Power to the Mothers: Why I Photograph the Beauty of Motherhood
Motherhood is the heartbeat of everything I do.
From the very beginning, photography has always been part of my life—but it was becoming a mother that made it my calling. Power to the mothers.
I grew up surrounded by photographers. My mom was a wedding photographer, and my uncle had a darkroom where I spent countless hours watching photos come to life. I started helping my mom at weddings when I was still in school, rolling film and carrying gear. By the time I graduated high school, I was capturing weddings on my own.
Still, I didn’t take the direct path to photography as a career. I became a high school math teacher first. But then a friend—another teacher—asked me to take her maternity photos. I borrowed my mom’s camera, dusted off my skills… and fell in love with photography all over again. That shoot changed everything. I started photographing weddings and portraits on the side, just like my mom once had.
Finding My Focus: Maternity and Newborns
It wasn’t until I became a mother myself that everything shifted.
So many of my friends were having babies at the same time I was, and I found myself surrounded by the raw, beautiful energy of new motherhood. I saw these women going through the most transformative, vulnerable, and powerful experiences of their lives—and I wanted to capture that.
I started to specialize in maternity and newborn sessions because I could truly relate. I’d been there. I understood the journey, the joy, the fear, and the strength it takes to bring life into the world.
Newborn photography became my obsession. Honestly? It was the biggest learning curve of my entire career—harder than weddings or events or portraits. I studied everything I could. I practiced on my own babies and my friends’ babies. It took time, but I found my rhythm, and now it’s one of my favorite things in the world to photograph.
Creating a Complete Newborn Photography Course
When I was learning, I wished there was one single resource that covered everything about newborn photography—from equipment and lighting to safe wrapping and posing techniques. So I built it. My own comprehensive course Posing For Profit that teaches photographers how to confidently and safely photograph newborns, capture families, and create a stress-free experience for everyone involved.
A Deeply Personal Connection
My own journey into motherhood wasn’t easy.
Struggling to conceive, and then nearly losing my daughter at 34 weeks, gave me a deeper appreciation for the miracle of life—and for every woman’s unique journey. Whether it’s natural, IVF, surrogacy, adoption—every story deserves to be honored and remembered.
I don’t just take photos. I see my clients. I hear their stories. And I help them celebrate a moment in time that’s fleeting, yet powerful beyond words.
The Acapello Experience: A Celebration from Start to Finish
From the first moment we connect, I want you to feel seen and supported.
When someone inquires, I send a personal message or give them a call—because this isn’t just a business transaction. It’s the beginning of a relationship. I send over a beautifully detailed guide that walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and what’s included.
Every session is tailored around your vision. We talk about locations, styling, wardrobe—and you’re welcome to use anything from my client closet (which is full of stunning pieces for maternity, newborns, babies, and children). Or, if you have something special in mind, we can incorporate that too.
We shoot in my natural-light studio or out on location—Arizona’s landscapes are incredible, from cacti and red rocks to snow-covered forests. One of my favorites? Sedona. It’s pure magic.
Going at Baby’s Pace
Newborn sessions require flexibility and patience—and I’m here for all of it.
I share prep tips before you arrive, but ultimately, baby’s in charge. I always have a plan, but I’m ready to adapt based on how your little one is feeling. My goal is to create a calm, safe, nurturing space where everyone can relax and feel at ease.
A Style That’s Natural, Timeless, and True to You
My style is soft, natural, and monochromatic—but I love to play and experiment.
I use both natural light and studio lighting to create everything from bright, airy images to more dramatic, emotive portraits. It’s not about trends—it’s about how you want to remember this moment.
I often show clients previews on the back of my camera as we go, and I love watching their reactions. It’s one of the most joyful parts of my job.
Read more about my story on Professional Photographer
More Than a Session—It’s a Journey
My clients don’t just come for one shoot—they often return again and again.
From bump to baby’s first year, I offer milestone sessions that document the incredible growth of your child—sitting, crawling, walking—and at the end of the year, I create custom heirloom albums to treasure for generations.
Why I Do This
The transformation I see during these sessions is what drives me.
So many women walk into my studio feeling unsure of themselves. And they leave feeling empowered, radiant, and seen. I want every woman to look at her portraits and think, “Yes, that’s me. That’s my power. That’s my story.”
One session I’ll never forget? A client who had undergone a mastectomy while pregnant. I photographed her holding her newborn against her chest, scar and all. It was raw, real, and breathtakingly beautiful. That image says everything about strength, motherhood, and love.
Family Comes First: Power To The Mothers
I built this business with motherhood in mind—both yours and mine.
I was a teacher because I wanted to have the same schedule as my future children. And when I chose photography full time, I made a promise to myself to stay present for my family. Summers are slow here in Phoenix (no one wants to be heavily pregnant in 110° heat!), and that’s when I take a step back to spend more time with my kids.
Even when I’m not shooting, I’m always learning, evolving, and refining the experience I offer my clients. Because you deserve the very best.
And now, the next generation is ready to join in—my 10-year-old daughter already wants to be my assistant. Just like I was with my mom.
Every mother deserves to feel beautiful, powerful, and seen.
That’s what drives me, every single day.
If you’re ready to celebrate your journey into motherhood, I’d be honored to photograph it for you.
