A Year of Intention: Finding Focus Behind the Lens
At the start of this year, I chose a word to guide me: intention. Not just as a passing thought, but as a way to live, work, and create with purpose. In photography, intention is everything. Every frame begins with a conscious choice from where to stand to what to include, and ultimately what story I want the image to tell.
Over the years, I’ve learned that photography is about more than just capturing a moment, it’s about noticing the little details, connecting with the people (and pets!) in front of my camera, and creating images that capture genuine stories. When I approach a family session or a lifestyle portrait shoot with intention, I’m not just taking photos; I’m observing, listening, and guiding, making sure every shot reflects real connection and authentic emotion.
Photography gives me the chance to preserve moments that families will treasure for years: the laughter between siblings, the quiet snuggles at home, or the playful antics of a beloved pet. The moments that matter. By approaching each portrait session with intention, I can capture more than appearances; I capture feeling, memory, and the story behind each image.
Pet photography is another way intention becomes essential. Pets are family, and capturing their personalities and presence is something I take seriously. From energetic outdoor sessions that highlight their playful side to tender indoor portraits that reflect the bond between a pet and their human, every session is a chance to honor a relationship. And when a pet is nearing the end of life, photography can take on an even deeper meaning. End-of-life pet photography allows families to preserve a last moment together, creating images that carry comfort, love, and memory long after the goodbye. These sessions are delicate, intentional, and deeply personal, reminding me why photography is such a meaningful practice.
Living intentionally spills beyond the camera, too. It shapes how I spend my time, how I connect with my family, and how I engage with the world around me. It’s about noticing the small moments that are often overlooked and making conscious choices, whether that’s in planning a family photography session, capturing a quiet moment of connection with a pet, or exploring the natural light and textures of an outdoor portrait session.
In every session, intention transforms the experience. It turns a simple photo into a story—a memory that families can hold onto forever. By approaching lifestyle photography with thoughtfulness, I create images that reflect real life, not just posed perfection. These photographs become keepsakes, heirlooms, and reminders of love, joy, and connection.
This year, my goal is to carry intention into every part of my work. Every photograph I create is guided by care, thoughtfulness, and purpose. Whether you’re planning a family portrait session in Tampa, an outdoor photography session, or seeking to preserve the life of a beloved pet through end-of-life photography, my hope is that each image tells your story in a way that is deeply personal and meaningful.
Because in the end, photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about presence, purpose, and the intention behind each frame. When we approach life—and photography—with this same mindfulness, the moments we capture become richer, fuller, and unforgettable.