I'm Cari.

My love of nature began early, when my adventurous parents—both educators—took us into the wilderness each summer. In contrast to my busy life during the school year in Chicago, summers in the wild felt free and unhurried. Scenic beauty, plants and wildlife spoke louder than the noise in the city. Creation speaks in ways that bring gifts of gratitude, peace, and restoration. These gifts are often found when the soul is still and present.

Whether writing with light or a pen, both invite me to immerse myself in discovering beauty, clarity, and inspiration. With a camera, I pause and engage in a playful exploration, keeping a childlike sense of wonder. Play is central to how I work—so much so I have a degree in Leisure Studies, with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation. Play does not have to be energetic or noisy; it often thrives in quiet moments and acts of discovery. Photography, for me, has always been about receiving, not striving.