Susan Asaro has always loved photography, but never thought of it as a profession. That was until she attended the Hallmark Institute 15 years ago and found her passion.

The Wareham resident has a photo gallery at the WCTV studio that opened on Friday evening. Her collection consists of portraits of children, babies, high school seniors and small families. She said every photo she chose for the gallery tells a story.

"As I looked at them, I realized that what drew me to choose those images, especially the ones of the children, was the simplicity and innocence of childhood," Asaro said. "I felt it wouldn't matter that you didn't know the children as we could all relate to those timeless moments in childhood."

Asaro graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at the Hallmark Institute, an intensive 10-month photography program in Turners Falls, Mass.

"Up there, you eat, sleep and drink photography," she said.

She initially wanted to do wedding photography, which is what she did for six years after graduating. However, that became a stressful job for her. She was traveling every weekend, and rarely saw her husband, who also traveled. After that, she transitioned to children's portraits and never looked back.

Asaro said the key to photographing kids is giving them space. She said it's more than just how you direct them, it's following them and seeing what they give you.

"You have to have patience and not be afraid to be silly, she said.

Asaro, who works along the South Coast and Cape Cod, said she takes a quality over quantity approach to the number of clients she works with, and gives detailed personal attention to each one.

"I pride myself on being a photographer who also helps fulfill your vision and how you want to display yourself." she said.

Asaro's work is currently on display at the WCTV studio, 505 Main St. in Wareham. WCTV Director Jay Heard said anyone who has photography, paintings or other art they would like to display in the future should contact WCTV at (508) 273-2340.