The idea of photojournalism as a career opportunity was introduced to me by a very special professor from college.  She was a visiting professor from Syracuse University who was asked to teach an Intro to Mass Communications class at Penn State-Behrend, Erie. Photography had always been a big part of my life, but I had always thought of it more as a hobby until this particular professor’s class. She planted the seed in my head that photojournalism could be a possibility for me.  After 19 years, and two years of college I knew what I wanted and I had a goal. 

 After my second year I had transferred to Penn State’s main campus and saw an ad in the Collegian for people interested in becoming part of the staff.  I applied, interviewed and within the next week was on a temporary staff.  25 people were selected out of over 100 applications to be on the staff.  We had to attend regular classes that would help us with the necessary skills to become a photojournalist, then based upon our success in the class and achievements, 10 people were selected to be part of the staff.  I had been lucky enough and worked well with the present staff to be selected. Throughout the next 6 semesters I worked with 15 other people shooting various activities associated with Penn State.

 My most memorable included shooting the last PSU vs. PITT at Three Rivers Stadium during my senior year.  Some other special memories include various events such as protests, hockey, deaths, gymnastics, police raids, swimming, riots.  Thanks to father and brother, I had always held a special place in my heart for wrestling but it grew in leaps and bounds when I was able to create close relationships with the coaching staff, the wrestlers, as well as the wrestling club and parents because of my photographic coverage.  I traveled with the team to Big Tens and Nationals for two years and proudly saw our 125lb Jeremy Hunter win a national title.  I still correspond with the wrestling coaches and the wrestling club.  That is one of the best parts about this job. If done correctly you have the opportunity to create lasting and meaningful relationships with so many people in and around your community.

 After college I worked around the area for a couple months then found a part-time position at Gateway publications photographing for the Cranberry North and McKnight Journal.  It has been three years working for that paper now and I still wake up and love my job.

 Most recently I have found a great passion for wedding photography.  I find the creative outlet that it provides one of the most rewarding aspects of photography.  I work very hard at every wedding to truly capture the extremely human reactions that happen so naturally at weddings.  It is a challenge that I love to be able to accept.  Not to mention the gratification of pleasing your customer when you show them their day.  I once had a bride cry when I showed her images from her wedding.  That was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received.

I have had the pleasure of working with AP photographers, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Post Gazette, Tribune Review, Valley News, The Butler Eagle, and many other local photographers.  I am proud to be part of a profession where we can share with others and invoke emotions while capturing a moment in time. 

My inspiration comes directly from the love and support, which surrounds me thanks to my husband, parents, family and my friends, you know who you are; all of which I hold extremely close to my heart.

I hope you enjoy the images as much as I love taking them.