my friends call me, Val. you can, too!
I’ve been in a deep love affair with storytelling photography since I was about 4 or 5 years old. As a child, I would spend hours staring down the B&W film photos in my parents’ wedding album from the 60’s era, thoroughly captivated. I was fascinated by their facial expressions and body language in the candid moments, what they were all wearing, distinctive to the era, and how people were posed together. It was all a wonder.
What stands out to me, in hindsight, was that from an early age, I was drawn to the art of storytelling through photos, and how reportage plays out in the details. This still holds true today, and is the driving force of how I approach documenting a wedding, a surprise proposal, an event, and just about anything I photograph. Big love. ♡
As for my passion for narrative photography.
Long before committing to wedding, engagement, & portrait photography, I had the opportunity to travel solo around Asia, South America, and most recently East Africa, ultimately developing my photographic eye and a passion for the human condition through international street photography & social documentary photography.
In particular, I travelled solo around India for 5 months, passing through 41 cities/towns in 13 states. It was truly a game changer, and played out as a transition from a career in education to pursuing photography professionally.
A series of my documentary street photography images were featured HERE on the cover 18% Grey: A Street Photography Magazine, and in the feature article (pp.32-39.) Needless to say, it was a big thrill and a boost of confidence, at the time.
Thankful for these kind words….
“Valerie is a wonderful person and truly a professional in her field. She was instantly able to put my family at ease, and create some captivating photographs. She was easy to talk to and we were able to bounce ideas off of each other and come up with some great memories. She's extremely flexible with whomever she is working with, she always goes with the flow and makes sure you are happy with how the session is going.”
~ Parminder Singh