I was born and raised just outside of Sacramento, California. My interest in animals started with our numerous family pets, which have included rabbits, cats, mice and birds. This broadened to an interest in all wildlife, especially lions, leopards, parrots, zebras and giraffes. I also love the arts, especially painting and photography. I have served as a volunteer counselor at the Sacramento Zoo's summer camp for children and held a volunteer position as a keeper's aide, which was a great way to learn about the different animals. As a result, the zoo has become a favorite place to take pictures of animals.
Photography turned into a part-time business for me when I began selling photos to the zoo for various programs and printed materials. A trip to Florida's Bush Gardens sponsored by Nature's Best photography magazine was a pivotal point in my life. I then had an opportunity to attend the North American Nature Photographers Association's (NANPA) annual convention. Through these fine opportunities, I have met photographers who are making a difference due to the passion they have for photography and protecting the environment.
Through attending NANPA conferences I learned about the chance of an internship at Art Wolfe Inc. doing office work. In the spring of 2003 I spent three months working in Art Wolfe's office with his staff learning the business side of photography.
I continue to photograph animals, but also have broadened my interests to include plants, flowers and landscapes. In June of 2005 I fulfilled a life long dream of going to Madagascar to visit family and photograph lemurs and other animals in the wild. I will always love photographing the animals in the zoo as well.
