I love documenting moments and milestones, capturing the connections between my clients whether it be during a family photo shoot or at a wedding. But I sometimes find that when I stop and spend a day on a personal project, I have the ability to really fine-tune my work and push it to the next level.

Each year, I set aside time to do at least two or three personal projects. They help me take time to create something for my portfolio that goes beyond what I shoot for clients. I find it so exciting to dream, design and execute a vision where I can break all the rules and make something truly unique, something “outside” my typical brand look. The twist is, with some of these images, I’ve won awards and they’ve helped me show my clients what else I can create for them if they are willing to think outside the box too.  

I first began entering WPPI’s Print Competition in 2010, welcoming the opportunity to create work far beyond what clients were hiring me to do. And while I compete against thousands of international photographers each year at WPPI, pushing myself creatively has really paid off—resulting each year in being awarded a distinction (including a Silver for every image shown here).

These projects are not time-consuming or costly, and I find inspiration for them from other artists, as well as from movies and my travels. I sit down and write up a plan and rewrite it until it comes to life. Next, I gather my ideas and create a mood board on Pinterest. Then I block out a day in the next three to four weeks for a photo shoot that includes hair and makeup styling. I shop for unique clothing and accessories on Amazon or at vintage shops in Manhattan to bring my idea to life.

In 2016, my personal project was inspired by Roman and Greek statues from my trip to Italy. I was proud of this body of work as it helped me to consider posing my boudoir clients in a way that I had never previously done. In 2017, my personal project was inspired by the works of Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt. It helped me create images that told a story of my client, Amanda, who was pregnant and expecting her first child with her husband, Sebastian, a talented artist and painter in New York City. Sebastian planned to paint an image of his pregnant wife that I incorporated into my own image.

In late 2018, in preparation for another WPPI print competition, I asked my neighbor’s two sons to model a Game of Thrones-inspired shoot for me. I purchased clothes and pinned and taped everything to fit the 8- and 10-year-old boys. 

This past February, I took a second workshop with Philadelphia-based fine-art photographer and painter Leah Macdonald to create mixed-media encaustics, which involves painting photographs with wax and wax paints. (Having previously attended a 2014 workshop with her where  I created some pieces I am still very proud of, I couldn’t wait to return.)

If you ever feel stifled or stuck in a rut, personal projects are food for your soul, and they are a great way to achieve long-term business success. 

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