Decide what to be and go be it

I spent this past weekend with seven awesome photographers, all more experienced than me, and all amazingly unique and talented in their own way. The time away from my daily grind gave me the opportunity to not only learn from them, but also allowed me to reflect on just what type of photographer I ultimately want to be. I’m new to this, so I’ve already seen how it’s easy to stress myself out over being a photographer who does EVERYTHING, in every style, every pose, etc.

But, as I really focused on what truly makes me happy behind the camera, I realized my passion is in photographing newborns and children. There’s nothing like capturing their innocence and authentic joy in an image.

I went on to think that it’s when I’ve been able to photograph little ones in comfortable surroundings, allowing them to just be themselves, when the best images have been captured. It’s then when I’ve been able to….

take photographs that are personal, not “perfect…”

take images of them in their comfortable surroundings, messes and all….

take photographs that evoke memories….

and freeze images that relay emotion.

In my heart I am a lifestyle photographer. I certainly enjoy seeing staged photo sessions and pictures with sleeping newborns holding up their chins. I can appreciate those images and the photographers who have the talent for taking them, but I have quickly realized that it’s just not for me. Creating sets and posing babies seriously stresses me out, and if I’m stressed about a shoot, then the individuals on the other side of my camera will be, too!

So, as scary as it is for me to think about going outside of the box, it’s also liberating for me to let go of that fear and put myself out there to photograph the realness that I see as beautiful, in hopes that you will, too.

As of February, the focus of my business will be on newborn and children lifestyle sessions. That means that I will come to you to photograph your little ones in a surrounding they’re most comfortable in: their home! If you’re thinking of outdoor pictures, then let’s plan for a session in your yard. The goal is for them to be relaxed so that I can capture REALNESS! No saying cheese, please. 🙂 If you are interested in having the entire family captured on camera, then I will also offer longer “storytelling sessions” where I get to spend a couple of hours documenting everyone’s day!

A quick side notes:

*I have no qualms with intentional lifestyle sessions: if your daughter loves having tea parties with her stuffed animals and you want that photographed, then let’s plan on her having a tea party while I’m there! If you want to document your 5 month old’s first time eating food, that’s awesome! But just know that I’m there as a fly on the wall as your child goes about the moment. I am also totally okay if your children refuse to let you comb their hair or put on pants. The mother and kindergarten teacher side of me has dealt with lots of personalities and situations throughout the years, and I can assure you that I will not judge. Let you child be your child and see what happens!

Alrighty, enough of my rambling. I hope that while reading this, you’re thinking that you may just want to invite me and my camera into your home! I would like nothing more than to give you the gift of memories. I’d be happy to answer any questions or book a session for you…thanks for reading and sharing!