How long have you been in business?  I’m in my 6th year.

What percentage of your business is a senior?  Roughly 60%

What do you think makes a perfect senior session? A great stylist working behind the scenes to help your client look and feel their best.  Because when they do, they really shine through which translates beautifully for the camera.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a fabulous location and amazing light, too.

What do you love most about photographing seniors?  The variety.  Each senior is so different from the next.  I love getting to know “who” they are, chatting giggling through the shoot.  I feed off their energy and together we make a great team.  I love that feeling of collaboration.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business?  Pushing my creative edge, and not getting “trapped” in my own style.  Sometimes, I walk away from a  shoot feeling that I shot very “safe” and that the results were good.  But when I push myself creatively – whether it be location, styling or shooting I usually walk away with some of my very best work. 

Describe your photography style?  Clean.  I’m a prime shooter, and I shoot pretty wide open most of the time.  Good light, focus and depth of field are key for me.  I try to keep props to a minimum, and just focus on my subject.  I really strive to capture “who” they are, not just “what” they look like.

What motivates or inspires you in your photography?  Life around me.  It might be a color, a texture or hearing one of my kids giggle that does it for me.  But it varies from day to day.

Twenty Questions Game…Just for fun!

Where are you from/live?  Proud to be from The Motor City!  I live in Taylor, Michigan about 20 minutes outside of Detroit.

Married? Yes, for 14 years to my college sweetheart.

Kids? Yep. 

What are their ages?  Nash is 10 months and Jillian is 6.  They are the loves of my life!

Nikon or Cannon? Canon

What kind of camera bag do you carry?  A Manfroto backpack and my beloved Shootsac.

Favorite music to edit to?  Depends on my mood.   Mumford & Sons these days.

Favorite Photoshop Action?  My own.

A photographer that inspires you?  Jose Villa

Favorite Food?  Sushi

Favorite place to shop?  Anthropologie.  I’m like a kid in a candy store in that place!

Favorite drink at Starbucks?  A tall, skinny Vanilla Latte.  180 degrees please!

Favorite Guilty Pleasure?  Getting in the longest line at the grocery store just so I can catch up on the tabloids.

Favorite memory from when you were a senior?  Driving my 1980 Ford Fiesta to school and almost ditching it in the snow on a daily basis.

Favorite Quote or Saying?  More Love, Less Hustle.

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended?  A few years ago, I attended Amy Wenzel’s workshop here in Michigan.  Met some great friends that I’ve kept in touch with and have loved her work from the very beginning.

Favorite Magazine?  In Style

Favorite Vacation Spot? Charleston, SC.

Favorite Movie?  Garden State.