Documenting life and storytelling has always resonated with me. My grandmother gifted me a camera when I was five and I quickly began capturing images of our family outings to the park, local attractions or day-to-day events. I love details and how they help tell a story. So, rather than just photographing people's smiling faces, I shoot with intention to capture the love they are living: the silliness between siblings, the way a mom tucks stray hair behind her daughter's ear; important details which tell the unique, connective story between people.

Photography became more meaningful when my children were born. I documented moments both large and small. First smiles, first steps, the first days of school are all there, but so are muddy playtimes, snacks with pals in a homemade fort and giggle-filled sibling whispers.

In Fall 2003, we hired a local photographer to take our first family portraits. These images were intended to not just document our family, but also serve as artwork for our home. Soon after, my husband began to not feel well and two months later he received a devastating cancer diagnosis. The next four and one-half years were peppered with surgery, treatment, and hospitalizations. But they were also filled with birthdays, little league, soccer, swim meets, playdates, family game nights, bubble baths, dress up, school plays, etc. The reality of how fleeting life is hit me hard but I was determined to document all the sweet moments in between the difficult times. My family sat for another portrait session in Fall 2007, but this time, our eight-month-old puppy joined us. Those images, along with the original portraits, gave me more perspective, and solace to my children after their dad died. As my children grew into young adults and my fiancé joined the mix, I continued to document our family’s milestones along with our ordinary, yet beautiful life moments.

life is fleeting.

My WhY: