A bright summer morning at Riverside Skatepark in Detroit with the Shenky family. This wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a place they genuinely spend time together. Dad is an avid skateboarder, Mom likes to hop on a board every now and then, and twins Aspen and Sawyer arrived with their scooters and big personalities, ready to take the lead.
The skatepark was surprisingly quiet that morning, giving us the freedom to explore every corner without interruption. The girls picked wildflowers for their mom, turned ramps and barrels into playgrounds, and filled the space with laughter and imagination.
There was no pressure to perform or pose—just a family enjoying a place they love together. Those are the moments that tell the truest story, where authenticity shines through every photograph.
The one where the firefighter and the nurse fell in love.
Justin and Kayley had just settled into their newly purchased home in Armada, Michigan, with ten beautiful acres to explore. We wandered all over their property, letting each corner tell a different part of their story. Never far behind was their dog, RIP, who was convinced the session revolved around him—and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.
Between the photographs were stolen kisses, contagious laughter, and the kind of easy connection that can’t be posed. They found joy in the little moments, making my job feel effortless.
I’m so grateful to have documented this season of their story, and I can’t wait to watch their love continue to grow.
I reached out to Zofia with a creative vision: a whimsical golden hour session surrounded by open fields, blue skies, and, of course, plenty of bugs (the price we pay for summer magic). I styled her in a flowing black dress, black Dolce Vita cowboy boots, and a paisley bandana that made its way into many of our favorite images.
Zofia brought the rest—her natural beauty, confidence, and willingness to embrace every bit of movement and spontaneity. Sessions are always the most fun when someone leans into the experience instead of worrying about getting every pose “right.” In fact, the poses that feel the most awkward in the moment often become the most striking photographs.
While Zofia had recently graduated high school, this session is full of inspiration for seniors looking for portraits that feel artistic, effortless, and uniquely their own.
A cozy afternoon at home with the Martinez family. Two-year-old Lucia danced through the house with her Elsa doll in hand, wearing her new sparkly glitter shoes on the wrong feet and letting her imagination lead the way. Nearby, Mama cuddled their newest addition, Ace, smiling as she watched her daughter steal the show. Daddy arrived home from work just in time to jump into a few portraits, completing a beautifully ordinary afternoon.
These are the moments that become priceless with time—the everyday rhythms, the little quirks, the quiet snuggles, and the joy of simply being together. The ordinary days are often the ones we miss the most.
No Wi-Fi. Bare feet. Tan lines. Endless laughter.
When I met up with siblings Raegan, Bindi, and Baron, along with their best buddy and next-door neighbor, Colton, I thought I’d be the one leading the session. Turns out, they had other plans. They became my creative directors, dreamed up half the adventures, and had me laughing from beginning to end. At one point, Baron looked at me and said, “These are so much better than regular pictures.” And honestly? He was right.
There were no perfectly coordinated outfits, no elaborate setups, and no pressure to smile at the camera. Just four kids running barefoot through summer, four-wheeling, dancing, laughing until their cheeks hurt, and soaking up the kind of childhood that slips by far too quickly.
These are the memories they’ll want back someday.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to be in every session, or if everything has to be perfectly planned—this is your reminder that you don’t. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give your kids is a gallery that lets them simply be kids. The dirt, the chaos, the freedom, the joy—exactly as they’ll want to remember it.
A shaded summer evening with the Bastion family. Brothers Graham and Noah couldn’t be more different, and watching their unique personalities unfold is one of my favorite parts of photographing families. Graham enjoyed a little direction and loved turning prompts into play, while Noah marched to the beat of his own drum, bringing endless silliness and laughter wherever he went.
Mom and Dad embraced every moment, following their boys’ lead instead of trying to create perfection. The evening was filled with giggles, tight snuggles, and the kind of carefree moments that happen when kids are simply allowed to be kids.
