"I'm a Photographer and a school psychologist."
That may seem like a random combination, but it's true. By merging my passion for photography with my career in special education as a school psychologist, I apply my knowledge of special conditions and disabilities toward the goal of capturing the true essence of individuals in the photo. I do this by getting to know my clients and their families in order to offer a tailored photo experience that is sensitive to the strengths and abilities of those in my photographs.
I have experience photographing young children and adolescents who have conditions such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Language Impairment, Intellectual Disability, and a plethora of other developmental and health conditions. I also love shooting lifestyle photography for couples, families and children, because capturing those moments-between-moments can make the sweetest memories.
I'd love to hear about the challenges that you have had with photo experiences in the past, and brainstorm ways to make the next one better. Please scroll to the top and click "Contact me" to get in touch!
Even more about me and why I do what I do:
Ever since I can remember, I have always had a place in my heart for individuals with special needs. This is because I spent much of my childhood at my grandparent's ranch in central California, growing up with my uncle who is intellectually disabled (pictured with me above). He's 33 years older than me, but he was a very fun playmate growing up! He taught me how to play card games like Crazy Eights and War, and I sometimes helped him with his chores - especially if it meant that I got to feed the horses! Until I was in second grade, he could even help me with my homework. My uncle is a friendly, social, and kind-hearted man, but he has always struggled with smiling for the camera. I can remember my grandmother's favorite photo of him; it was taken at a family photoshoot when I was 6 years old. She treasured it until the day she died, and she always had it displayed prominently where visitors could see it because the photographer captured his true likeness and personality without emphasizing the disability.
When I picked up photography as a hobby a few years ago, it started out as just that; a fun thing to do in my spare time. At first, I enjoyed taking pictures of flowers and sunsets, but I came to adore the 'likes' and comments that I would get by posting them on Facebook. Then I started pointing my camera at friends and family, and that's when I became really hooked! Now it fills my heart to take a great picture of someone with their loved ones, and photographing all types of people has become my passion.
Let's fast-forward to 2020. My uncle is now 68 years old and he maintains that he is retired from working on the ranch. As for me, this is my 7th school year working in special education for a school district. In my career as a school psychologist, I have been honored to work with hundreds of children who have a variety of physical, intellectual, social/communication, emotional, and behavioral abilities. By merging my passion with my career, I have started a business called Special Memories Photography.
I feel strongly that all families should have a photo to display prominently for visitors to see. However, I know that not all families can be successful getting this photo taken within the confines of a typical JCPenny Studio experience. By providing a photo experience that is tailored to the strengths and abilities of those in the photos, I capture those special memories for families.