stressed about writing this About page. 

I never know what to say. I mean, how am I supposed to know what whoever is reading this page wants to know? 

I could do light & airy and tell you all of the little trivial things:

I am a wife, mother, daughter sister, Aunt and Great Aunt. I sing at the top of my lungs with the music loud in my truck and will dance all night long if the music hits me right. I love vegetables, junk food, the color red, and football. I know I could not live without my family and think I'd have a meltdown if there was no longer cotton candy, Mickey Mouse or a good clear lipgloss left in the world.

All of that is true but none of it actually describes anything. "A wife, a mother?" We've all read it before and it's old.

I could add something a bit more strongly worded but still easy breezy:

I am an Arizona native who fully embraces our wonderful heat and wears flip flops in winter. I am a reader and a learner. I am honest to a fault, empathetic & creative. Watching my kids grow has taught me to love hard and that it's hard to let go. I believe that what we put out into the world is what we will get in return. Hard work, giving back, standing up for the underdog and being true to yourself will get you everywhere.

Still true. It's all true but it isn't honest. 

So here it is. It may not be what you want to know but I think it's what you need to know:

I started this business in 2011 shooting football. Football photography is and will always be my first love. It's magical to watch the sport I love with a soundtrack playing in my earbuds. It's like watching a manly ballet.

I tried photographing a few other things between then and now. But nothing made me feel like football made me feel. Until I starting photographing High School Seniors. 

I can't tell you how much I love what I do. It isn't just the taking pictures part, it's meeting these mini-adults, listening to their dreams, learning about them. It's getting them in front of my camera and seeing them, not as a kid but as someone who has the full potential to go out into this crazy world and make a difference, leave their mark. It's being able to have a real conversation with them where they just get to be who they are, say what they need to say. It's watching my shy or introverted Seniors shed their self-doubt before my eyes. It's watching them gravitate to the images that reflect who they are back to them. I am able to give them more than a photo shoot. I am able to give them a tangible reminder of who they are before they go out and conquer the world. 

I believe in lifting people up, supporting people with no strings attached for the simple reason that we all need support from time to time. I focus on people's truths so I listen intensely and ask questions. I see you. 

I recently added Product and Personal Branding photography. We live in a visual age so strong images are vital. Both sessions are tailored to small businesses. Being your own boss is hard work so if I can use my talent to help move a fellow owner forward, then I consider that a win, win. 

So, there you go. 

My name is Tonia. I am a senior, product and personal branding photographer located in Gilbert, Arizona and I want to photograph you.