At 14, I was a runaway who never went to high school.

I was a young girl alone, unconfident, and unsure of what the future held. Those years were filled with challenges I wasn't sure I could overcome. 

I never imagined that God would step in at my lowest moment and use an old Canon camera to open doors around the world, leading me into a life I could never have planned.

Over the years, I have been blessed with opportunities to travel to many parts of the world, photographing stories for magazines and news organizations. From remote communities to busy city streets, each experience has deepened my understanding of people, cultures, and the connections that bring us together.

Some journeys were carefully planned, while others unfolded in ways I can only describe as God's guidance. Every one of them changed me. 

What I discovered is simple: no matter where we live or what language we speak, people care about the same things—love and being loved, family, hope, purpose, and belonging.

Those experiences have shaped not only the way I photograph people, but also the way I see the world.

Today, I enjoy sharing that perspective with others, whether we're exploring the colorful streets of Cuba, meeting local artists, enjoying great food, or simply taking time to notice the details. 

My goal is to help you experience a place through genuine connections with 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.

Today I live in Oregon, where I photograph portraits, the occasional wedding, and a variety of other assignments when not bouncing down to 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. Everyone has a story. 

If you'd like to learn more about my journey and the experiences that have shaped it, I invite you to explore the stories behind Laughing Planet Journeys.