Born in Detroit, Michigan, Deb Schwedhelm was originally trained as Registered Nurse and subsequently spent 10 years employed as an Air Force Nurse. Although she has been passionate about photography since her early 20s, it wasn't until Deb left the military that she was finally able to pursue the medium as a full time career.

Deb is married to a Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer based in Zushi, Japan. She is the mother to three children, who are often the subjects of her photographs.