When did you start with photography and knew that this is what you want to do for a living?
I was 6 or 7 the first time I held a camera. I stole it from my parent's closet and couldn't stop playing with it. I used to bring it to school and document my friends (and the people I wanted to be friends with, haha!) Cameras have always allowed me to get close to people. I was such a nervous and anxious kid, so hiding behind a camera made life much easier. I didn't know who I was or wanted to be at that time, but there was no denying I had an instant connection to photography!
Your pictures are filled with warm colors and remind us of warm summer days! How did you develop your style?
I developed my style through an obsession with California. I'd never even been to California before, yet by age 7, I knew I had to be there! I was already dreaming of palm trees and imagining them outside my bedroom window. Somehow, I thought Hollywood was THE place where all dreams could come true— didn't matter where you came from or what you looked like because everyone could find their place in Hollywood. I still feel this way, today. I see LA as a gateway to becoming whoever you want to be. After all these years living here, there's still so much magic and excitement to this city. And I continue to hold onto that!
What inspires you and why?
People inspire the heck out of me! People that aren't afraid to be themselves. People willing to share the good, the not-so-good, and the sometimes unflattering parts of who they are. Those who are unafraid to look silly when trying new things, those who vigorously chase their dreams! I love a good "underdog" story, those who overcome challenges and overcome themselves to achieve incredible goals. Those are the stories that matter most to me! And those are the people that inspire me every day.
How does your creation process look like? Do you plan much ahead, or do you prefer taking pictures spontaneously? How do you edit your pictures?
I used to shoot spontaneously, but as I've gotten older, I'm much more disciplined, and I enjoy taking my time with the production process for each project. I look for the purpose and theme behind what we're creating. I love building on ideas as a team, writing notes and shot angles, and coming up with stories and a vision that gets us all fired up!
You describe yourself as a palm tree enthusiast – what do you love most about palm trees?
For me, palm trees are a constant reminder of the little girl who grew up in Ottawa, Canada, and dreamed of living a creative life in Los Angeles. Palms have always been my North Star! They're a reflection of who I am and all the hopes and dreams that live within me. They brighten my days and keep me focused on one thing— my dreams!
How and why did you start using Instagram as a platform to share your photography?
It was a new outlet for creativity— a place to share my thoughts and ideas and the work I was doing at the time. It gave me a place to develop my style and share it with whoever was following my account. At that time, not many people were doing what I was doing, so my account stood out for a bit, and I was able to find success because of it.
Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?
Take action! Create a library of images that inspires you first and foremost. Don't think about what others want to see from you; do what makes you happy! Build a portfolio that best represents who you are as a person and artist. And share it with as many people as possible. Don't be afraid to fail at first or take bad pictures. It'll take some time to get good at what you do, and it'll take time to find your style; feel free to start over 100 times to get it exactly how you envision it. Never stop creating! And never stop working towards what you want!
Do you have a favorite photograph which you have created and shared? Can you tell us the story behind it?
Good question! It's hard to pick. It would be like choosing a favorite child, I suppose— haha! Maybe all my palm photos because they hold such a deep meaning for me. They're as close to my heart as anything else.
How do you feel about your Instagram community? Do you communicate with them a lot? Have you met some people?
I think it's great! But I don't spend as much time on Instagram as I used to. I'm more disciplined these days, and I only allow myself a certain amount of time to go on there. That timeframe may move around during the day, but it's always the same amount of time, and I don’t go over. So, when the app turns off (I have a timer set), I know I've reached my limit for the day.
Do you like sending and receiving postcards?
Yes, I think it's great!
Did you know Pickmotion before we started our collaboration? If yes, how did you become aware of us?
I didn't! But this has been such a wonderful collaboration! I've loved working with you guys for so many years now. Thank you again for having me and for everything that you do!! xo
We've been loving working with @kimgenevieve too! That's why you can find these and even more of her motifs in selected sets in our online shop! If you'd like to purchase single postcards, feel free to visit a local shop nearby and discover their selection!
