I get it, it is humid. It is hot + sticky and the very idea of snuggling up on your family in this weather probably doesn’t sound appealing. But let me tell you, it is worth it! I have a story to share about these beautiful people. A butterfly effect, of sorts.

See, sometimes a photo session is more than just beautiful images—it’s a chapter in a bigger story. This model session with the Yufests was exactly that: meaningful, emotional, and rooted in deep gratitude.

Back in the early days of my photography journey, I was still figuring out my camera. I was quite literally fumbling my way through trying to understand natural light & manually controlling my camera, while binge watching editing tutorials from Clickin’ Moms and studying the work of all my favorite creators on instagram. But Sarah quietly watched me start sharing my images of my son, and she saw something in my work. She trusted me. She booked me—more than once—when I was still learning, still growing. And those early sessions? They helped fund my first gear upgrades. They paid for workshops and courses. In so many ways, her family gave me the foundation to turn this dream into a full-time photography business.

So when I dreamed up a styled model session at one of my favorite outdoor locations in Maryland, I didn’t bother posting a model call. I said to myself, “screw the rules.” I am not going to “fake choose” someone with a public instagram account and a big following. No. I reached out directly to Sarah. Their family has given so much to me, and this was my way of simply saying thank you.

It was a hot, sticky summer night. The location was over an hour away for both of us. The session itself was on me. And still—they showed up with grace and joy and the kind of love that radiates in every frame. Watching their kids play and laugh and lean into each other reminded me why I fell in love with family photography in the first place. Your connections have meaning and deserve to be remembered in a way that feels like YOU.

It’s wild to think how the pieces have come together. If I hadn’t struggled with infertility, I might not have picked up a camera. If my son hadn’t been born with latching issues, I might not have stepped into that support group at our local hospital for new moms. If I hadn’t met Sarah 10 years ago… I don’t know that any of this would’ve happened. This career, these clients, this art—it’s all connected. And I’ll never take that for granted.

The styling for this session was brought to life by the absolutely incredible Whitney of @styledbywi. Whitney has such a gift for pulling together wardrobe pieces that feel both elevated and approachable. I provided the dress from my collection, and she worked with Sarah to curate affordable pieces that photograph beautifully. Her eye for color, texture, and movement is unmatched, and her styling played a huge part in how effortlessly magical these photos feel. If you’re planning a family photo session and need help coordinating outfits (without the stress!), Whitney is the one to call.

To the Yufest family—thank you. For trusting me, for modeling for me, for sharing your family with me, for showing up time and again. Your presence in my journey has been nothing short of foundational. And Whitney, thank you for being a part of this! My clients truly love working with you!

And to anyone looking for a Maryland family photographer who believes your story matters—whether it’s chaotic, tender, loud, or perfectly imperfect—I’d be honored to help you tell it.