When The Camera Turns Around

When the Camera Turns Around

I spend my days behind the camera, asking people to let me see them as they are - not the polished version we put on for the world, but the real, unfiltered self. It’s a big ask. Vulnerability isn’t easy, and yet again and again I watch clients step into that space with me.

Recently, I had a sweet family in the studio. Between the laughter and the portraits, they began to share deeply personal parts of their story. It struck me in the moment -I’ve built something I dreamed of creating: a safe place where people feel seen, heard, and comfortable enough to open up. That is everything I want my studio to be.

After they left, I felt nudged to take my own advice. If I ask others to show up fully in front of my camera, I should be willing to do the same. So, I set up the lights, took a breath, and created a set of self-portraits. It was both intimidating and freeing—standing exactly where my clients stand, letting myself be the subject, allowing the vulnerability to show.

These images are more than photographs. Taken in the beginning of my cancer treatment journey, they’re a reminder that portraits can be powerful when they’re honest. They’re not just about how we look, but about who we are in this season of life.

If you’ve ever thought about having portraits made but felt unsure about being in front of the camera—I understand. I’ve been there too. That’s why I create a space where you can let your guard down and simply be yourself.

In-studio sessions like this are perfect if you’re ready to celebrate yourself, mark a personal milestone, or simply want photographs that feel real.

Because sometimes the bravest thing we can do is step in front of the camera.