Meet Valerie —

I've been carrying a camera around for more than half my life, and what continues to fascinate me about photography is its ability to preserve a feeling—not just a moment.

For me, a great photograph is never just about the person in front of the camera. It's the way they exist within a space, the energy they're bringing into a moment, the light falling across a room, the people around them, and all of the little details that make an experience feel uniquely its own. Those are the things I'm always paying attention to.

Over the past decade, I've photographed everything from weddings and editorial assignments to musicians, athletes, executives, and community events. No matter the subject, my approach remains the same: stay present, stay curious, and create images that feel honest to the moment while still carrying a strong artistic perspective.

I love the balance between intuition and intention. Knowing when to guide someone into better light and when to step back and let something unfold naturally. Some of my favorite images have happened in the space between the planned moments—the split second where everything aligns and a photograph becomes something more than a record of what happened.

Outside of photography, you'll usually find me exploring Madison with my partner Sabrina, finding a new favorite restaurant, attending a concert, playing competitive softball, or planning my next adventure. As a proud transgender photographer, creating an inclusive and affirming experience is deeply important to me, and I want everyone who steps in front of my camera to feel comfortable being themselves.

At the end of the day, photography is how I make sense of the world. I love creating images that feel alive—photographs that capture not only what something looked like, but what it felt like to be there. That's the kind of work that continues to inspire me, and it's the reason I still get excited every time I pick up a camera.