As far back as I can remember I’ve held a camera in my hand. I learned through trial and error and took pictures of everything along the way. In high school I was the Senior Editor for our school Yearbook and I enjoyed everything from taking pictures, editing and designing layouts. I always dreamed of working for a magazine. I considered going to a photography school in Santa Barbara, CA but ultimately decided to stay in Sunny San Diego to acquire my Bachelor’s Degree in Art with emphasis in Interior Design.

After graduation in 2006 I landed my dream job working for a design company as an Interior Designer. I put my love of photography on hold to pursue this amazing opportunity and I was confident in my choice. 2006 was a big year for me, as I married the love of my life at the age of 24 in a backyard wedding in Sunset Cliffs. Life was fabulous…and then the market crash really sunk in and a few years later I found myself taking a huge risk with my husband and starting a web design and online marketing company in 2008.

I absolutely love being my own boss. Over the last 11 years of devoting my every waking existence towards web design and marketing,  I can’t imagine ‘doing life’ any other way. If you know me well, you know that I cannot just sit and relax without doing something else (I’m guilty of bringing a crochet project to the movie theater)…so of course owning one business just wasn’t enough for me. In 2009 I went to school for floral design and opened Ali Eli Weddings and was a finalist in the San Diego A-List Competition in both 2009 and 2010 for ‘Best Flowers’.

In 2011 we had our first son, Griffin and then 3 1/2 years later our second son, Greyson. Once I became a mom, my heart strings were pulled towards finding more purpose and excitement…more than just web design and floral design, which are both still great creative outlets for me. I turned towards my first love of photography. I never really had put my camera down- it just had been put on the back burner, so to speak. I decided it was finally time to jump head first into photography. I’m so grateful for family and friends to encourage me along the way and give me that extra push that I knew I needed.

My favorite thing about taking pictures of kids and families is capturing sparkles in eyes and bringing life to a special memory. I love working with kids to bring out that special expression. With my background in floral design I also love incorporating flowers and nature as often as I can into my photoshoots. In 2018 and 2019 I had the special privilege of being the school photographer for Sunset View Elementary for their Dinner Dance Auction. I took portraits of close to 200 kids per year between grades TK through 4th grade and each photo was purchased to raise money for the school.

Over the last few years I have also taken on the lead role working with my husband and his exciting business venture – Chovy Art.  He sells original paintings, art prints and clothing online worldwide and at special events throughout California. You could say I’m his number one cheerleader and business adviser.

Life is quite busy and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about it! I look forward to what the future brings and hope to get to know you soon!