It all started with a picture. A picture that captivated me every time I walked past the small library on the basement level of my childhood home. The likeness of a woman holding two African children mesmerized me. I would often take the photograph off the shelf and hope that someday, I too, would experience other cultures and have a chance to make an impact. 

You see, the portrait of the young woman with the African children was taken of my mother in 1982. Her tenacious spirit lead her to the Peace Corps in Senegal where she lived for 3 years in her 20's. It is her courage and strength of character that set a precedent for adventure in my life from a very early age. 

It wasn't until college that I truly began to explore abroad. Studying oil painting and Italian in Rome for 9 months enabled me to travel to 16 European countries and sparked my love for photography . When I returned to Los Angeles for my Senior year of college, everything seemed to have a dull hue about it. I couldn't wait to finish school and begin traveling again -- but where would I go? Every time I began to imagine myself in different places, the image of my mother in Africa would appear. 

It was then that I knew that Africa was where I would go next. I applied for a six month program working with HIV orphans in a township in CapeTown, South Africa and graduated college early. Before I left on my great African adventure, my grandfather bought me my first DSLR camera and since that day I have never stopped shooting. 

My love of photography has grown from landscapes to fashion/celebrity/music and back to my love of travel. My path has not always been easy and the journey has been a long and winding one, but my gut has lead me back here, to this creative outlet where I can share my adventures with you! 

"There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." - Nelson Mandela