Why? Because I’m not just capturing what people look like. I’m capturing what they mean to each other.
Using someone’s name changes everything.
It’s simple, but powerful. Have you ever noticed what happens when you say someone’s name? They light up.
It’s connection. Recognition. Respect.
Kids feel seen. Teens start to engage. Adults let their guard down. It builds trust before I ever lift the camera.
When someone knows I took the time to learn who they are, they don’t just pose for the camera. You can actually feel the tension leave the room. And that’s when I catch the good stuff: the inside jokes, the subtle gestures, the “I didn’t even realize you got that” moments.
Why I ask for names before every session
Before every session, I ask for names and relationships. Not just the immediate family, but the siblings, grandparents, cousins, and anyone else I should know.
Because when I know who everyone is - and how they’re connected - I can move through the session with more intention. I can anticipate quiet gestures, spot the in-between moments, and know where to be before something meaningful happens.
People aren’t just more comfortable. They’re more themselves. And that changes the photos completely.
You’ll see it in the final gallery.
This is why, when I deliver images, my clients don’t just say, “These are great photos.”
They say things like:
“I can’t believe you caught that look between my dad and my daughter.”
“How did you even see that moment?”
“That hug… I didn’t even know it happened.”
That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from being fully present, fully engaged, and fully committed to knowing who everyone is - not just what they’re wearing.
This isn’t a party trick. It’s the heart of how I work.
Learning names is how I build trust.
It’s how I disappear into the background while capturing the most important moments of your life.
If that’s the kind of photographer you want- someone who sees your people as more than just guests - I’d love to be there for you.
