In my view of things, all art is about connection--either with oneself or with others.

From childhood on I have lived a life immersed in creativity. I carried around a drawing pad and pencils as a child. I entered contests with my paintings and creations, studied art and art history in college. I also found that there is art in cooking, in music, in poetry, in living.

I discovered photography at the age of 23. Ever since that moment I have been in love with creating beautiful images. With the right light and sensitive timing, a photograph can convey so much more than words ever could. It can move us to action, move us to tears, inspire us and preserve our memories.

I began my career as a photojournalist at The Register-Guard in Eugene, Ore. after receiving my master's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When my husband and I moved to Seattle, I started Rosanne Olson Photography. Over the past 30 years I have collaborated with designers and art directors around the country, photographing for advertising campaigns such as the New York City Ballet, Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony and Children's Hospital. These days I am focused on my true loves: fine art and portraiture.

In 2008 I authored a book titled This is Who I Am--our beauty in all shapes and sizes, a book of photographs and essays that celebrates women and their stories. I have also written two books to facilitate classes in lighting and portraiture. They are ABCs of Beautiful Light and my new book, The Art of the Portrait. All three of my books are available on Amazon.

My most recent artistic project is not about images in the traditional sense but about songs I have written. Please see the music section on my website or go to www.rosanneolsonmusic.com.