When it comes to my creative process, this quote translates as the heart of it. Time spent outside of my 9-5 inevitably inspires what I produce when I’m on the clock, so I make a point to fill my creative tank with fresh ideas from unexpected places.
I exclusively shoot on my DSLR when creating content for brands, so in my down time, I’ve taken up film. Currently, I’m learning how to shoot on my Grandpa’s manual Minolta, but a few years ago, I started carrying a disposable camera in my purse, capturing mundane moments that mean something special.
In July 2020, a wedding-photographer friend of mine had styled a shoot in Columbus, so I put a deposit down and made a road trip of it. Shooting portraits was a fresh awakening, an experience that introduced me to new techniques to refine my product photography approach.
Since my first manicure at Spruce in 2016, I’ve collaborated with the owner, Molly, on more projects than I can count. Shooting with this visionary team has given me repeated opportunities to refine my style, experiment with new shooting techniques, and practice shooting different types of promotional content.
On a typical day, I’m shooting beauty products, not bar food. But capturing food photography for Cincinnati’s go-to resource for hot new restaurants and happy hour deals was an invitation to grow. Bright colors, warm energy, and vibrant spaces translated as new territory that sharpened my skill set.
In 2018, I began combining my content strategy background with my interest in visuals. I started capturing content of my favorite products, including this Matt & Nat backpack, as a way to test and learn. This was one of the first “shoots” I styled, and it garnered attention from NY Mag’s The Strategist.
