Acknowledgments

Writing this book has literally taken a village, and many people contributed and made it possible.

The Team

I would like to thank Courtney Allen, without your guidance and support this book would not be possible. Alan Hess, words cannot express my gratitude for all your hard work, long nights, and many pep talks. Carol Kessel, you made miracles happen behind the scenes. Jennifer Bowles, you have no idea how much I appreciate your editing skills and patience with me. William Beem, your feedback, ideas, and questions added so much to this project. Erik Powers, you are truly a gifted designer, and I count myself lucky to have had you on my team. Barry Pruett, thank you for supporting this project and making it a reality. Of course, I know there are many others behind the scenes at Wiley, and I wish to thank each and every one of you.

Mentors and Inspiration

Many people have inspired me throughout my career. I’d like to thank Julia Woods especially—you taught me so much about this industry. I’d also like to thank Bambi Cantrell, Ann Monteith, Jeff Kent, and Scott Kurkian for your support and guidance throughout the years. Additionally, I would like to thank Ed Dale, who doggedly encouraged me for years to get on my path to photography education. And Robert Somerville, I want you to know that you are achieving your life’s work—this book is proof of that.

Peers

The photography industry has been my home for many years. I would like to thank Kevin Chin, Suzy Clement, Michelle Walker, Becker, Dane Sanders, Brook and Alisha Todd, Jamie Swanson, and Frederick Van Johnson in particular for your friendship, advice, and support. You make the industry what it is. I am also deeply grateful to all those who allowed me to interview you for this book: Tamara Lackey, Emma Case, Jody Gray, Lauren Lim, Elizabeth Halford, Lindsay Adler, Christine Tremoulet, Jamie M. Swanson, and Jenika. Ladies, your honesty, generosity, and willingness to open your hearts and share your advice, successes, and challenges with my readers make you all superheroes in my book.

Behind the Scenes

I would like to thank Kelvin Leung for your many beautiful images gracing these pages, Noel Mallari for all your support and talent, and Ashley Jankowski for sharing your design and branding genius with the world. To my PhotoMint readers, supporters, and fans, thank you for believing in me. You are my daily inspiration.

Family

To my dad, who has always supported and encouraged me. To my mom, who thinks I’m a superstar no matter what I do. To Brittanie, who kept me fed through many days and nights when I was working on this book. To my husband Geoff, who has inspired me, encouraged me, challenged me, supported me, and loved me through everything in life. Through your patience and love, you’ve taught me to be a better person. Finally, to my grandmother Catherine, who taught me to read. May your Irish eyes be smiling down upon us all.

For my ever-loving husband.

Avec toi, je suis libre.