I grew up in Colorado and was always surrounded by beautiful scenery. I received my first camera when I was 11 years old from my parents and I would take pictures of everything and I mean everything: myself, the cat, my friends, my dinners, etc. My family and friends always liked my photographs and encouraged me to improve my photo skills. Their reaction to the photos I would give them was the whole reason I continued with photography because their joy gave me joy. I knew I wanted to become a professional photographer and give that joy to more people. When I got into high school I liked narrative photography, but knew I really wanted to improve my portrait photography skills and attempt studio photography.

 

When it came time to selecting a college I knew I wanted a degree that involved photography. After a long search I came across New Mexico Highlands University’s Media Arts department. I knew it was important for a photographer to have a portfolio and even though my portfolio was small and simple my freshmen year of college my teachers encouraged me to improve my current work at that time and to create new work. I did many different forms of photography through all my assignments that I did in my photography classes. It gave me a chance to see what in photography I liked, could do, and wanted to do in my future career as a professional photographer.

 

Now just recently graduated from NMHU with my Bachelors Degree in Media Arts I am working with New Mexico Historic Sites, as an AmeriCorps Intern, documenting the historical sites around the state of New Mexico. This is helping me further my skills in the professional work place. Since last summer I have also been taking portraits for high school and college seniors and of families. All my customers have been satisfied with the portraits I take of them. One day I would like to own my own studio to take portraits and still explore my skills in narrative photography. In my photography I capture those moments people want to remember and their happiness comes my happiness.