During most of my adult life, I was too consumed with work, family, and those normal life obligations to nurture my creative side. I was able to retire early from my career as a dental hygienist and opened a boutique in Connecticut. There, I needed to photograph my wares to feature online, so I enrolled in classes at the New York Institute of Photography, joined a photography club, and learned from seasoned professionals.

As I expanded my skills from capturing jewelry and accessories, I found my subjects in portraits and landscapes to birds and larger animals locally as well as during travels to Europe and Africa.

Pretty soon, I was winning awards at the local and state level, as well as two regional awards through the New England Camera Club Council. Born from a simple desire to take good photographs, I had begun to find my craft.

Moving to the Lowcountry seven years ago provided me with fascinating and beautiful subjects close to home: shore birds, tropical flora, and the ever-changing coastal landscape.

I’ve also learned that photography doesn’t end with the click of my camera’s shutter. When I return home from a photo session, the real work (and fun) begins with photo editing on my computer. There, I can often turn a simple photograph into eye-popping fine art.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My happy place is out in nature photographing, enjoying the sounds and smells of the forest or the sea. Whether it’s arriving at the crack of dawn to capture baby birds just waking up in their nests or lying on the wet ground for an hour so as not to appear a threat to shore birds that will eventually wander close, I feel a powerful connection to nature when talking pictures. I’m constantly better learning the habits of the wildlife I photograph to get closer to them without disturbing them. I can recognize the sound of a hungry baby chick and know the Ibis mother is flying in with food, and can tell a Cormorant is about to turn its head in response to a noise, which will allow me to capture the perfect profile.

My favorite photographs are those that tell a story—two herons exhibiting their mating ritual; a male wood stork bringing a twig to his mate, who then meticulously adds it to her nest; or a mother egret feeding her chicks. I hope my photos convey a story to those who view them.