Relay for Life - Ann Arbor

Once in high school I had participated in Relay for Life, it was a blast, but in the years after that it just didn't fit in my schedule to devote the time needed to the event. That was until this year. The Ann Arbor Relay Committee asked me if I'd volunteer to photograph their event. I agreed and spent last Saturday and Sunday watching the day's events unfold.

It always amazes me how so many people from different walks of life can come together and fight a common cause. They put aside all differences they might have had and walked side-by-side. To say the least it's an incredibly moving experience. And if you have never been to a Relay for Life, I strongly encourage you to check out one. I had a hard time fighting back tears during the Survivor ceremony and the Luminaria ceremony. Trust me, crying makes taking photos pretty difficult. But all the emotions are totally worth knowing that I am helping a cancer fighter somewhere celebrate their life and live to see many more birthdays.

My grandfather had passed away from cancer and both of my parents are in remission, so cancer has had a played a big role in my life. I want to give back, so while I was at Relay Ann Arbor I pledged to myself that I would make a difference...thus the forming of team Natty J Photography. I found out that Jackson has not held their Relay yet and I was thrilled that I could start a team and help contribute monetarily to the ASC (American Cancer Society)!! Come say hello to the Natty J Photography team on August 6th-7th (6p-6p) and see what an incredible community can do when we all work together. You won't be disappointed. Promise.

Keep checking back as I will be announcing fundraisers to help my team reach their goal of $1000. If you'd like to donate and can't make it to any fundraiser please visit the Natty J Photography team page.

2011 Senior Model Representative: Nia!

This girl is mind-blowingly beautiful and incredibly sweet. Taryn (owner of ToughLove MPD), Nia and I got together today to do a senior session like southern Michigan has never seen before! I believe we succeeded to say the least. We trekked through the woods, hopped on a motorcycle and checked out an auto museum all to get that "perfect" shot.

Keep checking back, the male representative will be announced soon...

Biggby Coffee and Natty J Photography

Awhile back I went into Jackson's Biggby Coffee and talked to Matt to see if I could hang up some artwork in their foyer. He said that would be fine and just bring them in. Well, I finally got around to getting my pieces hang-able and put them up today! They look amazing if I do say so myself. So if you get a chance stop by the Biggby on Wisner in Jackson and see them for yourself!!

Kicking the Summer off with a BANG!!

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year so I want to jump start the season with a THANK YOU to all my loyal fans (new and old)! So, any portrait session that takes place from now until July 7th will receive 10% off their entire print/product order! Photos are done at locations of your choice and portrait sessions start at only $35.

Call to book today, dates are filling up fast!
517.499.9380

Democratic County Commissioner Candidate

Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, Rebecca Livingston asked me to help with some campaign photos, of course I agreed! I never pass up an opportunity to broaden my horizons. You never know, maybe politician photography could be my niche. So we spent the day photographing all over Jackson; industrial areas, speaking with young adults, relaxing at a local coffee shop, playing with her dog in the park, etc... It was by far the longest portrait session I've had to date (and I'm not counting weddings), but I had a blast! I learned a few new things about the office she's running for, plus I learned about the anodizing process from Great Lakes Metal Finishing!

Rebecca and her rescue dog Chase.

Second Runner Up

For those of you who don't know, I am a multi-talented photographer and in my spare time I'm on a roller derby team, The Jack Town Rollers! It's a brand new team started up in January so we were invited to take part of the annual Rose Parade here in Jackson. Being as competitve as all of us girls are we set out with the goal of winning Best Float, and we sure came close...third, but not bad for our first time float building!!

Your Love is My Drug

Stephanie and Jared are the most hilarious couple I've met. They had me cracking up the entire session, I think I laughed more than I took pictures! And they are absolutely adorable together, this is what true love is really about.

Annora Faye

She's six months old now and has quite the personality. She's constantly taking in the world around her with a very contemplative look upon her face. Plus, I was there for her second trip in her pool! She was a little concerned with the idea of her legs in the water and kept her hands together in the cutest little pose, as you'll see!!