I have had so many people comment on how I seem to capture the very essence of the subjects I am photographing.  

"How do you do it?", they ask.

First of all, my work is a direct reflection of who I am and what I love in all forms of art.  I want my viewers hearts to ache as they look at my work.  I want it to take their breath away.  I love to capture raw emotion and openly honest expressions that captivate the audience.  I often "feel" the very moment I am about to capture THE portrait.   I don't believe this is something that can be taught...it is something that just is...it is the difference between a photographer and an artist.  

Secondly,  because I read people well, I am able to set most people at ease almost immediately.  I try to take the time during each session to truly connect with my clients.  I laugh a LOT and ask a lot of questions. Being a "people person", I genuinely want to learn everything I can about a person during their session.  I want to know what makes them blush, what makes them laugh, what makes them roll their eyes.  I want to know what music they like, what their favorite food is, who is the silliest person they know.  As we talk, they begin to relax and focus more on the conversation than the session.  The tension starts to melt away and before they realize it...I've captured them sharing themselves with me...AND my camera.