“There is only one sun. We can’t all claim to only have one way to use the light, but we can REDEFINE how we choose to express it. “

Why are you passionate about this topic?

when i think about all of the memories that i never captured during my older two children’s first few years, i feel this ache.  i spent so many years of my photography journey trying to create pretty photos that i failed to see the bigger picture.  i can freeze time.  i can capture the moment, the feeling, the connection, the mannerisms, the chaos, the beauty as it is.  i can tell the whole story of my children’s childhood.  that seems pretty damn powerful to me.

When did you first learn this technique? Or, when did you first realize you liked this topic?

i think i became intrigued with the idea of lifestyle or documentary photography after stumbling upon Molly Flanagan’s incredible work.  there is an honesty in her work.  i love how spontaneous and often humorous her photos are.

What are the tips you would share with anyone trying to achieve this technique?

slow down and watch the scene unfold before you begin shooting.  pay attention to the light.  how can you use it to highlight what you are trying to capture?  think about perspective.  i love trying out different vantage points especially a bird’s eye view.   another way in which i can add another layer to the story is by finding reflections in window, mirrors, picture frames, tables, floors, etc.  i also like using parts of the scene (including people) for framing. i want my photos to have dimension so i love taking shots that show more than one story.  once your eyes have taken in the people and moment in the foreground then they can move around the image and find the not so pronounced details and story lines in the background.  i have a soft spot for those photos that are considered flawed.  the imperfections make these photographs feel even more endearing to me.  blur, grain, light leaks, flare, missed focus are good things.  they can make a photograph feel more like a fuzzy memory.  finally, i love shooting in low light.  my life doesn’t only happen in pretty golden hour light.  it happens 24/7 or on a good day/night 17/7.  so i have learned to work with whatever light there is or is not whenever the moment occurs.