WHAT I'M ABOUT:
Honest, nostalgic imagery for couples, families & seniors in Kansas City.
Quiet moments. Real emotion. Images that preserve the feeling of being there.
Home has always been sacred to me.
But since becoming a mom, I’ve found myself turning homeward even more, paying closer attention to the quiet passing of time — the ordinary moments that somehow become the ones we ache for later. The way your child reaches for your hand. The feeling of driving home after a summer evening out. The overwhelming and exhilarating realization that the rest of your life is just beginning. The comfort of familiar places and people.
That’s what I hope to capture in my work.
I’m drawn to honest, connected imagery that feels personal and true to the people in it — photographs that tell a story, preserve a season, and transport you back years from now. Not overly posed or performative. Just meaningful moments, thoughtfully documented.
Whether I’m photographing a growing family, a couple in love, or a senior stepping into a new season of life, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel warm, authentic, nostalgic, and unmistakably you.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Meet Your Photographer
I’m Emily — photographer, chronic sentimentalist, lover of books, coffee, and cloudy weather, and the person usually tearing up while editing your gallery.
Ironically, photography started for me because I didn’t want to be photographed. As a shy, awkward teenager, the idea of senior photos felt painfully uncomfortable, so instead I asked my parents for a camera of my own.
My mom — an artist and the most creative person I know — ended up taking my photos herself, then eventually started her own photography business. I tagged along to all of her sessions, shooting alongside her and quietly observing the way photography could preserve not just what people looked like, but how they felt together.
That shaped so much of the way I approach photography now.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO:
I know what it's like to feel awkward in front of a camera. I know what it’s like to overthink where your hands go or worry whether you look natural. Which is probably why creating a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere matters so much to me.
Some of my favorite people to photograph are the ones who insist they’re “awkward” or “bad at photos.” Watching people slowly relax, connect, and grow more confident throughout a session is genuinely one of my favorite parts of this work.
Outside of photography, you can usually find me chasing my toddler around, attempting new creative hobbies, gardening in the summer, and listening to a chaotic mix of indie folk, 90s country, dad rock, and the old singer-songwriters I was raised on. I’m deeply nostalgic for pre-cell-phone childhoods, can't listen to certain songs without crying a little, and firmly believe overhead lighting should be illegal.
What it Feels Like to Work Together
RELAXED, PERSONAL & NEVER OVERLY POSED
If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, you are very much not alone.
My clients are real people who simply want meaningful photos without feeling stiff or uncomfortable. My approach is gentle, collaborative, and movement-based, with plenty of guidance along the way so you never have to wonder what to do.
I care much more about genuine connection than perfectly posed smiles. That might mean photographing your family at home making pancakes on a slow Saturday morning. It might mean wandering your favorite downtown streets at sunset, visiting a meaningful location, or building a senior session around the places and interests that genuinely reflect who you are.
The best sessions don’t feel like performances. They feel like time spent together.
My goal is for you to leave your session feeling relaxed, confident, and maybe even surprised by how natural it felt.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
A few things I love:
- overcast skies and moody weather
- meaningful locations over trendy ones
- a squeeze of lemon in literally everything
- music of all kinds
- gardening, sewing, sourdough, and random creative projects
- photos that feel like scenes from a coming-of-age movie
- the in-between moments nobody planned
- natural light over artificial light, every time
My Approach
I’ve never been drawn to photography that feels overly polished, trendy, or disconnected from real life.
The images I come back to most — both in my own life and in my work — are the ones that feel emotionally honest. The imperfect moments. The fleeting expressions. The details that may not seem important now, but someday will mean everything.
I want your photos to feel personal.
Not copied from Pinterest. Not one-size-fits-all. Not frozen in trends that will feel dated in a few years.
I’m inspired by storytelling, nostalgia, meaningful places, natural movement, and the quiet beauty of ordinary life. Whether I’m photographing seniors, couples, or families, I want your gallery to reflect who you genuinely are in this season — your personalities, your relationships, your rhythms, your story.
KIND WORDS
“These are so beautiful. I have already cried over these many times oveR. I’ve never had so much fun having our photos taken, either. You captured us so well ♥️ seriously cannot thank you enough.“
Amanda
Engagement Session
KIND WORDS
"WHEN I FIRST STARTED THINKING ABOUT MY SENIOR PHOTOS THESE ARE EXACTLY WHAT I PICTURED. YOU CAPTURED EVERYTHING PERFECTLY...From the bottom of my heart I enjoyed this session so so much."
CASH
Senior Session
KIND WORDS
"Oh my goodness, I love our family pictures. Seeing my oldest ones brought tears to my eyes. You do a wonderful job. Thank you so much."
Callie
Family Session
Let's tell your story.
Whether you’re documenting your senior year, a growing family, or an ordinary season you never want to forget, I’d be honored to preserve it for you.
If you’re drawn to honest, nostalgic photography and a relaxed, meaningful experience, I’d love to hear from you. Inquire here or simply fill out the form below. I can't wait to create with you!