As a young child I always enjoyed taking pictures. My mom wasn't very good at operating the camera so I became the designated family photographer. In return she always gave me plenty of positive reinforcement and made sure that I received the credit when the pictures looked good.

In High School I pursued photography as a hobby, it was something that was fun. I signed up for a Co-op photography class and was on the yearbook committee.

After graduating from High School I was accepted into the two year photography program at Humber College. I was surprised at the intensity of the course and was initially intimidated by some of the terminology and its' application but I stuck with it and graduated with a Diploma in photography. When the course began 75-90 people were enrolled but less than 40 graduated. The high drop out rate can be attributed to the intensity of the course and the high cost for the equipment.

Photography can be an extremely expensive program to be enrolled in. I had to purchase 35mm equipment, dark room supplies including chemicals, trays, negative holders, Medium format equipment, lighting equipment and accessories.

When you're in school you should take advantage of the resources available to you. I found my first professional job by applying for a position as an assistant photographer through the College Employment Center.

I fell into the wedding industry by accident, the last thing I thought I was going to be was a wedding photographer! The company that hired me completely changed my mind about the industry, they were shooting weddings in ways that were interesting and new. I started as an assistant then graduated to doing the shoots by myself with my own assistant. I stayed with the company for four years and learned a lot from them professionally and personally, before I started my own business.

Self promotion is key when going into business for yourself, if you're going to be a wedding photographer you should attend the bridal shows as an exhibitor. Your promotional materials for example brochure, business card…etc are things that potential clients leave with after visiting your display booth so make sure that they are well put together both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

Being a wedding photographer means I get to eat a lot of free food. I also get the opportunity to meet a lot of different people and a job done well can lead to referrals =more work = more $.

Make a name for yourself in the Industry, take pictures in ways that set you apart from everyone else.

The pictures that I take are modern, classical with an architectural influence. I use natural lighting in ways to give the subject dimension.

An exceptional photographer should have an excellent eye for composition and artistic impression, know how to light different subjects according to the feel/vibe of the scene. People skills and a great deal of patience will help you to get the best out of your clients.

Going to school is important, you learn how to combine your natural ability and love of the art form with the techniques and skills needed to be competitive in the marketplace.

I believe that being a photographer is not just a job it is a way of life. Every where I go I look at life as if I was looking through the lens of a camera.