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

Then someone gave me an old Canon camera. 

If someone had told me then that one day I would be photographing on the front lines of history, documenting people whose stories would change my own, I would have thought they were mad.

I share my own journey openly because I know that honesty creates trust—and trust allows us to see one another more deeply.

Honest, meaningful photographs begin with connection.

Over the years, I've had opportunities to travel to many parts of the world, photographing stories for magazines, international aid organizations, including Save the Children Sweden, and news organizations.

I've 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.

Many of the experiences that shaped my photography career could never have been planned. Looking back, I see God's hand in opening doors that led to remarkable people, unexpected places, and a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.

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.

 Photography is about listening, building trust, and recognizing the beauty and dignity in every person's story.

That same philosophy inspired Laughing Planet Journeys.

These trips are not about simply visiting a place and checking it off a list. They are not tours.

They are about 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 and lots of laughter.

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, 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'd like to create something meaningful together, I'd love to hear from you.

Email:Sherrlyn@gmail.com

If you'd like to learn more about street photography and travel photography trips, I invite you to explore www.LaughingPlanetJourneys.org