| We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar |
Some people are born with an inherent talent for numbers. Some are born with
physical prowess, some with the ability to write. I was gifted at birth with the arts.
I was singing before I could speak, drawing before I knew my alphabet and acting
before I even comprehended that there was a stage. I wanted to record the
beauty of the flowers and trees, the light that spilled on the water and waves; I
wanted to mirror the art that God had created. Through my primary and
secondary school years, I learned all I could about art, music and theatre, trying
in my own way to add some measure of beauty and light to the world around me.
physical prowess, some with the ability to write. I was gifted at birth with the arts.
I was singing before I could speak, drawing before I knew my alphabet and acting
before I even comprehended that there was a stage. I wanted to record the
beauty of the flowers and trees, the light that spilled on the water and waves; I
wanted to mirror the art that God had created. Through my primary and
secondary school years, I learned all I could about art, music and theatre, trying
in my own way to add some measure of beauty and light to the world around me.
Having graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education from Mississippi University for Women in 1998, I sought to change my
world for the better as an educator. I spent six years in the education profession, teaching students in grades 6 – 8 choral
music, industrial and fine arts. While it was an immensely fulfilling profession, I felt that something was missing; I was unable
to fully express myself.
Taking a short break in 2004 allowed me to grow within, and I began to seek out new ways to express the artistic nature that I
had kept bottled up in the classroom. I began to sense that God was leading me down a different path, and I was eager to
follow it. He was leading me into photography; into a new and different way of expressing my individuality, artistry and spirit.
I had experimented with photography for years, capturing my travels and adventures in as artistic and creative a way as
possible. The point-and-shoot cameras that were available to me left a lot to be desired, but the results were pleasing, and I
grew in technique and style.
With the amazing support of my husband, and the strength of prayer, I began to formulate a business plan that would allow
me to use my talents to create images that were powerful, moving and evocative of the souls I was in contact with every day.
I wanted to capture the spirit of joy, life and vibrancy that made my world and the people in it so special. Through careful
research, networking and with not-a-small-dose of luck, I was finally able to gather the tools that would open true creativity to
me, and take my snapshots from simple pictures to art. Torchlight Studio was born.
Since incorporating in 2006, Torchlight Studio has become my personal path to light and joy. I am finally able to capture the
world as I see it, and portray the light and life that is within my subjects. The personal connection between myself and the
people I photograph has enabled me to convey their dreams, joys and magical moments in a unique and resounding way.
Whether it is a simple headshot, or a day-long wedding shoot, I endeavor to make each image resonate with the spirit of the
moment, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
world for the better as an educator. I spent six years in the education profession, teaching students in grades 6 – 8 choral
music, industrial and fine arts. While it was an immensely fulfilling profession, I felt that something was missing; I was unable
to fully express myself.
Taking a short break in 2004 allowed me to grow within, and I began to seek out new ways to express the artistic nature that I
had kept bottled up in the classroom. I began to sense that God was leading me down a different path, and I was eager to
follow it. He was leading me into photography; into a new and different way of expressing my individuality, artistry and spirit.
I had experimented with photography for years, capturing my travels and adventures in as artistic and creative a way as
possible. The point-and-shoot cameras that were available to me left a lot to be desired, but the results were pleasing, and I
grew in technique and style.
With the amazing support of my husband, and the strength of prayer, I began to formulate a business plan that would allow
me to use my talents to create images that were powerful, moving and evocative of the souls I was in contact with every day.
I wanted to capture the spirit of joy, life and vibrancy that made my world and the people in it so special. Through careful
research, networking and with not-a-small-dose of luck, I was finally able to gather the tools that would open true creativity to
me, and take my snapshots from simple pictures to art. Torchlight Studio was born.
Since incorporating in 2006, Torchlight Studio has become my personal path to light and joy. I am finally able to capture the
world as I see it, and portray the light and life that is within my subjects. The personal connection between myself and the
people I photograph has enabled me to convey their dreams, joys and magical moments in a unique and resounding way.
Whether it is a simple headshot, or a day-long wedding shoot, I endeavor to make each image resonate with the spirit of the
moment, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
