I first got into photography 12 years ago this summer. That seems so long ago when I say it, but in many ways it feels like that time went by in the blink of an eye. As a new photographer, I took every chance I had to practice the techniques I had learned in the photography classes I took in college. In many ways, it was trial and error. I was trying to still learn what the heck f-stop, shutter speed and ISO meant, but I was mostly concerned with making sure my shots were actually in focus. I didn’t have a digital SLR back then, so…

I love when I get to work with family friends. What I love even more is when they ask me to be in on a surprise! I love surprises! Well, at least I love being in on the planning of a surprise. 😉

When Traci contacted me about photographing a surprise anniversary party for her mother-in-law and father-in-law who are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year, it reminded me of

Brittany is 26 years old and faced with something that most of us will not face until we are in our 50s or older. She is the primary caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s three years ago. It was a surprising diagnosis and not something that Brittany expected to hear when she was in her early 20s. It has been a journey of ups and downs, hope and despair, but, most importantly, love.

I love everything Christmas so this fun and festive dinner party was definitely a treat to photograph!

I seriously cannot believe that this girl is graduating high school in the spring! Her family was one of my first clients back when I first started my business. At the time, she was just entering high school, so to see her now and hear her and her mom talking about colleges she’s thinking about is just unreal.