Sally began her career in photography by enrolling in a photography class to spend time with her then, boyfriend in the darkroom!
She made her "controversial debut" by presenting her first photo. It was a nude picture of one of the other students laying in the forest on pine needles. The photo content caused such a stir Sally says it was her first lesson in the dangers of photography. This lesson didn't stop her from continuing to create realism and push the boundaries of the art world. She attended Bennington and spent time in Europe finishing her degree at Hollins College. She graduated with the highest honors and a year later she earned her masters degree in writing.