About
Photography
My career in photography began in 2010, when I decided to attend Point Park University to study Photojournalism. I was so excited to begin my independent life that I grabbed onto any opportunity that flew my way. I interned with Treading Art as an event/ art photographer, a local artist resource ran by two amazing, career-oriented women. I volunteered with Table Magazine, where I photographed food events and wrote blog posts for everything yummy and delicious. I began my wedding photography career with Eivans Photography. Finally, I capped my undergrad off by becoming a photo department apprentice, where my biggest joys were taking the dusty student photo studios and giving them the TLC they needed, I taught myself how to fix darkroom projectors, how to operate and build a color film development studio, all while curating several student/post-grad galleries.
‘With Joy Photography,’ my personal company, started after I graduated my undergrad in 2014. I chose the name after receiving many reviews from clients describing how happy and lighthearted they felt during their time working with me.
Soon after, I was offered a graduate assistantship at my alma mater helping create a new 3-year degree program, Environmental Journalism. I accepted the position and began to pursue my own graduate degree in multimedia communications.
With Joy Photography continued on with a primary focus in Weddings, but since it’s creation I have photographed everything from politicians to biologists electro-fishing in creek beds. My photography resume includes:
Multimedia Specialist with: PSAV, WHP-TV, Holloway Media Services, Start Point Media, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Point Park University, Living Word.
Photojournalist at: GK Visual, With Joy Photography, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Maryland Reporter, Treading Art, Table Magazine, Eivans.
Event Design
Through my time photographing weddings I discovered the passion I hold for a well-executed event. I love talking to clients, understanding their vision and executing the task they ask of me to exceed their expectations.
I began my career in event design in 2018, when I began working as an Event Lead and Floral Designer with the JDK Group. Since then, I have learned what it takes to design and execute an amazing, jaw-dropping event clients will remember for the rest of their lives.
As far as a floral designer, I have worked for both JDK Weddings and Royers Flowers.
Driftwood & Red Dosier Dogwood Skull - 2018
Artist Bio
When I’m not earning a living from my photography, I still find a personal passion in it. I often go into nature to photograph, listen and learn. On this site you will find my personal portfolio, as well as my ‘skulpture’ work, a name I’m giving the creatures I create with the findings from my walks in nature.
Group and solo exhibitions include:
2017 New Works, Artisan Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA (Solo)
2017 Time Marches On, JVH Hall, Pittsburgh, PA (Curator)
2017 Skulptures, Black Forge Coffee House, Pittsburgh, PA (Group)
2015 Instinct, Parliament Gallery, York, PA (Group)
2015 Hunter Gatherer, 707 Penn Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA (Solo)
2014 Nine at the Mine Senior Thesis, The Mine Factory, Braddock, PA (Group)
2014 Aldona Bird & Lindsay Dill Global Showcase, Lawrence Hall, Pittsburgh, PA (Curator)
2014 Digital Photography Student Showcase, Lawrence Hall, Pittsburgh, PA (Curator)
2013 Studio Photography Student Showcase, Lawrence Hall, Pittsburgh, PA (Group)
2012 Phenomenal Women Celebration, August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh, PA (Group)
2011 NRHC Art Walk, Eastland Park Hotel Gallery, Portland, ME (Group)
Inspiration
My past work has grown from showing how nature overcomes man, how man has reshaped the word nature, to how we survive with the wilderness we have tried to define. Wildlife carries an enigmatic beauty; it is wild yet in its’ wildness can appear fluid and calm. This dangerous-softness is how I feel when I'm walking down a deer path, or sitting in some branches above a ravine. Feeling the wind wrap through the forest, only hearing bird chatter and then silence.
My work centers around the sense of presence we all hunger for. While these landscapes may appear barren and bleak, the life they house is overwhelming and beautiful.
My “sculpture/skulpture” works are stemming from a love for the strange, a deep rooted childhood in nature that fed a wild imagination; and the idea that whatever is given to nature - nature will use.
With the skulls, I try to give the small details life holds a platform to be seen, their voices heard. I remember where I found each crab claw, slipper limpet and bird's nest; I collect what's been discarded. Realize, there is no waste produced from nature, God's country will always give and reclaim.
