In my 25 years of being a portrait photographer, I have found most people don’t love being in front of the camera…especially women. We have been taught to scrutinize ourselves instead of celebrate who we are today!!! But something beautifully shifts when you work with a photographer you trust. You stop performing and start BEING WHO YOU TRULY ARE.
I met Cynthia 6 years ago and since then we have not only built a trusted client/photographer relationship, but more importantly we have nurtured a close friendship. When we had our first photoshoot together Cynthia was a bit nervous as expected and all I did was listen and guide her. It was wonderful to see her transform in front of my lens. I could slowly see her body relax and her smile open up…this is why I love what I do!!!
Once she saw her headshots and knew she could trust me she asked if I would photograph her and her family, of course I was excited! The next step for me was building trust with her husband and girls, the people she loves the most. We talked, we laughed and I continued to listen because everyone wants to be seen and heard:)
It was not long before her oldest daughter was going to graduate from high school. I was so excited for this senior photoshoot. I love when I can work one on one with a woman and really make this time just about her. Whether she is 18, 48 or 88 she deserves time to feel amazing in her own skin. This was her time and I was so honored to be the one to photograph such a pivotal moment in her life as well as her mom’s. I caught myself remembering this time in my life and smiled for the future was so very bright at 18.
Since our first shoot together and now in 2025 it was absolutely wonderful seeing Cynthia look so confident, beautiful and really owning the present moment. She had accomplished many amazing things and overcame obstacles since we first met and her strength as well as her beauty came through my lens with ease. We laughed so much I did not want our time together to end.
When I returned to show her all the photos we were both very happy with what we captured together. I decided to ask her what was it that made her want to work with me…