"To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul." 

– Andri Cauldwell (American photographer)


Growing up in Michigan, photography was always a big part of my life. I learned very early on from my late mother the importance of taking photos to capture every moment that would later become a precious memory. I received my first point-and-shoot camera in my freshman year of high school and brought it with me to school regularly to document my days. When I missed the opportunity to sign up for a photography class through the school, my mother—detailed and determined—found an "Intro to Photography" class at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. My first class was very intimidating. As the only minority in the room and the only student without a real professional camera, I returned home feeling discouraged, defeated, and ready to quit. But my mother would not let me give up. I not only finished the class, but I also went on to take new and different courses through high school at the Institute. It was during this time that I discovered and fell in love with black and white film. 


"I think it's because it was an emotional story, and emotions come through much stronger in black and white. Color is distracting in a way, it pleases the eye but it doesn't necessarily reach the heart." — Kim Hunter (actress)

After graduation, I studied photography at Kalamazoo Community College for two years, and moved to Georgia to attend Savannah College of Art and Design. Within a week of living in Savannah, my mother suddenly passed. I, once again, felt discouraged and defeated, and no one could stop me from quitting this time. I packed my camera away, and returned to Michigan to accept a job at a daycare center and finish college in Metro Detroit. Children brought joy to my life, the happiness my heart craved. And so, years later, I picked up my camera again to combine my love for working with kids and film as a family photographer. In the summer of 2017, I moved to Tampa to continue work as a nanny and build a new base of clientele in a city that embraces the arts and new creatives. I am happy to call Florida home, and be a small part of the Bay area families' most precious moments and lasting memories.

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