One of the questions I get asked a lot is why we no longer have a studio – even with it being 4 years since we moved out of studio photography! And it’s one of the easiest questions for me to answer: because I don’t love it.

This leads to me explaining why not… Somewhere in between 2007 – 2011 photography style began to change. Also around this time, I became a mom. In doing the photos in our studio and editing, I realized that this was not the type of photography I enjoyed. I didn’t like setting up props for and having kiddos sit in one spot. And one of the things that were hardest for me, was the selection of photos I was “supposed” to give clients. Perfect pictures of their kids smiling right at the camera. I’d come across a picture taken behind the scenes, while getting my settings correct of a momma dressing her little one for the next set, and I so badly wanted to add it to the gallery. But in the early years of my career, it just wasn’t “normal” to do that.

I decided sometime between 2013 or 2014 that if I really wanted this to be a life-long career, I’d have to change my focus (get it? cheesy, sorry) on what makes me happy and what I want my clients to have. This meant closing our studio storefront and becoming a lifestyle photographer.

Now don’t get me wrong… I do love a good studio newborn session! But when I can, I encourage all of my clients to consider a lifestyle session.

Since the change, I’d like to think that I have grown tremendously in myself, by being able to capture what I want. To me, it’s the little glimpses of a momma getting her baby ready that are moments to remember. Don’t get me wrong, a sweet babe smiling for the camera is so great!! But with going into the session as it being a lifestyle session, it creates way less stress for the families and they have way more fun. Instead of force smiles, you get genuine happiness.

And I get to show my clients all of the photos from the session that I love. Not just the ones that fit into the box of studio portrait photography.