A Year in the Life: Kicking Off My New Documentary Family Photo Series in Tucson
There’s something really special about being invited back into a family’s story. I first met this wonderful Tucson crew when their daughter was just a newborn, and now — three years later — I get to photograph them again as they prepare to welcome baby number two. Except this time, I’m not just there for a single session. I get to follow along for a whole year.
Yes, you read that right. A full year.
This was the very first session in my brand new "Year in the Life" documentary photo experience — a storytelling-focused approach for Tucson families who want more than posed portraits and perfect smiles. Over the next 12 months, I’ll meet with this family for 4–6 sessions (each about 1–2 hours), capturing all the real-life beauty of their evolving days: big milestones, quiet moments, joyful chaos, and everything in between.
A Slow Wake-Up, Cake Batter, and Scary Monsters
For our first session, their sweet girl had just woken up from her nap, hair tousled and cheeks still warm. We eased into the afternoon with a baking project — dad’s birthday cake! She helped stir the batter and, of course, got dibs on licking the bowl. (It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.)
After that, we played a rousing round of “scary monster” in the living room, followed by a magnetic-tile masterpiece with mom and dad. And just when I thought the day couldn’t get more delightful, her nanny arrived with an armload of library books and a warm hug.
It was everything I love about documentary-style family photography: honest, playful, and full of heart.
Why I Created This Experience
As a Tucson family photographer, I’ve always been drawn to authentic storytelling — those quiet in-between moments that say everything. With the Year in the Life experience, I wanted to give families the space to be fully themselves over time. No rushing, no pressure, no one worried about getting “the perfect photo.” Just life, as it is right now.
This series is especially meaningful for growing families — whether you're preparing to welcome a new baby, navigating toddlerhood, or balancing it all with your partner and your own dreams. And while I wish I could offer it to everyone, I only take on a handful of these each year so I can give each family the time and creative energy they deserve.
Interested in a Tucson maternity, newborn, or family photo session?
Whether you're curious about documentary family photography in Tucson, planning for a maternity session, or hoping to capture the early days with your newborn, I'd love to hear from you. And if the Year in the Life experience speaks to your heart? Let’s talk. You bring the cake batter, I’ll bring the camera.
👉 Click here to learn more and schedule a quick welcome chat (Zoom pajamas encouraged.)
