I thought I would take some time and tell you about who I am and why I love what I do! I have always been a creative. I am best when I am creating. Growing up my favorite past times were coloring, baking, practicing my handwriting, doodling, crafting, photographing etc.  As young as two, I knew where my momma's camera was. She kept it in the top dresser drawer and I remember going and getting it out daily.  As I got older asking to use the camera was a regular question. At around 9 when my friends came over we would dress up and pose for pictures. Back then, we would take the film to the store and drop it off to be developed. A week later, we would go back and pick a set of prints up. I have some great memories sitting in the car with my momma and looking through them all. I would choose my favorites so that I could put them in frames when we got home! Every last day of school and field trip I had my camera with me. I had a dream of becoming a professional photographer with a studio one day.  I said out loud frequently...ONE day I want to have a big camera with one of those lenses that move and I want to have my own studio! Not fully understanding the power of my words I was coming into agreement with my future and giftings!

Photos of the people I loved were all over my room. I was fascinated with the idea I could capture someone in a photo. In middle school, we got the opportunity to learn about the dark room. We went out and photographed around the school and then spent the next morning in the dark room. I can remember putting the paper through the solutions trays and then hanging it up watching in anticipation as the image began to appear. 

After I graduated high school, I got married and started my family. As a wedding gift, I got that camera I had always dreamt about. After learning and portfolio building, I began SHP in 2008 and opened my first studio in 2010! There are many intricate details to this story that I am leaving out. However, there are two points I want to make as I close this post. First, the desires of your heart are your calling! I know, I am meant to be a photographer. God had gifted me to be a visionary. I know I have many callings and many gifts. But, one thing for sure, photography sets my soul on fire! I have been blessed to support my family with this business for 14 years! Secondly, our words are powerful. Looking back on my life I can see dreams that have come to pass from simple desires I voiced out loud. Words are powerful. God used His words to speak this entire world into existence. We must train our tongues to Speak life and truth. Encourage the gifts within yourself and those around you!