Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.

I like to say I'm a dreamer and a wanderer. I always thought that good photography came from the heart. From what and who you really are. I fell in love with photography as a 13-year-old girl. I have been working as a professional photographer for 14 years now. I am in love with people who are not afraid to connect with me on a personal level and let me into their world. That way, my photography becomes an authentic and true recording of a human story. I do not seek perfection in my work. I seek the real and the honest.

Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?

Of course. Photography for me has always been more about looking at people with the eyes of my heart. Being who I am, embracing that, and putting all my heart and soul into what I do has led me to where I am now.

What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?

I was raised to believe that you have to choose what is "safe" in life. So I did. I studied law. But my heart was always a wanderer who wanted something more. Life challenged me, and I accepted the challenge when I was 29 years old. I completely changed direction, risked everything, and followed my heart. That is the bravest thing I did, and I am so grateful for it.

What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?

For me, creativity is connected to personal growth. It is a fluid thing, always changing as I change. We are all creative; we all have it inside of us, one way or another. We just need to give it the freedom it needs.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who cared.

Do you believe in destiny?

I believe in decision-making. Each decision we make leads us to a new path and ultimately creates what we call life. There are many parallel Universes that might have been if we had decided differently at some point. And I like to believe that "every path is the right path. Everything could've been anything else. And it would have just as much meaning."

What inspires you on a daily basis?

Everything. Even raindrops on moody days. My family. My doggo. The sense of purpose.

Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work? Explain.

I always had a difficult relationship with my dad. When I started shooting weddings, I started searching for that invisible thread between brides and their fathers. So in every wedding gallery I deliver, there will be a special place for those hugs, touch of hands, or just a flare in Dad's eyes. I'd say the most hidden meaning of my work in total is that it healed me over the years.

What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?

For me, it was a job I hated that made me realize I didn't want to spend my whole life doing something "safe.". I realized I needed to risk everything in spite of my fears and at least try to do what I love. Because what's the worst thing that could happen? That I don't succeed? I realized I could survive that. So I jumped. And now I can tell you that was the best decision of my life. The unknown wasn't that scary. And I found my purpose.

After these years of working on your craft, do you still feel the joy of doing what you do?

I do. Even after 14 years, I am still in love with what I do. I knew from the beginning that I had to find a way to keep the spark. So I started defining my niche, and over the years, I slowly started to do fewer weddings. I realized that a good life-work balance is the key to everything. So I kept my inner hedonist in charge of navigating me through it.

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life?

My mentor. I was just an amateur photographer, but he always referred to me as a "colleague". He taught me to believe in myself, even when the rest of the world doesn't.