Capturing the Magic of Childhood: My Journey in Photography- Back to the lens

A Love for Photography Begins

I was 13 when I first held a camera. Before that moment, I had never touched one. The only camera I knew belonged to my grandmother. It was a beautiful, vintage piece that rarely saw the light of day. Growing up, I don’t recall many photos being taken of me, aside from the usual school portraits. So, when someone handed me a disposable camera, it felt like pure magic. That simple plastic

device opened a window to a vibrant world.

I still remember the first photos I took: the pond near our house, my best friend, and a full-on photoshoot of my beloved Cabbage Patch doll. I even captured what I proudly call my first selfie—back in the '90s, long before selfies became a trend. Those prints remain with me, worn and faded, yet priceless.

The Impact of Family Photos

At that time, I was living in a foster home. The family who welcomed us had a habit of documenting life through photos. It was there that I experienced my first “family photo.” That moment left a lasting impression on me. From then on, I was hooked.

Photography became more than just a hobby; it became a lifeline. I collect every photo I can of my family because, for so long, I didn’t have any. I understand the deep value of preserving memories and freezing time in a frame. Looking back at photos of my children, friends, and the life we’ve built brings me immense joy and grounding. Ironically, I’m rarely in the pictures these days because I’m always behind the camera.

A Turning Point in My Journey Back to the lens

In 2006, my husband gifted me my first professional camera. That was a turning point. I took it everywhere, capturing everything I could. Over the years, I immersed myself in the photography world. I traveled with other photographers, attended meetups, joined photo walks, enrolled in classes, and completed online courses. I dove deep into learning not just the art, but also the business: camera techniques, editing, branding, SEO, and website design. I wanted to master it all and get back to the lens.

I ran my own photography business until 2019 when I stepped away to support my husband’s career and focus on our family. For five years, I worked alongside him. However, as our kids grew up and life shifted, I found myself feeling a little lost. That’s when I realized it was time to return to what has always brought me joy—photography.

A Fresh Start in 2025

Now, in 2025, I’m starting fresh. I have a new name, a new brand, and a new vision. I’m specializing in the early stages of life—maternity, newborn, and child photography—while still offering other session types. Over the years, I’ve photographed dancers, weddings, families, veterans, seniors, school events, and sports. I’ve done it all. But starting over means rebuilding from the ground up: a new portfolio, new packages, a new website, and a new studio space. It’s all still in progress, so thank you for your patience as I get everything aligned.

The Importance of Feedback

If something on my site doesn’t make sense, please feel free to speak up. I’m always open to feedback. I’m constantly striving to grow, improve, and evolve—not just as a photographer, but as a business owner and storyteller. Your thoughts are invaluable to me.

Preserving Memories

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to let precious moments slip by. I believe in the importance of capturing the fleeting beauty of childhood. The tiny toes, the sleepy smiles, and the first steps are all moments worth preserving. Each photograph tells a story, a snapshot of time that we can revisit later.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s capture the magic of now so we can cherish it forever. If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the significance of these moments, I’m here for you. Together, we can create lasting memories that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I hope to continue blogging and sharing updates as I rebuild this dream. If you’ve made it this far, you’re already part of the story. Let’s make beautiful memories together!