Artist Statement

I focus on intimate portraiture and fashion, capturing the images of ‘normal’ people, that may not realize their natural beauty. Photographing people that aren’t the stereotypical model helps to show a different side of fashion, something that is authentic and real. I want to create images with simplicity, the elegance of fine art and a sensual feel – warm and personal.

My love for photography has always been centered on its ability to mold how we see the world around us. Two people can look at the same thing, but each see it differently. Through composition, lighting and editing, I alter the context – change how people can see and feel about the world and themselves through the eyes of another person.

I approach my work with empathy and compassion for the person I am photographing, celebrating who they are in an artistic way. My first intimate portrait was of a young lady who struggled with her appearance and weight loss, and wanted photos to document her journey. We created bodyscapes, abstract images highlighting her curves, taking advantage of light and shadow to show discrete areas of the human form. Revealing the photos we created, she was able to see herself in a whole new way – in a way that increased her self-esteem and self-confidence. She saw that she was beautiful just as she was. This experience showed me the power of portraiture, how it can influence others, and the experience motivated me to return to a formal study of photography.

My work led to fashion photography, runway shows, photographing for agencies, collaborating with designers, and a local fashion magazine. Everyone I worked with embraced body positivity, acceptance, and empowerment – for curve, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ models.

Fashion photography focuses on the display of fashion clothing and items. It includes location, mood, styling, all of which also apply to portraiture. I strive to combine elements fashion and intimate portraiture to create fine art. At the same time, this allows me to continue experimenting with a variety of techniques that include color, lighting, digital manipulation and compositing.

I think of my work as a celebration of life, something that can be personally compelling, transformative and empowering. My worst fear is creating a portrait that could damage someone’s self-esteem in some way. I enjoy sharing the creative experience with the many people I work with, and I am motivated to capture and portray the beauty they all bring to the world.  

Unfortunately, we live in a society where unrealistic images of people encourage us to strive for perfection, and those images become the standard by which we measure the human body – ourselves and others. I have seen firsthand how this can lead to low self-worth, and depression. I strive to promote body positivity because there are so many more important things than the perfect figure, weight or complexion. I want to show others in the world that we are more than just our bodies. I want to show them they are beautiful just as they are.