photography — a holistic approach
Stepping in front of the camera feels as if you’re front and center on stage.
Suddenly you become aware of yourself. You notice every small aspect of being, feeling, moving — and you question, “am I existing correctly?” This is why I admire every human who courageously takes up space to tell their story. I understand how incredibly challenging, vulnerable, awkward, and even exposed it can make us feel. I honor those feelings deeply because they are the root of the process. The very thing I don’t wish to take over but instead empower my clients to step into their expression — despite the initial discomfort.
You’ll notice I approach things a little bit differently and this is because I view this experience as an opportunity. It is my intention to make you feel safe as you explore this felt expression — because that is what we are preserving. This will be a space you enter where you slowly learn to accept the tender parts of yourself that aren’t familiar with feeling seen, embodying your expression, and courageously sharing your story. I’ll be there to support you and create a safe attunement that provides enough ease to surrender to the experience. I’ll guide and direct as needed — but I find that my clients don’t need all of the direction they assumed will be necessary. Why? Because this is where you trust yourself. You don’t need to hand your personal expression and autonomy over to me — waiting to be told what to do and how to be. I am not the professional taking your power away from you. I am the professional facilitating a space for you to embody your truest and most authentic expression.
Because I approach my sessions in such a holistic and intentional way, the journey together begins long before the actual session. We first connect — human to human. We share a connection that facilitates safety in this vulnerable space. I send over a questionnaire to dive a bit deeper into the inquiry process — this often guides my clients to discover their why which becomes the intention we hold for our session together. Next, we collaborate on the shared vision and sensory experience. We play with the process and tap into your inner artist as well. And together we develop the foundation of your story through a vision board and poetic transcript. We both connect to the character (which is you) that you are courageously embodying. And I begin to notice things during the session that are intimate, and rather precious to the character (you) because I am connecting to the story through your eyes.
I understand the power of perception and it is my goal to get into the perception of the characters. This is the beautiful art of storytelling. And the process may sound a little intimidating, but I promise it is rather liberating. The act of creating and expressing is an inherent birthright.
The humans who step into this journey with me often leave feeling a bit more embodied. Even inspired to start creating more artistically themselves. Because they taste an experience that felt meant to be. And they have beautiful photographs to reflect back on — that feel authentic and intimate.
have you ever felt imposter syndrome while being photographed?
how would the experience feel if you didn’t worry about how you looked? but instead tapped into how it feels?
what if you felt so safe to show up completely as you are? what if you could be guided through your anxiety rather than suppressing it?
what if you walked away from this experience feeling seen, heard, advocated for, and whole? with photos that make you feel beautiful and authentic?
This is the humus (soil) that my values and the space I offer my clients is rooted in. Specifically in my HUMUS sessions — for humans who desire to be photographed honestly and supported compassionately. A space where they can tap into the tender and be alive with whatever is present and be guided to a place of authenticity. A space where they can unapologetically show up as themselves and honor their intention. A space to feel gratitude, a space to grieve, a space to evolve, a space to grow, a space to celebrate, a space to commemorate, a space to reflect, a space to shift, a space to step away from being an outsider and into a leader — a space to embody themselves entirely.
“Cece I can’t thank you enough. You captured my body in such a fragile and emotional time. The beauty I see in myself actually is the first time I’ve felt that way since being pregnant and giving birth. I’ve been completely slumped, not feeling myself, feeling so uggo, and not nice to myself — but these photos just remind me why. This is why. It’s so natural and beautiful to see me just prancing around HUGE — I had my little bean in there — I carried him along my journey and honored his existence with these photos and I get to see myself as beautiful and that is so so so special. If I never feel beautiful again… I will forever look back at these so I can feel it <3
Thank you for making me feel so beautiful. You sparked so much inspiration I didn’t know I had in me with these photos.”
In all of my wedding collections I offer 1:1 coaching. Couples have the opportunity to schedule 3 calls with me through the duration of their engagement. Coaching can be an incredible resource and means of support as one navigates the challenges, triggers, stress, and concerns that are commonly encountered while planning a wedding. In this transitional season of life, so much is bound to surface emotionally. Yet these are the very opportunities to strengthen our relationships and create a wedding that truly reflects who we are. I believe every couple can plan a conscious and authentic wedding. I believe every engagement can be a beautiful season of reflection, expansion, integration, and growth.
I believe that by remaining mindful and setting intentions to connect, you can honor the meaning of your engagement, and arrive at your wedding day feeling grounded with peace of mind. Contrast to the wedding industry, I encourage my couples to reflect on what matters most. To turn down the noise of the industry, step back from societal pressure and consumerism, and honor their felt experience — ultimately their love and connection.
Because this matters so much to me, I’ve poured my heart and soul into writing a Holistic Handbook for Engaged Couples — to act as a supportive guide for couples as they embark on an intentional and mindful wedding planning journey. This handbook is included in each and every wedding collection and I have also made it available for anyone to use or gift to other loved ones as well. It is my dream that the narrative of the wedding industry shifts from a tale of consumerism and societal trends — and rediscovers the sacred intention behind the most meaningful ceremony and celebration of love and life. This is my why as a holistic storyteller. And if you resonate with these words, I can’t wait to meet you <3
