It’s surreal to me that I’ve been a photographer for 10 years now. When I first picked up a DSLR camera as a new mom with my youngest baby in tow, I had no idea what kind of journey I was beginning. And in 2015, when I decided to take the leap to become a professional photographer, I never would have imagined that I’d still be in business a decade later. Yet, here I am, and I couldn’t be more grateful—to the friends and family who encouraged me to take that leap and to every client who has trusted me to capture their most precious moments.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is the life this career has allowed me to build with my family. Leaving the corporate world to pursue photography gave me a kind of freedom I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It allowed me to be home with my girls as they grew up—to be the PTO president, their Girl Scout troop leader, and a mom who didn’t have to worry about who would stay home with them when they were sick. I was there when they got off the bus, something I’ll always treasure. That flexibility and time with my family have been worth more than anything.
Looking back on these 10 years, I’ve learned so much—not just about photography but about life itself. The obvious growth has been in my photography and editing skills. (Let’s just say making this slideshow of memories wasn’t without a few cringes at my early work!) In fact, I generally dislike photos I’ve taken that are more than a year old, so going back 10 years was rough. Dealing with perfectionism is something I’m still working on. In my previous career as an engineer, things were often more clear-cut—right or wrong. Photography and art are so subjective that it’s hard not to constantly question oneself. Imposter syndrome is real.
But the lessons I’ve learned go far beyond technical skills. Perhaps the most important one has been learning to see the beauty in the world, especially in the everyday moments. Photography has taught me to notice and appreciate the light—how it transforms a scene or makes something ordinary feel magical. It’s something I never paid much attention to before picking up a camera. Now, when one of my daughters says, “Mom, look at how the light is coming through those trees—doesn’t it look beautiful?” I feel proud knowing I’ve taught them to see and appreciate the light, too.
Photography has also given me a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the passage of time. As I put together this slideshow, I found myself looking past the imperfections in my early work and focusing instead on the beautiful families I’ve been lucky enough to work with. It’s truly an honor to be invited into someone’s life—to capture the birth of a child, for example, which has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Working with the incredible Gold Hope Fighter families has also left a permanent mark on my heart in ways words could never fully capture.
There’s something so special about photographing families year after year and watching their children grow. In this slideshow, I see babies who are now big kids, children who are now adults embarking on their own adventures, and families who have supported me for an entire decade. To all of you, I am truly blessed and endlessly thankful.
I had to add a little photo at the end of my “team member” for the past three years: my dog, Mars. While he wasn’t around for the entire journey, he’s been a loyal companion during countless hours of editing in the office. He’s the perfect co-worker.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for an incredible 10 years. Here’s to many more!
Thank you again for being part of my journey over the past 10 years. As a special celebration, I’m running a referral promotion for 2025! If you refer a friend who books a session with me and they mention your name when booking, you’ll receive $25 off your next session.
Feel free to share this slideshow on your socials and tag me! It’s a great way to help spread the word and connect more families with meaningful moments to cherish. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see more of my work and future updates.
Referral Bonus Specifics:
Love your photos? Share the experience with friends! Earn $25 off your next session when your referral books with me.
- How It Works:
- If someone refers a friend who books a session, the friend must mention the referrer’s name at the time of booking.
- Only one referrer can receive the bonus per session.
- Eligibility:
- The $25 credit can be used for any session booked in 2025.
Share the slideshow with your friends and family—it’s a great way to spread the word and earn the referral bonus!