Pay What You Can
Why I Made This Change
“I can stay true to why I fell in love with photography in the first place.”
Why I’ve Switched to a Pay-What-You-Can Business Model
When I first picked up a camera, it wasn’t because I wanted to take “just pretty pictures.” I wanted to capture the laughter, the love, the little quirks, the in-between moments that make life so beautifully messy and magical. I wanted to freeze memories so families, couples, and seniors could hold onto them forever—long after the confetti has settled, the cake is gone, and the graduation cap is tossed in the air.
But as I dove deeper into my photography journey, I started noticing something that tugged at my heart: so many amazing people were missing out on professional photos… simply because of cost.
I’d hear it in messages: “I’d love to, but it’s just not in the budget right now.” I’d see it in hesitant conversations: “Maybe another time…”
And I felt it in the quiet moments when families and seniors, excited for a photo session, hesitated because they weren’t sure they could afford it. That didn’t sit right with me—not even a little. So, I thought: Why not change that? Why not find a way for everyone to have access to memories they’ll treasure forever?
And that’s exactly how I ended up switching my business to a Pay-What-You-Can model!
What Pay-What-You-Can Actually Means
It’s exactly what it sounds like! You get to choose the amount you’re able to pay for your session. I do set a minimum of $35 to cover basic costs—but beyond that? You decide. No judgment. No awkward conversations. No guilt. Just your story, beautifully captured.
Whether you can contribute the minimum or more, my commitment to you doesn’t change one bit: you’ll get professional, high-quality images that make your heart smile every time you look at them.
Why I Made This Change
Photography has always been about more than just taking pictures for me. It’s about connection, inclusion, and storytelling. Everyone deserves to celebrate their milestones, document their love, and treasure their family moments—regardless of their budget.
By switching to this model, I can stay true to why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
Take a peek at a few of my favorite moments:
Graduation giggles and cap tosses: I had a senior once who was terrified of looking “awkward” in photos. Five minutes in, she was laughing so hard she nearly fell over—and her friends joined in. By the end, we had a gallery full of genuine smiles and that classic cap toss moment that makes every parent cry.
Family chaos that turns magical: Picture this: toddlers running through a field, a golden retriever diving into the frame, and grandparents laughing so hard they can’t stand. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s perfect. Those are the moments families look back on and treasure forever.
Candid couple magic: Some couples want posed glamour shots, but the ones that stick with me are the spontaneous moments—a shared inside joke, a twirl in the park, holding hands on a quiet morning. Those tiny snippets tell the story of their love far better than any staged photo could.
Everyday life made extraordinary: I once photographed a mom and her kids in their backyard during a summer evening. No fancy outfits, no perfect lighting, just laughter, chalk-stained hands, and ice cream smeared on cheeks. Those photos captured the real, unfiltered joy of a family in love with life.
It feels amazing to know that money is no longer the reason someone misses out on moments like these.
What This Means for You
Booking with me now means you get to focus on what really matters—making memories and having fun in front of the camera—without worrying about breaking the bank. When you book a session, you can expect:
A professional, tailored experience made just for you. We’ll talk about what matters most to you—whether that’s capturing silly moments, heartfelt emotions, or epic jumps and twirls.
A fully edited gallery delivered in 2–3 weeks so you can relive your session again and again.
The chance to refer friends and earn free mini sessions because who doesn’t love bonus photos?
Peace of mind that you are valued, no matter what you’re able to pay.
Some sessions might include laughter that makes your cheeks hurt. Some might include quiet moments where the world just seems to disappear. Every session is unique, and every session is yours.
A New Way Forward
Switching to Pay-What-You-Can isn’t about lowering the value of my work—it’s about raising the value of connection, compassion, and accessibility. It’s about saying: Your story matters. Your love matters. Your family matters. And it’s about creating a space where money isn’t a barrier to celebrating life’s beautiful moments.
My hope? That more people step in front of the camera, laugh a little louder, hug a little tighter, and walk away knowing their story truly matters. Because it absolutely does. So here’s the deal: if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to book a session, that time is now! My books are open, and there’s a spot waiting just for YOU.
Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime—without letting cost get in the way. Let’s laugh, let’s hug, and let’s freeze this moment in time together. Let’s capture the real, messy, magical moments of life in a way you’ll treasure forever.
