As a photographer I'll probably always consider myself "new". There is always something new to learn. I've had a camera in hand since I was young, with a passion for photography that would come and go over the years. In high school when I wasn't shooting for the school newspaper I was shooting for the yearbook as editor-in-chief. I loved spending time in my father's quiet dark room doing all my own processing.
I started modeling on a whim in 2003 after having a photographer friend take pictures for me. Over the next two years I modeled for 72 unique photographers primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and went on over 100 photo shoots. I was published in coffee table books, magazines, was the inspiration for paintings, and was featured in numerous gallery shows as a model. It was a hectic and fun filled period of time, but I slowly realized I wanted more control over the images and the thrill I got from modeling wasn't so much the "being admired" aspect, but it was being a part of something creative. So I started focusing on spending my time behind the camera. Unlike many of the middle-aged male photographers most female models will work with, you will find I try to be sympathetic to the model while shooting because I've been in your shoes. I understand that modeling is not 'just sitting there' and I think every good relationship is easier begun with mutual respect for each other.
I joined the instant-gratification-generation in spring of 2004 when I acquired my first digital SLR, and became 'serious' about shooting with the acquisition of my shared studio space in early 2005. I normally shoot in the studio preferring the level of control it allows me to exercise over my lighting and images. One of my goals as a photographer is to NOT post-edit my images. I have a penchant for doing things the hard, or old-fashioned, way. I try to limit my post-editing to color to black and white conversion, cropping, and correcting levels/brightness/contrast. I occasionally do self-portrait work, which while often seems to be deemed as a lower class of photography, I find it a more natural and comfortable avenue for exploring ideas. I really enjoy capturing people the way I see them. The view of ourselves from the outside looking in is often so much more beautiful than we allow ourselves to believe.
I find inspiration in the work of Cat De Rham, Pascal Renoux, and many others.
I'm located in the South Bay area somewhere in the middle between San Jose and San Francisco. I'm a 30 year old female. I work full-time in the tech industry and have two lovely cats named Bugaboo and Gui.
