How long have you been in business?  Full time since 2007; I was a weekend warrior before that.  

What percentage of your business is a senior?  It is ever expanding! Currently about 30%, but looking more like 50-75% in 2013!

What do you think makes a perfect senior session?  A session is perfect when we both are relaxed and comfortable, and can get to know each other. I think this really helps my seniors shine in their portraits, and they love how much the images reflect their personalities. I love how sessions feel more like hanging out, and getting to know a new friend. We talk about the things that they love, and how much they are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives.

What do you love most about photographing seniors?  Every senior is different, and so is every session. I love creating personal, beautiful art together, and adore how much my seniors get involved in the process! Before a session, we always meet at least once to talk about the locations they love, wardrobe, even mood and styling. The resulting portraits are so unique and individual!

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business?  Balancing home and the business. My husband is military, which creates its own set of challenges (like deployments!) Sometimes juggling my family with running a small business can be a bit crazy, but I love every minute of it. I think it is important for my daughter to see me chasing my dreams, no matter how large!

Describe your photography style?  I love bright colors, textures, movement, and a clean, crisp edit. I do love some sun flare, too!

What motivates or inspires you in your photography?  My dad inspires me. He was the one who taught me how to use a camera when I was just about my daughter’s age.  Since his passing in 2004, photography has been a way of connecting with those wonderful memories of my childhood, and seeing the things he was passionate about. It is my daily reminder that we don’t stop living when we lose someone who is so important to us, and we can still see beauty everywhere, everyday.

Twenty Questions Game…Just for fun!

Where are you from/live? Currently we live in San Diego, but we’ve lived all over this great nation!

Married? Yes, for nearly 6 years.

Kids? One, my daughter, nicknamed “Moose”

What are their ages? 4

Nikon or Canon? Canon all the way

What kind of camera bag do you carry? Depends on my mood! I have several Kelly Moore bags I like to switch out.

Favorite music to edit to? Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Sleeping at Last, Kings of Leon, and lots more!

Favorite Photoshop Action? I have several collections from Paint the Moon and Pure, but only use them very occasionally.

A photographer that inspires you? My dad.

Favorite Food? Any authentic Mexican!

Favorite place to shop? The MAC (cosmetics) Store

Favorite drink at Starbucks? Upside-down Skinny Caramel Macchiato

Favorite Guilty Pleasure? Reading (because I will grab a book and disappear for hours at the pool)

Favorite memory from when you were a senior? The way I felt when I got my acceptance to the one university I’d dreamed of attending.

Favorite Quote or Saying? Life is never easy for those who dream. – Robert James Waller

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended? WPPI

Favorite Magazine? Click!

Favorite Vacation Spot? Colorado or the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Favorite Movie? The entire Harry Potter series