Life is like photography. You use the negatives to develop.

I'm just a girl that loves the sound of a shutter.

Studying to be a sports journalist at the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on photojournalism.

I was the 2010 Creative Services Editorial Intern for the Cincinnati Reds.

I am a sports photographer for GoBearcats.com

Sports are like a lifeline for me. It connects me to so many people, and brings together a population like nothing else can. It has turned from a hobby to a career and passion.

With a camera in my hands, I feel like I see beauty in things I would otherwise overlook. I never leave without it.

"It's a long season and you gotta trust. I've tried 'em all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball."

My (slowly growing) Weapons of Choice:

Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi)

Canon 18-55mm

Canon 55-250mm

Canon 50mm f/1.8

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8

Neewer 0.45x wide angle

Nikon Coolpix P80

Olympus FE340

Please do not use any of my photos without my permission. I am hoping to set up shop soon to sell prints, so keep checking in and it should be up soon.

My photography has appeared in a multitude of places, and I am very happy to say the opportunities are growing every day. I can never thank enough the people that come to me for help, for work, or would like to hire me to snap a few shots for them. Nothing feels better than knowing your hard work is finally paying off. It pays off even more when you know that you're doing what you love, and that's what photography has given to me. The joy of doing what I love as a career.

With the Cincinnati Reds, I worked along with our Creative Services department in shooting promotional photography, fulfilling requests for photos, fan shots, and I was even given the opportunity to shoot Chris Heisey's first at bat. Last year, two of my photos were also featured in Capture Cincinnati, a compilation of photos from photographers all across the Tri-State area. Photos were chosen by you, the fans. Kudos to all of the following as they have provided me with a great opportunity to showcase my work:

www.brooklynmetfan.com

www.schmap.com

www.MetsPhotos.com

www.Metsblog.com

www.CaptureCincinnati.com

www.GoBearcats.com

**I have to thank everyone that visits my stream, leaves me comments, sends me Flickrmail, etc. You all encourage me and help me to keep driving toward these goals. I appreciate your feedback so much you have no idea. I am truly inspired by all of you.

www.twitter.com/elisemichelle

www.lisebelle.blogspot.com