I still can’t believe I get to write this — I was named the 2025 Platinum Winner for Best Photographer in both Minot and Bismarck through the Community Votes Awards! To have received this honor in two major cities, all while living outside of them and having been a professional photographer for less than a year, is truly surreal.


How the Community Votes Process Works

For those who may not know, the Community Votes Awards are not something that happen overnight. The process takes months.


  • First comes the nomination round, which lasts several months and allows people to put forward the businesses and professionals they love most.
  • Then the voting round begins — and this isn’t one of those “vote as many times as you want” contests. People are only allowed to vote once per confirmed email address, which makes the results even more meaningful.
  • Finally, after weeks of waiting and anticipation, the winners are announced.


To make it all the way through this process and come out as the Platinum Winner in both Minot and Bismarck is beyond anything I expected when I started this business less than a year ago.


Starting This Journey

When I decided to step into photography professionally, I had no idea how quickly it would grow. It was exciting and scary all at once. Putting myself out there with something so personal felt like such a leap of faith, but I knew I had to give it a chance.


What started as a simple creative outlet has now become something so much bigger than I could have imagined. My style and approach have resonated with people, and sessions that began locally have grown to draw clients from Minot, Bismarck, and beyond. It’s not just about the photos — it’s about the stories, the connections, and the memories we create together.


A Little Honesty

Here’s the truth: I don’t actually believe I’m the best photographer. There are so many talented photographers out there, each with their own unique style and gift. Competitions like these often feel like popularity contests more than anything else.


While I deeply appreciate being nominated and voted for, I don’t think I’ll put quite as much effort into searching for votes if I’m nominated again in the future. That said, the fact that so many of you took the time out of your day to vote for me means the world. Your support, love, and encouragement are what make this recognition so special — and I don’t take a single vote for granted.


The Moment I Found Out

The day I learned I had won was one I’ll never forget. My husband and I were out on the water, prefishing for the ND Governor’s Walleye Cup — something we look forward to every summer. When the notification popped up on my phone, I just stood there in the boat in shock. To find out such incredible news in a place that’s so meaningful to me, with my biggest supporter right beside me, was a moment I’ll always treasure.


Community Impact

Another thing that makes this journey so meaningful is seeing the ripple effect of my work. Many of my clients travel to me for their sessions, which means they often stop for gas, grab a bite to eat, or shop at a local store while they’re here. It’s a reminder that small businesses like mine don’t just exist in isolation — we contribute to the community around us in ways that add up.


Gratitude for Family & Friends

None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and friends. My husband has been my rock, always encouraging me and even helping behind the scenes when needed. My kids inspire me daily, and I hope they see in this journey the importance of chasing something you love. Friends, past clients, and fellow small business owners have shown up for me again and again — sharing my work, cheering me on, and yes, even voting for me.


When the results were announced, I was flooded with messages from clients telling me how much their photos meant to them — from couples reliving their engagement day to women who felt empowered during a boudoir session. That’s when it really hit me that this work goes far beyond just pictures.


Looking Ahead

Being named 2025 Platinum Winner – Best Photographer in Minot and Bismarck is a milestone I’ll cherish forever, but it’s also just the beginning. I’m already booking weddings, boudoir, and lifestyle sessions well into next year, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.


Through it all, I’ll keep showing up with the same heart and passion that started this journey — creating art that feels real, personal, and lasting.


From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single person who nominated me, voted for me, and believed in me. This award belongs to all of us, and I couldn’t be more grateful.