You know, I feel really really blessed with the clients who have found their way to me. Over the years I’ve been blessed to work with so many amazing, talented and wonderful people who are beautiful inside and out! In addition to these people being amazing all on their own – it’s insanely fun finding out things we share in common.

These clients come in for their pre-session consultations and sit down and we talk and share, and I get to find out a little bit about who they are. Sometimes I discover these things right then – when we first meet. Sometimes I find out a little more before their sessions. I get a giggle when I get their information forms in the mail before their sessions with answers to my questions and seeing things we have in common. And then on their session days I get to see and learn a little more about who they are.

I believe that we as humans want to connect. We want to matter, not necessarily to the whole world but to at least matter to a few close family and friends. We want to make a difference. We want to be seen for who we really are. And I think photography helps us to do that. And it allows us the chance to connect. To feel like we matter. To feel beautiful. And maybe for the first time in our lives to really see ourselves as we are and to be seen by others for who we truly are.

Some of my all time favorite photographs are created when my clients and I make a connection. Great photographs require a two way street. The level of openness and honesty you’re willing to show determines how impactful and genuine your portraits end up being. For me the ideal portraits capture real moments… They’re the moments in between the posed portraits. It’s when we’re laughing about something together or when we have a quiet serious moment. It’s the way his nose crinkles and his eyes all but disappear when he smiles, and that look she gets in her eyes just before she answers a question like she can see the stars in the middle of the day.

And I honestly believe the reason I’m able to capture these moments is twofold. First – because I have such amazing clients. People who share similarities with me end up finding their way to me and I’m able to really see them for who they are. I’ve had Supernatural fans and Doctor Who fans and Harry Potters fans and Marvel fans as clients. I’ve had quiet people and rambunctious people come to my door. I’ve had brainiacs and artists and athletes in front of my lens. Each and every one of these people is amazing and awesome and I just find myself feeling so insanely humbled and honored that they chose me to be their photographer.

Secondly – I know God gave me a gift to connect. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. And I’m grateful for this gift. It helps people relax. It helps people be real in front of my camera. This connection and calm helps me to be able to create those images that truly capture who you are! And that is always my goal. Sure it’s fun to create awesome and unique pieces of art – but capturing the beauty and power of you as you are is the true goal of my work!

So to you – my amazing clients – Thank you for letting me SEE you! Thank you for letting me capture you. And most of all – thank you for being you!