Artist Statement for the Project

What can a portrait convey?

Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to make a snap judgment about someone based on their features, characteristics, or even an associated label. When I take someone’s portrait I hope to provide a glimpse into who the individual is at the moment the image is taken. The viewer then has the opportunity to create their own interpretation.

The Faces of Autism project invites its audience to view the faces of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and see them as they are, without predefined ideas of what it means to be autistic. With this project, there is a focus on the unique attributes of each individual.

The exhibit has an added dimension of including behind the scenes footage of the photo shoots. During this time I work to create a connection with my subject, which is the most important thing to me, necessary to create a good portrait, and what separates portraiture from other types of photography. 

We hope those who attend this exhibit leave with a sense that we are all more alike than different and that anything is possible with strength, support, and perseverance.  One thing I know for sure is the differences in how an ASD person's brain works may make them more, not less, qualified to understand, accomplish otherwise unsolvable tasks, and perform in extremely creative ways. 

Related Shoots:

Faces of Engagement

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My preferred florist, Cantor Palm Design invited me to photograph their lovely floral arrangements that decorated a home on the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour. Each flower was creatively placed in an individual vase or grand arrangement, that made the home feel comfortable and tranquil. The bouquets filled the home with the sweetest aroma that I wish I could send along with the images!

Flowers have always been close to my heart and what I see as the most stunning art nature has created. Please enjoy the gallery.

Visit CantorPalm.com to see more of their work or to contact the Mother - Daughter team for your next event.

Kristina came to me with a need for a professional headshot, so I took the opportunity to get her in front of the camera for a photo shoot, complete with almost 40 images to select from! She left with a new headshot, Facebook profile photo, one to hang in her home, and another to keep just for herself. I say we did pretty well. 

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My favorite model and her band, Some Kind of Nightmare. Several years ago they quit their jobs, bought a van, and decided  to be a touring band that play shows across the country. You can follow their journey on facebook.com/somekindofnightmareband.

Related Shoots

Molly's Journey

For my 35th birthday, I invited a few of my favorite people to my home for portraits & a little party. 

Heidi wanted a simple head shot she could use for the numerous committees she's on, along with an update work profile photo. She did a few outfits changes and we ended up with some professional photos that have so much of her amazing personality. 

The most valued thing amongst people are the photographs of their loved ones. Do you have a photo that you LOVE of yourself and family?

Whether you start with a full photo shoot experience that includes hair, makeup, styling assistance, multiple wardrobe changes and an afternoon of being photographed or if you want to start with a mini version of the shoot, with your family or at a local park, I offer an option that can be customized to fit your photography needs.  

See what type of shoot is best for you.

Full Portrait Experience

Studio Portrait Session

Mini Portrait Session

Event Photography