About

My story…

Hi there! I’m Monica, and I love photography. You could even say that photography is the love of my life. I fell in love with it years ago as a kid with her grandma’s digital camera, and fall more in love each day. Thankfully my camera has improved since then! My desire is to create images that make you feel something; to draw you into the story being told through a photo. The world can be ugly and hard. My hope is to provide a small corner of beauty and softness to give respite against that ugliness.

I grew up and currently live in the hills of West Virginia, with Ohio and Pennsylvania just a few miles away on either side of me. I was homeschooled by my mom along with my siblings all through school. My parents taught me how to love nature and see beauty in everything at all times. I was blessed that I got to grow up running outside and climbing trees, drawing and cooking over a fire outside, and reading away my high school years when I just couldn’t deal. Both my mom and dad are artists and they both helped me find my voice in my art. From the beginning they had my back and understood my need to create. I can’t imagine growing up any other way and still turning out to be the woman I am today.

A little extra about me:

-I married the boy I fell in love with when I was eleven years old.

-I love tea of all kinds and my cat is my favorite being ever, second only to my husband.

-My two favorite things to photograph are couples and senior pictures. Those are my favorites because not one session is the same, because not one couple is the same, or one person. Each shoot is tailored to you in its own unique way.

About my process...

Many photographers do this, and I think it’s helpful to someone looking for a photographer to have an idea of how they work. So, here’s a little about my methods and their madness.

Like many great photographers I admire, I take a less traditional route. I prefer to not use a studio and most of my sessions take place in the great outdoors; from mountain tops to local parks, I think nature provides a beautiful backdrop for all occasions. In rainy weather or bright sunshine, I’ve done sessions in just about all weather states and every one of those sessions brought about beautiful photos. I will make a fool out of myself in order to help you relax and feel more comfortable--so be prepared for tomfoolery!

I won’t shoot nonstop the entire time--and that’s okay! Sometimes I like to pause and think rather than mindlessly take photos for the sake of taking them. I try to come up with a creative shot for each session so every client can have a special image crafted specifically for them.

I’m not a big talker unless I’m going with the make-a-fool-out-of-myself-bit and then I’ll babble your ear off until I figure out what makes you smile genuinely. Silence is okay; don’t feel like you need to fill; don’t let it make you feel awkward. Embrace the tranquility of the quiet and focus on your breathing, the moment that you’re in. Smile, don’t smile. Do what feels like you. The more authentic you are to yourself, the more you’ll love the end result.

A little about you…

Some clients like help finding an outfit, and if that’s you, I’m happy to help out! I love style and fashion and creating a look. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you aren’t sure. I don’t want to control what you wear, after all these are photos to represent you. Wear what you’re comfortable in. I do suggest wearing good walking shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. I tend to take the path less traveled (literally) and more often than not I’ll have you roll in some flowers or run through a field.

Makeup is NOT required. Come full-on model face or come in your raw, natural beauty, whatever look is you. I guarantee you’ll be perfect either way.

If you have any more questions, please reach out! I’m always happy to talk. I can’t wait to meet you.