The past two years during the Covid19 pandemic, my photography studio was closed for most of that time and when I did re-open my schedule, it was only with very limited availability for existing clients. The blessing of more time allowed me to refocus on creating more art. I was intentional about setting aside time to create and connect virtually with other artists. I challenged myself to try new mediums and techniques pushing myself to grow as an artist. When I look back at how many pieces of completed art I made over the past two years, it just makes me happy, really happy! This is what has brought about my shift in focus. I have decided to only take very limited bookings for photography so that I can continue to focus on creating more art.

Although a challenging time for many, our family focused on finding the silver lining. We had a unique opportunity to spend so much more time with our teenage daughters which really allowed all of us to enjoy a much slower version of life together before our oldest headed off to college and our youngest entered high school. Navigating zoom meetings and online school with wifi that reminded me of dial-up (if you know, you know) was challenging; however, slow dinners gathered around the table talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company will forever be my favorite memories.

​Do you ever have a moment when you’re watching your child do something and you feel like this moment is something you’re going to remember when you’re older?  This photograph is one of these moments for me. Sometimes my minis are just doing everyday ordinary things – riding a bike, cuddling with our dog or making pancakes.  I’m not sure if this happens to me because my minis feel like they are growing up so quickly (now 12 & 16) or if it’s just because there’s something sweet about the moment.  
 
This is the very reason I love photography; if for nothing else, I am preserving moments for me to look back on when my kids are grown, leading their own lives, busy with everyday tasks or have their own children.  This is for me.  Documenting their life is for me.  Little things, big things, funny things and even sad things – all collectively storing in my memory bank.
 
Of course, the added benefit of documenting their life through photographs is also to preserve memories for them and for their children.  I want my children to have tangible photographic memories to touch, to frame and to pass on to their children.  Some of my most treasured photographs are the old family photos of my grandparents, my parents (at prom!), and me and my siblings growing up. Photographs give us a glimpse into the past by giving us a sense of time and a space.
 
Since we live in a fast-paced digital age, it is critical that we print photographs on paper to preserve these moments, these memories, and these lives. You don’t have to be a professional photographer.  You just need to take the photographs.  Capture the memories – the candid, unposed or posed, silly and sometimes even sad. Print the photographs.  Document your life.  Preserve your memories.

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I am a portrait photographer located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  If you'd like help documenting your family's life, whether it's day to day or for a more formal session, feel free to contact me.  I'd love to capture your family's story and bring it from camera to paper.  I specialize in newborn photography, children photography and high school senior portraits. I also offer a one on one "Sip & Chat" to discuss basic tips and tricks to help you improve your photography.  Some of the cities I serve in Washington include: Vancouver, Camas, Brush Prairie, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and Washougal (along with the Portland, Oregon metro area).

Over the summer I offered a few sessions to local mothers in the Vancouver, Washington area who have children with special needs. Little did I know how much these beautiful children would impact me.  I enjoyed every second of these sessions as I was reminded to find joy in every little thing...and to smile more.  These are the type of sessions that inspire me to live with an attitude of gratitude! Little Miss Emma was all smiles for her entire session.  I couldn't help but smile also. There is something so rewarding to capture the personality of a child through my lens, to create a tangible piece of art, and to preserve a moment for a family.  My goal is to deliver printed portraits to every client.  I want them to have something lasting, which in turn they can pass on to their children and grandchildren.  Contact me to discuss preserving your family legacy.  Whether it's a newborn, a milestone, or a high school senior session, I'm here to help you preserve your family's memories by turning photographs into prints.

I have a passion for printing photographs and displaying images of my children and family in my home.  As a portrait photographer in the Vancouver, Washington metro area, I share this passion with my clients and educate them on the importance of having their photographs printed. Newborn portraits, milestones, prom, senior high school portraits - I encourage you to print your images to preserve your family's legacy.

When you think of your grandparents or maybe your favorite auntie, is there a certain photograph that comes to mind or perhaps a certain memory that a photograph brings you back to?   Some of my favorite pictures are snapshots of my grandparents candidly smiling while they look at someone out of the frame.  I treasure those pictures and the memories that they bring back to me.  I am thankful for all of the photographs I have that document the lives of my loved ones because one day a photograph is all you have left of those that have passed on.  So the question I leave you with is this: when was the last time you printed images off of that disk/USB drive, your camera or your cell phone?