My shooting style is a little like planned spontaneity. I go out with what I want to do but am always in the moment of what is happening. Having been a preschool teacher for thirty yrs. I picked up a wrinkle or two on how to "punt on first down" and go with the moment. This is sometimes where I find the best images happen; in between the plans.

I began taking pictures around 9 yrs. old with my first camera, a Kodak instamatic with that groovy flip flash. Capturing moments in time found it's way into my heart and I was hooked. In Fifth Grade I discovered a book about Margaret Bourke-White. Although her works are impressive, it was reading about her shooting style and determination that gave me the desire to do the same- to capture images that spoke to the environment I was in and who I was with.

In High School I found people willing to teach me the craft of film and darkroom. In College I pursued an interdisciplinary degree with a Bachelor in Photography from Eastern Michigan where I not only learned techniques but also how to shoot and print "by feel" and instincts.

Having started out with Traditional methods it is easy to see this is why I remain in them. Some of that is true, yet it is because I also use Digital, I find my first love that much more appealing, it keeps me centered in the roots of photography. I believe Digital has a well deserved place in the world, yet I also believe Traditional has that same well deserved place. The luminosity of a silver based medium cannot be compared. Traditional and Digital stands each on their own merit and can often times assist one another.

Although I occasionally shoot color, I always have my cameras loaded with black and white film. I believe BW film lends itself to the simple quality of an image, adding a sense of peace and calm. It strips the world down to hues and shades, enhancing the drama of light and gives the viewer the opportunity to pause and enjoy what they are seeing, which is my goal for every work - to give a sense of slowing down the world.

My darkroom methods have been described by my husband as being like a mad scientist. I'm always working to get my images onto beautiful print papers that are slightly warm toned. Next to shooting, creating under the amber lights (they are no longer red) is where my passion finds a home. God has blessed me with a creative medium that speaks to my heart and that I’m glad to share with you.