How did you get started in photography?
I took pictures all the time as a kid. My Dad gave me his Olympus camera when I was in 8th grade and I was hooked.
What’s one of your best career decisions so far?
Moving to New York City for 11 years. It really helped my career immensely.
What’s your favorite thing about shooting in Texas?
Since I just moved here in October I’m still discovering that one. But so far I’m enjoying the lack of attitude and pretentiousness of the people here.
Tell us about a dream assignment?
it’s working with a great crew or shooting a story with an amazing writer or editor
That’s a hard one because sometimes the best assignments I’ve had were the ones that on paper didn’t seem like the best assignments. It’s not shooting one particular person or place even, it’s working with a great crew or shooting a story with an amazing writer or editor who gets the place your photographing and allows me to produce my best work. That said, I’ve been dreaming about shooting a food story somewhere in Scandinavia.
Latest gear obsession?
Not obsessed with gear at all.
How do you stay motivated?
Knowing I can’t do anything else for a living at this point.
What was your first big break?
I assisted the former photo editor of Travel + Leisure, Jim Franco, when I first moved to NYC. He encouraged me to show my work to the magazine and I got my first job. No matter how small the jobs were they gave me I worked my ass off and it paid off. They liked my work and it opened a lot of doors for me having shot for them.
No matter how small the jobs were they gave me I worked my ass off and it paid off
Talk to us about how you established your personal vision? was there oneproject that gave you that “ah ha” moment, where you knew this is whereyou wanted to take your work?
I’m not sure if there was any “ah ha” moment. My personal vision is evolving. But I do have a way in which I work with my subjects that allows things to happen organically. People are always telling me how relaxed and easy I am to work with and I think there’s a certain feel to the work I get by creating that atmosphere.
Any tips for photographing kids? You’re great at it and I think people don’trealize just how tough it can be to get kids to cooperate.
Don’t try to control them too much. I pick a scenario, a space or place that I like, find or create great light and let them do their thing. Face it, they’re going to do the thing you least want them to do, but if you’re patient something good will come from it. It’s also easier if there’s more than one of them and they forget you’re there.
Who are you inspired by?
People who are really good at what they do and make it look really easy and treat people around them kindly.
All-time favorite photo books?
Diane Arbus Revelations
Most helpful part of your ‘education’ that wasn’t photo related?
Being a mom.
How do you define ‘success’ in your own career?
When people connect with my images and are excited to work with me.
What’s next? exciting projects in 2012?
I’m traveling cross country back to New York for the Summer with my husband and toddler son. We’re going to take a week to get there and I plan on documenting the whole ridiculous mess.
I was also pretty fearless about approaching clients I wanted to work for and telling them just that
Advice for someone starting out?
I worked for some really nice photographers that I learned a lot from and helped my career in the beginning. I was also pretty fearless about approaching clients I wanted to work for and telling them just that.
Favorite bbq?
Since I just moved here there’s lots of haven’t tried, but I did go to Smitty’s Market and it was pretty freaking good.
Favorite libation?
Rosé
Do you collect anything?
When moving from NYC to Austin I discovered I have collected a crazy amount of negatives and contact sheets.
Hobbies outside of photography?
Cooking
