Life is either a great adventure or nothing. - Helen Keller

I’m a photographer, a veteran, a teacher, a creative, a reader, gardener, wife, mother, sister, daughter, a granddaughter. I’m not just a photographer of one thing, I love the art. All of it. I’m greatly inspired by impressionism, still life, light, nature, how fleeting time is, and the permanence of photographs.

I grew up constantly moving across the country. I’m a native Californian with roots now firmly planted in the Pacific Northwest. I’m a child of nomadic parents who didn’t realize they were creating in me a deep-seated desire for adventure, curiosity, and change. Because of that, I am stopped in my tracks by a vast landscape, beautiful light, the peace of wild things, and the connection humans have to it all.

In 2011, I began photographing families and weddings as much as possible. It was a steep learning curve, but I never stopped. Tales of Love & Adventure was born out of a greater need for creativity and in 2019, I began teaching photography and business, styling and events. In 2021, I began creating fine art photographs, opening a print shop, and fully leaning into the art and photography I love. With my gardens around me, the mountains and ocean a short drive away, and the fun, easy-going families and couples I’ve worked with, my job has evolved into an incredibly beautiful thing. My goal is to document life and connection as they are now. In all the beauty and chaos of life, we have to pause and see how incredible and precious it is.

Want to learn more? Keep reading…

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Over the past ten years, I’ve documented hundreds of couples and families, specializing in candid and authentic images with clients who weren’t afraid to watch the sunset behind a mountain, take a hike to a waterfall, go out on a boat, run along the beach, explore the forest, or simply wander through a beautiful garden. Being a wife and mom with three great kids means that life and work often blends together so I can give my best to those around me without sacrificing one or the other. I love big adventures as much as anyone, but currently find local, accessible adventures that anyone can do as my current specialty. Simply put, I’ve turned gorgeous photo shoots into a smaller commitment, a manageable drive, and whole lot of fun. Yes, I want to drive to get the beautiful views the PNW has to offer, but we don’t need to wake up at 3am or hike for hours to get there. I’ve found amazing places in town and up to 2 hours away that do just the trick. That isn’t to say I don’t travel or hike at night to watch the sunrise on a ridge every now and again :).

Some of my earliest photography clients have stuck with me while I’ve honed my craft and become the photographer I am today (that’s over 10 years!). It’s been the greatest gift of my career to connect with people and watch their families grow. I’m humbled by that. I’ve also earned two degrees, one in business and one in the arts, supporting two passions that have led me to where I am today. I’ve been teaching photography and business for almost two years and have made incredible connections through that process. You can find me teaching at my local community college and in my own online courses, more on that here.

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Joan Didion is famously quoted for saying, “I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” This is the closest comparison to my experience with photography. I pick up my camera and the troubles of the world melt away and for a brief time, things make sense, and my perspective of all the beauty around me comes into focus when everything else tunes out. I’ve always marveled at the world around me, the details, light, and pockets of magic that are just waiting to be found.

I’ve been taking pictures for as long as I can remember. From disposable cameras to point and shoots, polaroids and film, I’ve tried it all. In my twelve years in the PNW, I’ve learned to document all the big and little moments of life, documenting countless families and couples, along with various passions and hobbies, plus all the good stuff that comes from a life at home and on the go. Fun fact: My husband and I have both been ordained and married eloping couples along with being hired as their photographers, and they’ve been some of our most memorable experiences to date. You could say he’s my biggest supporter, which is why you’ll see me fishing on occasion.

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So let’s go on an adventure or stay close to home, either way is fine by me! Email me at talesofloveandadventure@gmail.com or fill out the contact form, and be sure to connect with me on social media, links below.

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