I grew up in the Annapolis area, and have called Maryland home my entire life. Today I live in Ellicott City, Maryland with the best husband in the world (sorry, he's mine… I'm not sharing).
I have been shooting since I was a kid when my uncle gave me his old Canon AE-1 and a couple of lenses. I quickly became hooked! Since then I have taken a few photography courses here and there, but mostly have learned by doing while logging many hours with both film and digital, Nikons and Canons, and in dark rooms and on computers. So far it has been well over ten years that I've had a camera by my side and I have enjoyed every second!
I also happen to have a bachelors degree in Mathematics and a masters in Applied Physics, so I am a bit of a nerd. I laugh too much, have a slight addiction to french fries and am always up for coffee or an adventure.
But most of all, I love people. I have been blessed with an amazing family, and some great friends. And I love shooting people (with, my camera!). Photography is just intermingling light and moments; recording both in a tangible form.
So here are just some of the moments that I have recorded with light. I hope you enjoy them. I would love to hear from you so feel free to contact me!
All photos designated with
were shot by me while working for Mandy Sroka Photography.
I am so excited and proud that I got to be the official photographer for the third year running for the Maryland FLL State Championships! Congrats to all the teams for such a great job! Here are a few shots to hold you over until I get the others up!
Also in the mean time, check out the photos from years past!
Yesterday I went to a fantastic conference for graphic designers called A Day in the Life. I know that technically I am not a graphic designer, but as a photographer, a lot of the same principles apply. Plus, I love learning. I had a great time meeting new people, (including many ‘cyber friends’ whom I have never seen in the flesh before) listening to some awesome lectures, and being reminded again, just how little I know.
The more you know, the more you know how much you don’t know. (Say that ten times fast!) I can say this from first hand experience as a photographer, as a mathematician, and just as a person.
I plan to never stop learning.
Many thanks to Jessica Watson who put together the conference! I got to hang out with my dear friend Neva-lee and chat with my favorite Baltimore photographer, John Waire, and meet up with a bunch of my fellow Bmore Creatives!
Me and Neva-Lee!
We used to talk about opening up a bed and breakfast together. It would be called ‘Nev ‘n Bev’s Bed ‘n Breakfast’. Awesome, huh?!
P.S. Neva-lee has the prettiest eyes.
Here is a sneak peek at my photos from the Maryland FIRST Lego League (FLL) State Championship held this past Saturday! The gallery is here. More will be added soon! Enjoy!
Cool costumes.
Awesome Cowgirl Divas!
Sweet robots!
A lot of teamwork!
Smiles all around.
And what day would be complete without the macarena!
UPDATE: First set of photos can be found here. More to be added tonight. Don’t forget to take a peek at last year’s photos here. See you at States!
On Saturday, Jeremy and I got the privilege to volunteer at one of the qualifiers for the Maryland FIRST Lego League at our alma mater, UMBC! In addition to herding parents, coaches, kids and robots, I was the “official” photographer. Here is a sneak peek at some of my shots. The rest of the shots will be up in a few days under “client galleries.” (Also, last year’s photos from the state championship are posted here.)
A day full of happy kids …
… robots made of legos …
… cool t-shirts …
… cheers …
… even some dancing to the Cupid shuffle!
And how did we become involved in FLL, you ask? Well, our good friend, Jamie, just happens to be the Operational Partner Maryland. She is awesome. And yes, I will be there with my lenses at the 2011 FLL State Championships!
client galleries
home