By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

As a photographer at JCPenney, Flora Roberts is a familiar and friendly face to many in the Alabaster area.

As a child Roberts met her husband-to-be when they were just play friends.

Both shared a love for the great outdoors after hiking the Adirondack Park in upstate New York where both lived.

In high school they dated, continuing a strong love for family, traveling, boating and general adventuring.

After high school, Roberts attended Schenectady County Community College where she majored in Culinary Arts and Hotel Restaurant Management.

Along with her hiking and photography, Roberts has a true passion in the kitchen.

“I love trying out new recipes as well as looking for interesting foods with which to cook,” Roberts said. “It is so satisfying for someone to beg you to cook a special dish for them again.”

Habanero Raspberry Jam and Pineapple Fire Sauce are two of her favorite specialties.

Roberts’ favorite trip was with husband Kevin Pulsifer (who is a bass tournament angler) when they did a rock hounding and gold adventure trip to North Carolina, where they found some semi precious garnets and sapphires.

After an enjoyable stay there, they went to Arizona and panned for gold.

Roberts said, “It was awesome and a trip I will never forget.”

Roberts’ dream trip would be to Denali National Park, Yosemite Park, Grand Tetons and Bryce Canyon – about two months of roaming and a zillion snapshots taken off the beaten path.

Roberts has been employed at JCPenney (photo studio) for over 15 years.

“I photograph children, families and even pets,” Roberts said. “Some of my work is traditional, some artistic, some modern images and even silly antics for the kids. Canvas wall portraits, packages and digital copies are all available. The thing I love most about my job are the reactions patrons have when they view their finished products.”

Photography began as a hobby for Roberts but is now her livelihood and always a hunt for the perfect image.

“My goals would be to open my own studio one day so I could do outdoor photography, but for now I am happy to be pleasing so many people through my photography at JCPenney Photo.”