Photo Album

One of my favorite things about doing photography is seeing the artwork I create printed in books and albums, and framed on my client's walls.  I love knowing that they have a constant reminder of how much they love their families every time they look at their photos throughout their house. I can't imagine in ten years from now, all of us sitting around our computers looking at our family photos. 

This really hit home for me when I finally had photos of my three year old's first week after being born printed in a photo book.  I watch as he pulls the book off the end table and takes it to his dad. As he climbs into his lap he asks if he will look at the book with him. It just warms my heart (cheesy, I know!!) as I watch his face as his dad tells him about every photo and how much we love him. It is a beautiful reminder to all of us the love that grew in our family when he was born, and a reminder of that special and crazy season of our lives.

All this to say that I am thrilled to be offering this photo album to my clients so they can have the same experience that I have every time I watch my little guy climb into my husband's lap and peel open the book.

I love the timeless design of this album, knowing that over the years it will live beyond the trends of our time and will be a legacy that will be passed on for generations. This album is handmade so you know it is built to stand the test of time.  I love the thick sturdy pages that are coated for protection and will withstand the many years of tiny hands as the stories in the book are told. I love the lay flat pages and square format so nothing detracts from the images that tell your family's story.  But my most favorite thing about this album is the classic linen cover and I am in love with all the colors it comes in. It just takes me back to the days I spent at the book store with my dad. Something about holding that linen cover book just says "this is special" and that is what I want my clients and my own family to feel every time they hold their album, "you are special."

Father's Day Tribute

As a mom I see and experience a lot focus on moms and motherhood. We're pretty amazing, don't get me wrong. But sometimes I wonder if the impact dad's have on a child's life isn't talked about enough. As a daughter I know the impact my dad has had and still has on my life and my knowledge of who I am, where I belong, and where I can go. My dad passed away 4 years ago this month and it's hard to go a day without feeling his absence in my life. I miss his counsel and when things are hard I find myself talking to him and asking "what would dad tell me to do right now?" And almost always the answer is of love and compassion. The last piece of counsel I remember him giving me was when I was struggling to teach my teenage daughter to do what was right. I asked him what I should do and he said "You just be an example to her and love her." It was always that simple and at that time I was a little bugged that he didn't give me more "practical," more applicable advice. Now I see the wisdom in his words. And if I could talk to him one more time I would hold onto every word. He taught me love, compassion, and gentleness. And it was his influence in my life that has helped me overcome many obstacles and heartbreaks. 

This was going to be a tribute to all dad's but I guess it turned into a tribute to my dad. But I hope that it will inspire you to recognize the ways your father has affected your life.With I wanted to share some of my favorite photos of the amazing dad's I've been privileged to photograph.

















Baby Scarlett

I have had the opportunity to photograph this family many times and have been able to witness the  way they treasure and cherish their spirited seven year old as she grows. And now after many years of waiting and wanting they are honored to bring baby Scarlett into their family. This sweet girl is truly a the answer to many prayers and the knowledge of that was palpable as I was able to document this family welcoming their new baby into the world.























The Griffith Family

This is the family that reads together. Everywhere you turn there are piles of books, halloween books on display, and children piled on laps hearing a book being read. It was a dream. I've always wanted my children to love reading and this grandma shows the way- have books all over the house and read to children often. This family came together to celebrate some special birthdays. The kids put on a little show complete with a short play and music, and then they went around the room and everyone took turns telling each birthday person what made them special.  The best part of my job is being able to witness these traditions and document them for my clients, oh, and bank them away in my brain for my family. The kids then spent the rest of the evening playing in the back yard with their beloved and favorite uncle. I'm not actually sure he is the favorite but it was clear they all adore him and he was so good with them. It was everything you would dream that Sunday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house would be, complete with gifted pumpkins at the front porch and cuddles on the couch with a good book.

The Willdens - Coming Home

This is story about a house, rather a home, and the wife and husband, mother and father, grandmother and grandfather who live there. This is a story about the Emma and Ron Willden. As I listened to stories of family dinners on the back patio, seeing grandpa making his own wine, and grandma throwing her pots, I could sense the years and decades of life and love this house held. When their granddaughter contacted me she expressed such sadness that her grandparents would soon be moving from their lifelong home.

Visiting the Willden's home, Emma and Ron can be found sitting at the kitchen counter, Ron reading the newspaper and Emma doing the puzzles in the back.This is how I found them that day, at the kitchen counter, leaning over the paper. In my time with them I realized they have developed their routines of togetherness (each having their own spot on the couch, Ron watching the tv while Emma did her needlework), and yet they've maintained their own hobbies and passions separate from one another.

They showed me the things they love to do, took turns telling me what whey remember about how they met, and told me the stories of the various rooms and items throughout their home, many handmade by one of them. Ron was so eager to show me downstairs where he made his wine, developed film and printed photos, did his wood work and geology work. Emma, on the other hand, was humble and didn't see the need for the paparazzi. I worried that I wouldn't be able to get enough photos of her and her hobbies, because I didn’t want to impose myself and my goals to get her photos, but it became clear to me that although she was a potter, and made amazing cross stitches, her current passion and love was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has such a charismatic, and playful personality and it came out whenever she interacted with her great granddaughter.

Although this home held the stories and memories, it is clear that Emma and Ron were the ones that made the house a home and although they moved shortly after this session the connections and love would remain with them and the memories would love on through their photos from this session.

Chipping Family, Welcome Home - Utah Family Documentary Photographer

When Jenni asked me about doing a documentary session of her family after she brought her new baby home I was so stinkin' excited. We talked about her session, her family, and what she wanted photos of. I knew it was going to be awesome! A few weeks later when as we tried to finalize details, not knowing when baby was coming, she expressed concerns that her family would be too boring.... I can assure you they are not boring. They are interesting and beautiful! The routines of kids playing with legos and watching ipads, baking cookies with mom, and kissing and snuggling baby brother on mom's bed are beautiful! The connections in this family are beautiful! And I feel so lucky that I was asked to document it!

A side note, I was relieved and ecstatic when I noticed that Jenni allowed the kids to be themselves, allowed the house to be what it was, without the stress of deep cleaning and matching outfits, trips to the store or salon. She really caught the vision of the documentary session and that makes my heart sing.

Hulet Family Photojournaling

The Hulet family is near and dear to my heart. I've been able to get to know them over the years as they have welcomed my little sis into their family.  I love them and I feel kinda bad for the times when we jokingly decided to monopolize my sister's family when they were in town so we wouldn't have to share them with the Hulets.

This amazing family invited me into their home to photograph them for a day. And I can see why my sister didn't want us to monopolize her time. Being around them feels like home and like my own family, just not as loud and obnoxious. As in many families, it is clear the heart of the Hulet family is Mom, Grandma, and Wife, Renon, and the reason for my being asked to photograph the Hulets. Renon was diagnosed with cancer last year. It's hard to put words to all of my feelings about Renon at the moment... I have seen her touch so many lives beyond just my sister's and I want to share all of the things about her... But that is just too much. So here is my short sweet version. She is charismatic, outgoing, fun, caring, artistic, creative, talented, confident, generous, and loving.  And I am in awe by her strength and courage and the positive attitude and faith she has maintained through all she has faced and endured. She has loved my sister like her own daughter. I loved watching her embrace each of her grandchildren with open arms and heart. And her own children are an extension of all that is good in her. It was such an honor to photograph her and her beautiful family.























Papillon Pots by Tari

All my life I have avoided pottery classes. I don't hate pottery but I hate the chalky feeling of dry clay that is left on your hands after you are finished…. It's like nails on a chalk board! But I did finally take a class a year ago and fell in love. It is, in my opinion, one of the most meditative art forms one can do (besides printing photos in a darkroom). I could get lost for hours in the process of working with clay.
And I discovered that it is equally as enjoyable to photograph that process as photographed Tari in her studio. Tari not only has her own line of pottery that she sells, but she also teaches! Watching and photographing Tari teach was a surreal experience for me. A flood of memories of my aunt LeOma, who passed away a few years ago, came flooding back to my mind. Memories of  doing arts and crafts with her and her caring and motherly nature. Why am I talking about my aunt while I share these photos of Tari...? Because Tari has that same energy and even though Tari is LeOma's niece (my cousin) the family resemblance was so apparent as I witnessed her teaching the craft to someone else the same way my Aunt LeOma taught me. She carried that same care, gentleness and joy in her face as my dear aunt.

You can see some ofTari's work at her website Papillon Pots 
















Sheridan Maternity

I'm so excited to share these photos from a maternity session I had with Sheridan! We had so much fun just playing around and she so graciously let me photograph her as she got ready. I love capturing the unseen moments where her mom helped her choose the perfect necklace, and the moment when her husband's sweet daughter watched and with a big grin said "you're so pretty." 
Melt my heart! I love them!

Spending the day with Sheridan reminded me of all the feels that came with my first.... Joy for this long awaited little soul, excitement and anticipation to meet them, some disbelief, worry, fear of the unknown, self doubt, and overwhelming sense of love for this person you've never met, and love from friends and family that encircle your life at that time. 
I am just so excited for her and her husband, Brian and can't wait to meet their sweet baby boy! And I am selfishly excited that my little guy will have a new friend to play with. 

 This new mommy is just glowing! (yeah... It's a real thing!) And it kind of made me want to be pregnant again.... There I said it! Gahhh! Don't worry, I won't be doing that for a long time, but a girl can dream...