For me, as an introvert, working in this way is the most comfortable. I think posed family photos require a lot more direction and “false interaction” where I am trying to elicit a smile rather than it just happening all on its own. When I started shooting in this way, I found the need to interfere was gone, and I just got to dive deeper into my own creativity. It’s the best!

I think we are all trying to balance the desire to push ourselves into areas outside our comfort zone and the desire to go with what feels right. With family photojournalism, I went with what felt right and built on my strengths rather than trying to overcome my introverted nature. In many ways, being invisible is more of a strength with this type of photography.

Erika: In your write up you talk a lot about how children seem to guide your sessions and that appears very evident in your work. Your camera not only is frequently focused on the child(ren) but seems to take on their life perspective as well. Have you come across a child who was excessively shy or overly excited about the camera and perhaps made it a challenge to connect with them in a more personal way? How do you go about trying to meet more challenging kids in the middle to make honest photos?

This is a constant challenge, and doesn’t come up as much with younger kids because they are still new to the awareness of cameras. I have had a few situations where a kid wanted nothing to do with me or my camera, but it was usually in situations where I was trying to pose them (usually a day in the life will involve at least one formal portrait for the Christmas card). When a child is really struggling to feel comfortable with me, I put my camera down and ask them to show me their favorite place, or their favorite toy. I talk with them and play with them until I feel that they are comfortable with me. Often times, I have to go back and do the same thing several times in a shoot. Put the camera down, talk with them, ask them questions. I find if I genuinely care about what’s important to them, they will open up to me and my camera.

One thing I’ve learned is that if I resist in any way what the child is doing, the child will resist me even more. So I try to make everything okay. Being shy is okay, being excited is okay. It’s all part of the story.

Robin: Do you feel like your background in social work helps or has influence the way you document families?

YES. My work with domestic violence survivors helped me see and appreciate the infinite ways in which love shows up in our lives. I was, and still am, incredibly inspired by the ability of mothers to protect and love their children, even in the most difficult situations. That immense respect and appreciation that I developed while working in the anti-violence movement informs my work as a photographer every day.

Lisa: Are you more drawn to a particular type of moment over another (quiet vs loud)? How does this affect the way you tell a family’s story?

I wouldn’t say I am more drawn to a certain type of moment. Family life is really a full spectrum, and I love every part. The one line that connects every part of the story is love, and I am fascinated by love it in all its forms.

Celina: So many of your photos seem to be out and about. Are these taken during a day in the life type of sessions or do you typically go out with families even on shorter sessions? If so, how do you keep your clients feel at ease in public?

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