Where it Started

I started studying photography in high school where I worked with both digital and film. After feeling lost in 2 other majors during my first two years of college, I found my way back into my passion through the journalism school at Kent State. Since college, I have been shooting weddings as well as doing product photography and branding for ETL Performance Products inc.

Another one of my passions is creating social media content. This passion stems from my volunteer work for 4 Paws for Ability. It is common for many of the foster trainers to create Instagram accounts for their service dogs in training to keep friends, family, and other trainers updated on their progress as well as simply creating fun content. I found myself posting on my foster’s page much more than my personal account and I loved being able to represent each of my foster’s individual personalities online which led to me becoming the director of communications for the student organization Paws for a Cause, which partners with 4 Paws for Ability. From there I have been able to show my experience in social media and was given the opportunity to intern with a local Chicago company MAYTA Collection, where I learned a different perspective in storytelling and building a unique brand.

In 2024, i began shooting weddings under David Blakeslee. He has been an incredible mentor and has helped me find my voice and style while connecting with couples and sharing their stories. I feel a strong connection to this industry, as I love creating a blend of posed and candid moments on what is a pivotal day in someone’s life. I hope to continue building off of David’s teachings and create memories my clients can cherish forever.

-Colleen Burns