Cincinnati Newborn Session

Brothers. I grew up with one sister, so when I had one boy, and then another boy, I didn’t know what I was in for. They squabble, they wrestle, they antagonize each other… and they also play, and hug, and love each other. Thinking of my own little guys made this newborn session all the sweeter. I sensed big brother was a little unsure of his new baby brother and the new realities of his parents’ divided attention. It certainly is normal—it’s a lot of change for a small person to process! But eventually big brother settled down in his parents’ laps and softly touched his new brother’s tiny hand, studying him carefully. It was such a sweet moment between two brothers that you know will one day be best buds and partners in mischief.

Spring Grove Family Session

It is always such a treat to photograph my dear friend and her family. I met Cathie in grad school, where we bonded over long library study sessions and panicked thesis-writing. Ten years later the rhythm of our lives has changed immeasurably, with all the joy and chaos that motherhood entails. I’m so thankful for her friendship and support through it all.

And how sweet are her boys? Those smiles! Those matching shirts! That red hair!! Seriously cute. My favorite part of the day was the fact that they all took turns holding my hand while we walked from one location to the next. I don’t know what I did to rate so highly, but I sure do love it!

I’ve lived in Cincinnati for a decade now and have only just begun to explore the beautiful grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery. Between all of the unique architecture and striking landscaping, it has quickly become one of my favorite photo spots. I look forward to getting to know Spring Grove more fully in the coming months!

Cincinnati Family Session

As the weather turns colder, in home sessions are a great option (especially when little ones are involved!). I really do love photographing a family in their own space. The comfort of the familiar can bring a lovely intimacy to these images, and can make people feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And years down the road, it is so special to be able to look back on not just your past selves, but your beloved family home. I love that this sweet family specifically asked for pictures together on the swing set, just because the kids love it so much!

Smale Park Family Session

What better way to enjoy the season than to get out and enjoy some early morning sunshine! This session had the carefree, free form structure that I love. We walked around Smale Park, bundled up between shots (that sun may look warm but it was chilly!), and most importantly, played! Mom told me that her little girl loves to play with bubbles, so I made sure we had plenty of bubbles and bubble wands. The joy on her face while she made those giant bubbles… that’s what it’s all about!

Spiral Jetty | Great Salt Lake, UT

For the past five years, I’ve been so lucky to have had the opportunity fly out to Salt Lake City for the AP Art History reading. Not only do I get to nerd out with other art history lovers for a week, I also get to go on (kid-free!) adventures. Three of the five years, I’ve made the pilgrimage to see Spiral Jetty, one of the most iconic works of contemporary earth art. Robert Smithson used tons of black basalt rocks and earth to create a 1500-foot spiral stretching out into the Great Salt Lake. It’s just a couple of hours from the SLC airport, so it’s pretty easy to rent a car and make a short day trip. The drive leads you way out to Middle-of-Nowhere, Utah, surrounded by nothing but sky and mountains (and horses! And cows! And probably some rattlesnakes, but I’ve had the good fortune to avoid those) . Ultimately you find yourself barreling down a dusty dirt road for 10+ miles, with only the occasional sign to reassure you that, no, you didn’t miss a turn back there. Finally the Great Salt Lake, and then the Jetty, come into view.

When Spiral Jetty was constructed in 1970, it was neatly surrounded by the waters of the Great Salt Lake. But the work is (intentionally) subject to the will of nature, and its form changes with time. Within a couple of years of its creation, the sculpture was entirely underwater, and it didn’t reemerge until 2002. The three times that I’ve seen it, the water level has been so low that the shoreline is a distance away from the work.

It’s a site-specific sculpture meant to be experienced (bring your throwaway shoes for this part, you’ll never get that sticky sand out of them). You walk down the rocky (hopefully not rattlesnake-infested) hill to the flat expanse of relative nothingness that stretches out forever in front of you. The landscape is striking, haunting, and most definitely martian-like. You walk the spiraling line of basalt rocks counterclockwise (back in time). It looks prehistoric and otherworldly. Even while surrounded by groups of fellow Jetty pilgrims, the experience feels personal and profound.

One of the most striking features of the Great Salt Lake is its color— the water is pink. The microbes that have adapted to live in this super salty environment give it its very unique tone, and it’s one of the features that the artist was drawn to about this part of the lake. It’s one of my favorite parts to photograph!