One of the things I love most about photography is how every session holds space for something deeply personal—and this one was no exception. When Katie reached out, she was looking for a photographer who could accommodate her mom, Deborah, who uses a wheelchair. As someone who is passionate about providing an inclusive photography experiences, I was all in.
We chose a local lakefront park that had plenty of picnic tables, benches, and accessibility-friendly paths, and I knew from the moment we arrived that we could make this session both beautiful and comfortable for everyone. And honestly? It turned out even better than I expected.
We kicked off the session around a picnic table, where I asked each of them to share their favorite memory with one another. As a lifestyle photographer, I love prompting real conversation—it brings out genuine emotion and helps everyone relax. It was such a powerful moment to witness and photograph, and I truly think those images are some of the most heartfelt from the entire session.
Deborah specifically shared that she didn’t want to be defined by her wheelchair, and I deeply respect that. Throughout the session, we worked together to make sure she felt confident and at ease—whether that meant assisting with transfers or finding poses and positions that felt natural to her. It’s not about limitations—it’s about adapting, and that’s something I will always strive to offer for every family I photograph.
The session started with soft, overcast skies (a photographer’s dream!), and as we continued, we caught a glimpse of rain in the distance and were gifted with a beautiful rainbow. It couldn’t have been a more poetic ending to such an emotional and joy-filled afternoon.
Katie and her daughter Emmie radiate energy. They’re both bright, bubbly, and full of life—truly cut from the same cloth. Katie is also an angel in every sense of the word. She takes care of her mom, and they all live together as a tight-knit trio. Watching the dynamic between the three of them was so beautiful—three generations, full of love and support.
Emmie, by the way, is super into horses—so naturally, we bonded over that too! I told her all about how I used to rodeo and barrel race, and I ended up connecting her with my sister-in-law’s horse lesson company. Building that kind of connection during sessions is what I live for—it’s more than just taking pictures, it’s sharing stories and forming friendships.
This session reminded me why I do what I do: to tell real stories, to adapt when needed, and to make sure every person feels seen and celebrated just as they are. I can’t wait to work with this sweet family again.
