Grab your favorite mug, fill it with coffee (or tea if you prefer) and settle in because you are about to read my life story summed up in one big paragraph. As much as I'd love to do the whole speech about how I was born and raised in Alaska, blah blah blah. I can't! I was actually born in Missouri... I know, not the cliche you always hear in a local photographer's biography. Although I was not born here, I was raised here for most of my life and let me tell you, I am so thankful my mom moved us up here at a young age so that I could get the true Alaskan experience.

I spent my early years in Anchorage before my parents decided to trade the city chaos for a tiny cabin tucked away in the mountains. At the time, I thought it was the end of the world—losing friends, starting over, and feeling completely out of place. But somewhere in those years, something magical happened: I picked up a camera. What started as a way to pass the time quickly turned into a passion that froze life’s moments in the most beautiful way. I began with landscapes, flowers, and bumblebees, and before long, I had my siblings modeling for me as I chased after something bigger. That spark eventually grew into what is now 49th State Photography. Life has taken me down many paths since then. I moved out at fifteen, built my independence, and today I’m a proud mama of two wild, wonderful little boys. We’re creating the life we’ve always dreamed of, together. During the week, I work as a billing specialist at a treatment center, but photography has always been where my heart truly lives—and my goal is to eventually pursue it full time. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for being here. I’m so excited you’re joining me on this artistic journey, and I can’t wait to capture something beautiful for you.