About Me

     Portrait photography has become a complementary creative avenue for my artistic endeavors.  It is probably fair to say that artistry runs in my genes.  The Hawkinson family is full of artists of all kinds, from concert pianists, harpists, cartoonists, painters and if you want to call prosthetic dentistry a form of creative art, well then, these are my roots.

     Born in Detroit, Michigan, I grew up in the city of Birmingham.  I attended Michigan State University; graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and to this day, remain a loyal Spartan.  (Although let me add, that my academia roots are heavily laden with University of Michigan soil with my parents, grandparents and great grandparents all graduates!)  However, in the fall, the big white “S” can be seen flying in a green background from my front door on football Saturdays.

     My first camera was a plastic “Brownie” camera I received as a birthday present when I was about 9 years old.  The “shutterbug” bit hard.  I have always been close to photos and photography documenting my life as I grew up.  In high school, as a Birmingham Seaholm Maple, I enjoyed my trendy Disc camera.  Then, after many classes in photography (film, digital and darkroom techniques) taken in recent years at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and lots of hands on practice, I become quite proficient with my professional cameras.

     My family and friends, and those that know me best, know that I am a closet perfectionist with high expectations.  Organization and a sharp eye for detail are high on my list of qualities.  With these qualities, I have been urged at the request of my family and friends to share my gift of portraiture.

     I absolutely love candid photography! Capturing the spirit of life, as it really is creates unsurpassed portraits.  Whether it is a special event in life like a brand new baby or a first communion, an everyday moment of sheer joy while a child is playing in the park, or the romantic love of future newlyweds, capturing the true expressions and genuine real moments has always been my aspiration. It is so rewarding to me when I get that true to life emotion in an instantaneous click of the finger; that is what my photography is all about.

     I moved to Kalamazoo fifteen years ago and married my husband and attorney, Ronald W. Ryan. I began photographing families and children about nine years ago as a hobby.  My serious dabbling in photography began about seven years ago.  I am the busy mom of an 12 year old daughter (her identical twin is in heaven), and two sons ages 9 and 6.

     I can honestly say now, I have finally and happily figured out what I want to be when I grow up!