An Invitation and a New Leaf
Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park at sunrise, October 2022
In June of 2017, I spent about $675 on a refurbished Canon Rebel T6 kit and a 60mm macro lens for glamorous close-ups of tiny, crochet Pokemon. I didn’t know much about that camera, but I loved it despite its limitations. When Beau and I decided to spend part of our honeymoon in Shenandoah National Park (pictured above), I sold my T6 set and bought myself a wedding present: a mirrorless, full-frame Canon R6.
Now, I’m saying goodbye to the R6. It’s the camera that brought me back to photography, gave me opportunities to learn about capturing events, portraits, landscapes, and stars. But as a true Animal Planet kid, I can’t help but put wildlife photography first. A new camera—a Canon R5, which produces files double the size of the R6 and is used by wildlife photographers I admire—arrives today.
I’ve decided to set new goals to go along with this new gear. I want to do more to share my work publicly—here on my website, in my newsletter, and on social media. And, with hope and humility, I have started to offer prints of my wildlife photography for sale. I’ve set up an online shop, joined local arts associations, and I’m making plans to attend arts festivals. I have also learned that I enjoy working with people on portrait sessions! If you or someone you know wants to capture some memories in a friendly, low-key environment, I hope you’ll think of me.
I expect to do most of my work here in Greenbelt and D.C., and my portfolio will focus on the wildlife and landscapes of Maryland. But, now and then, views of Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina might find a way in. Oh, and I’m learning about illustration, and still writing my novel. Follow along for updates on all of the above!
Thank you for joining me. :)
P.S. Middleburg, VA, 2024
My first piece to be accepted into a gallery (shown here as I dropped it off) was a huge inspiration that pushed me to take my photography beyond my hard drive and Instagram account.
Support from Beau and other friends & family has also been so important to help build my confidence—so, thank you! <3