Swanson, who was born in Idaho but grew up in the Elizabethton area, doesn’t know what began her love of photography, but says she began taking pictures after her father bought her mother a DSLR camera for Christmas in 2014.

“She’d let me use it, and I mostly started taking pictures of my dogs,” she said.

Due to her love of animals, dogs in particular, she originally wanted to be a veterinarian.

“My interests as a kid revolved around animals, especially dogs,” she said. ”I always thought I would become a Veterinarian, but I guess the Lord thought differently.”

Swanson is now studying to be a K-5 teacher, and began doing photography professionally two years ago.

“Photography wasn’t something I thought I’d do for a job,” she said. “I’m actually in college to be a K-5 teacher. However, I love the connections and the people I get to meet with photography. So, Lord willing I’ll stay with photography.”

According to Swanson, her favorite thing with photography is actually meeting new people.

“There is so much I love about photography: capturing beautiful light, pretty smiles, joyful people,” she said, “but my favorite part about photography is meeting a complete stranger and becoming their friend after an hour session. To me photography is more than pretty pictures, it’s an experience and a time where I get to meet people and make them feel like they are worth a million bucks (because they are).”

Her favorite types of photo sessions include couples, seniors and small families.

For anyone thinking about getting into photography, Swanson says experience and staying humble are the keys.

“Experience is the best teacher,” she said. ”Always stay true to yourself, even if those closest to you don’t like your style or photos. Lastly and most importantly stay humble, because with photography you will make mistakes but it is in the mistakes you will progress.”

Swanson anticipates more growth from her work in the future, but says for now that inquiries to her work can be found on her Facebook page, “Simply Swanson Photography,” her Instagram page of the same name and through her email simplyswansonphotography@gmail.com .

“I absolutely love the work I do,” she said. ”I feel so honored that people allow me to capture special seasons of their life.”