See the World Differently

At 14, I was a runaway who never went to high school. I was a young girl navigating a difficult and uncertain world, with little idea of what the future would hold.

I never imagined that God would use an old Canon camera to open doors around the world and change the direction of my life in ways I could never have planned.

Over the years, I've had opportunities to travel to many parts of the world, photographing stories for magazines,aid groups and news organizations. I have spent time with people from many cultures and backgrounds, and every experience has taught me something new about humanity, compassion, and the connections we all share.

Some journeys were carefully planned, while others unfolded in ways I can only describe as God's guidance. Each one changed me and deepened my understanding of people and the world around me.

What I discovered is simple: no matter where we live, what language we speak, or how different our lives may appear, we all care about the same things—family, hope, purpose, and belonging.

Those experiences have shaped not only the way I photograph people but also the way I see the world. Photography, at its best, is not just about taking pictures. It is about listening, building trust, and recognizing the beauty and dignity in every person’s story.

Today, I love sharing that perspective with others through Laughing Planet Journeys. These trips are not about simply visiting a place and checking it off a list. They are about slowing down, connecting with people, experiencing local culture, enjoying great food, discovering hidden moments, and seeing a destination through the eyes of the people who call it home.

I earned my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oregon and my M.A. in Communications from Ohio University. For someone who never attended high school, those achievements remain a meaningful reminder of how unexpected life’s journey can be.

Today, I live in Oregon, where I photograph portraits, the occasional wedding, and a variety of other assignments when I am not traveling throughout Latin America. My favorite place to be is walking the streets with a camera, looking for honest moments that reveal the character of a place and the people who live there.

If you would like to learn more about my journey and the heart behind these experiences, I invite you to explore Laughing Planet Journeys.