in the library and hours spent typing research papers.

Although I’m self-taught, I was determined to learn photography the right way. I remember bouncing a large rubber ball repeatedly while snapping away to teach myself shutter speed. I enrolled in classes with UNL’s photography department, soaking up knowledge from much more accomplished artists, and sticking out like a sore thumb (contrary to what you might think, art historians and studio majors tend to stay in their own lanes).

Practice began at home, photographing my two-year-old daughter. As my skills advanced, I played around in different areas but I found a lot of inspiration in fashion photography. What I enjoy most about fashion is the notion that everything can be dialed up – attitudes, colors, lighting, drama. I began working with a modeling agency, styling shoots that embraced bold, unconventional ideas. This sense of creative freedom continues to inform the lifestyle photography that I do today. My philosophy? If you’re investing in a shoot, why not show up as the best, most vibrant version of yourself? Crank it to 11!

Ruby embodies that mindset and throughout it all, she remains the heartbeat of my photography practice and creative inspiration. Her photos are a constant feature on my page and always will be. Since moving back to Denver in May of 2023, Rube and I have continued our impromptu photo shoots as a way to explore the city, which has changed a lot since I left. I’m enjoying my work with Coors Western Art, and we’ve settled into our new home. Now, I’m ready to dust off the lens and get back to doing what I love!