Birth.   First48.   Family Stories.

Documentary photos tell the stories of your life.

Birth is the ultimate documentary story. Your whole life changes.  A new life, an expanding family... it's a STORY that every mom relives the rest of her life.  The details are important and photographing all those details for you is my specialty.

But the little everyday moments are important too.  The monotonous routines you don't think about are shaping your kids' memories of their childhood. I want you to have photos of the little things that you'll miss one day -- your child's crazy hair after a nap, skinned knees, sticky fingers on the wall, making pancakes Saturday mornings, helping with chores, dog kisses, tantrums, runny noses, bubble baths, homework, backyard fun -- these simple everyday moments are part of your story.

So this year, how about family photos where everyone can be themselves??

Let your child wear a superhero cape and socks that don't match. Throw out the tie because your husband's favorite tshirt with the paint stain is perfect! Don't stress if there's pouting, it makes for a great photo!  Someone being in time-out is expected.  The laundry can be piled on the couch and toys all over the living room. Dust will now show up in your photos! Let your family be themselves in the place they love, with the people they love, doing the things they love.

You cannot mess up a documentary session.

Today is a chapter in your family's story that should be documented because in a blink, you'll be addressing graduation announcements for that toddler and watching them leave for college.  Cue the big tears and mom guilt.

I encourage you to rethink your family photos this year.  They will be your most favorite photos.