I want us to work together to co-create some beautiful art that is truly representative of you and this time in your life. In order to do that, we’re going to need to trust in and connect with each other in a way that transcends the classic vendor-client relationship. I don’t want to be “the photographer.” I want to be “my friend, Viv,” who also happens to be holding a camera. Maybe that’s too close for some people, and that’s okay because not everyone does things this way, and there are enough photographers to go around. But because I’m passionate about this work, I’m going to do things my way.

You can plan on this being a personalized experience where you walk away feeling safe, held, and seen because I’m going to pour a lot of energy into making sure that I connect with you well before we spend time together. I want to chat about what makes you feel feelings, follow you on Instagram, we’ll keep in touch via text and email, and if you’re a wedding client, I’d hope to schedule an engagement session with you. By the time your event rolls around, I’ll be just another friend in the room, hyping you up and helping you feel like your best self.

This is the best possible way to build our trust & connection to a level that allows me to get past your defenses, and produce work that will truly have your heart singing once you see your gallery.

Yes, it does take a lot of time and effort. But who would you rather have tell your story - a friend or a stranger?

I won’t tell you to “hold that” or “freeze there” because I’m not interested in simply recreating poses you’ve seen on Instagram or Pinterest. The images will be so much more meaningful and special to you if they’ve come out of real moments during our session.

Sure, I’ll tell you where to stand/sit/lie and suggest a place for you to rest your hands. But most of the direction you’ll get from me will be rooted in helping you be super present in the moment.

We’ll walk, talk, explore. We’ll do fun and out-of-the-ordinary activities. We’ll laugh and perhaps even cry, and roll around in the grass, and maybe get sand in our underwear. I’ll be in charge of suggesting different ways for you to explore your senses, and asking you questions that will allow you to reflect on this era of your life. You be in charge of participating with an open heart & mind, and be ready to feel all the things. And while this is all happening, I’ll have my finger on the shutter.

I don’t want our time together to feel like all-business or just an awkward photoshoot. I want you to remember this as the time we hung out and did all sorts of weird and wonderful shit, and took photos to prove it all happened.

As you’ve come to learn by now, I pour a lot into my work and the people who’ve entrusted me with the capturing of their memories. Because of that, I only take on about 8-15 weddings and elopements per year. I feel that the best way for me to ensure that I’m providing the best client experience possible is by avoiding mental, physical, and creative burnout. Because let me tell you - burnout is a bitch, and she ain’t my girl.