About
About Me
I'm a photographer who loves capturing life's sweetest moments and turning them into memories you'll cherish for years to come. From the tiny details of a newborn's first days to the excitement of senior year, the love shared between couples, and the beautiful chaos of family sessions, I believe every stage of life deserves to be remembered. My goal is to make every session feel comfortable, fun, and true to you. I want to capture the genuine smiles, sweet connections, and little in-between moments that tell your unique story. Whether we're celebrating a new addition to the family, a senior milestone, your love story, or simply making memories together, I'm here to help preserve those moments in a meaningful way. Thank you for being here and considering me to capture your special memories. I can't wait to meet you, get to know your story, and create beautiful photographs you'll treasure for a lifetime!
How it all began
Photography found me the way the best things in life do — quietly, and all at once. I picked up a camera years ago to document my own family, and somewhere between the chaos of toddlers and the golden light of an Iowa evening, I fell completely in love with what a photograph can hold.
I want to capture life's most precious moments and transform them into timeless memories that families, couples, and individuals can cherish for generations. To be a trusted photography brand known for creativity, authenticity, and capturing the beauty of every stage of life and To provide a comfortable, fun, and personalized photography experience that captures genuine emotions, meaningful connections, and the unique beauty of every client. Through newborn sessions, senior portraits, mini sessions, family portraits, and couples photography, my mission is to preserve life's special milestones through beautiful, heartfelt images that tell each client's story
Southern Essence Photography was born from that belief. Every session I photograph is an honor, and I don't take that lightly.
My approach
I'm not a "stand here, smile there" kind of photographer. My sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and guided by genuine connection. I'll give you a little direction when you need it, then step back and let the real moments happen. The laughs, the looks, the in-between — that's where the magic lives.
Authentic over perfect
Real moments over posed ones, always. The imperfect is often the most beautiful.
Unhurried and present
Sessions are never rushed. You deserve time to settle in and just be yourselves.
Personal from the start
I get to know your family before we ever meet — so the session feels like time with a friend.
A little more about me
When I'm not behind the camera, you'll find me exploring Iowa's back roads, drinking too much caffeine, and chasing my own kids to different ball fields I'll inevitably photograph later. I'm a homebody at heart who loves big skies, wildflowers, and the kind of light that only happens for about fifteen minutes at golden hour.
I'm based in Iowa Falls but travel throughout Hardin County and surrounding communities. If you're not sure whether I serve your area, just reach out — I'd love to make it work.
Let's get to know each other
I'd love to hear about your family and what you're hoping to capture. Reach out anytime — I'm always happy to chat.