My photography background started at an early age as I used to follow my dad around when he worked. He was the photo editor and head photographer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and this is where I learned the craft of photography. I had my first photo published in 1989 when I was 9-years-old. I was able to get a shot at a Cabrillo football game that was good enough for the paper, and that is where my career started. When in high school at Harbor High in Santa Cruz, I took the ROP photography class which furthered my interest in the profession and I carried that over to college where I majored in journalism at Chico State. There I spent time working at the Paradise Post, Chico ER and lead the photography department for the school paper for two years. After college I spent my internship at the Santa Cruz Sentinel before starting at the Hollister Free Lance in 2004. I spent the next 10 years covering everything Hollister, from spot news to features and everything in-between. But my favorite part was all the sports I was able to cover at San Benito High School. Being able to get out there on the fields, courts, pools and tracks were by far the best time spent at the paper. I was able to build relationships with both the coaches and players that have grown to this day. My current job of owning my own photography business, Studio Lovejoy, where I shoot weddings, families, seniors and corporate photos. I have already shot many former student athlete weddings, which is something I love to do. Being able to supply families with memories that last a life time is very rewarding. After finishing at the Free Lance I taught the ROP photo and video classes at Anzar High School for three years. It was a great transition from the paper to owning my own business. And although it wasn’t the time to continue teaching, I have circled back to it and would love continue my goal to become a full time teacher and pass my knowledge on to the students of San Benito County.