After a decade as a lifestyle photographer here in Pittsburgh, I’ve realized that the most meaningful photographs aren’t usually the ones I’ve meticulously planned. They’re the ones I’ve allowed to happen. They live in that sweet spot where a solid foundation meets the freedom to let the unexpected unfold.
If I could go back ten years and talk to my younger self—back when I was just trying to figure out how to turn a love for photography, travel, and family into a sustainable career—this is what I would share.
1. Structure is the framework for freedom
I’m not naturally a structured person; I’m a creative who had to learn how to build a foundation from the ground up. I used to fear that “systems” would box me in, but the opposite is true: structure doesn’t limit the work; it protects it. Structure is a trellis which allows plants to thrive. Organized workflows and automated systems aren’t distractions—they’re what clear the mental clutter. It’s only because the “technical rules” are handled that I have the freedom to stop thinking and follow the honest, unscripted moments that make a family’s story real.
2. Business supports the art
The creative side has always been my second language, but the business side took practice. I wish I’d understood earlier that things like accounting and client management aren’t separate from the art—they’re what make it sustainable. When the “boring” stuff is automated, I can stay fully present. Whether I’m with a family in Pittsburgh or documenting a lifestyle session on the road, I’m not worrying about the “how” anymore; I’m just there, responding to the people in front of me.
3. Travel grounds perspective
Whether I’m halfway across the world or just exploring a new neighborhood in Pittsburgh with my own family, travel reshapes my lens. I’ve learned that experiencing new places isn’t a detour from my work; it’s what informs it. It’s a constant reminder that documenting real connection and movement carries more weight than directing perfection. Travel has taught me to hunt for the small, quiet details that make every story unique.
4. Trust instincts over trends
Authenticity wasn’t something I fully grasped right away. As I moved deeper into this career, I realized that my own instincts were more valuable than any trend. I found myself drawn to what felt real—natural light, unforced energy, and beauty that didn’t need to be manufactured. That clarity changed everything. It’s what guides me every time I photograph families: the belief that the truth is already beautiful enough.
5. Boundaries protect the artist
While structure handles how I work, boundaries handle when I work. I wasn’t born with a sense of balance, but learning to set limits changed my life. Boundaries are the fence that keeps my business from consuming my personal life. I’ve learned that rest and being present with my own family directly shape the quality of my work. By creating that space, I can bring my full energy and care to every session instead of just running on fumes.
I’ve come a long way in these ten years, and I’m still learning. If you’re curious about how I blend fine art elements into everyday sessions, or if you just want a closer look at my lifestyle photography workflow, I’m always happy to share what’s helped me along the way.
