I can’t remember when my love for photography first began.
I know I started with a Polaroid camera at age 8, evolved through a Kodak Instamatic, and finally my first Nikon professional camera. I learned through trial, error, and sheer persistence.
My journey included photographing anyone and everyone I could, from high school events to countless bands, both local and national acts,on my quest to follow in the footsteps of my idol, Annie Leibovitz.
I learned through photography school, professional associations and the many friends I made through them, including the man that would become my mentor, “Papa” Bruce Evensen.
And here we are.
Along the way, I have traveled the world, fell in and out of love, and had a beautiful daughter who is the “Rory” to my “Lorelei” (for all you Gilmore Girls fans); the center of our world is a scrappy little Jack Tzu rescue pup named Bella.
I love the music of Billy Joel, I find my Zen on a dancefloor, and I will never turn down a nice bottle of wine. Oh, and pizza.
I love what I do because of the positive impact it has on people.
There’s nothing like seeing a parent tear up because I’ve captured their high school seniors’ spirit, or watching that senior realize they aren’t the awkward, unattractive person they thought they were.
Whether it’s a maternity session or business headshot, the highest compliment I can receive is when someone who‘ hates having their picture taken’ is thrilled with the result.
They say, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” As long as I can continue making people feel good about themselves, I guess I’ll always be one of the lucky ones.
When I was in my 20’s, I had the opportunity to travel with my mom. Out of that grew my love for experiencing new places, a respect for other cultures, and an education like no other.
I got ‘bit ’by the travel bug! When my daughter graduated high school, we went to California, and when she graduated college in 2023, I took her on her first trip overseas.
Some of my favorite memories are from my travels with Mama and I’m looking forward to continuing that legacy and creating new ones with my girl.
Although I have to say, as much as I love travelling, I still hate to pack. And I wish I could fit Bella in my suitcase.
When my friend and mentor “Papa” Bruce Evensen, Master Photographer & Craftsman asked me if I wanted to get my Masters, I told him I couldn’t imagine.
Over the years, he’s been my harshest critic, my greatest supporter and my ‘surrogate’ father.
And like my own father, he has guided me, corrected me, and when the time was right, let me fly on my own to heights I never dreamed I could reach.
For you Bruce: for helping me reach the stars; for my Mom, for believing I could do it all along; for my daughter Lexi, for sharing this unbelievable achievement with me; and for my daddy, who I know had a hand in this somehow from above–thank you!
Love you…mean it!
This degree is awarded to photographers for their superior photographic skills demonstrated by image excellence in portraits, illustrative, commercial, reportage, and albums, as well as advanced education, and service to the industry.
The Florida Professional Photographers Association recognizes its members for their achievements and contributions to the industry, as well, with their own degrees. The Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence is considered the Florida “Masters Degree”. The FDPE is a degree earned primarily through the FPP’s annual image competition.
The FSA degree is earned by working on or chairing committees, writing articles for the magazine, speaking, judging image competition, or volunteering to assist the FPP with various duties and responsibilities. They signify the member’s desire to give back and to mentor other members.
The FED is earned for continuing education; attending the annual convention, school, and seminars hosted by the FPP, as well as the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) convention.
Presented in honor of Past President Al Audleman for his many years of service to the FPP. The award recognizes an FPP member who serves the FPP by making extraordinary contributions, gives freely and unselfishly of their time, and has a positive impact upon the direction and success of the FPP and its members.~ Received 2018
The PPA Loan Collection exhibits the “best of the best” from the International Photographic Competition. It is known for being a collection of images that set the standard for quality in the photographic industry. To be included in the PPA Loan Collection a photograph must exhibit technical excellence, impact, composition, creativity, style, presentation, technique, color balance, lighting, and storytelling. Images selected are part of the PPA’s International Traveling Loan Collection, displayed at Imaging USA’s International Print Exhibit and other exhibits, and published in the Loan Collection book by Marathon Press.
The Past Presidents Award for Service is voted on by the Past Presidents of the FPP. This prestigious award is presented annually to someone within our industry who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to our association, our industry, and the profession as a whole.~ Received 2010
Presented in honor of FPP Member Ed Robinson for his many years of service to the FPP. The recipient has attended the Florida Photography Workshops at least five years, they have worked on several FPP committees, and consistently demonstrated a willingness to assist others and contribute to the greater good of the organization.~ Received 2015
The PPA Showcase book features selected images from the International Print Competition General Collection.While the top images are selected for the Loan Collection, the next best images are selected for the General Collection. Marathon Press publishes books each year that include prints from both the Showcase and Loan Collections and include the latest work from some of America’s top photographers.
