Before I was a photographer, before I was building a business, I was just a single mom trying to figure it out.
I raised my daughter on my own. Thankfully, I was surrounded by family who loved us and helped carry us through. Even with that support, though, professional photos of the two of us were never something I could justify. They felt like a luxury — one we simply couldn’t afford in that season.
I’m so grateful for the photos I took myself. I documented everything I could. But if I’m honest, I do find myself wishing we had more polished images of the two of us — photos that showed our growth together, our bond, the way we built our little family from the ground up.
When I started my photography business and began researching pricing, I quickly realized just how expensive professional photography has become. And I understand why — time, equipment, editing, experience. It’s an investment.
But I also knew something deep in my heart:
I never want to become inaccessible to the people around me.
I have always had a heart for giving. Even in the short time I’ve been in business, I’ve hosted multiple giveaways. But I kept feeling like I wanted to do more — something intentional. Something that reached families who are fighting to get by every day. Families who aren’t thinking about booking family photos because survival comes first.
Because sometimes photos aren’t skipped because they don’t matter.
They’re skipped because groceries, rent, and gas matter more.
And I also want to acknowledge something important.
I know that for many families, annual photos are standard. They’re routine. They’re expected. And that’s beautiful. For some, this may not seem like a big deal.
But I also know firsthand that for other families, something like family photos can feel completely out of reach. And when you’ve lived in that space, you understand that what seems small to one family can mean everything to another.
I know how much it would have meant to me in those early years.
And that’s where Moments Matter was born.
This initiative is for families who wouldn’t normally be able to invest in professional photography. Families who deserve to see themselves beautifully documented. Families who are building something strong in a hard season.
As a mom, I know how fast the years move.
I see every day how fragile and fleeting childhood can be.
As a photographer, I believe your story deserves to be preserved — no matter your income bracket.
Moments Matter is my way of honoring the season I once walked through — and making sure another family doesn’t have to look back wishing they had just one more photo together.
If you are in a season where professional photos feel out of reach, I see you.
And if you know a family quietly carrying more than most people realize, I see them too.
Applications for Moments Matter are open through February 28. You may apply for your own family or nominate someone else. Selected families will be scheduled for April–May sessions.
