How long have you been in business?  I’ve been shooting for about 14; officially in business for 9; shooting seniors for 4 1/2.  I decided to shoot mainly Seniors about 4 years ago because nobody was shooting modern, fun Senior Portraits in my area at that time.

What percentage of your business is a senior? 80% or more

What do you think makes a perfect senior session?  I just think it’s great when a Senior shows up excited to shoot… that makes ME excited and we always have a ton of fun…. I don’t necessarily strive for perfection…. I strive to make sure my client is having a blast and is comfortable.    It’s my job as a professional to get those images…. in the midst of all that.

What do you love most about photographing seniors?  I love their energy and I love how open they are to trying new things – they’re fearless in front of my camera and I love it.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business?  Honestly, I think my biggest challenge now is the *need* to stay ahead… the constant marketing/blogging/networking…. that part is exhausting to me!

Describe your photography style?  Modern and fun with an artistic flair. 

What motivates or inspires you in your photography?  Coming up with ideas and concepts for shoots… I need to keep my creative wheels turning; otherwise, I get burnt out….

Twenty Questions Game…Just for fun!

Where are you from/live?  From a small town called White Castle in rural South Louisiana.  I currently live in the suburbs of LA in a community called Santa Clarita.

Married?  Yes – happily to my actor husband Andrew Bowen.   He makes me laugh every single day of my life.  And he’s not bad to look at either!

Kids?  Oh yes…3 very lively, teenagery ones.

What are their ages?   14.5 year old son with Asperger’s (and yes, I’m also a guru on all things Autism related).  A beautiful, amazing kid with more knowledge for computers & tech than most adults.  12.5 year old boy/girl twins who are also in the acting biz like my husband.  I may not have enough room left in the house for all these egos!   It’s fun, but I never, ever stop moving…. my son just booked a television show for CBS, so life is about to get even crazier.

Nikon or Cannon? Nikon!

What kind of camera bag do you carry? 2 Kelly Moore bags; a Magenta Classic and a dark blue Libby

Favorite music to edit to?  Anything…. I love music so much.. but currently, I love the new Daft Punk album and I always fall back on Sigur Ros or Joseph Arthur…. unless I’m feeling exhausted and I need to stay awake (happens alot these days!) and then I listen to anything from old school Cult to Swedish House Mafia 😉

Favorite Photoshop Action?  I don’t use a lot of actions, but I do like Jessica Drossin’s texture overlays and her weather packs.

A photographer that inspires you?  So many…. I’ve been smitten with Sue Bryce, like most of the country… but I’d have to say Kirsty Mitchell is pretty awe inspiring… every time I look at her work, I just feel…. compelled to create AND like a failure all at the same time.  LOL!

Favorite Food?  I love chocolate, but if we’re talking real food, then I’d have to go with something Southern, like crawfish etouffee’

Favorite place to shop? I shop mostly online because I don’t have TIME to shop these days… but I love Free People …. a lot.

Favorite drink at Starbucks? Grande upside down skinny caramel macchiato with whip.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure? GAME OF THRONES   omg, so obsessed.

Favorite memory from when you were a senior? I would have to say our senior trip to Florida after graduation.  How my parents allowed a 17 yr old to go away for a week with friends … well, let’s just say that now that I’m a parent, I have NO idea what they were thinking!

Favorite Quote or Saying? “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. ” – Anthony Robbins

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended?  28 Days in Vegas with Sue Bryce on Creative Live

Favorite Magazine?  MacLife… I’m a geek

Favorite Vacation Spot?  I’d love to go to Bora Bora one day

Favorite Movie? Wizard of Oz