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23 days 06 hours 17 minutes 58 seconds
Katie SwiftPHOTOGRAPHY

Off the Screen. Into your Life.

Transforming fleeting moments into lasting stories.

Senior, Pet, Family & Branding Photographer | Springboro, Dayton & Cincinnati, OH

Where Everyone Knows Your Name: Kelli’s Body Shop Centerville, Ohio

The moment Kelli and I connected, I knew we were going to build something great together. We were introduced by Danielle from Guidebeam Digital Marketing—a local connection made at a Springboro Chamber of Commerce meeting a few years back. Danielle and I traded branding photography for marketing coaching and now, she’s working her marketing magic for Kelli’s Body Shop. Because she liked how her photos turned out, Danielle passed my name along.

When Kelli reached out, I jumped at the chance to dive into something new. After nearly twenty years in photography, I had never shot fitness photos before, and I was excited to get behind the lens and challenge myself. 

STRENGTH WITHOUT THE INTIMIDATION

I usually associate gyms with intimidation; big, crowded fitness centers can feel overwhelming and anonymous. Kelli is one of those super confident, strong, warm women who absolutely could be intimidating because of her strength, but she isn’t at all. Her approachability completely changes the dynamic of the room.

It’s like the gym version of Cheers—a welcoming, down-to-earth place where everyone truly knows your name! Keeping their classes small allows the trainers to focus on high-quality training and attention to detail for whoever walks through the door.

The motivating vibe of the studio gives clients a push to engage so that they can lock in, work hard, and feel entirely supported.

What stood out to me most is how much Kelli and her trainers love working with all ages and types of people—from kids to middle-aged clients and older adults.

The anxiety people often carry when starting a fitness journey is entirely absent here.

INSIDE THE STUDIO: A QUICK Q&A WITH KELLI

Q: Every legacy business has a beginning. How did the journey of Kelli’s Body Shop first get started?

I started in my basement when my kids were young so I could train around their schedules! It was important to me to be home for them but I also wanted to train people! After 5 years, my husband decided he wanted our home back so we bought a space not to far away! We have been there now over a decade and my daughter who is about to turn 22 works with me!

Q: When clients finish a workout and talk to their friends about your gym, what are the core words you want them to use to describe their experience?

Compassionate, personalized, transformative, empowering, community-centered.

Q: At the end of the day, what is the driving force behind everything you do here? What is your ultimate mission?

Our mission is to create a welcoming, personalized fitness community where every member feels supported, empowered, and inspired to become their strongest self

Q: Looking ahead at the future of the studio, what is your long-term vision for the impact you want to make?

Continue offering services that will help people be successful in life…body, mind, soul.

Q: Fitness looks different for everyone. Who is your ideal customer or the person who will thrive most in this space?

Any body who wants help getting stronger!

Q: What truly sets you apart from those big commercial spaces? Why should a client choose Kelli’s Body Shop over the other options out there?

We purposefully keep our classes small and design each session with high quality training, attention to detail, and cultivate intentional results. We have created a space that feels welcoming, motivating and never intimidating!

PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE

Long before the session began, we sat down to strategize exactly what she was looking for. Kelli came ready to focus on words like community, family, and muscles. She also said what most people are afraid to admit out loud—that she simply wanted to look good in her photos.

I love that directness. Knowing exactly how she wanted to show up allowed us to target the right balance of strength and confidence.

Usually, fitness photos are heavily studio-lit with artificial light to create a super epic or intense vibe. But Kelli didn’t want that look. She wanted to show her gym exactly like it actually is—real, authentic, and down-to-earth, capturing that true family-run, neighborhood gym vibe.

To complement that philosophy, I avoided harsh strobe setups. Instead, I relied on the natural light pouring into the studio, using a bit of flash bounced off the walls and ceiling to softly fill the space. It kept the look true to life while ensuring she looked her absolute best.

Kelli did fantastic with her individual portraits. To make sure we were hitting her goals, we worked closely together right there on the spot—I showed her the back of the camera as we went, asking her exactly what she liked and didn’t like.

Having that real-time feedback helps me understand my clients completely and makes me a better photographer, ensuring the final images truly represent them.

The energy only multiplied when her daughter, Rylie stepped into the frame.

Before the camera work began, my daughter Savannah and I attended a group class to experience the vibe firsthand. Walking into a new gym can feel daunting for Savannah, who is a bit shyer and calmer than I am, but Kelli and Rylie make an incredible team. Kelli brings the outgoing energy while Rylie has a quieter, grounding presence—and together, they instantly put people at ease.

They completely understood Savannah’s personality, creating a disarming space where she felt supported but never pressured. We loved the experience so much that Savannah is now starting one-on-one personal training sessions at the studio!

THE HEART OF THE BODY SHOP

At the end of the day, Kelli’s Body Shop is entirely about connecting with, motivating, and lifting up the community. The studio is a space that redefines the fitness journey—trading gym intimidation for compassion, personalization, and true empowerment.

From the family team working side-by-side to the support given to every client who walks through the doors, this isn’t just a place to build muscles; it’s a community where people build the confidence to thrive in body, mind, and soul.

Are you ready to find your strength? To learn more about Kelli’s work, check out class schedules, or see how her community-centered training can help you find success in body, mind, and soul, visit her studio or follow her journey on Instagram or Facebook.

EVERY BRAND HAS STRENGTH. LET’S UNLEASH YOURS.

Your business is built on real sweat, passion, and community—not just a logo. If you’re ready to showcase the real, down-to-earth heart behind what you do with photos that truly resonate, I’d love to help you tell that story.

Let’s Connect

Posted in Business Photography, Personal Branding

The Frequency of Healing: A Conversation with Tammy Wright of Inner Peace

I first met Tammy at a Wednesday morning Coffee with Champions meeting with the Springboro Chamber of Commerce. We go around in a circle and do 30-second commercials for our businesses, (something I seriously struggle with)!

This petite, spunky lady stood up and nailed it, ending her pitch for Inner Peace with a line that made the whole room smile: “Come in and Peace out!”

While I was still overthinking my own pitch, Tammy’s confidence was contagious, and I was thrilled when she approached me afterward about updated brand photography. But Tammy isn’t just about the look of a brand; she’s about the experience.

Before we ever picked up a camera, she suggested I come in for a vibrational sound therapy session myself. She wanted me to have a deep, firsthand understanding of the work so I could truly capture the essence of it—and I am so glad she did.

The Bridge Between Science and Spirit

Because I’m a storyteller who loves the why behind things, I was immediately fascinated by the bridge Tammy builds between the spiritual and the scientific.

Before we even started the session, she walked me through her tools, explaining the history and the physics of how sound interacts with the body.

I usually struggle with traditional meditation; my mind likes to stay busy. But this experience was different. Tammy had me get comfortable on a massage table and provided a soft eye mask to help me fully settle into the sensory experience. As she began to strike the bowls, the room filled with layered vibrations.

It was a peaceful, meditative experience that was also physical; the sounds and vibrations gave my mind just enough of a focal point to engage with so that I could actually zone out and let go.

By the time the session ended, I felt ten times lighter. The chronic tension I usually carry in my neck and shoulders was just… gone. (While my daily grind eventually caught up with me again, the shift was so profound that I’m already planning my next ‘tune-up’ with Tammy).

After experiencing that physical shift firsthand and learning about the history and science behind the practice, I had to sit down with Tammy to talk about the how behind the harmonics.

The Origin: From Resilience to Discernment

Q: Every brand has a heartbeat. What is the origin story behind Inner Peace?

Tammy: It all started as a part of a deep inner transformation I went through as part of a difficult childhood and a willingness to keep searching for more than what I was seeing in my immediate life. Decades later, I would become grateful for the experience.

It sounds weird, but when you grow in a way that gives you strength, resilience, and a true sense of who you are, you gain the wisdom of discernment. That’s a freedom no one can take away. You can finally tune into your actual purpose—that’s inner peace.

The Method: The Science of Resonance

Q: People often think of energy work as purely mystical, but you bring a heavy dose of science to the table. How does Inner Peace actually work?

Tammy: On the surface, IP offers a way to enter into a deep meditative state through a physical phenomenon called Entrainment for reflection and understanding of self.

On a deeper level, it offers inner transformational opportunities by allowing you to tune in to who you are and what you want out of life. From there, you gain clarity, wisdom, and understanding, which creates opportunities to change patterns, belief systems, and ways of being.

I use individualized protocols. I can explain the work using known science concepts—things like harmonics, resonance, sound, coherence, and entrainment.

The Vision: From Darkness to Wisdom

Q: When someone walks into a session with you, what is the ultimate goal? What do you want them to feel?

Tammy: I want them to feel calm, open, connected, and relaxed. My long-term vision is for Inner Peace to be deeply connected to the community with a level of trust that allows individuals to go to the deepest, darkest places of themselves.

I want them to be seen, felt, and heard from that place, and to allow that darkness to transform into light and wisdom. I want to serve as a liaison—a gateway or a pathway to living a life of love, harmony, and peace.

The Connection: Who is this for?

Q: You mention that this work requires a specific kind of readiness. Who is your ideal seeker?

Tammy: My ideal client is someone willing, ready, and able to do the inner work necessary to make life changes.

Often, they are already exploring energy healing, astrology, or meditation. They might be into sound therapy and natural healing, or maybe they just love being in nature and hiking.

Most importantly, they are usually people moving towards expressing their individuality more boldly and detaching from outdated emotional patterns.

Photographer’s Perspective

Capturing Tammy was about so much more than just taking a photo. Because she insisted I experience a session first, I was able to walk into the shoot actually knowing what that peace feels like.

Even though she has a master’s degree and dual science degrees in Physics and Chemistry, Tammy is incredibly down-to-earth. She brings a high level of intellectual rigor to her work, but she delivers it with a heartfelt presence that makes you feel immediately at ease. To match that vibe, we stayed away from stiff, corporate headshots.

Instead, we went outside and photographed her in the soft, natural light in front of a tree and sitting on her bench—barefoot and completely in her element. It just felt right.

Tammy did great with her headshots, but the real shift happened the moment her clients arrived.

She completely perked up. You could tell immediately that her passion isn’t about being in front of the camera or focusing on herself—it’s entirely about connecting with and healing others.

Are you ready to find your resonance? To learn more about Tammy’s work and how her group or individual sessions can help you “Come in and Peace out,” visit her website at https://innerpeaceplace.com/ or follow her journey on Instagram or Facebook.

Every Business Has a Heartbeat. Let’s Make Yours Visible.

Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a scientist, a healer, or a creative, I specialize in helping business owners show up authentically in their imagery.

If you’re ready to take your moments off the screen and elevate your professional presence with photos that truly resonate, I’d love to help you tell that story.

Let’s Connect

Posted in Business Photography, Personal Branding

Documenting Industry Leaders: United Grinding Service Summit 2026

United Grinding Summit 2026: The Power of Community

I’ve been behind the lens for 19 years now, and I’m still amazed at how business works. The United Grinding project actually started when a friend tagged me on a Springboro Facebook group post where someone was looking for a photographer to cover a major summit.

One connection led to another, and the rest is history. I’m so grateful for that tag—it’s a great reminder that even in a global industry, a local recommendation still goes a long way. It’s pretty cool that a humble Facebook tag can lead to documenting a National Service Summit for a company of this caliber.

United Grinding Summit 2026: The Icebreaker

Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of opening nights, but United Grinding started things differently. They brought in Jon from Improv Applied as the keynote, and it was a stroke of genius.

Watching a room full of people from all over the world—navigating different languages and that typical first-day jitters—completely loosen up and laugh together was priceless. It was the perfect icebreaker and set the tone for the entire week.

United Grinding Summit 2026: The Deep Dive

The second day was where the real work happened. I spent the day documenting workshops and breakout sessions. There is something so cool about watching the interaction between the office teams and the technical teams as they worked through solutions.

My goal was to stay in the background and capture the work in action—the focused faces and the collaborative spirit that makes a company like this lead the industry.

United Grinding Summit 2026: Celebrating the Team

We wrapped up my time there with some team group shots before heading into the final evening: the Awards Ceremony and Casino Night. It was clear that this wasn’t just another dinner; it was the company’s way of truly celebrating the team’s hard work and dedication.

Between the incredible spread from VeraCuz in Middletown and the high energy at the tables hosted by Premier Casino Events, it was the perfect way to cap off a productive week.

United Grinding Summit 2026: The First Class Treatment

You can tell a lot about a company by how they treat their people. United Grinding could have easily relied on stock photos or quick phone shots, but they didn’t.

They chose to invest in professional photography because they wanted their team to have the first-class treatment. They wanted their workers to see, in high definition, just how important they are to the company’s success.

It was a great experience from start to finish, and it reminded me why I love what I do—it’s all about the people.

Let’s Work Together

I walked away from this summit highly impressed by everyone from the management to the folks on the floor. It was a privilege to help United Grinding create a visual legacy of such a milestone week.

If you’re planning an event and want to show your team that their hard work is valued and seen, I’d love to help you tell that story. Let’s chat about how we can capture your next event with the professional touch it deserves.

Let’s Connect

Posted in Business Photography

Jonah Lee | WCCC Senior Class of 2026 | Springboro, OH

And now for another special senior! Our second born son, Jonah Lee, is a senior at the Warren County Career Center.  He’s in the Culinary program and plans to join the Coast Guard or go into ministry after graduation. A ‘cute, Christian boy’ like his father and a sad song lover like his mama, we believe that Jonah is the very best of us and so much more…

One word to describe me is goofy.

I play piano, occasional soccer, work at skyline, and am in the culinary program at the career center.

I listen to indie, rock, and rap.

Sometimes I’ll just go to skyline to hang out with my work friends. I also like to play video games and be in nature. 

I love the nature. Plants and animals along with mountains and beaches. I love hiking. I love people and how smart we are. I love children. I love old people.

I love how I am open minded and slow to anger.

Most people don’t know that I’m actually nice. A lot of people think that I’m judgy and mean because I’m so nice. Like I’m not really saying what I think. But I’m actually just nice.

I hate how stubborn I am.

I’ve learned that acceptance makes you peaceful.

I’ve also learned that hippos sweat reddish blood. And that there’s going to be a one world religion in 2027.

I look up to my parents because they are living the life that I want. Same with my grandparents. They are successful and follow God, and are good people while doing it.

After graduation I want to join the Coastguard, or go into ministry.

In ten years I see myself with a stable income, involved with a church.

And because it’s tradition…

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Posted in Senior Photography

Michael | Senior Class of 2026 | Ross Township High

Michael is my nephew—Bobby’s boy. He’s a senior at Ross Township High School and just wrapped up his final football season with the Ross Rams. My older brother Tyler and his wife Cindy have raised Michael as their own since he was ten years old, and the love, stability, and grit they’ve poured into him shows in every part of who he’s becoming.

If you know his story, then you know that Michael has faced battles most people never see. He’s walked through fire—literally and figuratively—and yet he stands here today with strength and resilience. Nothing about his life has been simple, but everything about him is extraordinary.

Michael—whose name is a question:
Who is like God?

Michael—whose name is a challenge, a dare to answer:
No one. No one is like God.

Michael—who carries the name of the fierce archangel, the protector, the warrior, the one who steps forward when the world grows dark. And in many ways, that’s who he is too. Quietly strong. Fiercely loyal. Built for battles he never asked for but faced anyway.

There’s something sacred about watching a kid like him step into his senior year— into adulthood, into the promise of what’s ahead. These photos aren’t just senior pictures. They’re proof. Proof of survival, of love, of courage, of the kind of strength that forms when a child endures the unthinkable. God’s hand on a life that could’ve gone a hundred different ways.

Michael Lee, we’re so proud of you—every single one of us.

Especially your father, your first protector, who walks with you still. He’s in every step you take, in every bit of courage you carry.

Your future is wide open, and you’re ready for it.

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Posted in Senior Photography

Patton Family | E. Milo Beck Park | Springboro, OH

Some sessions just feel like a big warm hug—and this was one of them. Gerrard is an old friend, and getting to photograph his beautiful family after they recently moved back to Ohio was such a treat. His wife, Dania, and their four kids are all from Florida, and it was so sweet to see them experience a real Midwest fall for the very first time.

The kids couldn’t get over the color of the leaves, the crisp air, and even the sight of pine sap! Their wonder reminded me how easy it is to take these simple seasonal joys for granted. Seeing it all through their eyes brought so much warmth and laughter to the session.

Gerrard and Dania are both pastors and church planters, and I’m so inspired by the way they lead their family with faith and joy. I can’t wait to visit their next church once it’s up and running—it’s amazing to see the ways they pour into their community.

Patton crew, thank you for sharing an afternoon of laughter, leaf piles, and pure joy with me. Welcome home to Ohio—we’re blessed to have you.

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Posted in Family Photography

Lilly Senior Class of 2026 | Oakwood High School

Lilly is a senior at Oakwood High School with her sights set high—literally! She dreams of becoming a pilot after graduation. We kicked things off at Houk Stream Park, tucked right in her hometown, before heading to Moraine Airpark where she felt completely in her element among the planes and open skies.

At first, Lilly was a little nervous in front of the camera, but after a few deep breaths and some easy laughs, she completely settled in. By the end of the session, she was striking poses like a total natural—radiating confidence, joy and that unmistakable spark of someone chasing their dreams.

Lilly, may your senior year soar just like you—full of adventure, courage, and endless blue horizons ahead.

One word to describe me is funny.

My favorite quality about myself is the fact that I’m hilarious!

My least favorite quality is my laziness.

I am involved in Scouting America, Theater, Marching Band, HOPE Squad and I’m pursuing my private pilot’s license.

I listen to Pop and Indie music.

I love hanging out with my friends and learning about people—whether I just met them or have known them for years.

I love hiking, nature and the many different forms it can take. I love the little moments like walking home from school or homemade bread. And I love humanity’s insistence that things can get better, even when things are bad.

I look up to a lot of people. I look up to my mom for her organization and determination, to my dad for his leadership skills, to my band director Mr. Ulenhake for his dedication. I look up to my incredible friends—they have shown me what true friendship looks like, and I try my best to simply keep up.

 I’ve learned that saying goodbye to friends is harder than it looks.

 I’ve also learned that you can’t sell books to Half Price Books until you turn 18!

After graduation I plan to finish my Aviation Technology associate degree, go to a four-year university, and eventually become a bush pilot.

Ten years from now I see myself living out west in the mountains—flying planes and improving my community.

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Posted in Senior Photography

Brown Family | Triple B Farm | Troy, Ohio

Life on the Browns’ Family Triple B Farm moves at its own steady pace. The sky hung gray and soft the day of our session — the kind of overcast light that deepens every color and makes the greens feel richer, the moments quieter.

Between the four kids, the flower gardens, the mix of cows, chickens, bunnies, dogs, and photobombing cats, there was no shortage of life around us.

Adam & Lisa have that sort of down to earth vibe about them — a sense of groundedness and gratitude for the life they have built together. As the day wound down, they sat side by side on the porch swing, laughing together as they looked out over their land. No big finish, no perfect sunset — just the simple contentment of another day well lived. A family at home in their world…

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Bowers Family at Home | Springboro, Ohio

I first photographed the Bowers family five years ago as part of their parents’ vow renewal session, and my, how they’ve grown since then! Here they are, in front of their family’s 100-acre wood tree:

This was my fourth year capturing them at their home, and every time I’m invited back, it feels like catching up with old friends. Watching their family grow and change over the years has been such a gift, and documenting those milestones in the place they love most makes it even more special.

This year, we chose to begin in front of their newest piece of artwork— colorful, hip, and one -of-a-kind- just like them!

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Happy Birthdays Nana Savannah!

Because when your mom and your daughter hit monumental birthdays just a week apart- Sexy Seventy and Sweet Sixteen, you throw a party. Well actually, your mom throws the party, because that’s what mom does best. But you show up with flowers (that match the color scheme, of course) and pretty cakes and a camera too! And then you do what you do best- take lots of pictures!

Because these two? They’re the most beautiful girls you know.

Nana, Savannah, Happy Birthdays to you!!!

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Posted in Birthdays, Happy Holidays, Personal

Lohmeyer Family | At Home | Miamisburg, Ohio

Meet the Lohmeyers- Jaron, Brittany, Peyton and Maverick.

Jaron and Brittany are in the middle of a big transition. Jaron is starting his medical residency—an exciting next step, but one that means saying goodbye to the home where they built their life together. Not just the place they lived, but the place they grew—into parents, into a rhythm, into a family.

It’s where babies were rocked to sleep, where chalk drawings covered the driveway, tiny ballet moves were practiced in front of the mirror, and bubbles were blown across the backyard on slow afternoons. The kind of everyday magic that doesn’t always make it into photo frames—but should.

So when Jaron reached out to schedule a family session, it wasn’t just about grabbing some nice pictures of all of them looking at the camera and smiling. It was a gift of memories, a surprise for his wife, Brittany, a way to hold onto the walls, corners, and cozy chaos that have shaped the most meaningful years of their life so far.

Some sessions are about smiles. This one was about home—and the love that filled it.

Lohmeyers, I’m cheering you on as you head into this next season! Wishing you joy, rest when you can find it, and the kind of love that keeps showing up no matter where you land…

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Albrecht Extended Family | Smith Gardens | Oakwood, Ohio

Photographing the Albrecht family was an absolute joy! We planned a morning session—because let’s be honest, no one’s getting much sleep with a little one at home anyways 🙂 It ended up being the perfect choice! Smith Gardens in Oakwood was glowing, and so was this blessed bunch.

The undeniable star of the morning was sweet Lucien. His name means light, and truly, he brought it. He lit up every frame with his bright eyes and joyful little spirit, it’s obvious that this little guy is so very loved!

What made this session even more meaningful was that Svetlana—an incredibly talented photographer herself—trusted me to photograph her family. That kind of trust is the highest compliment. If you haven’t seen her work yet, go check it out at svetlanaphotography.com!

From the winding green grass paths to the cheerful pops of purple allium, it all came together so naturally. Thank you, Albrecht family, for letting me be a part of this sweet chapter in your story.

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Posted in extended families, Family Photography, For Photographers

Luke | West Carrollton Senior ’25 | 2nd St. Market | Dayton

Luke is a senior at West Carrollton who plans to pursue music after graduation. He is Logan’s younger brother, whom I photographed a few years back at Riverscape. The brothers play in a metal band together called Jesus of Hamartia.

We shot his session in front of graffiti walls and The Silos around 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton. The trains came, and the rains were tamed!

I loved photographing Luke, not only because he’s gorgeous (um, hello Kurt Cobain?!), but also because he has that artist intensity- he looks right at you, daring you to look right back at him, unafraid to be seen…

One word to describe me is driven.

My favorite thing about the world is that it’s one big puzzle that you try your best to figure out.

I play a lot of guitar and video games.

I listen to a lot of metal music.

I look up to family and some guys from my favorite bands.

I always try and see things from all perspectives.

Most people don’t know I have absolutely awful eyesight.

I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff, even when it doesn’t feel small.

But I’m too nice sometimes.

After graduation, I plan to go to college and pursue music.

In ten years, I see myself hopefully doing something with music.

Shout out to Mama and big bro for hanging in the rain!!!

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Posted in Senior Photography

Wakelight | Vagabond Studio & Gallery | Dayton, OH

On Sunday, we played our first true ‘listening room’ at Dayton’s beloved Vagabond Studio & Gallery.

It was a cold and dreary day in March after a week of blessed sunshine and spring weather.

A winter’s last-ditch effort kind of day to keep us all in pajamas & binging on PBS Masterpiece forever.

So I was not surprised when, one by one, faithful friends started texting me that they wouldn’t be able to make it out after all.

Still, a few showed, and we had ourselves an intimate concert.

It took me a song or two to get used to the quiet—my nerves wanted to fill the empty spaces—but once I adjusted, it felt pretty sacred.

Just a small group of us cozily gathered there in Jen and Jonah’s creative gallery, soaking up the room draped in original art, funky furniture, and colorful twinkle lights.

Old and new friends, sitting close, listening with smiles, nodding their heads to the music.

Our Jonah perched in the window seat above, watching his dad sing the song written for him.

Sweet Savannah on the couch next to her grandparents, taking pictures of her mom’s silly singing faces.

Warming each other in ways only we Northerners know how…

Big thanks to the Hunter crew for everything big and small- from the band poster to the pizza, salad and hot tea- you made us feel special 🙂

Thanks to Monika and Chris for running the sound and Brandon for shooting video!

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Posted in Personal, Wakelight

Bird Angel

This morning, while walking the dog, I hear the hawk screech overhead

she cries out like a mother

circling in the silky sad sky, ’round and ’round,

the sun brightening her wings as she angles and glides in the wind

she’s following us- I swear she is!

us trekking up the cul-de-sac hill and back down again

the dog stopping to sniff

me straining to see

Mother spinning above

Mother spinning below

I know birds aren’t angels

but I get the message

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Posted in Musings, Personal, writing

Jay | SESI Senior Class of 2025 | Maryville, TN

Jay is a senior at Samuel Everett School of Innovation and plans to work in cybersecurity after graduation. He’s also my favorite red-headed nephew 🙂 We shot his senior pictures in downtown Maryville and then chased the sunset through the mountains, my sister-in-law Lindsay at the wheel, driving fast and fearlessly as only a Tennessee local could.

Jay, I hope you have a memorable senior year filled with electrifying guitar licks, magnificent mountain drives, and backyard bonfires with your buddies…

One word to describe me is motivated.

I love jamming out on my guitar, hanging with my buddies, and working out.

I play tennis for SESI. I’m also a guitar player for a new band I’m starting with my buddies.

Most people don’t know that I’m self taught on the guitar and piano, and I also taught myself how to make beats.

One of my favorite things in the world is music. Music makes me feel more alive, and it can be used in many ways. Jamming out with my buddies is a perfect example.

I mainly listen to rock but also a little bit of rap and hip-hop.

Spending time with loved ones is always important, and it’s one of my favorites.

Can’t forget cruising around with my buddies in the mountains.

I’ve learned the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life, even during challenging times.

I look up to the people in my life who work hard & succeed but don’t put work and money first. Those who motivate others to do the right thing and steer people in the right direction.

I like how mature I am for my age and the way I think about things differently from others.

I don’t like that I have problems with self-control and find myself getting stressed easily.

After graduation, I plan to get a long-term and well-paying job in cybersecurity and save up to buy a house or apartment.

I also hope to be in a band that I can do gigs with.

In ten years, I see myself in a successful career. I can see myself having a wife and kids and still pursuing music.

Shout out to Mama for raising such a fine young man 🙂

See Jay’s Pick:

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Posted in Senior Photography

Heather + Jerry | Fall Wedding | Heather’s Cafe | Springboro

It was a perfect fall day for Heather & Jerry to get married in front of their closest family and friends. The sky, shaded deep Autumn blue, the trees with fiery leaves still hanging on, and the rich golden sun, gleamed and glittered above and around us. It was one of those rare, deeply satisfying afternoons. In the middle of a fast and fleeting season, time slowed, hearts opened and love, thick as molasses, poured out on all of us until we were full. Of course, we did save room for a glass of champagne or two and the most glorious charcuterie!

Congratuations Heather & Jerry! May your life together continue to overflow with loads of laughter, gardens of light and celebrations of love.

One word to describe our love is eternal.

We’re both in our 50’s and it’s really hard to think of any kind of obstacle when I truly have my best friend by my side. We just know each other like no one I have been with EVER!!

I first met Heather at her establishment. I have been a friend of her daughter and ex-husband and was at her place with them when we met.

We would see each other occasionally or if he would come into the cafe after work. Then as funny as it is, I helped plan his previous wedding. His wedding & reception was at Heather’s. Obviously we were both in other relationships at the time.

Our first time talking in person (not in relationships) was at a friend’s mutual birthday party (at Heather’s Cafe – of course). Although we didn’t run in the same circles, we would run into each other occasionally through mutual friends.

 I had actually reached out to him via messenger just to say “hi” before that. We talked for hours at the party. Then he asked me out & the rest is history.

My first impression of Heather was WOW, she moves around her business a ton!!! It was like one minute she was there and the next gone!!! I found her energy level very impressive and her smile…that smile was just something I couldn’t get enough of!!!

She was super nice and just so easy to talk to.

I loved his laugh & how he looked at me… literally into my soul.

 In my opinion there is no one, and I mean no one, that has the kind soul she has. I always tell people if you know her, like, truly know her, you know how fortunate you are. If you don’t truly know her, man you’re missing out on one special person.

She has sooo many qualities to list: her heart, her passion, her drive, her work ethic, her compassion and her willingness to do anything for anyone with nothing wanted in return. She is crazy beautiful and I’m one lucky guy!!

He loves me for all my flaws & my strengths: my insane work ethic, my need to help others before myself, which in turn, is him as well. He embraces my independence.

I admire his ability to not sweat the small stuff, his confidence, his unwavering love for me, and his complete unapologetic honesty!!

She just has this unique ability to communicate with annoying people in a way also that leaves people thinking how nice she is even when she isn’t being nice!! She still laughs, like really laughs, when I’m being funny.

Almost 4.5 years of being together and when she talks I still can’t wait to hear what she says.

He still makes me belly laugh after all these years.

Our relationship is balanced. Our communication, and more importantly, our understanding of each other, is a big strength of ours. Heather works crazy long hours during the spring and summer and is not home very much except to sleep and shower.

We never have jealousy or argue about our lack of time together because we both understand it’s her business and in this day of age as far as staffing goes she can’t always just leave.

When we “got together” I had been separated for a year from a nine year relationship that literally tore my heart in half. He had been in a five year relationship- three of those married.

We both had to learn how to love again, to trust, to be good at letting someone else in. 

Props to all the amazing vendors who made this day exceptional:

Ceremony Venue: Heather’s Parent’s
Reception Venue: Heather’s Cafe
Food: Charcuterie from Gather & Graze, Pizzas from The Barrel, Wings from Crooked Handle,  The Hamburger Wagon
Ceremony Music: David Thornton Acoustic

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Welcome Baby Brianne | Newborn Photography at Home | Springboro, OH

The Palmer family is all sorts of adorable! Mom and Dad are both engineers and 2 out of 3 of their kiddos seem to be on the fast track to becoming photographers 🙂 Their sweet newborn, baby Brianne, was as pleasant as a playful bunny rabbit, peeking at us from time to time, taking in her bright & blessed new world…

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Posted in Family Photography, Newborn Photography

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