If I had to sum up where I am in my photography journey — and where I hope it continues to grow — it comes down to one word: intentional.

What intentional family photography means to me?

Intentional about what I offer and why.

Intentional about how I talk with families.

Intentional about pricing in a way that balances accessibility with valuing my own time as a mother raising two small kids.

Intentional about the training I’m pursuing this year.

Intentional about compassion — about approaching each family and each session as unique.

Intentional about respecting children as the humans they are, letting them lead the way during our time together.

Intentional about uplifting my community.

This little business is being built from the heart up, and I trust it will find the right people, at the right time, right when they need it most.

A Milestone Session for Harper

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a milestone session for sweet Harper. She had just turned one — a moment worth celebrating with balloons, cake, and laughter. But this session carried a deeper weight too.

Harper has a twin sister, Carter, who her family lost just a few days after birth. So while we celebrated Harper’s first birthday, her family was also carrying the ache of her absence.

Joy and heartbreak sat side by side that day.

When Harper’s mom shared their story with me, she also told me how they remember Carter through purple butterflies and daisies. I carried that with me in the weeks leading up to the session.

I made a custom paper daisy prop by hand. I ordered delicate purple butterflies for Harper’s cake. Knowing her birthday party would be filled with pink, I designed a blush, purple, and cream balloon banner to weave both celebrations together.

We rented a studio space and took our time. We included Carter’s name plaque and the teddy bear that always sits on their shelf — reminders of her presence, woven into their family story. I turned the photos around quickly so they would have them for Harper’s party.

Her mom told me, “Yes, that’s absolutely fine! We love to keep Carter’s memory alive by sharing her with anyone and everyone.”

 

Their strength, openness, and vulnerability humbled me. They trusted me — a practical stranger — to hold their story with care. And on top of it all, they chose to do the session the very day before mom, a teacher, had to step back into the classroom.

More Than Just A Photo

This milestone session reminded me again why I do this work. Why being an intentional family photographer in Atlanta is SO important to me.

Yes, the photos are beautiful. But it’s so much more than that.

It’s connection.
It’s celebration.
It’s remembrance.

It’s having a tangible reminder of the strength and love it takes to carry your family through all seasons — even the hardest ones.

When we say “more than just a photo,” this is what we mean.

Harper’s milestone was joyful, bittersweet, intentional, and deeply human. I was honored to be there, to create something meaningful for her family, and to keep Carter’s memory present in such a tender, beautiful way.

If you’re looking for a family, newborn, or milestone photographer in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, or metro Atlanta, I would be honored to walk alongside your family in whatever season you’re in. My work is rooted in intentionality — celebrating your story, your children, and your love, exactly as it is. You can learn more about my approach HERE.