Why I keep running...The story behind what I do.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 24-27.

Recently I decided to try something different.  I wanted to make myself a better person, to feel better everyday, to be happy everyday, and to make sure I was following what my path is supposed to be in this life.  I tend to lose faith very quickly when I work so hard at something, and obstacles present themselves.  I get upset, sad, and more often than I want to admit, I sit down and cry.  

So I began this journey with changing how I started my day.  I have always had faith, but I never practiced it.  I have always had a church, but I don't frequently go.  I have a bible, but it collects dust.  Well, the dust has been brushed off.  Now I'm not trying to preach to anyone that you must go this way or that, attend this church or not, I'm just telling you how I changed my pattern.  My Bible has a section in the back that directs you to different readings.  Each morning, I wake up(usually with my puppy next to me) and sit and think about how I am feeling.  What upsets me, what hurts me.  I look up that in the back of the bible, and it takes me to a few different places.  This is what I read for that day and today's hit me harder than some.  I'll tell you why.

I believe with all of my being, that this is why I was put on this earth.  I was put here to give back.  To give back to my community, to my family, to my friends, and to every person I encounter.  I do this with my photography.  I want to give every person who walks through my door, a piece of who they are, and freeze it for them forever.  I want to give them the confidence to know that they are amazing and do not need to change a thing about themselves.  I want them to know they are worth it.  I want to give them a product that will last for the next 50 years, and give them the guarantee that it will.  

I am a Professional Photographer and I have been for 8 years now.  I have received my Bachelors of Art degree from Albion College, and went to the best photography school in the USA, Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.  I am a member of Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Michigan, and I am current President of our local PPA chapter, MTPPA.  I became a Certified Professional Photographer 3 years ago and am now working towards my Master Photography Degree through PPA. I was choosen out of hunderds last year as one of the Hot 100 Senior Portrait Photographers from Senior Style Guide. Also,  I attend workshops every year to better my skills and abilities, and I am constantly reading new articles and books to improve further. I don't pretend to be Annie Lebovitz, Ansel Adams, or Anne Geddes(huh, maybe I should have an A name!) because I can't give you the same photos they can. I don't tell you that you are going to get that type of quality, because it would be a lie. But what I can give you is my best. I am always learning new lighting techniques, and new posing, so that I can deliver a beautiful portrait to someone, not just a snapshot.  I do this not to win a crown, trophy, or huge cash prize.  My prize is the enormous smile on my High School Seniors face when they see how amazing they are, and truly starts to feel it.  My prize is the tears in a mothers eyes when she sees her son's portrait, and will forever remember her baby as they are today, before they grow up and become who they are meant to be. My prize is giving you something to remember and to be proud of for years.  Being "good enough" is not in my vocabulary.  I am ALWAYS striving to be better...always.

This is my race, and I train hard.  

PPA(Professional Photographers of America) has been a part of my business and training since I started my business in 2008.  I have learned so much from this organization and the seminars I have attended.  Not only do they help photographers, they also help people like YOU who may be looking for a photographer.  They have a whole website dedicated to helping you search for your senior photographer, so you can get images that you will LOVE for a lifetime.  Be sure to check out the website, and the photos below to help aid you in your decision for your senior photographer.  Because no matter who you choose as your photographer, you deserve to have a gorgeous portrait.