I guess if you are here a quick introduction is in order.

My name is Laurita and I'm addicted to photography - oh wait, this isn't photographers anonymous?? Ok, well let me start over... Ummm... Yeah - my name is Laurita. And I am addicted to photography. Yes this is something you should know about me.

I've been interested in photography since I was old enough to hold up a camera. My first camera was a pink (yes, I said pink) 110mm Barbie camera. I loved that little thing, in fact I think I might still have it in a box somewhere, couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. I used that camera through grade school and into the 7th grade I think, then I was embarrassed to carry a Barbie camera, so I went yard-saleing with my Grandmother who bought me the coolest (for a 13 year old) 35mm point and shoot camera. I was a cool kid now!

I shot with that hunk of junk into high school and even used it for my freshman year on the yearbook staff. My sophomore year my parents decided that maybe and investment in a camera was a good thing for me. Of course I didn't get it till Christmas, but when I got it - it was MAGIC!! It didn't matter to me that my camera was older than me. Again that year I was on the yearbook staff and from that point on I was the go-to girl for photos, especially candids and sports. My junior year I advanced to Photo Editor and managed all the printing and editing for our book, which meant that I had to approve EVERY shot that made it to print, big job - but I LOVED it! Same camera (which I do still shoot with on occasion) took me into my senior year where I was a Senior Editor for the yearbook. I loved that experience, I was a yearbookie to the core! I also shot occasionally for the HS Newspaper.

Then I took a long hiatus. Sadly. It was not intentional, I just fell out of it when I started college. My parents encouraged me to focus my abilities elsewhere - in the medical field. Physical Therapy to be exact. It was my passion for a while, it really was. I went to college for three years fully focused on becoming a Therapist. The fourth year was a different story... In February I changed jobs which was a HUGE step in the right direction for me, I stayed in the same field but moved to a much better facility. My sanity was back on track, but my schooling was still pulling me down. I was a body in a classroom but I was mentally checked out.

In July of 2006 I moved to Sacramento with my best friend Reanna. I changed my focus a little, started living for me instead of living for everyone else. I bought the camera I'm currently shooting with in September, and I haven't been happier. As soon as I unboxed my Nikon I've regained my passion. My passion for photography, my passion for love, my passion for life. It all came back to me. In January I officially made the change to major in photography. Not sure yet where this will lead me, I'm actually thinking that I'm going to obtain a business degree and go from there.

I'd love to one day run a successful studio. It may take me a while to get there, but my step-father told me recently that if I put my mind to it I can achieve it (and coming from him thats a big deal). I'm interested in shooting any genre, I haven't found a particular niche yet. I'm sure that I will eventually, but at this point I am experimenting and taking my time.

Thank you for your continued support!!