Due to the subject matter I’m frequently hired to cover, I often find myself to be the only woman in the room. While I love what I do, sometimes it can be taxing. Although I previously had a stable position as an in-house photographer, which was comfortable and stable with a three year old at home, I quit my job and decided to pursue freelancing instead so that I would have some control over the stories I covered and the images I made.

I had always wanted to do a project on female firefighters, because I look up to them tremendously and respect the path that they’ve paved. I reached out to The United Fire Service Women (http://ufsw.org/), and my proposed project was met with enthusiasm because their 30 year anniversary in the SFFD was coming up.

Over the past year I have been to dozens of firehouses and met some of the funniest, most genuine and truly amazing people. It’s been a privilege to peek into their lives and I am forever grateful.