I started out filming the neighborhood with my mom's old camcorder, then moved on to backyard wildlife, mostly because birds don't ask follow-up questions and I was too nervous to talk to actual people.

That changed when a friend invited me to second-shoot two weddings. I'll never forget turning the camera around and watching someone see their photo for the first time: that "LOOK AT THIS!!" moment. Turns out people are a lot more interesting than birds. Who knew.

I love the in-between moments, where an awkward pose dissolves into real laughter, and I try to feel less like "the photographer" and more like a friend who happens to have a camera.

Outside of photography, I work in mental health and volunteer with the Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute, the community that gave me the confidence to put myself out there.

I'd love to capture your story next. Tell me a little about what you're envisioning below.