Friday Introductions: Meet the Chick Behind the Camera

To many of you reading this, we've only interacted via Facebook or Instagram.  Today's blog post is written for those who are looking to see what I'm up to when I'm not photographing a wedding or sitting behind my desk editing photos!  

Throughout high school, I just knew that I was going to major in graphic design, no matter where I decided to go to college.  As it turns out, I was wrong, and applied for photography programs at the beginning of my senior year. In August 2008, I started my freshman year at Western Connecticut State University.  I photographed my first wedding in the Spring of 2010, during my sophomore year of college, and instantly fell in love with the industry.   We have a cat named Lucy (who doubles as my office mascot), though she mostly goes by Goober.  My husband, Arturo, and I have a goal to relocate to Hawaii within the next ten years, where I CANNOT WAIT to photograph tropical destination weddings (as well as the lush landscapes of the Big Island)!

I also love to brag about my wonderful husband and two step daughters.  Marisa is 11, Delilah is 6, and they both keep us laughing constantly!  Marisa is a lover of books and reading.  For those of you who are fans of the television show, The Big Bang Theory, we describe her as being like Sheldon Cooper; she's very literal in her way of thinking.  Delilah is an exact replica of her father, in tiny human form.  She has Arturo's personality and sense of humor; she is definitely his little clone.  And those dimples!  They've probably gotten her out of much more trouble than we'll ever know. 

Shaina Lee Photography | Connecticut Photographer
Shaina Lee Photography | Connecticut Photographer

Arturo is my soulmate.  I admire his optimistic view on life, and his readiness to take on new challenges.  Oh, and can this guy cook (he definitely puts me to shame in the kitchen)!  For my birthday this week, he made empanadas for the first time, which couldn't have been better!  Since meeting him a few years back, he's introduced me to so many delicious Puerto Rican foods. I don't know how I lived the first two decades of my life without all of this deliciousness!  Arturo is truly one of the most motivated, hardworking people I know.  He does everything in his power to be the best he can be for the girls and me.  My husband believes in my crazy ideas, and is the one who pushed me to pursue my photography career full time last August.  He's my biggest supporter and my partner in crime.  Without this amazing man by my side, I know I wouldn't be where I am today.

So there you have it, a bit more background on the chick behind the camera.  Happy Friday!

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