I came to photography later in life, after receiving a combined sciences and humanities degree in which I studied language, writing, and biology. (I’ve always been a generalist.) Since my childhood I’ve been a passionate thinker and learner as well as an artist, as explored through my “first loves” of music and theatre.
After my first photography class (taken during my last semester of college at Universität der Künste while studying abroad in Berlin), I knew I had found an exciting art form that could support my endless curiosity. I pursued further study through coursework at area universities and professional workshops, and began teaching a few years later.
After starting with film and transitioning to digital, I eventually found myself returning to chemistry-based practices for my personal work. To me there’s just nothing more exciting than witnessing that magical act of a latent image taking its form on a piece of sensitized paper in the developing bath. A recovering perfectionist, I am also inspired by the natural “flaws” inherent in processes like pinhole photography and hand-coating emulsions, excited by the beauty and randomness that only these “happy accidents” can create.
In 2015 I co-founded The Halide Project, a Philadelphia organization dedicated to fostering the art of chemistry-based photography. Working with a team of dedicated board members, I helped to launch educational exhibitions, exploratory workshops, and a new community darkroom workspace to support the practice of analog photography.
Alongside my art and teaching practice, I am a freelance photographer in the commercial realm. I run a wedding photography business with my friend and co-owner Rachel Glidden. We travel extensively throughout the northeast and beyond to provide heartfelt candid imagery with a focus on storytelling. I am also a frequent assistant and collaborator to architectural photographer Rick Wright.
Ever a generalist, always an explorer, I continue to sing, dance, play, write, bake, hike, grow, and craft. I enjoy yoga, cooking, and riding my bicycle around town. I am most privileged to share my home and life with my husband Jim, dog Rengin, and cat Lula.