About Lisa

Q: When did you know you wanted to do photography?
A: When I took my first photography class in 11th grade. The moment I was in the darkroom and the first image I ever printed magically appeared on the paper in the developer solution, I was hooked.

Q: How did you decide to become a wedding photographer?
A: While I was working on my Photography BFA I had the opportunity to intern with a wedding photographer who was the wife of one of my father’s coworkers. I had interned with a product photographer and an editorial fashion photographer so I thought I’d try wedding as well. I started out just loading film and carrying bags but after my first wedding, I knew I wanted to do more. I loved the energy of the day. Slowly she granted me more responsibility. She would hand me one or two rolls of film and I was allowed to shoot (though not relied upon). When I’d proved I could produce valuable images, she allowed me to shoot more and started sending me on assignments. It was awesome and I was smitten with the industry. I loved how every day was different, how every couple brought their own twists to their cultural traditions, and above all the joy that permeated throughout the day.

Q: What is important to you about wedding photography?
A: I believe that ALL people who find love deserve to have their commitments documented faithfully and beautifully. That’s why I named my company “Lovesome” as it means “inspiring or displaying love, warmth, and affection”. I approach every couple I photograph with honor and respect and enthusiasm for this unique time in their lives. I listen to what it is THEY want and photograph their true selves.

Q: Do you travel?
A: YES! I love traveling both for photography and leisure. Solo travel is some of my very favorite as it teaches me so much about myself and what I’m capable of. As a woman, I find this immensely important. I also love traveling with family and friends. The way it strengthens relationships and deepens connections is unmatched. Plus, the more you travel the more you realize how incredibly beautiful all the different cultures are. There’s no substitution for learning about places and cultures than experiencing them first hand. Being from the D.C. area originally, I was exposed to people from all over the world and some of those people wanted me to photograph their weddings but in a destination location. Given my love of travel I jumped at the chance! To date I’ve been commissioned to photograph in more than a dozen countries. Each one has been a treasured experience. Since I moved to Colorado, I don’t GO to as many destination weddings as I used to as our location here IS a destination for more than 80% of my clients, but I always welcome the inquiry to plan a new one!

Q: What food could you not live without?
A: Hands down, Indian food.

Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: HA! You’re assuming I have “free” time! That’s funny. Ha ha! In all seriousness, I tend to keep busy. I’m not very good at sitting still. If I’m not photographing, I’m at the horse barn taking care of 6 equines for a neighbor. If I’m not at the horse barn, I’m managing our cute rental cabin in Vail. If I’m not managing our cabin, I’m out skiing…or hiking…or paddle boarding…or camping. If I’m not doing any of that, I’m playing with my art (I draw commissioned pet portraits for fun).

Q: What photography accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: I’m proud of so much it’s hard to pin down just one as each has brought a new facet to my life that has made it what it is. I’m proud of the awards I’ve won from various client and peer voted contests both national and international. I’m proud of my time on Photofocus.com as an author. I got to teach emerging photographers, meet and learn from some of my idols, and forge sponsorships and support from big time movers and shakers in the industry. So many friendships and learning experiences were created there that I will value forever. I’m mostly SO so very proud of all my clients who tell me how glad they are I photographed their day and their friendships that have sustained long after wedding day. I’m in this to celebrate them and it’s a great honor when we emerge through the process as lifelong friends.

Q: What message do you think the world needs to hear most right now?
A: Love is Love.

Q: Favorite entertainment binges?
A: It’s a toss up between true crime and comedy. Couldn’t be more opposite. The darkness and psychology of horrible people fascinates me but then the magic of humor to uplift and make everything seem so bright is often just what the doctor ordered.

Q: What is something surprising about you?
A: I’m a certified PATH International therapeutic riding instructor. Horses have always been MY therapy. I’ve been horse obsessed since before I could walk. I’m an accomplished rider who used to compete in three day eventing (my favorite!), dressage, and hunter jumpers. I’ve trained horses and rehabbed horses. I began volunteering with therapeutic riding in 2012 as a way to give back and it touched me deeply. The folks at that facility encouraged me to use my skill set and get certified so after a long process of studying and learning and testing, I became certified in 2016. While I’ve worked with physically, mentally, and cognitively impaired populations, I was especially drawn to populations affected by trauma and how horses can help in the healing of it. As a trauma survivor myself, I can relate all too well and feel called to help them through their healing in my own small way.

Q: Favorite thing about living in Colorado?
A: The great outdoors! I find so much peach and inspiration in nature and this place is full of it. I live in the middle of a national forest for crying out loud—it’s amazing! The only regret I have about moving here is not moving here sooner. Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for all that D.C. gave to me, but the unrelenting pace, pressure to keep up with the joneses, and skewed work/life balance priorities were unsustainable. Here, I can breathe. Here, I can focus. Here, I can celebrate the tiny but immense ways that all life is beautiful.

Q: Why should people hire you for their wedding?
A: I will be your advocate. I want to know your love story and celebrate it. I want you to look at your photos and feel that they speak to your truth. I don’t come to your event with preconceived notions of how you should look or pose or act. I’m interested in the real people professing their love and showing that love to the world no matter what they look like, where they’re from, or how they celebrate it. I am the kind of person that can not let herself not give 100%. I don’t phone it in. I will always approach my clients with open, honest communication and as partners in this endeavor. Your wedding or elopement is in good hands with me!