How it started

We all have that one friend who’s constantly taking photos and documenting every little moment. That was me, except it was 2002 and high-quality cameras weren't standard on our phones (don't even get me started on the cell phones we were dealing with back then). My parents gifted me my first digital camera in high school, and it was an extension of my hand. I was the unofficial photographer for my theatre community, capturing every rehearsal, the silly backstage moments, and promotion material for our upcoming plays. But it wasn't just in the theatre—I’d photograph moments between classes before the bell rang, the off-campus lunches, and general teen shenanigans. Little did I know that my love for freezing moments in time would one day lead me to headshot photography—and ultimately a career I love.


priceless memories

High school theatre was where I found my people. On the first day of high school—a day that started with a bird pooping on my head and me eating lunch alone (just typing that makes me feel like an awkward teen again)—I declared to a classmate that I was going to audition for the school play. She said, “Me too!” That classmate became my best friend and she still is- 23 years and counting.

Over those four years, my best friend and I were a part of a community. Our theatre teacher and peers were a huge influence on us and I photographed almost every day of those formative years. As a teen, I didn’t realize how special it was to have those moments preserved but now I consider those photos our time machines. My best friend and I are able to revisit that brief yet impactful (and sometimes cringey) time of our lives. Looking back, it’s clear that capturing those memories shaped my love for documenting life—not just for myself, but for others too.

The Start of My Career

Fast-forward to 2009: my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I moved to Santa Monica. I was juggling school, waiting tables, and trying to squeeze in time to explore my exciting new city. It didn’t take long for me to realize that something had to give, and for me, that was school. Balancing everything made it clear that college wasn’t fitting and my desire to start my business right away was stronger than finishing school. It wasn’t an easy decision; it came with plenty of second-guessing and fears. But I took the leap and launched my portrait photography business.

At first, I did it all: families, engagements, weddings, maternity shoots, newborns, events. If you needed photos, I was there. Wedding photography, in particular, was what I thought was my dream job—capturing people’s happiest day? That sounds magical. But as time went on, I began to notice something. Some shoots felt rewarding and energizing, while others left me drained. At the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on why, but it was the first sign that my path might need some fine-tuning.

The Transition to Headshots

Los Angeles is the land of actors, creatives, and...waiting tables. I worked in a restaurant alongside actors who were scraping by and needed headshots. They’d ask me if I could take their photos, and before I knew it, headshot photography became a regular part of my portfolio.

It started as “just another type of photography,” but it quickly became my favorite. Around this time, a friend training to be a career coach asked me to take the StrengthsFinder test. My top strength? “Relator.” (Basically, I’m a one-on-one person, not a “running around trying to photograph 200 people” kind of person.) It explained so much: why weddings drained me and why headshots, with their intimate, personal vibe, felt so rewarding. With headshots, I got to connect with clients individually, learn about their dreams, and cheer them on as they chased their goals. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about being part of their journey. That conversation was a turning point for me, and it helped me better understand my strengths and how to lean into them. If you’re curious about discovering your own strengths, I highly recommend checking out Shinebright Career and Life Coaching —they’re fantastic at helping people find clarity in their careers.

Closing One Chapter

For over a decade, I had the privilege of documenting families through some of their most significant milestones. I captured engagement sessions that led to wedding days, maternity shoots that turned into newborn sessions, and family portraits that became traditions year after year. Knowing that these images would be treasured for years to come was deeply fulfilling and it was the reason I pursued photography in the first place. By 2016, I had grown my business enough to leave my restaurant job and become a full-time photographer—an achievement I remain incredibly proud of.

Yet, despite the joy and fulfillment, I began to feel a disconnect. When clients reached out for their annual family sessions, I was touched by their loyalty but also aware that I was saying yes more out of obligation than passion. The contrast in my reactions were hard to ignore—excitement when a headshot client reached out versus a wave of anxiety when a newly engaged couple inquired about wedding photography. I finally listened to what my gut had been telling me for awhile: it was time to close one chapter and start a new one. After 13 years, I made the decision to retire from all other types of photography and commit exclusively to headshots.

Why Nice Headshots?

Retiring a big part of my photography business wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I realized that, as much as I loved preserving milestone moments, I was most energized when working one-on-one with clients. That’s when I knew it was time to fully embrace headshot photography and make it my sole focus.

I rebranded as Nice Headshots, with the motto “Nice People. Nice Prices. Nice Headshots.” The name came from a pattern I noticed during my sessions—clients repeatedly thanked me for being kind and making them feel comfortable, then went on to share horror stories about past experiences. Photographers who belittled them, made them feel small, or even crossed serious boundaries. Some had been humiliated during their sessions; others had faced actual threats to their safety.

Hearing these stories enraged me. No one should have to endure that kind of treatment, especially when they’re already feeling vulnerable in front of the camera. My mission became clear: create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and celebrated.

Now, my studio in downtown Los Angeles specializes in character-driven headshots with vibrant backdrops and a supportive environment. I bring my love for TV, movies, and clothing into every session, helping clients channel specific, standout looks that make them pop in a sea of submissions. Nothing gives me a bigger professional high than seeing a client on TV and knowing I played a small part in their success.

LOOKING BACK

When I look back, it’s clear that every step of my journey—from obsessively documenting high school theatre to discovering my strengths—led me to this. Nice Headshots isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of everything I value: connection, creativity, and empowering others.


If you’re ready for a headshot experience that’s as unique as you are, book your session today. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader (and I promise not to yell at you… unless it’s to tell you how great you look).