It's the 90's.


Sponge rollers were removed. White rain was sprayed. Powder blue eye shadow was applied. Your daughter wore the cutest green dress with the puff sleeves and lace trim. You fought to get everyone out of the door and up to the mall. You hoped to make it to the portrait studio on time.


With its distinctive blue and white signage, stepping into the studio felt like entering a realm where memories were destined to be captured. The soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead illuminated the studio space, casting a warm glow that seemed to infuse a touch of magic into the air. The studio's backdrop choices, from timeless neutrals to quaint scenes reminiscent of idyllic parks, offered a canvas upon which families could express their uniqueness. The skilled photographer, armed with an array of creative poses and prompts, guided families through moments of laughter, hugs, and shared glances that encapsulated their love and bonds. The shutter clicks echoed like the beating of a heart, encapsulating those fleeting instants into frames that would soon become cherished keepsakes.


Am I being a bit dramatic? I don't really remember those photo days feeling like this. I remember hair pulling, stuffy clothes, tears, and a forced smile. Even walking past that place while back to school shopping, it was a known fact that a child would be crying in the background. I have a feeling your experiences may have been a bit more like that as well.

Mid-2000's.

A lot changed since the days of Sears Portrait Studio, or did it? Did we just move those sessions outside? It kind of felt like every mom with a digital camera was signing up to start a photography business. Pinterest was full of great ideas. Oh Pinterest, a treasure trove of inspiration strewn with well-intentioned but occasionally over-the-top photo session ideas. On top of these extravagant themes, we often saw unflattering edits from free online editing software. The perfect "filter" for the day.

Today.

Please don't be offended. We live and we learn. I am a firm believer that every form of photography has its place. There will always be clients who want an overly themed photo session and that's perfectly alright. There most definitely will be clients who want nice photos of the whole family smiling for their Walls and Christmas cards. The thing is, there is a seat at the table for all types of photographers. But I want to create more than nice family photos. With your help, I want to create artwork that makes you feel something. I want to capture a memory that will pull on your heartstrings in years to come. Let me tell more about why...

Portrait of My Grandfather - Graphite on Paper

 

I am a creative soul. For as long as I can remember, I have been making art. My parents recognized that early and in elementary school, I was working with a local artist twice a week creating landscape paintings. By second grade, two canvases hung in the walls of our home. Artwork that I had created. Throughout K-12, I took any art class that was available. Because of scheduling conflicts, I actually chose art over some classes that would have given me college credits in advance. If going back, I would do it all the same. When I entered college, I knew I wanted to continue to create art and to do that as a career. I didn't want to be a starving artist so I added education to my major. After all, I had been a student to so many great art teachers throughout my life. I wanted to share that passion too. In college, I found my love for portraits. I went through many classes with many professors who tested my limits and I truly evolved in that time. My understanding of light and dark expanded and since then, I have continued to perfect my craft.

 

"Photography is painting with light."

Miroslav Tichy

I spent 5 years as an educator until my son and Covid arrived. It was then that I knew I no longer wanted to stay in the profession for a myriad of reasons. As I focused on raising him, my creativity had to make a shift. Have you ever tried to create an oil painting with a baby or toddler? Not easy. So instead of my brush or charcoals, I picked up a camera. I could find a way to document him and have a creative outlet. After all, I did love my film photography classes in college. Then came baby 2 and my understanding of photography deepened a little more. After our girl's birth, I decided I wanted to professionally share this creativity with the community. It wasn't great starting out. I was taking what I thought were beautiful images, but I wanted to make art. So, I did what had fed my spark for all my life and took a class with a gifted artist and educator. Seeking education has never failed me. In those classes it felt like the door between art and my lens was opened and I would walk freely between the two. I began to mesh those two realms.

If you are searching for standard family photos, then unfortunately I am not your girl. Family photo sessions are treasured opportunities to freeze moments in time, preserving the love and connections that bind families together. While traditional family portraits have their own charm, infusing artistry into these sessions can elevate the experience and create captivating images that reflect the unique personalities and dynamics within each family. I want to work with you to make something beautiful and even ornate to adorn the walls of your home and heart. Here are ways to make sure that happens:


  • Choosing Unique Locations: Instead of opting for generic studio backdrops, consider choosing locations that hold personal significance. Natural settings like parks, beaches, or even your own home can provide a rich canvas for artistic expression. These locations not only add depth and character to the photos but also allow you to feel more relaxed, resulting in authentic and candid moments that artfully capture your relationships.
  • Embracing Candid Moments: Art in family photography often thrives in the unscripted and spontaneous moments. I will always encourage you to interact naturally, share stories, and engage in activities they enjoy. Candid shots that capture laughter, playful interactions, and genuine emotions add an artistic touch to the session. These fleeting moments can tell powerful stories that a posed photograph might not fully convey.
  • Incorporating Props and Personal Items: Incorporating meaningful props and personal items can infuse symbolism and depth into the photos. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom, a musical instrument, or a favorite book, these items can reflect the your passions and history. By thoughtfully integrating these elements, it creates not only visually appealing images but also narratives that resonate on a personal level.
  • Playing with Light and Shadow: Mastering light is an essential skill in photography, and it becomes even more critical when aiming to create artful family portraits. I often experiment with different lighting to harness the magic of golden hour or the softness of diffused light. Incorporating shadows creatively can add depth and intrigue to the images, making them more visually captivating and dynamic.
  • Encouraging Artful Poses: Move away from traditional poses. I alway encourage families to interact in ways that feel natural to them. You will often see me experimenting with compositions that involve movement, symmetry, and unconventional framing. Artful poses can reveal relationships and dynamics in unexpected and delightful ways.
  • Incorporating Fine Art Techniques: As a classically trained artist, I love to apply fine art techniques to your family photo sessions. I utilize techniques such as selective focus, shallow depth of field, and framing to create visually striking images that mirror the techniques used in traditional art forms. These techniques can make the photos feel more like paintings and evoke an emotional response.
  • Post-Processing and Editing: The artistic process doesn't end after the photo session. Post-processing and editing are crucial steps in enhancing the artistic quality of your images. Things like color grading, toning, and retouching create a consistent and visually appealing style. I am working on creating a brand that is immediately recognizable while creating a look that enhances the mood without overpowering the natural beauty of the moment.


Emotional and artistic family photography is a captivating dance between the heart and the lens. It goes beyond the traditional smiles and poses, delving deep into the intricate tapestry of relationships and emotions that bind a family together. In each frame, a story unfolds – a narrative of love, vulnerability, and shared experiences. Bringing art to family photo sessions captures not just moments, but emotions, connections, and stories. The result? Timeless photographs that not only showcase the family's love but also serve as beautiful pieces of art that will be cherished for generations to come.