I could sit here and tell you how many years I have been a photographer (17) and when I turned my business full-time and began booking months out (7 years ago) and then go on and tell you that I am addicted to coffee and love chocolate, or I could be real with you. So, let’s do that. ;-) (But I am totally a coffee-addict, and chocolate is good, but I favor cheese.)

I am a mom, who loves her children fiercely and is dedicated to providing them a life that they will look back on and feel that they were loved beyond all measure. That they were loved for who they were, not for how pretty they looked or for how perfectly they behaved. My girls are never perfect, and I don’t want them to fit into society’s boxes. Boxes are boring. In our house, only our cat likes boxes.

But before I was a mom, I was an artist. An oil painter and photographer who gave up on her dreams and turned to working the corporate grind.

Then life took some big turns and I said, “You know what, I have an Art Degree and it is time to use it.” So here I am. Juggling working full-time work (yes, I work more than 40 hours a week), with an amazing Neurodiverse 11 year old and a cuddle bug of a 7 year old along side my high school sweetheart. Life is busy, but full of joy (okay, tears and tantrums too….).

So why did I turn to photography? There are many reasons, but one I will share now is because no one could capture who my Tessa (eldest daughter) was. Tessa has ADHD, anxiety and is likely on the Autism Spectrum. When we did family photoshoots, she got manic and no one knew how to work with her. But I knew/know how beautiful she is. I knew I could do it. And (spoiler alert) I can.

I am very good at working with kids who have a LOT of energy. I know how to redirect your kiddos’ chaos and turn it into a beautiful moment. I don’t shame parents for their kids not standing still. No, in fact, I tell people to go and run. Roll in the grass and play with your kids! Your kids love you and they need you. Show them how much you care and connect with them.

Am I a perfect parent? No, but I love talking to parents and connecting. I am so thankful for being able to be more than a photographer to the families that I work with. To my photo families, I am a friend, a supporter and a counselor (especially to new parents!).

Every day I look at my girls and marvel at their personality. They are so unique and so true to themselves. I don’t want photos where they are pretending to still and smile; I want to capture who they truly are. That’s what I do: let your family be who they are naturally. I step into your life for a photo session and encourage you to play, hug, make faces and relax.

Does it sound like we would be a good fit to work together? Fabulous! Let’s start this relationship then!