On most photographer’s ‘about me’ pages, you’ll find a story about how they first picked up a camera at age 5 and haven’t put it down since. That’s not me. I just started using a camera regularly a few years ago and I have to admit, my love for photography has been peppered with a few periods of hate. But that’s what passion is about, right?

I do love photography, though. I love how it allows us to capture a moment that will never happen again - one that we may not have even seen otherwise. A look, a feeling, a scene, a decisive moment. Photographs that tell a story, little glimpses of soul here and there. Sometimes it’s hard to think about all of those things that I’m not capturing. But I can only feel lucky for the number of things I am able to capture and for the people who have let me into their lives  and trusted me to help them preserve their memories.

I’m currently living in East St. Paul where I like to spend the time I’m not taking photos enjoying my awesome backyard. I like wearing flip-flops, sleeping with the windows open and the sound of the nearby train passing at night. I also have too many cats; would you like one?

- Mandy