I want to add some information about what I do and how I do it. I am a portrait photographer, currently specializing in children and families. When making portraits, I use only natural, available light. This means sunshine and "the light from outside" even if it's raining or cloudy. In fact, cloudy, overcast days are my favorite for outdoor shooting and even misty, drizzly days can work for beautiful, diffused light. Check my labels (on the right) for posts showing pictures made on days like these.

I do set up some of the shots with direction from parents for something specific that they may want, but I try as hard as I can to avoid posed, stiff-looking pictures. I strive for pictures that are as natural and spontaneous as humanly possible. I will tell children on a shoot NOT to smile because we all know how those phony, strained smiles look. No cheek cramps on my watch!

The thing about what I do that is the hardest to explain is that truly, what I think are my best pictures just "happen". Somehow, all the stars in the universe align at an exact moment and that toddler who won't sit still for her group shot gets up, and starts spinning around and laughing when my camera is set for another type of shot. I shoot anyway, and she comes out slightly blurry and it just looks like a dream. I may tell a big sister to close her eyes and out of nowhere, her little brother spontaneously reaches up and kisses her. A baby needs a diaper change in the middle of a shoot, I keep going, and these turn out to be her most animated moments! I think children are magical, amazing creatures and I cannot say how much I anticipate every shoot to see what will unfold. I can never say exactly what we'll get, and we can always try for any set-up, but the fact is- it's them doing what they do naturally that makes the best picture.

 You can reach me for consultation and booking at 347-782-2734.