books are open
My favorite thing about family photos is creating the space for personalities to come through instead of just trying for forced, cheesy smiles. Of course we’ll grab some looking at the camera photos, but my focus is on letting kids be kids and creating an experience that is joyful and fun… for everyone.
I love kiddos and nannied for a long time. I’ve found that for most kids, giving them some autonomy over simple things like choosing the spot they want to take their photo in, getting down on their level and listening to their stories, and just being my goofball self helps bring out their light in a gentle way. This takes some cooperation from the parents to just let their kids show up as they are without trying to bribe or force them into poses. I’ve found that even the most stand-offish kiddos warm up to me when we’re allowed the time to connect human-to-human and not just as a stranger with a camera in their face and a kid who’s being told to be good.
I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m not a traditional photographer. I’m not interested in forcing any “shoulds” or following the rules. If you want to do a photo shoot at a pizza parlor, in front of a vibrant mural, in a flower field, in your own home, with your toes dipped in a creek… I’m here for all of it. I’m here to photograph the beauty of you and your family.
I also love photographing dogs, whether it’s as a part of the family or just a dog on their own. I’ve had the honor of photographing many dogs throughout different stages of their lives and I’ve never known a more pure love. My dog is my world and I’ll love your baby dogs, too, guaranteed.