18 YEARS OLD!
Eighteen years ago, I took a leap of faith, armed with little more than a borrowed camera and an unwavering passion to preserve life’s most meaningful moments. What began as a humble endeavor has since evolved into something far greater than I could have imagined—The MittenTog (some of you may remember when it went by another name!). Today, I stand here filled with gratitude and joy, ready to celebrate this incredible milestone with all of you who have been part of this journey.
This isn’t just a celebration of a business anniversary; it’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of the connections we’ve formed, the stories we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve captured together. As we commemorate 18 years—an especially lucky number for me—I invite you to walk down memory lane and reflect on the moments we’ve immortalized through The MittenTog lens. Whether you’ve trusted me to document a family milestone, a personal achievement, or a creative venture, I am deeply honored to have played a part in your story.
Let’s raise a virtual toast to the magic we’ve already created and the adventures that lie ahead. And if you have a favorite moment we’ve captured together, I’d love to hear it! Share your stories, tag us in your photos, or drop a comment. Together, let’s keep creating memories worth cherishing. 🎉📷
Finding the connections.
Being in front of a camera can feel strange at first. You start overanalyzing every little thing — Where do my hands go? Is my smile too forced? But honestly, none of that matters. What matters is that you’re here, as you are, ready to show up. So be like my gal, Taylor — smile like it’s your birthday, not because everything’s perfect, but because in that moment, you’re allowed to be fully you. The best photos aren’t the ones where you’ve nailed the perfect pose — they’re the ones where you’ve let your guard down, laughed a little too hard, and maybe forgot the camera was even there.
That’s where the real beauty is — in the moments when you stop worrying about how you should look and just let yourself be. My job isn’t to capture perfection — it’s to capture you.
What’s in a bag!
In this blog, I open up about my love affair with color and light—their emotional depth, transformative power, and the way they allow my neurodivergent self to communicate beyond words. I dive into the tools I use to bring these vibrant elements to life, from cameras and lenses to lighting and modifiers, all while keeping the vibe conversational and inviting. Whether you're just starting out in photography or looking to infuse fresh energy into your work, this guide offers relatable tips and gear recommendations to inspire creativity and connection through stunning visuals.
GOOD-BYE 2024
Goodbye, 2024: A Year of Clarity, Chaos, and Change
This year has been one for the books—a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and the hard but transformative moments in between. I found answers to lifelong questions, embraced my identity as someone thriving with AuDHD, and learned to give myself grace amid the challenges of fibromyalgia.
2024 brought profound joy, like marrying the love of my life, Nick, and solidifying the family we’ve built together. Our wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love—it was a declaration of unity for our kids, Ayden and Lucy, and a promise to keep choosing each other through the chaos and calm.
It was also a year of lessons: learning to slow down, leaning into tools that support my photography passion, and trusting the universe to guide me rather than forcing outcomes. Through it all, I’ve learned that growth isn’t always about big leaps—it’s in the quiet pauses and the small victories that make life meaningful.
2024, you were a year of clarity and change. I appreciate you, but I won’t miss you. Here’s to a new chapter filled with peace, purpose, and light.
The Journey Within: Embracing Growth Through Pain and Grace
Over the years, I’ve carefully woven in tools and practices to calm my mind and allow my nervous system to rest, especially in environments where anxiety once ruled. Through grounding routines rooted in repetition and intentional sensory control, I’ve found a way to bring stability and balance to my daily life. These practices create flexibility in my body and mind, providing moments for my nervous system to settle without the physical and emotional chaos that used to accompany anxiety. From breathwork and sensory deprivation techniques to mindful repetitions, each routine becomes a quiet space where I can find calm, helping me respond with intention rather than tension.
Reading the Light: How to Read the Room
By the time you’ve finished shooting, you’ll have battled harsh sunlight, dark corners, reflective surfaces, and color wars—and you’ll have won. Whether you’ve captured that tiny bathroom in all its wide-angle glory or tamed the midday sun, you can walk away knowing you’ve truly made the space shine.
Photography, like any art, is all about problem-solving. With a little creativity, technical know-how, and maybe a few makeshift lighting tricks, you’ll be able to overcome any lighting challenge you face and walk out of that house with photos that dazzle.
Our Wedding Day: A Celebration of Love Amidst Chaos
Our wedding day was a beautiful blend of chaos and magic, filled with laughter, tears, and an overwhelming sense of love. From the very first moment I met Nick, I knew there was something special—an effortless connection that made every day brighter. Standing before him, I made vows that came from the deepest part of my heart, knowing they weren’t just promises for our future, but a reflection of everything we’d already built.
Despite the family dynamics and the small bumps along the way, the day was perfect in its own imperfect way. We danced, we laughed, and we stood united, knowing that this was only the beginning of something far greater than either of us could have imagined.
In the weeks since, I’ve felt so much joy in simply calling Nick my husband. And as we look toward the future, I know one thing for certain: this adventure is just beginning. There’s so much more to come—more love, more laughter, and more moments that will take our breath away. But for now... I’ll leave you with this: no matter what lies ahead, as long as we’re together, everything is exactly as it should be.
A Sweet Remi Newborn Session
The Lyons family session lives in my head rent-free as a beautiful blend of love and joy. From Olive's playful spirit to Hudson's gentle affection for baby Remi, every moment felt genuine and heartfelt. The way Spencer and Steph navigated their new roles with such grace and laughter made it a true celebration of family. It’s those little interactions—the shared smiles, the playful chaos—that captured not just their story, but the essence of what family means.
The Alejos Family takes over the MittStudios!
Join me as I celebrate the Alejos family, a warm and stylish crew I've had the joy of photographing for nearly a decade! This year, we transformed the studio into a lively playground, embracing playful patterns and fun music to create a vibrant atmosphere. With their infectious energy and big hearts, every moment was a celebration of their unique spirit. Dive into this fun-filled session that captures the essence of family life in all its colorful glory!
A wonderfully weird reboot.
This year has been a turning point in my healing journey. I’ve spent it reflecting deeply, facing old wounds, and learning that heartbreak and happiness often walk hand in hand. I’ve come to realize that sometimes, life’s silver linings are all we have, and they’re what make the journey worthwhile. Photography became my lifeline long before I found peace—those silver linings, the vibrant colors, learning to read light, and embodying “happy” in my work kept me going when I needed it most.