When I think about the future of my photography business, I think about the people I’m serving and the happiness that photographs can bring them.

A brief moment happens.

I press a button.

And suddenly, that moment is preserved forever.

Years from now, that photograph might be sitting on a shelf in someone’s home. It might be tucked into an album. It might be held by a child who has grown into an adult. It might be passed down to another generation who never even knew the people in the photograph personally, but somehow gets to see them, because someone thought it was important enough to preserve.

That is pretty incredible.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited into small portions of so many people’s lives.

I’ve photographed engagements, weddings, babies, families, seniors, pets, new beginnings, big celebrations, and sometimes the bittersweet moments that remind us just how quickly life moves.

And I don’t take that trust lightly.

I value every person who has trusted me with their memories. Every referral you’ve sent my way. Every kind word. Every time you’ve shared my work with a friend. Every person who has come back to me again and again as their family has grown and changed.

Your support has allowed me to continue doing something I genuinely love for two decades in an incredibly saturated photography industry.

And the relationships I’ve made along the way are something I cherish more than I can really put into words.

The Moments I Live For

There are so many little moments throughout a photography session or wedding day that remind me why I do this.

I love seeing a senior girl arrive at her session feeling timid and nervous, then showing her a few photographs on the back of my camera and watching her face completely light up when she realizes, Oh my gosh… I look GOOD.

I love sharing in the excitement of a newly engaged couple who can barely contain themselves because they are SO ready to get married and tell the entire world their news.

I love seeing a stressed-out mom—who spent the entire day coordinating outfits, making sure everyone ate, getting kids down for naps, and wondering how on earth this chaotic session could possibly result in anything good—tear up when she sees her photographs.

And I love watching someone cherish a photograph with a beloved family member who is no longer here.

Those are the moments I live for.

Not just the pretty photographs.

The meaning behind them.

Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment

One thing 20 years behind a camera has taught me is that we have absolutely no promise of tomorrow.

Life changes.

People grow older.

Families change.

Our children don’t stay little.

Our parents don’t stay young.

And sometimes, people we love aren’t here as long as we hoped they would be.

So when someone you love says, “Let’s get a picture together,” let them.

Even if you don’t feel dressed up.

Even if your hair isn’t perfect.

Even if you don’t think you look your best.

Even if you’d rather wait until you’ve lost a few pounds.

Get in the photograph.

Because someday, that photograph may be worth more to you than you could possibly imagine.

And someday, someone you love may hold that image in their hands and be incredibly grateful that you took the time to preserve that little piece of your life.

Thank you.

Thank you for trusting me.

Thank you for supporting me.

Thank you for sending your friends and family my way.

Thank you for coming back.

Thank you for letting me into your lives for these little moments.

And thank you for allowing me to do something I love for the past 20 years.

Here’s to the photographs we haven’t taken yet. ❤️