And these are all things which led me to become an underwater photographer and to continue my artist passions. I wanted art to hang on my walls and to share my experience with those who don’t dive, so over a decade ago, I borrowed my dad’s underwater camera and the rest is history.

I was born and raised land-locked in Birmingham, Alabama—but I was the daughter of two divers, so I had my fins on and a frequent flier card at a very young age. I’ve been snorkeling since I could swim and a diver for over half of my life, teaching for many of those years. I grew up surrounded by photographs taken by my dad—portraits of fish, my mom silhouetted against sunbursts. So it was no accident when I pursued a diving career alongside (and sometimes instead of) my studies while in college. I earned my Open Water Instructor and several Specialty Instructor certifications all while working my way to my diploma from Auburn University—picking up a camera along the way.

For a little over a decade I had the privilege of teaching and guiding my students through the water, allowing them to explore the wonders of the ocean, while toting my camera along, giving them evidence that they were there. My photography hobby quickly turned into a passion and creative outlet. Shooting underwater became a reason to dive in itself, and I have focused much of my attention and travels into mastering this unique skill.