And other thoughts on being all in...


Esther and Russell’s engagement got me thinking about what it means to really be into the shoot. Not just showing up for the photos, but actually showing up, like, spirit, energy, muddy boots, all of it.


We’ve all seen the Pinterest boards. The perfect golden light. The couple standing in a field looking effortlessly magical while a white deer drinks from a stream in the background. Cute. But here’s the thing: those moments don’t just happen. They’re made. Together. (and sometimes in Photoshop lol)

A romantic couple sits among tall green ferns in a moody forest setting with dramatic lighting and composition.
People sit among lush green ferns and trees in a serene woodland setting during a forest photoshoot.

The Truth About “Being All In”


Here’s what I mean when I say “all in.”

It’s not about being extroverted. (I'm certainly not!)

It’s not about knowing how to pose.

It’s definitely not about pretending to be someone you’re not.


It’s about showing up curious and ready. Trusting the process. Letting it get a little weird or unglamorous or muddy if that’s where the good stuff lives.


It’s about being present.

With your partner.

With me.

With whatever the light and the moment are doing.


Because when we’re in it together. We need to be fully invested in making something honest and new. I am telling you, that’s when the magic happens.

Black and white romantic wedding photo of a couple descending outdoor stone steps with ornate metal railings.
A couple stands together romantically on a yellow painted curb in front of a curved parking garage structure.

If You Don’t Connect With Your Photographer… Run.


I don’t say this to be dramatic (well… maybe just a little). But seriously. If you’re planning your wedding and you’re looking at a photographer’s work thinking, “Wow, their photos are incredible,” but deep down you know you wouldn’t vibe with them in real life... beat feet. You're not a match


Because the best photos don’t come from the camera. They come from connection. If we don’t get each other, you’re going to feel awkward, I’m going to feel off, and no amount of fancy gear or golden hour can fake what’s missing.


Groomsmen in dark suits stand in tall grass field creating silhouettes for dramatic wedding photographs.
Dramatic black and white panorama of utility poles stretching across a dark cloudy sky along a desolate landscape.

I Do My Best Work When You're In It With Me


I can take a decent photo of just about anyone. But I make my best work, the images I’m most proud of, when the couple is right there with me. Matching energy. Curious. A little adventurous. Willing to try stuff and laugh when it doesn’t go how we planned.


If you’re thinking, “But I’m awkward in front of a camera,” cool. So is almost everyone. But if you’re open, and you trust me, and you’re ready to walk through a little muck to see what we can make together, that’s the stuff that sticks.

Two people share an intimate moment in the doorway of a house with dramatic window lighting casting shadows.
A moody black and white urban scene shows a person sitting alone against a worn brick wall with three white-framed windows.
View through wooden slats showing feet standing on a rustic floor, with dark pants and a white dress visible.

Final Thought: It’s Supposed to Feel Like You


Not Pinterest.

Not a production.

Not a performance.


You. Two people, connecting, showing up, and letting the camera catch what’s real.


If you’re in, I’m in.


Let’s make something honest.


Think you’d walk through a swamp for a great photo?

You don’t have to, but if you're down to get a little uncomfortable in the name of something real, we’re probably a good fit.

[Contact me and we can talk it through]

A candid moment of affection amongst tall cattails in a field at golden hour.
Couple sharing an intimate moment in front of a brick building on a sunny day.
Newlyweds embracing in a golden field of tall grass during sunset.
Wedding couple poses against chain link fence with cross and sunlight creating dramatic shadows.
Silhouetted couple holding hands against large window backdrop.
Five groomsmen in black tuxedos standing on a wooden platform at the beach.
Silhouetted figures in formal wear against an industrial sunset backdrop.
A couple stands on rocks by a calm pond with autumn foliage reflected in the water.
Two people sit in front view of a roller coaster track, with green grass and winding coaster rails visible ahead.
Candid moment captured through stained glass windows with flowing white veil.
A black and white photo of a brick wall with three windows and people sitting below.
Romantic black and white photo of couple embracing on train platform near Track 1 sign.
Sunlight peeks through tree canopy over white cottages creating dramatic shadows.
Black and white portrait against a brick wall with dramatic lighting.
Romantic couple embracing in a field of wildflowers during golden hour.
Dramatic lighting illuminates a bride seated in a rustic barn while a silhouetted figure stands in the shadows.
Black and white image of a couple in a bright window-lit room with a wedding dress hanging above.
A bridal party holding white umbrellas poses against a tall cornfield background during a summer wedding shoot.
Architectural wedding photo of couple standing on brick building ledge.
A joyful wedding couple share an intimate moment against a stone wall backdrop.
Creative wedding photo framed through numbered stadium seats showing a distant couple in an archway.
Black and white image of a couple descending stone steps in formal wedding attire.
Bride and groom pose back-to-back against industrial striped metal wall.
A romantic winter walk through falling snow on a peaceful hillside path.
Wedding couple standing in stone archway ruins surrounded by lush green forest.
Bride and bridesmaids in purple dresses laughing together under autumn foliage.
A silhouetted couple stands together on a hill surrounded by trees.
Artistic silhouette shot through wood slats showing feet of two people on a porch.
Intimate black and white portrait of couple sharing tender moment by window.
Romantic wedding portrait framed by trees with bride holding pink bouquet.
Playful engagement photo with couple in casual attire against gray wall.
Wedding party walking and celebrating in an urban setting.
Black and white landscape of people silhouetted near bridge over calm water.
Groomsmen gather at railroad crossing in stylish suits.
Wedding party posing playfully against vibrant turquoise wall with hanging string lights.
A figure in a formal suit stands in a dark restaurant dining room with stacked chairs and wine bottles on display.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment against an ancient stone wall surrounded by grass and sunlight.
Couple sits together under snow-covered trees in winter landscape.
Silhouetted figures stand on hilltop against dramatic sunset sky.
Artistic vignette portrait of newlyweds sitting together in formal attire.
Artistic wide-angle shot of wedding couple by wooden fence post.
Wedding party lined up against white industrial wall under blue sky.
A couple shares a tender moment in front of an industrial window with blue panes and brick walls.
Black and white wedding photo on a covered porch with dramatic shadows.
A figure in a white wedding dress sits on stone steps in a garden setting while red sneakers peek into frame.
Sunset portrait of couple standing on rural road with dramatic sky.
Dramatic black and white photo of suited men standing in tall grass against a sky.
Playful newlyweds laugh together on a countryside path with tall grass.
Dramatic black and white profile portrait of groom in formal attire.
A romantic couple embraces in tall grass with rustic barns in the background during a countryside wedding photoshoot.
Bridal party playfully splashing in puddles on rainy day with umbrellas outside historic building steps.
Black and white photo of a couple sitting intimately together on a rooftop under lampposts and cloudy skies.
A bride and groom pose playfully in front of a blue door, with her holding a purple bouquet and him standing elevated.
A dramatic black and white photograph of a cloudy sky with bright sunlight filtering through scattered clouds.
Creative engagement photo with shadows and interesting composition in a parking structure.
Newlyweds share intimate moment under autumn trees beside white building.
Silhouetted figures stand by a window creating a dramatic black and white wedding portrait.