I did not study historical figures in art that would later influence my work. My influences came from my surroundings and my mother. She is the first photographer I knew. It was more of a hobby for her, being a mother wanting to capture the lives of her growing children, but she was quite the professional at taking formal pictures in an urban setting. Eventually when I became a professional photographer, I gravitated towards that same type of photography. I strive to reflect beauty in subjects and objects that seemingly lack it. If I have learned anything from my mother, it is that beauty is not only in the eye of beholder but also in your hands.
