What Is the Why Behind Me?

Photography was always my hobby, and I probably drove people crazy because I loved doing close-ups of their faces. All my life, I’ve loved art — from photography and painting to singing and even acting in small theatre.

But life sometimes takes a different turn, and we do what we have to do to support our families, do the “right” thing — what I call the norm and the expectations people have for you.

I was self-employed for a long time before I started my photography business, but deep down I knew it wasn’t the right thing anymore. It didn’t feed my soul or my creative side.

At 59, I decided to make a change. I started taking classes at the Glassell School of Art, and then, at 60, continued at Houston Community College. I took some incredible photography courses and fell completely in love with portraiture.

I loved photographing people in the studio — discovering what light can do, how it changes the mood of an image, and how it can reveal someone’s true essence. Posing, lighting, and retouching became almost an obsession. I couldn’t think of anything else.

After two years of college, I launched my own portrait photography business — and I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be. It took courage to start over and step into something entirely new, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Since then, I’ve kept learning — not only about photography, but also about running a business: advertising, marketing, social media, and everything behind the scenes. I feel more alive than ever. Work doesn’t feel like work anymore.

Whether I’m networking in Fort Bend County and the City of Houston, making calls, leaving information with a business, or editing behind the scenes in my office, everything feels exciting.

I love getting to know the people I photograph and feel honored that they trust me with their portraits. I love when they see their photo and their faces light up. I love meeting driven business owners, making new friends, and being part of the Houston community.

So, what is my “why”?
To keep feeding my soul.
To stay creative.
To make others happy and help them feel special.
To remind people that every face is worth photographing.

Because when we’re no longer here, photographs keep our history alive. They remind others that we were here — that we mattered.

I’ve shared a few of my favorite images below — a small look into the kind of moments and expressions that move me. Hover over each photo to see what I mean.