Becoming an underwater photographer:

First of all: I'm landlocked, that's the funniest part about this post. Second, I used to be COMPLETELY TERRIFIED OF DEEP/DARK WATER. Third, I get terribly, terribly sea sick. I'm not kidding or over exaggerating. So, let's talk about my journey becoming and underwater photographer.

The beginning of this life transformation.

When in Hawaii, my first vacation with my boyfriend, (now husband). While walking on an ocean divider wall, I started shaking with fear until he pointed out all of the beautiful fish you could see from the surface. Suddenly, I felt a little shift in me, "hey open water might be kind of fun." I always enjoy playing in waves, once I worked up the courage. But diving... that's a big leap! Fast forward a few years, and many open water dives, and one mermaid shoot later I was hooked! So why go through all this? Because becoming an underwater photographer seriously transformed my life for the better! It opened up windows for adventure and self exploration that I never dreamed possible!

Underwater Photography allows me to express and explore the artist within.

This will be my 17th year photographing weddings I'm still excited and motivated to create and preserve unique moments for my wedding couples. But a few years back, I realized I needed something personal to explore in photography. I needed to create images without any external expectations, to create just for the sake of creating. During this time I went from the worst scuba diver on the planet to an AI, (assistant open water instructor) with Denver Divers. A journey that taught me that persistence pays and adventure is worth it. It's been a slow, steady progression of improvement combined with monumental amounts of encouragement from Adam, my husband.

I'll be honest, I've had set backs... a lot of them.

From equalization issues, that required sinus surgery to debilitating sea sickness, like make your skin turn green kind of sickness. But, nothing can override the indescribable feeling of making eye contact with a manta ray, or photographing a mermaid next to a whale shark! Here's my best attempt to define it: Yūgen, meaning an awareness of the universe that triggers an emotional response too deep and powerful for words.

Scuba diving and freediving, have gifted me exactly what I need when I need it.

Ranging the entire spectrum from adrenaline pumping excitement, to complete zen. I've explored underwater caves, shipwrecks, plane wrecks, and swim throughs covered in colorful coral. I've shared the same space with sharks, dolphins, octopus, squid, and a mermaid or two. Each experience has taught me more about this incredible blue marble we call home and what I'm capable of as a human being.

My camera gives me a little extra spark of bravery.

Now I can definitely go diving with out my camera and have a blast, but bringing a camera along is when I learn the most. A camera, as well as being an outlet for expression is also a barrier. An added touch of separation from myself, and what I am experiencing. It's a way for me, (a massive empath), to channel all the sensations I'm feeling into a manageable amount. In fact, my deepest freedive I've achieved, was photographing another freediver.

Becoming an underwater photographer has taught me this:

Exploring and photographing the underwater worlds of our planet had brought me a level of joy I didn't think possible. A sense of wonder I didn't know I needed. A deeper appreciation for life and the incredible space in the universe we all call home.

Why I'm sharing my story:

I've realized my next step is sharing my wealth of information and experience. So I've developed an underwater photography workshop! Designed to teach other photographers how to create images in the magical underwater world. For more info click here: