Barbara Steinberg realized a new career in photography was emerging when she produced a school district slide show while teaching in Maryland.

She decided to move to the West Coast and pursue her new passion as a photographer.

“It wasn’t easy at first; the field of photography is very competitive,” Steinberg said. “I didn’t have the skills necessary to pursue photography as a full-time profession, so I went back to school.”

Now Steinberg specializes in couples photography, small intimate weddings, families and business portraits. She prefers small weddings rather than the fast-moving, high-stress weddings with 200 guests.

“I listen to what my clients want and try to bring their personality into the photographs,” Steinberg said, noting clients appreciate her attention to detail.

“I always say the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is about two weeks,” she said.

Something else Barbara’s clients appreciate is that they can see their business photographs on her laptop computer, allowing clients to select their favorite image on the spot and take the disc with them that day.

“If they aren’t pleased with the first set of images, we keep going until they are completely satisfied with the images we have created,” Steinberg said.

Steinberg lives and works in the Clairemont area of San Diego and said she likes the location.

As a member of the GSDBA for three years, she volunteered her services to the group for the first six months to photograph the mixers for the newsletter. She said she soon found that she wasn’t doing any networking, but “working,” and decided to be a guest and enjoy talking with other members.

Steinberg has also volunteered her services in silent auctions for The San Diego LGBT Community CenterCenter, Breast Cancer Walk, the Ramona Fire Department and the Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park. She said she feels it’s a great way to contribute to the community, as well as get to know the donors.