Why I Do What I Do

I’m a whole-life photographer, based in San Diego. I specialize in documenting how people relate to each other. I get the opportunity to run alongside people in their finest (and sometimes, most transitional) moments, to find what’s true in them, and to pack as much of it into one frame as I can. If even just one of the images we create together remains on your wall for the next twenty or thirty years, I will have succeeded in uniting you with who you were, exactly, in that time of your life.

I’m here to remind you that you are fully seen and fully loved during life’s significant milestones, transitions, and events.  I believe in capturing how people relate to each other, and the vulnerability that my clients allow me to witness during these times.  Whether I’m photographing your engagement, wedding, maternity, wedding anniversary or family portrait session, I hope my photos reveal my mantra: “you cannot love people unless you are willing to fully see them.”

While I regularly serve the Southern California area (including Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Los Angeles), I’m happy to travel, and especially love working in Washington State near Seattle.

What to Expect

Keeping my body moving helps me not get into my own head. I find that’s true of a lot of people, especially my fellow anxiety-havers, and small children with shorter attention spans (relatable). If you are able, I may ask you to move around during your session (I have some good hacks if you’ve a mobility impairment, too). Jiggling your shoulders, going for a short walk, taking a stretch, deep breaths; all of these things help us relax and look like ourselves. Because I like to do them, it reminds me to have you do them too. 

If I’m photographing an event for you, you don’t have to be worried about me getting everything. By habit, I will be all over the place, as much as I can, without being a distraction. When we need a second shooter, I tend to lean into associates who operate similarly, but with different special interests for extra depth. 

After Your Session

After your session, I can complete your work on schedule. I have a project management system that has proven itself effective. It’s even worked through a global pandemic. I’ve got this.

While I am slower to do the dry business things that don’t give me dopamine, like sending invoices and contracts right away (I tend to store those tasks up and muscle through them in a batch once a week or so), I’m good about doing the photo editing and delivery part in a timely manner. However, if you have something urgent you need photos for, it’s a good idea to give me some notice. I can set reminders, adjust my workflow, and not take on “side quests”. There may be a rush fee associated. I’ll be happy to talk about deadlines when you’re ready to book. I usually deliver sessions and shorter event galleries within two weeks, and weddings within 60 days, usually sooner.

How My Brain Works

If you don’t resonate with the term “neurodivergent,” you might find the rest of this part kind of uninteresting. You’re totally welcome to read on, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

My neurodivergence is an important part of me and informs my worldview. If you identify this way, and you’ve seen photos of me, you’ve probably already clocked me.

I have ADHD and an anxiety disorder, and autism runs in my family. I am grateful to have symptoms that are controllable, thanks to years of access to care, and as a result, life is quite manageable.

So why am I sharing this on my “about me” page? In short, I have the spoons because I’m not masking anymore. While dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, I found myself in therapy, realizing that a lot of my anxiety came from a fear of being seen as “less than” because of some of the things that make me unique. I think a lot of us find ourselves in that same boat. It’s easy to feel ashamed of the things that make us different. I think that is true for neurotypicals, too. Honestly, I’m starting to wonder if neurotypicality is a myth. I kind of suspect that there are as many neurologies as there are humans, and I simply can’t be ashamed of mine anymore. Letting go of shame has really alleviated my anxiety, too.

Neurodivergence as a Photography Superpower

In reality, my particular brand of ADHD makes me a stronger photographer. At a wedding, I’m watching the ceremony, but I’m also watching your mom‘s eyes tear up, the small child crawling underneath the second row who’s about to goose someone, and the man in the fifth row who’s clearly thinking about what it would be like to marry his date. My brain is necessarily in a lot of places all at once, all the time. That’s part of why I wear two camera bodies to shoot events. 

Growing up in a neurodiverse family and parenting kids has taught me a lot about navigating even stressful situations with people who may need special accommodations to communicate effectively. I have found this to be especially helpful in dealing with children. It’s not uncommon that after an event or a session, parents will tell me what a great job I did with their kids, how they haven’t ever seen their kids interact with a photographer that way. I always joke that it’s because they can tell I’m one of them, but to some extent it’s true. I’ve a deeply playful nature, and I do think children can sense it. 

I Feel You

If you’re still reading, it’s likely because you’re very curious (yay! My people!!), or nervous about hiring a photographer. I hope this transparency gave you a pretty good sense of who I am. 

If there’s something that’s making you nervous when you think of being photographed, let’s talk about it. One of the things I cherish most about myself is my empathy. 

My body has been all sorts of shapes and sizes over the years. My arms go up like a t-Rex if I’m just standing around with nothing in my hands. One time my small kid wore pikachu pajamas to our family photo session. Whatever it is you’re worried about, I probably get it. 

I spent a long time being afraid of being seen. I can promise you don’t need to be afraid of me. Everyone is beautiful when you see them with loving eyes, and I’m ready to see you and love you.