I'll always be a family photographer. But I'll never stop learning like a wedding one.


You might be wondering - what is a family photographer doing at a wedding photography conference?


It's a fair question. After all, I spend my days chasing toddlers through forests, capturing the way moms look at their babies, and turning everyday chaos into magical, joy-filled memories.


But here's the thing: great photography is universal. Whether it's the tearful exchange of vows or a little one's first steps, it all comes down to one thing - storytelling. How we see, feel, and tell stories through our cameras


When I signed up for ARC Wedding Photography Conference in November 2024, I wasn't looking to pivot careers. I went to learn. To grow. To be inspired. And I walked away with so much more than I expected that I immediately signed up for April 2025.


I once again experienced such a high that I have already signed up for 2026! There's just something very special about being in a room full of creatives I've looked up to my entire photography journey no matter what story they tell.

What I took away (that you'll see in your next family session)


Exploring Light


Special thanks to the talented and oh so sweet Shari & Mike who inspired me back in November to embrace light and shadows in my work. They made me excited and not scared of light. I now chase it, search it and find ways to use it in every session I do.


Silhouette of parent holding and gazing lovingly at their newborn baby in a tender backlit moment.
A silhouetted newborn baby lying in a caregiver's arms in soft window light.
Black and white photo showing a photographer capturing an intimate bedroom moment with mother and baby on bed.

Deeper Storytelling


Weddings are fully of emotion - but guess what so are families. I have been really focusing on how I can bring some of the techniques and locations used for weddings into my family photography. I am always on the look out to capture the subtle in-between moments, the quiet glances, the soft touches, the laughter between the chaos.

Group of people walking together along a scenic mountain lake shoreline in a black and white photograph.
Close-up view of a sparkling diamond engagement ring on a hand against a soft neutral background.
Three people walk past the Raymond Building exterior in an urban setting, with sunlight casting long shadows.
A silhouette standing alone in a dark concrete hallway illuminated by overhead fluorescent lights.
A romantic couple silhouetted against a brick wall with illuminated disco balls creating a magical atmosphere.

The Power of Community


Surrounding myself with passionate driven creatives has lit a fire under me. We shared stories, tears, laughs and bounced ideas of each other. It reminds me that we are not just documenting life; we're living it, too. It can be very isolating and so we're better when we do it together.


This past conference what resonated me most was how important it is to surround and be supported by others in the community. Although I preach community over competition it is time to start to put that into action.


I can't wait to get started on some of the ideas circling in my head.

Will I start shooting more wedding now?


What I have learnt from my time at ARC is what sets my soul on fire is family photography while dappling in small intimate elopements. I like being in the forest with your littles, on the beach with the kids or in the messy kitchen moments you'll want to remember forever.


But thanks to ARC, I'm coming back with fresh eyes, a full heart, and a renewed fire for the art of storytelling - one family at a time.