The Art Of — Photography

Most days you can find me in my studio, an old furniture warehouse turned artist lofts in the Hydraulics District of Buffalo, NY. As fall creeps in I like to spend evenings in the studio as well... the windows open, cool breeze coming through the window, and the most perfect view of the city skyline out the window. My favorite little candle-lit nook is perfect for catching up on emails and working on client drawings.

I am inspired by all things Buffalo and anything with a rich history, soul, and a story. I am particularly drawn to old handprinted signs and advertisements. My design style is very modern and minimal. I firmly believe, "it seems that perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

 I try to give each of my clients something unique to them, to their values, to their brand. Everyone has that one thing that makes them stand out, that makes their clients say "it just has to be you and no one else." Watching our clients grow, evolve, and truly come into their own is the most fulfilling part of the design process and something I will never grow tired of.

As I near the 5 year mark in my business, I'm taking time to stop, breathe, light a candle, and as always, be grateful for this humbling life that I have built for myself. Just like the first spring rain washes away the dirt of winter, the first autumn breeze rings in a season of change. Self reflection, growth, creative freedom. I'm excited for what this new season will bring to The Buffalo Collective and for our clients!

Now don’t get me wrong, nothing gets me pumped more than a styled space, perfect golden hour lighting, or traveling to places I used to only dream about with my camera, but I’ve found what truly inspires me is a genuine relationship with my clients, the brands I create for, and the creatives I work alongside capturing genuine moments.

When I cull through my images, the ones I’m drawn to keep almost feel like you’re there experiencing the moment—the ones where you could almost jump right into the image. My hope in all that I do is to create imagery that makes the viewer feel something, whether it’s an emotional connection or a photograph that truly captures the person and lets them see themselves as beautiful. That’s what I live for. In my opinion, photos only increase in value over time. They’re a brilliant gift when our minds forget, a small capture that sparks a memory, allowing us to relive that moment over and over again.

Candles are a huge part of my process and incorporate so much into what I do. Whether it’s editing by candle light late at night, most likely singing at the top of my lungs to Ben Rector, creating a cozy vibe with friends out on my back deck, trying to not get eaten alive with my sweet blood, or trying some crazy smoke effects out during a shoot, candles find a way to intrigue my eye and create a vibe I love.