I am one of those photographers who has learned to leave my big camera alone in moments like these. A few years ago I started @ourlife_project I didn't have a real goal of making it into anything other than personal digital scrapbook of normal, joyful, and powerful candid moments of raising black boys. I have love for black & white photography and the nostalgia it brings when looking back at the images.
Read More"I bet you have a bunch of photos hanging around your house." One of the stylist commented as I am sitting in the salon. A guilty look slides down my face as we sit chatting.
'Oddly enough" I say "I don't."
As I sit here now I can count seven images I have printed for display on my walls for my family to enjoy.
Read MoreA week or two ago the owner of Fearless and Framed posted in her photography group. In the post she asked a question.
"Why do you pick up your camera?"
Pause. Good question.
Photography is an art form. It's very subjective. But at its root is storytelling. There are times where I, the photographer, am in full control of what that story is, but the majority of the time the story comes directly from my clients lives, personalities, likes and dislikes, feelings toward the person or subjects I am photographing.
Read More2016. You were a year. And most years I would do my typical recap of my year showing my best of the best photos of 2016. And maybe eventually, I'll do that. But this year I want just want to show memories that filled me with gratitude, that kept me motivated and ultimately kept me centered.
Read MoreYep, that's right, you didn't misread the title to this blog. I, your photographer, will not ask your kids to smile. I know it sounds like I am going to fail at capturing your family moments, but trust me, I won't. Because here is what I will do.
Read MoreI love relationships. It is the aspect of being family photographer I enjoy the mos and tell the story of the bonds when a new baby arrives to a family who has already has a child out of toddlerhood you can find the sweet moments of a child growing up right before your eyes.
Read MoreI am knee deep in editing Mommy & Me session images and I needed to take a moment to pause and tell you all something:
Your in-between moments are beautiful, heart-warming, and oh so meaningful.
Read MoreBack in 2012 when I was a fresh-behind-the-ears photographer, the image below solidified my decision to include a black and white copy of all the images I presented to my clients in their gallery. It was one of my first in-home newborn sessions and this little one was not a huge fan of being wrapped up tight and I was too nervous about safely capturing him to even begin to thinking about doing composites.
Read MoreYou can always bet if I am writing a post about a senior session, some where in that post I will be talking about confidence. It's not that I want to inflate their egos, but I am huge believer in self-confidence, in owning your skills and abilities and loving what makes you unique, strong and WORTHY of self love.
Read More
