Travel, exploration, and research are some of the reasons I got into photography. It's the idea of "new" that I enjoy. Going to new places, meeting new people, and photography is an amazing tool for bringing those memories back with me.
From an early age, I have been fascinated with this idea. I started in photography about 15 years ago and it's been my life since then. Formally trained while attending Purdue University, I got my Bachelor's degree in Photography and Related Media in 2004.
It was while at Purdue that I got the teaching "bug" and shortly after graduating, I returned to teach and started working on my Master's degree. Recently though, I decided to take some time off to pursue more fulfilling photography interests.
The "real world" experience that I'm getting now is great. I get to use the tools I know and practice photography the way it was meant to be used; by making memories.
As far back as I can remember, our family always had a camera. I inherited my love of photography from my father. My parents always supported me by making sure I had a camera at my disposal. When I entered high school, my father lent me his Pentax camera. He was always able to provide me with the tools I needed to explore my passion as I was growing up.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Photography from Purdue University. During my studies there, I became interested in documentary style photography. I've always been fascinated with the idea of freezing a moment in time. Being able to capture a moment and convey a the feeling of that moment to others is what I strive to accomplish with every shot.