The Second Half Photography

The Second Half Photography Former breast surgeon turned photographer — I traded the OR for the sidelines, still chasing focus, precision & heart.

The Second Half Photography — telling the stories of young athletes so they can see what the world already sees. 📸✨ Since 2014, I worked as a breast surgical oncologist, empowering women through their journeys with breast cancer treatment. It was deeply meaningful work that shaped who I am. But after three years of juggling spine surgeries, in 2025, I knew it was time to make big changes in the se

cond half of my career. I put down the scalpel and picked up a camera. I want to continue empowering girls, women, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen — capturing their strength, beauty, and spirit in every frame. Through the lens of my camera, photography has become more than a creative outlet; it’s a way to help people truly see themselves at their strongest, most beautiful, and most genuine. From the grit of an athlete mid-game, to the confidence radiating in a senior portrait, to the quiet power of an unguarded moment, my goal is always the same: to reflect back their worth, their truth, and the undeniable spark of their spirit. I want every girl to walk away knowing she is powerful, capable, and unforgettable. Now, you’ll most often find me courtside, camera in hand, capturing my two basketball-loving daughters in action. It’s a world away from the operating room, yet still rooted in the same principles: focus, precision, and heart. Here’s to fresh starts, unexpected turns, finding power and beauty in the shift, and to making every second half count.

Tickets, please. 🎟️A mysterious conductor has arrived…and she has a story waiting to be told. 🚂✨
08/08/2026

Tickets, please. 🎟️

A mysterious conductor has arrived…and she has a story waiting to be told. 🚂✨

Debbie's Dance Studio ~ DDS families! Add dance photos to your back-to-school shopping list! 📚✏️💜If you’d like to create...
08/05/2026

Debbie's Dance Studio ~ DDS families! Add dance photos to your back-to-school shopping list! 📚✏️💜

If you’d like to create an album, simply click the heart button on your favorite images to make a Favorites list. Once you’re finished, send me a message, and I’ll create a separate link where you can design and order your album.

And yes… a few little elves may have told you that I’m already in full-blown Polar Express mode over here! 🚂❄️✨

Nothing like a teeny sneak peek with fake snow on a hot summer day to get you in the holiday spirit.
07/28/2026

Nothing like a teeny sneak peek with fake snow on a hot summer day to get you in the holiday spirit.

07/18/2026

Such an awesome day at basketball camp with the Illini Women’s uch an Such an awesome basketball camp with the Illini Fighting Illini Women's BasketballBasketball players! 🏀🧡💙 My girls had the best time learning, playing, and being inspired by some incredible athletes. A week they won’t forget!

07/18/2026
Thank you, Kendall, for being just as amazing behind the scenes as you are in front of the lens! 💜📸
07/18/2026

Thank you, Kendall, for being just as amazing behind the scenes as you are in front of the lens! 💜📸

07/11/2026

That #12 is this photographer’s kid!!!! Thank you, United Hoops, for capturing this!

SOUND THE ALARM! FINAL Debbie's Dance Studio ~ DDS RECITAL SNEAK PEEK!There is literally no one dancing around my office...
07/10/2026

SOUND THE ALARM! FINAL Debbie's Dance Studio ~ DDS RECITAL SNEAK PEEK!

There is literally no one dancing around my office the way I am right now getting ready to share this final recital post with you.

In my head, I look like one of the ballerinas from Hallelujah floating gracefully across the stage. Maybe even one of the hip hop dancers from Diva bringing ALL the attitude and energy (I still want those pants!).

In reality? I probably look more like one of the dads from the Daddy Daughter Dance 😂

What a day. Tiny dancers, big dancers, sparkles, sass, standing ovations, happy tears, and enough talent to completely fill the auditorium TWICE!

Thank you for trusting me to capture these moments. It has been such a joy to watch your dancers shine both on stage and behind my camera this year.

The full 2026 DDS Live Recital Gallery will be hitting inboxes soon, and I cannot wait for you to relive all the beautiful grace, grit, confidence, personality, and pure joy that made this recital so special.

Now excuse me while I go back to dancing around my office like absolutely nobody is watching 🥰🥰🥰

Girled-up. Fired-up. Leveled-up. And maybe just a little glittered-up. ✨Beautiful grace, fierce determination, and all t...
07/06/2026

Girled-up. Fired-up. Leveled-up. And maybe just a little glittered-up. ✨

Beautiful grace, fierce determination, and all the grit and attitude my camera could hold. These dancers didn't just perform—they owned the stage. 💜🩰✨

🥎 Final Sneak Peek 🥎From championship rings to diving plays, team logos to raining softballs, and plenty of water bottle...
07/03/2026

🥎 Final Sneak Peek 🥎

From championship rings to diving plays, team logos to raining softballs, and plenty of water bottle celebrations in between, these Caliber Softball 12U girls absolutely brought it to Media Day.

This session was everything youth softball should be—hard work, big dreams, great teammates, and a whole lot of fun.

The full gallery has been sent to the coach, so start checking your emails! I can't wait for you to see the rest of the images from this amazing day. 💙🥎

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Monticello, IL

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