This feels so weird to say, but I wanted my very first blog post to be about me so you know who you’re really connecting with when you trust me to tell your story. My work as a Cincinnati newborn photographer comes with a deeper why, one rooted in connection, storytelling and preserving the moments that matter most. Opening up doesn’t come naturally, but I’d love to share a piece of my story, the why behind my photography, and hopefully help you feel more connected along the way.

My “why” didn’t come from a sweet or inspiring moment. It came from loss. And if that’s not something you’re in a place to read about, it’s okay to stop here.

I lost my mom when I was 16 weeks pregnant with my first baby. Devastated, heartbroken, wrecked…I’m not sure there’s really a word descriptive enough for what I felt and still feel. The night before, I called to wish her happy birthday, give her my daily pregnancy update, and just general chit chat after my busy day. Less than twelve hours later, my sister was calling at 4 am telling me to get to the hospital. My mom passed away so suddenly from pneumonia. She had been sick for over a month and was a little stubborn about getting to the doctor…her body finally gave in just one day after her 56th birthday.

It still doesn’t feel real most days and it’s been four and a half years now.

If you haven’t lost someone you’re really close to, you may not know that one of the very first things you have to do is find photos for their funeral. My sisters and I had so little to choose from. We had some from when we were babies and as we got out of our toddler years, we had less and less. Basically none as adults.

When I had my own babies, I just knew I needed to prioritize being in photos with them. It’s such a heavy thought but it’s reality. Not because I always feel confident or camera ready (I most definitely do not). But because one day, these photos may be all my kids have. I want them to see me loving them. Holding them. Being home to them. I want them to feel comforted by those photos long after the moment has passed.

They don’t care what I weigh. They don’t care what I’m wearing, how tired I look, or if the house was a mess. They just care that I was there.

So mom –

I know it’s hard. I know how uncomfortable it can feel to step in front of the camera and let someone document you as you are right now. But what if it didn’t have to feel stiff or awkward? What if you just played with your kids? Sang to them. Made their favorite snack. Gave them a bath. Ran through the sprinkler. Snuggled on the couch.

You don’t have to look at me. You don’t have to pose. You don’t have to perform.

I’ll quietly document the magic of YOU. Their mom. Their first love. Their safe place. Their biggest cheerleader.

Moms are always my priority during sessions. You deserve to feel beautiful. You deserve to see the way your children look at you. You deserve to see yourself the way they see you.

If you’ve been putting off booking a session, let this be your sign. Send the inquiry. Step into the frame. Your kids will thank you someday.

And don’t worry…I promise I still grab plenty of beautiful, fun photos of dad too 🤎