Capturing Moments at Beecher Hills Elementary

Capturing Moments at Beecher Hills Elementary

I had the joy of photographing picture day at Beecher Hills Elementary School. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could feel the excitement in the air. Teachers and staff welcomed me warmly, and together we created a smooth, stress-free experience for students, teachers, and families.

While I won’t share student images here to protect their privacy, I am proud to highlight the dedicated educators who make Beecher Hills such a special place. Their smiles, professionalism, and care for their students shone through with every portrait.

Why Partner With Me for Your School’s Picture Day?

📸 Professional & Organized – I bring a streamlined process that makes picture day simple for teachers and students alike. From QR code check-ins to quick and easy workflows, everything is designed to save time.

💻 Secure & Convenient Access – Parents receive private online galleries to view and purchase their child’s photos. This means the school doesn’t have to handle money or orders—everything is managed securely online.

🎨 Quality Images That Last – School portraits are more than just photos; they’re keepsakes that families will treasure for years. I pride myself on creating timeless, professional images that reflect each student’s personality.

Expanding to More Schools

Beecher Hills is just the beginning. My goal is to partner with more schools to bring high-quality, safe, and memorable school photography to students and families. Whether it’s elementary, middle, or high school, I tailor each session to the needs of the school while ensuring parents have a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

If you’re an administrator, teacher, or parent who would like to see this same experience at your school, I’d love to connect.

📩 Contact me today to learn more about scheduling school photography at your campus!

Tobiaz - King of the Court

Tobiaz - King of the Court

A basketball court is a stage. The hardwood is a canvas. And for an athlete like Tobiaz, the game is an art form.

Tobiaz.

Number 32.

A Tiger in form, fire, and focus.

Bold on the court, calm in his crown.

He doesn’t just play the game; he commands it.

Strength in every stance. Grace in every move.

Confidence in his eyes, legacy in his blood.

These aren’t just portraits.

They’re glimpses into a future shaped by discipline, passion, and purpose.

Watch closely.

This is greatness becoming.

Amaya's Birth Story

Amaya's Birth Story

Some births feel like prayers answered.

Being present for D’Yana’s second birth in the same hospital where her first daughter entered the world was deeply spiritual for me. What began as a session became something much greater, an encounter with resilience, love, and the sacred strength of motherhood.

This birth was not as easy as the first. I watched her fight through moments when her body felt weary, when she wanted to give up, but she never did. She held on, fueled by the love she carries for her children, a love that would not let her quit.

I witnessed not only the arrival of a beautiful new life but also the unwavering spirit of a mother who embodies strength, tenderness, and grace.

Thank you, D’Yana, for allowing me to step into this sacred space with you again; it was, and always will be, an honor.

Baby Christian

Baby Christian

There’s a stillness in his presence

as if time itself paused to witness something sacred.

Christian, wrapped in quiet strength,

resting in the safety of love’s first embrace.

His tiny crown is not just a symbol,

but a truth whispered into his soul:

You are destined. You are protected. You are royal.

Surrounded by the hands that will shape his world,

this moment is more than a portrait

it’s a promise. A legacy. A beginning.

You can almost feel the prayers in the air,

the dreams tucked into his swaddle,

the generations standing silently behind him.

Christian is not just a baby—

he is a light. A rhythm. A story unfolding.

Samantha + Brandon

Samantha + Brandon

When love comes, observe it with a gentle, unwavering focus. Observe its as it sleeps, for love embodies tranquility. Pay attention to its communication, its attentive ear, and its commitment to fulfilling promises. Above all, observe how it cherishes you, nurtures you and keeps your spirit in its embrace.

Samantha and Brandon have discovered a love like no other. It's a love that will shower them with words of praise and grace them with its actions. A love that will guide them through the phases of their lives and lead them toward the correct path. It's a love marked by patience and kindness, a love exclusively meant for their souls to cherish.

May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and a love that continues to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations on your beautiful union.

Ericka + Devin

Ericka + Devin

Devin + Ericka: " I take you exactly as you are, loving you today and for all our days to come. From this day forward, I promise to be thankful for our adventures as one, To love and cherish every moment, To give generously to our life together. I will always put us first, Every day for the rest of our lives."

Congratulations, Ericka and Devin! Your wedding was amazing! I wish you love and blessings!

Modesty and Tay

Modesty and Tay

"I love you with all the breath, the smiles, and the tears of all of my life. You are the single greatest source of my joy. You are the sun of my heart, and I revolve around you; you nourish me, you give me life." I am so blessed when my friends trust me to capture their children. Pam, thank you so much for trusting me to care for and capture Tay and Modesty. They are truly an amazing couple. I wish them blessings, upon blessings, upon blessings

Isaiah and Tyler Maternity Session

Isaiah and Tyler Maternity Session

"Before I came here. When I was formless. I imagine I asked God for a life saturated with love. Not to be seduced by anything mundane, not desire the passing flesh we think is home. Now that I'm here, I only wish for God to call my name from the lips of another being who understands love in its purest form." - Lexonart

Ty and Isaiah, I want you to know how much I LOVED capturing the love you share for your baby girl. Thank you so much for reminding me how lucky and blessed I am to do what I love. Much Appreciation...

I love Fairytales

I love Fairytales

And she saw the world not as it was, but as perhaps it could be, with a bit of magic

Just trying something different

Mom's 70th Birthday + 5 Year Survivor Session

Mom's 70th Birthday + 5 Year Survivor Session

"She's a balance of strength and femininity. She's a blend of silly and serious. She's a dreamer with her feet still on the ground. The kind of person that can find the sun's rays in a rainstorm. She is the kind of woman that redefines everything you thought you knew about amazing."

Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise and call her blessed." There are so many more things that I can say about this gem of a woman. I couldn't be more blessed to have her as my bonus mom. Her spirit is fiery, and her words of wisdom are full of love and straight to the point. When my sister, Hanniyah, asked me to capture them for her birthday I almost squealed. It was such a blessing to witness the love and compassion share within the 3 generations. Mom not only turns 70 today, but it is her 5-year cancer survival anniversary! I am so grateful God saw fit to bring her though! Happy birthday, Mom! We love you more than you know!

Happy Birthday Christina

Happy Birthday Christina

"She's the kind of queen that knows her crown isn't on her head but in her soul."

Each time I capture Christina, I grow a little more within. The peace and self-confidence she carries are awe-inspiring. Cheers to another trip around the sun! Wishing love, happiness, and peace.

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Princess Ryan

Princess Ryan

“She leaves a little sparkle everywhere she goes. Play with fairies. Ride with unicorns. Swim with mermaids. Fly to the moon.” I love the sassiness of this little girl. She gave me a hard time, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. She definitely made me work for this session. It was nothing a little candy and glitter couldn’t handle. Happy birthday Princess Ryan!

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Happy 1st Birthday Carver!

Happy 1st Birthday Carver!

"You are loved for the boy you are, the man you will become, and the precious son you will always be."

It brings my heart joy to see a family come full circle. Brittani and Greg have made such a precious and sweet little boy. I'm grateful that they have allowed me to capture him and experience him as he grows if only for a moment. It's such a beautiful thing to see. Happy Birthday, Baby Carver! Love you to pieces!

Christina: Beautiful Glamour Session

Christina: Beautiful Glamour Session

"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty." — Steve Maraboli

For most women I talk to, and even for myself, it is a constant journey to self-love. We struggle with our self-image, self-worth, self-acceptance, etc. It is a breath of fresh air to capture a woman that is embracing that journey and shares it with every soul that crosses her path. Christina made me feel more comfortable in my skin by watching the way she loves her own. She proves that you can be a work in progress and a beautiful masterpiece simultaneously. Thank you for sharing your light and love.

My Sweetest Thing

My Sweetest Thing

"You are made of stardust and wishes and magical things. Your purpose is assigned and your soul is divine. Your existence is unquestionably ordained."

What can I say that I haven't already said about my Ladybug. Even when she frustrates me I am always amazed by the person she is and the young lady she's becoming. She is my heart's joy and the love that fills my soul. I've been wanting to try my hand at fine art photography. I figured why not try with her.

Ashley + Richard: Whispers of Love

Ashley + Richard: Whispers of Love

"For it was not into my ear you whispered but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed but my soul."

It's a magical thing celebrating a new life about to come into this world. It’s times like these that I love being a maternity photographer. Maternity is one of my favorite times in a couple’s lives to capture! I couldn't be happier for a couple than I am for Richard and Ashely! I was grateful to capture their wedding, and I'm even more grateful to capture their expanding family. I can't wait to meet Baby Whip. Congratulations you two...

Terrelle + Gabriel: A Whole Vibe

Terrelle + Gabriel: A Whole Vibe

"Let us make a bed out of each other and spread our love across space. Let us defy time and stretch the fabric of existence, as our souls kiss in sacred ways. Let us explore each other the way stars trace the night's sky - bleeding light upon the constellations to live in love until the end of time." - Lexonart

Terrelle is the embodiment of love, honesty, and genuineness. I'm so grateful that she has found someone in Gabriel, that shares her love and enthusiasm for life. These days it is so important to draw near to the ones we love. I'm honored to have been there to capture the drawing together of their union

Nilaja + Stephanie: The Love Experience

Nilaja + Stephanie: The Love Experience

"Sometimes in life, we can forget ourselves; getting lost in the endings and beginnings, the coming and goings. And in forgetting, we can leave pieces of ourselves in the lives and hearts of other people, other places, and other times. Yet, when we are lucky and brave, we can find ourselves coming back to the center of our very being. We can find ourselves reminded of who we were crafted to be. And when that finding happens in the eyes and arms and dreams of another, that other bears holding onto, bears loving completely and with everything."

Most weddings have their own vibe and energy. Whether it is nervous energy or smooth jazzy energy. They are their own unique experiences. Nilaja and Stephanie's energy pulls you in and hugs with their eyes closed. Upon meeting them both you feel a sense of calm and peace, of love and safety. Their union was a truly amazing experience filled with beautiful cultural rituals and symbolism. Its unique flair made my heart beat fast with anticipation of what would happen next. As always I am grateful that they chose us to capture their breathtaking day! Wish you both love and blessings... Our last wedding of the year!

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

With the holidays just around the corner, engagement season is nearly upon us! Whether you’re engaged already or you think the big question may be coming soon, we want to offer a few tips we’ve learned over the years for nailing your engagement photos. From what to wear to where to go, keep these eight things in mind before your upcoming photo shoot!

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1. Wear something you’re comfortable in.

Choose outfits that make you feel like a million bucks. If you do purchase something new, take it out for a test run (hello, date night excuse!) with plenty of time to launder it before your session in case of a spill or other mishap. As much as you consider how your engagement outfits make you feel, think also about how they’ll photograph during your session. For the ladies, we recommend choosing pieces that flow nicely as you move, especially if you’re doing your photos outdoors.

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2. Steam or iron your outfits ahead of time!

Speaking of what you wear, be sure to de-wrinkle your clothes before your session. A photographer’s least favorite question is “can you just Photoshop that out later?” and oftentimes having things like wrinkles retouched in your photos comes at an additional cost per image. Save yourself the stress and get wrinkle free ahead of time!

Donald & Jennifer

Donald & Jennifer

3. Consider professional hair and makeup for your shoot.

If you feel confident in your hair and makeup skills, you can skip on down to the next tip! However, if you’ve never done makeup for photos or you aren’t really sure what to do with your hair, you may want to hit up the salon before your engagement shoot. Photos require slightly more saturated makeup than your every day look so that you don’t become washed out. Haven’t done your hair and makeup consultation with your wedding day stylist yet? It can be a smart move to schedule that consult the morning before your session to knock out two birds with one makeup brush! (P.S. You can search for hair and makeup stylists in your area right here!)

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4. Make a day out of it.

One of the best pieces of advice we’ve heard from photographers is to make your engagement session part of a day-long date. Not only does this give you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed, but starting your day in this mindset helps you feel connected and romantic as you head into the photo shoot. Start your day with a boozy brunch or coffee at your favorite spot and invite your photographer to meet you there to grab a few shots before changing locations.

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5. Set the scene.

Location is everything, so before heading to your neighborhood park for engagement photos, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that. If you relish over making coffee together and snuggling on the couch with some good ole Netflix, maybe an at-home session is right for you. Are you an adventurous couple who spends your weekends hiking? Take your photos in the forest or mountains, hiking gear in tow. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite activities like riding bikes or taking a canoe down to the lake. Check out our tips for setting the scene for your engagement session and take this quiz to find out where you should take your engagement photos.

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6. Schedule your session around the sun.

You may have heard that there are certain times of the day that are better for photos and that’s all because of the light! Golden hour, which is that beautiful time of day just before the sun sets is when you want to shoot if you’re looking for that glorious, golden light in your photos. It’s important to be aware of when the sun is going to set (you can check your weather app to find this out!) so that you have plenty of time to shoot before the light is gone. The early afternoon may sound like a good time for photos schedule-wise, but keep in mind that the light is much harsher at this time because the sun is directly overhead. Early, early morning light can also be magical, so you may want to consider a sunrise session where you arrive at your first location just as the sun starts to rise.

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7. When in doubt, kiss!

If you haven’t spent a lot of time in front of a camera (and let’s face it – who has?), you may be pretty nervous or become stiff during your shoot. A quick way to loosen up while still getting great photos is to go in for a kiss! This can help you connect with your partner and forget the camera is even around, which makes for more natural photos anyway.

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Article from Junebug Weddings | November 2017 | Nicole

©2016 The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima