There’s something powerful about doing the same work for over two decades—especially when that work is documenting people’s lives. Time becomes more than something you feel passing. You see it. You see children grow, seasons change, and families evolve. You begin to understand just how meaningful a single moment can be.
I’ve been photographing families since 2001—first as a side hustle, and then full-time since 2016. In that time, I’ve watched the industry shift dramatically. From film to digital. From disposable cameras to smartphones. But one thing has remained constant: the desire to remember. To preserve love, connection, and the beauty of life as it is—right now.
The Beauty of Change
When I first started out, I shot on film. Every frame counted. I’d wait days to see if I had captured what I envisioned. There was no back screen to double-check, no safety net of endless shots. It taught me patience, intention, and trust in my eye—skills I still rely on today, even with advanced digital tools at my fingertips.
Over the years, the tools of photography have changed dramatically. Film turned to digital, darkrooms to editing software, and printed albums to cloud storage. We now take more photos than ever before—yet somehow keep fewer of them. In the rush to document everything, the meaning behind each image can sometimes get lost.
That’s why I believe intentional, professional photography still matters. It goes beyond documenting appearances—it preserves emotion, connection, and memory. My goal has always been to capture how a moment felt—and that’s something no technology can automate.
Photographing Growth—Theirs and Mine
I still remember my early sessions—shaky hands, borrowed gear, and a heart full of passion. I was finishing college at the time, fitting photography in between classes and long hours in the darkroom. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something I couldn’t imagine letting go of.
In the years that followed, as I balanced teaching English and raising my kids, photography remained a steady thread—something that grounded me and fueled me at the same time. When I finally took the leap to go full time in 2016, I brought with me years of quiet experience, curiosity, and a desire to tell stories that feel honest.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of families—each one unique. While my client base continues to grow, my goal remains the same: to create space for people to feel like themselves in front of the camera. Because the best photos aren’t the ones where everyone’s perfectly posed—they’re the ones where real connection shines through.
Whether it’s a toddler racing into their parent’s arms, a family laughing together on their porch, or a quiet moment between siblings, I’ve learned to watch for the magic in the in-between. Those are the images people hold onto. The ones that feel timeless—because they are.
The Pittsburgh Spirit
There’s something special about Pittsburgh. It’s in the deep roots, strong families, and the way people value tradition without clinging to the past. Pittsburghers are loyal, down-to-earth, and proud of their stories—and they want those stories told authentically.
As a Pittsburgh family photographer, I aim to reflect that spirit. I photograph families in their favorite parks, in their homes, on their porches, or just playing in the backyard. Nothing forced. Just honest, beautiful moments that feel like them.
Why Photography Matters More Than Ever
We live in an age where taking a photo is easy—but keeping it is rare. Most of our memories live on devices that eventually break, get lost, or become obsolete. That’s why intentional, professional photography is more important than ever. It’s not just about the pictures—it’s about the meaning behind them.
A single photograph can become a child’s favorite keepsake. A reminder of how their mom looked at them. A snapshot of how small their hand once was. These images are about legacy. About presence. About seeing the beauty in everyday life.
And every year that passes, they become more valuable.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
I never set out to become a business owner. I set out to see the world, to document it, and to connect with people. That love of storytelling—first sparked by flipping through yellow National Geographic Magazines as a kid—never left me. I just found new ways to channel it.
My path wasn’t linear. I studied abroad, taught English, raised three children, and built a photography business one session at a time. But every detour taught me something: about light, about love, about how to find magic in small moments.
And after more than 20 years, I still love this work. Probably more than ever.
Because when you’ve seen how fast life moves, you start to understand that nothing is more important than pausing to preserve it.
Let's tell your story!
If you’re looking for a Pittsburgh family photographer who values emotion over perfection—who sees photography as a way to honor the life you’re living—I’d love to connect.
Let’s capture your story while the moments are still unfolding.
