The Family You Choose

Tabitha came to me wanting to document a meaningful chapter in her life; one defined by grief, renewal, resilience, and the creation of a new home and life. She mentioned it to a few people and they ask, why did you want photos? She replies, "No one is thinking - just because, and because life is shorter than you think."

After the tragic loss of her husband, Tabitha and her bestie Morgan moved to Austin, where the duo spent a year supporting each other through an enormous season of change. During that year, they renovated her home together, transforming it into the beautiful, deeply personal haven it is today, and, along the way, creating space for healing and a new beginning.

Tabitha especially wanted a photo on the doorstep - a portrait that could represent everything they had built together, both literally and figuratively.

Morgan eventually moved on to Houston, got a puppy she named Bronson, after Tabitha's late husband, and when Tabitha reached out to me for a spontaneous shoot, the trio met once again in Austin for something special: photos of their chosen family simply being themselves in the home that holds so much of their shared story. It could represent everything they had built together, both literally and figuratively.

It’s not often that people come to me for friendship photography, but after this session, I’m completely in love with the idea. There’s something so special about documenting the people we choose to surround ourselves with and the connections that make us feel at home.

I now have a have a soft spot for a classic doorstep portrait. I truly believe every family, person, pet or chosen family needs one!

If you’ve been thinking about an at home session, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s create something meaningful together!