Ethos

I have had a passion for photography since fifth grade. My family took a trip to the Grand Canyon, and I quickly went through the first roll of film on my disposable camera. I used probably half of my life savings on another camera at the gift shop (those prices were of course marked up so the camera cost around $20). But it was totally worth it.

After getting those images developed and thinking they were such amazing photos (they were not, but you can't really go too wrong at the Grand Canyon), I was in love with photography.

I worked as photo editor for my high school's paper for three years, went to journalism camp and even got a small scholarship for photojournalism at Indiana University. I studied journalism there for one year before transferring to Ball State University to double major in photo and graphic journalism.

I began to shoot weddings and portrait sessions for friends (reluctantly at first) while in school and then expanded quickly to people I didn't know. Before I graduated, I somehow had shot almost 50 weddings, suddenly considering how this could actually be my career. I was still so interested in journalistic photography and graphic design that I still searched for jobs, but after I got offered one and pondered for a day whether or not to take it, I realized how much I loved what I was already doing.

It's a different path than I intended to go down, but I fortunately still feel like I am constantly thinking like a journalist throughout a wedding day. Trying to grab moments as they are without interrupting them, attempting to capture the essence of the day through imagery that can be archived forever to look back on.

A little cheesy, I know. But love is supposed to be at least a little cheesy, right?;)

I have had a passion for photography since fifth grade. My family took a trip to the Grand Canyon, and I quickly went through the first roll of film on my disposable camera. I used probably half of my life savings on another camera at the gift shop (those prices were of course marked up so the camera cost around $20). But it was totally worth it.

After getting those images developed and thinking they were such amazing photos (they were not, but you can't really go too wrong at the Grand Canyon), I was in love with photography.

I worked as photo editor for my high school's paper for three years, went to journalism camp and even got a small scholarship for photojournalism at Indiana University. I studied journalism there for one year before transferring to Ball State University to double major in photo and graphic journalism.

I began to shoot weddings and portrait sessions for friends (reluctantly at first) while in school and then expanded quickly to people I didn't know. Before I graduated, I somehow had shot almost 50 weddings, suddenly considering how this could actually be my career. I was still so interested in journalistic photography and graphic design that I still searched for jobs, but after I got offered one and pondered for a day whether or not to take it, I realized how much I loved what I was already doing.

It's a different path than I intended to go down, but I fortunately still feel like I am constantly thinking like a journalist throughout a wedding day. Trying to grab moments as they are without interrupting them, attempting to capture the essence of the day through imagery that can be archived forever to look back on.

A little cheesy, I know. But love is supposed to be at least a little cheesy, right?;)

I have shot more than 300 weddings and 1500+ other shoots since 2010. I also got married myself a few years ago, to my wonderful husband Peter, so I have learned first-hand how picking out a photographer goes and how meaningful it is to capture all those important moments! Aaaand all about the stress of wedding planning. We planned a destination wedding in 4 months and had to deal with our reception venue cancelling on us a few days before the wedding, so I'm nearly immune to wedding-related stresses, so I hope to be a calming presence at your wedding if necessary;)

We also had our son Hazen in February 2022, which has renewed my passion for newborn and family portraits. I just gush at all my at-home newborn sessions now. It truly puts the photographs I take into perspective with how meaningful each moment is to capture and commemorate. [Photo to the right taken by Cara Boyer]

We have an Australian Shepherd puppy named Penny, and she is just the most adorable little handful. The answer will always be YES, YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BRING YOUR DOG TO YOUR PHOTO SHOOT.

I've noticed a common trend among photographer's sites is listing whether or not they like coffee almost immediately in their bio, so instead, I'll just talk about my love for craft beer. I'm on a mission to go to a brewery in every state, and I have currently gone to 42 different states! #50states50breweries

I absolutely love Indianapolis. The city is the perfect size for me where I always feel like there is something to do, yet everything to do is always within walking or biking distance. [I could go on and on about Indy, so just ask me what else I love about it, and I'll sell you on this place.;)]

If I weren't a photographer, I'd either be a detective or an interior decorator (not that I would necessarily be good at these careers.. but just a super hypothetical ha). I used to be obsessed with Harriet the Spy and played Nancy Drew computer games constantly with my sister growing up. And I recently renovated my 123-year-old home in downtown Indianapolis and always enjoy shopping at antique shops, IKEA, and the decor sections of Target;)

I like random trivia. I really enjoy Jeopardy!, trivia nights at local bars, and any other random question-and-answer game, even though I suck at all of them.

Skiing is one of my favorite activities. I take a ski trip out west about once a year. Whitefish, Montana is still my favorite spot I've ever skiied [and on my wedding photo bucket list!]

My favorite way to exercise growing up was doing an intense obstacle course my little sister and I created that spanned the neighborhood when I was ten. And I recently created a 5-mile-long one in Indy.

I have the best family in the world. They are always there to support me, and I will never be able to thank them enough for everything they have done for me.

I am incredibly awkward when I get in front of a camera (as you can see below...) So I know first-hand the importance of good art direction at photo shoots. If you can relate, never fear because I can totally guide you from behind the camera in order to get great, natural shots that reflect your love, your family, and just your life events as they are. My goal is always to capture what your relationships look like in this moment in your lives.

I will also send you Session Tips and a Wedding Guide after you book, which will help you with brainstorming location ideas for your session, outfit inspiration, wedding timeline tips, and a lot of other information you may find useful as you plan your session and/or your wedding!

I have shot more than 300 weddings and 1500+ other shoots since 2010. I also got married myself a few years ago, to my wonderful husband Peter, so I have learned first-hand how picking out a photographer goes and how meaningful it is to capture all those important moments! Aaaand all about the stress of wedding planning. We planned a destination wedding in 4 months and had to deal with our reception venue cancelling on us a few days before the wedding, so I'm nearly immune to wedding-related stresses, so I hope to be a calming presence at your wedding if necessary;)

We also had our son Hazen in February 2022, which has renewed my passion for newborn and family portraits. I just gush at all my at-home newborn sessions now. It truly puts the photographs I take into perspective with how meaningful each moment is to capture and commemorate. [Newborn photo of Hazen and me taken by Cara Boyer]