I was born and raised in Missouri and I have one brother.  In 1999, I moved to Illinois to continue my education.  As a child, art was always very important to me and has continued to be now in the form of photography. I became interested in photography during my first semester at Rockford College and decided to enroll in photography classes to learn as much as I could about it.  In 2002, I graduated from Rockford College with a BFA degree - emphasis in photography.  At the time, I thought photography would just serve as a hobby for me, but in 2003 my interest grew more and more.  I now take many photographs such as weddings, h.s. seniors, families, children, maternity, and pets.  
    I now reside in Dixon, IL with my roommate and one dog, Cagney, that is a real joy to both of us.  I learned to photograph on film during my years at Rockford College.  However, digital cameras have improved tremendously in recent years and offer many advantages over film both in terms of quality and in the case of reproduction and distribution.  Today, I shoot entirely digital with my Canon EOS 40D & 50D and enjoy every minute of it!  
    I would like to say "Thank You" to my roommate, family, and all of my friends for the support and encouragement that they have given me in pursuing my interest in photograghy. 

                                                                    Marisa C. Garner