I earned a degree in photography ten years ago, but it wasn't until some time later that I thought more seriously about it as a career path. While I continued to photograph for enjoyment and as I traveled, I had also gone back to school. I received a degree in psychology and non-profit organization management, and was in the midst of applying to grad school. A career in photography was not in the plans, but then we adopted Tatanka. Tatanka changed everything. He was the fiercest, craziest, ugliest, and cutest small brown Pug/Chihuahua mix either my husband or I had ever known, and I fell madly in love with him. He delighted and inspired me, and before long I was taking pictures of him on a daily basis. Around this time, I photographed a couple of weddings for friends which I found to be fulfilling as well as great fun. I realized I was so incredibly happy using my camera in these new found ways that I was spending more time doing that and less time preparing for school. One day, as I was driving from Golden Gate Park, I became so excited at the sudden idea of dropping my grad school plans and becoming a wedding and dog photographer that I almost got in an accident. I called my husband Shawn right then, who, in his usual supportive way, said, "Go for it!"
Now here I am, four years after that fateful day, photographing dogs and weddings, and I love it with all my heart. I feel that this is what I was meant to do, for nothing is quite so thrilling as knowing that I preserved a moment of great meaning to somebody.
As I enter people's homes and they let me into their lives for an afternoon, sharing the stories and history of their furry companion, I am continually reminded that I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. It is such a treat to be able to catch these glimpses of devotion and friendship, each one unique, each one the cause of so much happiness in someone's life.
I am grateful I took crucial time and explored different paths to realize where I belong. My studies of non-profit organizations instilled in me a strong sense of volunteerism and giving back to one's community. Because of this I try to run a socially and environmentally responsible business by donating, along with my clients' input, a percentage of my proceeds to various charities. Click here to meet the ones we focus on.
Shawn and I currently live in San Francisco with the aforementioned crazy Tatanka and a very silly but charming Husky/Cattle Dog Morgan. We have become partners in our photography business and together we live a very blessed life
Tatanka & Morgan, as the children of the photographer,
have a gallery all to themselves.
This is my personal blog, but I frequently post my favorite pictures from the latest shoots.
Tatanka also has his own blog. We can't be blamed for the things he says. :)
