I was listening to a speaker recently when she said something I haven't stopped thinking about. Photography wasn't invented because we love taking photographs. Photography was invented because we love what we're photographing. That one sentence articulated something I have felt in my bones for my entire career — and it's the reason I came to the camera through the back door, through a weanling filly named Ginger, through a litter of foster dogs, through a life shaped entirely by animals.

An Atlanta dog photographer shares how an 8-pound “truck thief” inspired her 2026 focus on honest dog portraits, wall art, and artwork that tells real life stories.

Being an artist who makes a living from their art means walking a constant tightrope between creativity and commerce. In this post, I’m sharing how I balance inspiration with sustainable business systems so I can create meaningful, emotionally resonant artwork for my clients and continue growing as an artist. If you’ve ever wondered how creativity and business can support each other instead of compete, this is for you.

This month, I had the honor of being featured in Professional Photographer Magazine! In their Background section, I share how I create my favorite wildflower portraits — complete with one hand holding the leash, one hand holding the camera, and a squeaky toy between my teeth.