welcome

I had no idea the treat I was in for when I met the Turner family. We met at a park and I could instantly tell we were going to have a great time. They were laughing, laid-back and they brought a giant gold balloon … what more can you ask for?!

These photos were meant to be of Charlie, to celebrate her 6 months of life. Raquel was pretty determined to stay out of the photos and to keep Charlie the star of the show. But when you get a family as attractive as these guys, you are forced to use the power of persuasion. And I’m so thrilled we grabbed a bunch of family shots as well! I mean, look at these faces!

Using social media isn’t wrong. I use it. I use it to share my life—my art—my marriage. I text. I email. I share quick nuggets of information.

But we shouldn’t stop there. We should build a village all around us that breeds authentic relationships, freeing one another from perfection and scripted answers. 

I had so much with the Petersons last month! They invited me into their home so they could capture this little buddy at his one-year mark.

It was so easy to see that they are fun parents. Ian had an incredible record collection and they knew which ones could make Nico dance. They had all his favorite toys ready and available, as well as puffs which were clearly his favorite part of the photo shoot.

First, I’d like to give a shoutout to my oldest sister Katie, who is celebrating her 35th birthday today! Happy birthday you amazing woman! Please go to happy hour … you can just leave your phone with Max and Addie and I will FaceTime babysit them.

I grew up with three sisters, all of whom I consider my very closest friends. I got so lucky with them you guys, I can’t even begin to explain it. They have taught me so much and make me laugh multiple times each day. If you have sisters, I’m sure you can relate to the following: 

I set out this month to un-addict myself from my phone. A small update: I’m failing miserably in certain regards (still checking social media and the Voxer app too much and sometimes reading my phone in bed) but doing really well about keeping my phone out of sight with my husband and friends. Regardless, I’m talking about it to everyone and I’ve found some others who are also seeking some change.

My friend Rachael wrote two weeks ago about how she’s unplugging. And today, I asked another dear friend to write about how she giving her life more attention. Let me introduce you to the beautiful Abigail Mary Green. She is thoughtful and kind and introspective and her words are always so full of emotion. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram and you won’t regret it.

The Davis family invited me over to photograph my very favorite kind of session. They let me be a fly on the wall while they made breakfast one morning, allowing me to snap shots of a very typical day in their life. The kids fought and giggled and tried to help with the eggs, bacon, and pancakes. They threw food, asked for more chocolate milk and said a family prayer.

These kinds of sessions are such an honor for me to shoot. I feel so privileged to show people little glimpses of their own lives and just how spectacular the ordinary days look. These captured moments will remind them of this exact season and hopefully bring back many memories.