I am a photographer based in Southern California who is patiently, yet excitingly waiting for the next outbound flight to explore a new or old city. I would live in Spain if I could. Madrid please… or I’d be down to explore the mysterious Basque Country. Although I’ve dabbled in more hobbies than I wish I could say I have succeeded in, the things that have always remained a necessity in my life are new things to learn, the people I adore, and the freedom to constantly be creative.

As a kid, I had books that sang the alphabet to me and place-mats with every state and country on it. I also had a camcorder and a Spice Girls album. Home videos consisted of reciting lyrics to the Top Gun soundtrack, counting to the highest number I could think of, and dancing on the bed with a hat made of blankets. That was the easy part. While growing up, I loved a good mix of science and artistry, and no, I don’t think those are independent of each other. Sure, I did well in school, but I had been blessed with opportunities to dance (A LOT), play a decent number of sports, play music, and create. I really wish there was more time in the day so I could seriously invest in everything that interests me, you know, like making potholders, ooh… or beanies. But here I am. Constantly learning that I can’t do it all. Not alone anyway.

I graduated from UC Irvine with my BS & BA in subjects that are complete opposites, but have special places in my heart. That experience was invaluable. Not only for the sake of an abyss of useful information, but a unique experience consisting of hard work, failure, triumph, competition, love, loss, growth, and a realization that there was only one way to fend for myself in a world full of hate and selfishness and violence and pain: That was to do your best to get as near God as you can. I feel closest to God by being in the presence of His creation. I think that’s why I love photography so much. Whether it be places or people, recording things visually gives me a deeper appreciation for the world. And although the world can be a pretty yucky place, I am learning that my ultimate goal is partner with Christ to further the Kingdom through love and grace.

My photography story wasn’t that impressive to me. Not at first anyway. It started with traveling. Those were my favorite photos. Literally, on one night during my 3rd year of college while studying for a subject that I can’t even recall, someone commented an arbitrary photo and said, “From these pics I think you should leave whatever you’re studying behind and pursue photography.” Then I chuckled and said, “Guess I’ll start a photography business now.” I realized later on how incredible that was. The way people in your life are used to mold your story. That cycle continues and my story, who knows, is used to tell another persons, and another. One word can change everything. Good thing this was one hobby that sticked. Although, I still am hoping for the dancer/baller/circus thing.

It blows my mind to even say that I have clients. It fills me with so much joy that I get to play a part in making people feel confident in who they are, inspiring others to want to go out and explore the world, and to be a part of their best day ever. I have a desire to continue learning new and crazy things. My hope is to be childlike in the sense of honesty and pure fun, yet be wise in my understanding of the world through exploration, growth, community, and open-heartedness. Photography allows me to get weird, meet cool people, tell untold stories, and inspire others to come along for an unforgettable ride.