I'm a mom of two. I love lists. So, without further ado, welcome to The List of Samantha:
Dog-lover
Homesteader
Former skydiver (where my fellow adrenaline junkies at?!)
Chicken, honeybee, and goat mama
Sings at every given opportunity
Avid hiker
Wife of almost ten years
People-pleaser
Has an expansive repertoire of dad jokes
Avocado toast's #1 fan
Herbal tea and green juice drinker
Loves the smell of fresh-cut grass and sun-kissed sand
Will say "ope" if I bump into you
Will likely ask you to jump in a lake in your wedding dress
Was made fun of for her Minnesotan accent in basic training then vowed to get rid of it (you can be the judge of whether or not I have)
Your greatest cheerleader and supporter -- in front of and away from the camera
About YOU
You want images that capture who you are - not just the posed, well-dressed, smiling version of you, but the belly-laughing, grinning from ear to ear, totally at ease, running around without a care in the world version of you. You may be feeling a bit nervous about getting in front of a camera, which is why you'd like a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin -- one who can deliver a gallery of images to you that you can look at and say "Wow, that's me. And I look dang good." You're not big on stiff, posed photos. You have a goofball side and you're willing to let it shine and have some fun. You understand that the phrase "picture perfect" is silly, because in your eyes, "perfect" is having the opportunity to be fully present in a moment and have someone alongside you to capture it in all its beauty.
About me
Picked up my dad's old Canon point and shoot camera and immediately fell in love. Propped it up on a chair and captured this photo of me and my childhood BFF.
Saved up all my extra pennies from working on the local horse ranch/campground and bought my first (bright pink) camera.
Signed up for two high school photography courses and continued to steal my dad's camera to capture anything and everything I could find (like this church on our family trip to Mackinac Island).
Mainly stuck with selfies for a bit while exploring the "Wild West" of Rapid City.
Married my soul mate and picked up another camera to capture our honeymoon adventures.
Welcomed our son into
our lives and gave my first attempt at some newborn photos with my trusty DSLR. No judging, ya'll okay? We all start somewhere. ;)
Purchased my first official "professional" DSLR camera and took it across the world with me to capture Aruba, Italy, Rome, and Germany. All while falling further in love with pressing that shutter.
Practiced portrait photography and began learning my camera every chance life would let me by attending styled shoots and second shooting for other photographers and soaking up anything and everything I could about portrait and wedding photography.
Booked my first few weddings and learned how much I loved not only capturing my clients, but serving them on their day.
Decided to take this gig full-time rightttt about the time our world locked down and in the meantime invested countless time and money in new gear, courses, and education.
WHICH BRINGS US TO THE PRESENT
Nowadays, I'm tackling my third wedding season sporting some of the best gear available and always finding ways to best serve those who choose to trust me with their special moments. And making some epic memories along the way.
the makings of a photographer
