Catherine Davis, 919 Magazine Photographer

RESIDENCE: North Raleigh

HOMETOWN: Chattanooga, TN

POSITION: Professional Photographer

EDUCATION: Boston University, BFA Graphic Design

FAMILY: Husband, Todd; children, Laird (22), Wheeler (20)

PETS: Apollo (rescue tabby)

CAUSES: Diabetes: Tour de Cure - American Diabetes Association; Cancer Support: Tour de Femme, which supports Angel Fund at Rex Hospital and Kay Yow Foundation; Flashes of Hope: Volunteer since 2008; Interfaith Food Shuttle

HONORS: 2016 Pictorial Portrait, 1st Place (Professional Photographers of North Carolina)

INTERESTS: Bicycling (discovered cycling at age 14, taking a bike trip to the Canadian Rockies; has traveled by bicycle in Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and more)

Where do you get inspiration?

Nature/God, family, friends, and community. Nature, because I love the seasons -- the crisp air of fall, the dewey air of the summer, the changing leaves, the smell of rain, the ever-changing sky. In spite of the development, there is beauty everywhere. As for family, my husband and I are very lucky to have two children, in college now, and they motivate and inspire me daily.

What makes you successful?

Undying optimism and desire to make a positive impact.

What makes you most proud?

I believe the most valuable work I do is family portraits, capturing moments of connection between family members. Ideally, this is at a normal time of life, but for my carpe diem* families catherinedavisphotography.com/pay-it-forward features photos taken at a moment when one parent is facing a life threatening condition. I know these sessions are meaningful as I have helped many of them reprint a photo for display at the memorial service.