Intentional

I can’t lie - this IS a fair question. AI is only getting better and it’s forcing photographers, such as myself, to step up our game and experience for those who are interested in working with us. Cell phones have become portable computers/cameras/digital photo books that house the most intimate parts, moments, and situations of our lives.

So, you may be wondering, why do I need to hire YOU vs. saving the money and trusting my cousin to capture me, my family, my loved ones, that ceremony/birthday party, with their cell phone or point-and-shoot-camera?

My goal is simple: I don’t care to only provide you with pretty pictures. At this point, that’s too simple of an assignment.

Images tells stories, and stories are powerful. Any storyteller knows that it’s about the angles, the positioning, the energy, and the insight into a specific portrait shoot, boudoir session, wedding, and/or significant event.

Your cousin, or yourself, may very well be able to capture an event — anyone can. But are they asking themselves: Based on that discovery call, HOW do they want to be perceived in relation to that event, ceremony, or tailored portrait/boudoir session? When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone, and dared to be visible? (I know, it’s not easy).

When was the last time you flipped through a physical photo book and smiled? When was the last time you remembered seeing images that told a story, one that you feel proud of yourself for sharing?

Photos are more than digital content to be easily consumed. They’re an art form that AI may attempt to replicate, but they’re missing the human touch, the intimate connection, the energy that a professional photographer that a machine simply can’t replicate.

Perfection is an aspiration, authenticity is human. Aside from using Photoshop, our goal is to have you transform in front of the lens, in a way that makes you feel brave, beautiful, and confident in your own skin.

If your iPhone/Android or AI can accomplish that, please let me know. :)

A photographer, such as myself, is necessary when you’re attempting to capture a significant moment, milestone, ceremony, event, or to celebrate yourself and all of the substance the person you are today carries.

Who YOU are matters. YOUR story matters. YOUR self-perception is valuable, and worthy. YOU are deserving of being visible, seen, and celebrated.

Being visible, whether it’s at an event, your wedding day, a ceremony, a birthday party, or in a personal portrait/boudoir session is NEVER easy. It’s vulnerable, it’s personal, and it’s a significant investment. But your visibility only bothers those who aren’t capable of stepping into a “brave space” and trusting their character enough, to be documented and remembered.

So, I encourage everyone to stop being concerned with the opinions of others, and invest in themselves. Artwork impacts people, and I love to create artwork that resonates with people for years to come.

A great question, and I’m glad you asked.

Like many things in life, skill matters,

but so does personality.

Ask yourself:

Do you feel you can trust the photographer you’re considering? Do their style, energy, and workflow align with what you’re hoping to experience? Those answers matter just as much as the final photographs, especially when you’re investing in yourself or the people you love.

From a technical standpoint, I always recommend browsing the portfolios of photographers in your area (or those who regularly travel to you) and seeing whose work truly resonates. Pay attention to the consistency of their images, the feeling they create, and whether their artistic voice matches what you envision for your session.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, reach out to each photographer to talk through your ideas, both for the session and for the artwork you imagine displaying. These conversations are where you start to explore details like products (framed prints, canvases, metal artwork, fine-art finishes, and more), what each photographer’s process looks like, and how they guide you from consultation to final delivery.

You’ll also discuss pricing, how you’ll view your images, and what’s included in the final artwork: whether everything is fully retouched, delivered digitally, presented in person, or shared via an online gallery. By the time you’ve spoken with your top choices, you’ll have the insight you need to confidently choose the photographer who feels like the right fit for your portrait experience.

Whoever you select, I hope you’ll keep me in consideration. You can explore more about my process on the FAQ page, and if you’d like to talk through your vision directly, I’m always happy to schedule a personal consultation.

I don’t mean to answer your question with a question, but to add onto your point:

When was the last time you decided you were worth more than your responsibilities? When was the last time you thought about yourself, instead of making sure that everyone else around you is okay? When was the last time you stepped outside of auto pilot, and gave yourself the time to enjoy an experience that impacts you positively?

Being photographed is freeing. Being brave enough to be seen is freeing. Being documented offers proof of your existence, and for your future descendants if having children of your own is a part of your life’s plan.

What does being brave show the people closest to you? Does it inspire them, since you decided to take that chance on yourself? Does it resonate with them? Does it help you become a better woman/man/human being, and walk into rooms with more confidence?

Investing in yourself (yes, even when it feels like a “nonessential") is worth it.

Because if it helps you reconnect with who you are beneath the routines and responsibilities (and yes, the bills that always come first), then it’s not an indulgence. It’s nourishment.

So, I encourage people to embrace themselves. To show up as their truest selves. And to experience what it feels like to be empowered through being authentically seen.

While it's true that I primarily work with/capture women, that doesn't mean I don't also photograph men and/or gender neutral individuals. (Feel free to look at a couple of images featured below).

The opportunity to step outside your comfort zone is also the opportunity to grow. To honor who you are today, while celebrating the person you’re becoming.

Your story holds substance, truth, resilience, and power. Even if it’s hard to see yourself in those words right now, my goal is to gently challenge the voice that says you’re anything less.

Choosing to do something for you—and choosing to love yourself, flaws and all—in a world that constantly questions that kind of self-acceptance is an act of courage. Others may disagree or misunderstand, but I’ll ask you this:

Is this about them… or about you?

There will always be someone who doubts you or projects their own perspective onto your journey. That’s human nature. But that’s also why bravery can feel risky at first—until it transforms into excitement, empowerment, and gratitude.

Gratitude for choosing to be seen. Gratitude for allowing yourself to be captured, acknowledged, and celebrated.