Cup Of Ice: Behind the Camera

I am recent college grad of graphic design and photography. I "officially" graduated in August, after finishing my internship as a photographer at the Borglum Historical Center in Keystone, SD. (That's just a 2-mile drive down the mountain from Mt. Rushmore. Beautiful little city.)

I was born and raised in small-town South Dakota. I've been told this makes a person "valuable" in the working world because apparently Midwest kids have good morals, or something. I do agree, but I also think that a person's location has nothing to do with their morals - It's all in their life experiences and the WAY they were raised (not the PLACE.) Anyway, I do love it here in SD. The winters are frigid and the summers are scalding, but for those few days in between the extreme seasons, it is worth it.

I live and breathe photography these days. I bought a Nikon D3000 in March, 2010. Since then I've shot way too many photos to count. In January I started my second attempt at a "365 Project. I did it last year, but fell out of the groove after moving across the state and starting a new job. So I'm back at it for 2012! Taking a photo a day has opened my eyes to the possibilities of creativity in everyday life. I can feel myself improving with every shutter release and it is beyond exciting. I hope someday I can share my views of the world WITH the world.

When I'm not shooting photos or designing, I can be found watching TV and movies, cooking semi-healthy meals for myself and my boyfriend, taking road trips to Sioux Falls, reading novels, cleaning my apartment, and eating sugary "so-bad-for-me" foods. I also enjoy traveling, but I don't get to do it too often.

I could not live without music (Can anybody?) My iPod goes everywhere with me and it is full of tunes from Brand New, Kevin Devine, Iron & Wine, Manchester Orchestra, Mumford & Sons, and many others. I have had the very lucky opportunity to meet a few of those guys, and I will never forget their kindness.

I have an incredible family and incredible faith. My support system of family and friends is what keeps me going sometimes. I believe honesty really is the best policy and I value true relationships. I will always be true to myself, no matter what.