I’ve always been more comfortable observing the world than being the center of it. While my daughter and I traveled through Portugal and Spain last month, I found myself reflecting on the small chances that shaped my life. Here are 10 fun facts and random thoughts on serendipity and the path that led me to become a Pittsburgh photographer.
1. The Magic of the Darkroom
My college years were defined by two different jobs: helping others in the darkroom and selling cameras. In the darkroom, I discovered a patient kind of beauty. There is a specific stillness required when you are waiting for an image to emerge from the chemicals. It taught me early on that the best moments cannot be rushed. On the sales floor, I loved getting my hands on different makes of cameras. That technical foundation stayed with me; even today, I can pick up almost any camera, flip it to manual, and shoot away with confidence.
2. A Castle in Ireland
Living in a castle with a community of fellow artists while studying photography in Ireland was a pivotal chapter. The moody, soft light on the Irish landscape combined with a creative immersion changed everything for me. It wasn’t just a trip; it was the moment I realized I wanted to become a professional photographer.
3. The Philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright
I have long been drawn to Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic design. I resonate with his belief that architecture (and people) are at their most beautiful when they truly belong to their environment. In my Pittsburgh lifestyle photography, I carry this forward by looking for how a family or a couple fits naturally into their surroundings, rather than forcing a pose.
4. The Vision of Vincent Van Gogh
I am drawn to Van Gogh for his emotion. He used color as a language that reflected his soul. Walking through the vibrant yellow and deep red walls of Pena Palace felt like a serendipitous step into one of his canvases—a reminder that color is often the quickest way to spark a feeling.
5. The Monaco Chapter
Meeting my husband at a church service in Monaco was my greatest lesson in staying open to the unexpected. It’s a story that sounds like a movie plot, but to me, it’s proof that life has a way of placing us exactly where we need to be, even if we didn’t plan the route.
6. The Art of Listening
Before photography became my full-time world, I was an ESL teacher. That career taught me that you don’t need a shared language to understand a person’s heart; you just need to listen. That “listening ear” is now my greatest tool during a photo session, allowing me to find the “unscripted beauty” in every story.
7. Comfortable Style
You will almost always find me in Birkenstocks and a jean jacket, even when I’m exploring the winding, ancient terraces of Portuguese palaces.
8. A Quiet Start
I’ve found that my morning latte tastes best in a hand-painted Polish pottery mug. It’s a simple, tactile reminder to be intentional and present before the busy-ness of a creative day begins.
9. Unscripted Beauty of Highland Cows
I love Highland cows. To me, their messy hair and calm spirits are the animal kingdom’s version of “unscripted beauty”—the raw, honest, and inherently kind energy I look for in my work.
10. Pittsburgh Roots
While I may be full of wanderlust, my heart is firmly planted in Pittsburgh. Whether I’m shooting in my Mt. Lebanon studio or on a cobblestone street halfway across the world, I am always grateful to return to the city that fostered my dream.
Let's tell your story!
If you’re looking for a photographer who values raw, honest, and unscripted beauty in life, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s for a branding session or a family milestone, let’s capture your story authentically.
