There was a creative session that I just couldn’t get out of my head and was longing to document. It came to me while photographing Megan and Chad’s wedding day, where I could not get enough of Megan and her friends– the total cool kids that met in art school, who vibed together so perfectly and tore up the dance floor. Their connection to each other was tangible, and the joy they shared was infectious– I had to get them in front of my camera again to show off their joy & softness. The love they share is just as important as the love shared in an origin family, and that deserves all the preservation.

We met at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum on a beautiful April morning where we explored and played. (Side note– this place is super cool, and home to these gigantic wooden trolls. You should check it out). They frolicked and danced in a way that can only be done by mystical creatures. Think whimsy fairies, forest nymphs, or enchanting fae.

There is so much that I love and adore about this session. It was fun, playful, freeing, and, in a way, divine. Ten years ago, when I started this business, I could never have imagined creating the family photos I do now. This strong friendship that can only be likened to family deserves to be bottled up and held, celebrated and paraded. As the term “family” is challenged and created and reshaped in many lives, it is a pleasure to take part in memorializing yours. 

In my personal life and in my work, I hope to continue to challenge what “the industry” says family photos have to look like. I hope that more people are able to find value in small sacred moments vs. performance. Let yourself be whole, let yourself be witnessed in all your magic.

Warmly, Jas

Intuitive Storyteller (she/her)