Let's get into more about me!
Included in this post are: Who am I - My Faith - How I got into photography - Why I photograph everyone of all denominations, people of other faiths, and those with no religious affiliation
Who am I?
I’m a Saint Louis kid, but a Colorado Springs transplant at 16. I love Dr. Pepper, running, my cats, and my husband. We got married in the Catholic Church and absolutely loved Pre-Cana. It is something we would recommend to anyone for spiritual and practical benefits.
I’m an alumnus of the University of Idaho and will be graduating next year with my master’s degree from the University of Colorado. By day, I work in management for my local diocese.
In my free time, I spend a lot of time volunteering for communities I care about. I’ve been actively volunteering since I was a tween, and it’s something that brings me great joy as I serve and support the communities I love.
My Faith
I was raised Catholic and am very blessed to be a Deacon’s granddaughter. He taught me, through his everyday actions, the importance of living a faithful life. Just hearing about his daily Mass experiences made me quickly realize that time in front of the tabernacle is important for your well-being. While my grandfather has passed, his memory lives with me every time I step in faith.
Unfortunately, like many Catholic kids, I became a cradle Catholic for over a decade. However, by the grace and power of the Most Holy Trinity, I kept encountering my faith through relationships. I realized that I was missing home and returned to the Catholic Church.
Through my daily prayers and daily living, I keep all my grandparents in my thoughts. They were all faithful Catholics who saw the importance of the Church’s teachings. It is something I greatly admire and want for my own life and family.
How did I get into Photography, and why am I still here?
In middle school, I joined a photography club and took photos here and there through high school, but I never fully committed to developing my craft. In my late teens, I finally invested in a camera to take beautiful photos of the Colorado landscape while hiking.
I only got interested in taking photos of couples and families after working in inpatient care at the hospital when I was a certified nursing assistant. There, I learned the beauty of life when many were ending. I’ll never forget my patient's final words of advice, in which many told me, “Careers are great, but family is greater.” They taught me that this life is precious, and my passion for serving and love for photography gave me an opportunity. To capture the beauty of the world, as humans bring great joy to one another.
Your memory is meant to be cherished
Why do I photograph Christians of all denominations, people of other faiths, and those with no religious affiliation?
I am Catholic, and my faith carries me in how I conduct my business. In the teaching from the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI said in the Nostra Aetate, the Church is called to promote unity and love among all people, recognizing that there are rays of truth in many places.
Catholics are called to evangelize or share our faith by the grace of the Holy Spirit through our Sacrament of Confirmation. We aren't called to convert people, but just to share. Through my photography, I share my faith by proclaiming it with openness and service to all.
My goal here is to capture memories because we all have a story worth remembering. Whether you have faith or not, your journey is worth preserving.
I hope that my work can create dialogue and meaningful human connections that foster unity between everyone because every person matters.
