As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible moments, milestones, and memories that have defined 2024. It has been a year of creativity, growth, and meaningful connections—both with the families I’ve photographed and within the wider photography community. From capturing life’s most precious milestones to embracing new opportunities for learning and giving back, this year has been nothing short of transformative. Join me as I look back on the highlights of 2024, celebrating the moments that made this year unforgettable.
In addition to competitions with APNPI, I was thrilled to create three new education courses for the organization, sharing my passion and expertise with aspiring photographers. Each course was designed to inspire creativity while emphasizing essential skills and practices. Those three courses are all available on demand through APNPI Academy of through the following links and include Newborn Photography Essentials: Your Complete Newborn Photography Startup Guide, Creative Newborn Wraps, and Crushing Perfectionism – Unleash Your Creative Potential.
One of the highlights of my year was attending WPPI in Las Vegas. Despite being a last-minute trip, those three days were packed with inspiration and growth. I participated in four incredible classes, including sessions led by Sandra Coan and Kelly Brown, explored multiple shooting bays, and made valuable connections through networking. It was a whirlwind experience, but one that left me feeling refreshed and motivated.
This year, I was honored to receive three silver awards through APNPI (Associated Professional Newborn Photographers International). These accolades, scored by independent jurors, reflect not just my dedication to the craft but also the trust my clients place in me to create meaningful, impactful images. Each award-winning photograph tells a story, and I’m proud to see my work recognized on an international stage.
It has been an absolute joy to welcome 119 precious newborns with beautiful photos this year. Each session was a unique opportunity to capture the tender beauty of those fleeting early days. Some families, I have known for years, others I am just getting to know – but I love learning about their stories and creating images I know will truly be treasured. Many sessions helped me grow or challenged me in a creative way. My favorite addition to sessions this year has been some behind the scenes videos – an effort that has its flaws but I love being able to get a few moments of babies’ movement, coos, and my process to help soothe and swaddle them for the perfect shot.
Documenting the beautiful anticipation of new life through maternity sessions is always special, and I had the privilege of photographing nine glowing mothers-to-be this year. Each session told a unique story of love and hope. As you can tell, newborns are always the first thing people think of for photos in my studio, but lately I’ve made a big change from primarily photographing maternity sessions at the beach, to bringing things back into the studio where I feel there is a huge opportunity for creativity with lighting techniques, as well as more intimate style shoots with wrapping and draping fabrics in addition to the closet of gowns I have acquired over the years.
Photographing 30 talented young dancers was an energetic and creative highlight of my year. Capturing their graceful moves and infectious enthusiasm was a true delight. My daughter is one of the many who shined in front of my lens, but I’ve watched all these little ones grow from recital to recital and it warms my heart how comfortable they can become in front of the lens in such a short time.
moments to polished headshots, these sessions showcased the diversity of the people I work with. We had some sessions in the studio as well as on location, finishing up the year with a day of sessions at the Pine Tree Farm for my VIP clients.
This year, I edited a staggering 5,243 images—a number that truly highlights the countless hours poured into perfecting each detail. It’s incredible to think about the sheer time and dedication behind every click, adjustment, and finishing touch. Each image is a labor of love, ensuring that every client receives photos they’ll treasure forever.
Spending several days volunteering in the NICU at Long Beach MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital was one of the most rewarding aspects of my year. Supporting families during challenging times and capturing their little fighters is a deeply meaningful part of my work. Together with the hospital staff, I offered spring photos, documented skin to skin time for bonding with parents, and greeted families with Santa and Mrs. Claus. These magical moments have brough joy to many families through the year.
As I reflect on the milestones of 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the trust and joy my clients and community have brought into my life. This year has been a journey of creativity, connection, and purpose, and I’m excited to build on this momentum in 2025. Looking ahead, I hope to expand my educational offerings, embrace new creative projects, and connect with even more families through photography. One specific goal is to begin my photography judging journey with APNPI, an opportunity that will allow me to contribute to the professional growth of others in the field. Volunteering remains close to my heart, and I aim to dedicate more time to giving back in meaningful ways. I’ve invested in brand new equipment (since a failing lens pushed told me it was time!) and I’m working hard to expand my editing capabilities and streamline my process. Here’s to another year of capturing life’s most beautiful moments and making memories that last a lifetime.
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