Grayson’s First Birthday: A Chef’s Dream!

Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences life can throw at you. Itโ€™s full of late-night feedings, endless diaper changes, belly laughs, and the joy of watching your little one grow into their own tiny person. When Elsie reached out to document her son Graysonโ€™s first birthday, she knew she wanted to make it specialโ€”not just for him, but as a way to celebrate an incredible milestone in her own journey of parenthood.

Elsie chose the cutest โ€œchefโ€™s themeโ€ for the session, and I was instantly obsessed! With a miniature apron, a sprinkle of flour, and a rolling pin that looked bigger than Grayson, we were ready to cook up some memories that would last forever. Naturally, I leaned all the way into the theme, gathering every prop a tiny chef might needโ€”whisks, mixing bowls, muffin tinsโ€”you name it. The vibe was all about joy, mess, and embracing the chaos of the toddler years.

Before our session, I worked closely with Elsie to plan the shoot. Once she shared her vision, I created a mood board to bring it to life. Itโ€™s so important to me that every client feels like theyโ€™re part of the creative process. Whether choosing a theme, picking outfits, or deciding on locations, we collaborate to make your session unique and true to your family. When Elsie saw the mood board, she was over the moon and said it was everything sheโ€™d imagined and more.
Hearing that kind of feedback? Thatโ€™s the chefโ€™s kiss for me.

The session itself was so much fun. Grayson was the star of the show, of course. He explored every little thing we set up, from poking at the flour to crawling around like a champion. (Honestly, who knew a crawling chef could be so adorable?) Watching Elsie laugh and play with Grayson, I could feel how much love and joy she pours into being his mom. It was a beautiful reminder that first birthdays arenโ€™t just about celebrating babiesโ€”itโ€™s about celebrating parents, too. Elsie, youโ€™ve made it through an entire year of sleepless nights, new challenges, and countless memories. Thatโ€™s something worth shouting about!

When Elsie received her final images, she couldnโ€™t stop smiling. Seeing her joy made all the planning, organizing, and flour-covered chaos totally worth it. Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Capturing these fleeting momentsโ€”the ones that feel small but mean so muchโ€”is what Iโ€™m here for.

So, if youโ€™re a parent wondering whether you should book a session like this, let me be the one to tell you: YES. Celebrate your baby, celebrate your family, and most importantly, celebrate YOU. After all, these moments fly by, and they deserve to be remembered.


Do you have an idea for a theme or milestone youโ€™d like to celebrate? Letโ€™s brainstorm and create something magical together. Reach out, and letโ€™s get planning! ๐Ÿงก

Family, Fun and a Little Dirt: Capturing Field Day Magic

โ€œThese Field Day photos capture the energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments of a family tradition filled with games like tug-of-war, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. From candid smiles to action-packed shots, these images showcase the beauty of authentic, unposed photography. Perfect for celebrating family, fun, and lifeโ€™s best memories.

Young black girls having fun at the park playing tug of war with cousins.

Every year, my dear friend (letโ€™s call her the queen of fun) throws an epic โ€œField Dayโ€โ€”and I mean epic. Imagine a mashup of your family reunion, summer camp, and the Olympics, but with more laughter and slightly less coordination. This isnโ€™t just a casual picnic with sandwiches and polite conversation. Oh no. This is tug-of-war, three-legged, and wheelbarrow races where the participants might not have their balance, but they sure have their dignityโ€ฆ well, most of it.

When she asked me to photograph the event, I jumped at the chance. First, Iโ€™d do anything for her because she’s my friend. Second, because events like these are my jam. Something about capturing people in their elementโ€”sweaty, laughing, mid-fall, or mid-victory lapโ€”makes the photos feel alive. Itโ€™s the magic of real moments, where no oneโ€™s saying, โ€œOkay, now tilt your chin slightly to the left.โ€

Field Day is the perfect reminder that not every photo session has to be cookie-cutter or full of posed smiles and perfectly coordinated outfits (although, shoutout to anyone who managed to wear matching team shirts this yearโ€”youโ€™re the real MVPs). The beauty is in the chaos, in the moments that make you snort-laugh when you see them later. Like that one uncle who gave it his all in the sack race and wiped out so spectacularly that his glasses flew offโ€ฆ but hey, he stuck the landing with a smile. Or the spur of the moment rap battle.

Thatโ€™s the thing about life: itโ€™s messy, funny, and sometimes downright ridiculous. And when you look back at the photos years from now, those are the moments youโ€™ll treasure. Not the stiff poses, but the candid laughs, the sweat-soaked hugs, the competitive streaks that turned your calm cousin into a sprinting blur.

Photographing Field Day was a masterclass in why I love what I do. Itโ€™s not about creating a perfect momentโ€”itโ€™s about recognizing that the moments weโ€™re already living are perfect in their imperfection. Itโ€™s the kid double-fisting popsicles, the aunt who came out of retirement to dominate musical chairs, and the look on everyoneโ€™s faces when they finally sat down to eat after hours of friendly but ferocious competition.

So, if youโ€™re thinking about capturing your own family traditions, let me just say this: Donโ€™t stress about the poses. Donโ€™t worry about everyone looking โ€œjust right.โ€ The best photos come from simply being yourselves. And if that involves a little dirt, sweat, and your team breaking into a victory chantโ€ฆ even better.

โ€œThese Field Day photos capture the energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments of a family tradition filled with games like tug-of-war, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. From candid smiles to action-packed shots, these images showcase the beauty of authentic, unposed photography. Perfect for celebrating family, fun, and lifeโ€™s best memories.

elder cousin surrounded by younger girl. cousins, generational growth of beautiful black girls

Life isnโ€™t staged, so why should your photos be?

And to my friend: thank you for letting me document the joy, the hilarity, and the slightly chaotic brilliance of Field Day. Iโ€™m already sharpening my camera skills for next yearโ€”because I know itโ€™ll be bigger, better, and possibly include water balloons. Just saying.

Newborn Photography: Welcome Killian

ย  It’s a beautiful day, and nothing makes me happier than basking in new love.
ย  I met client Alison, last year during a Vision Board workshop, and here I am later, helping her express her newfound love for her cousin Michelle. Michelle has started her journey into motherhood, and I love it when someone books me as a gift!
Extending your family is always beautiful, especially when there’s a new baby to celebrate. Baby boy at only 3 weeks old, so tiny and fragile, I felt so honored knowing that Alison trusted me in documenting such a milestone for her family.

Family is everything.

One of my favorite portraits taken from our session together.
You can just feel the appreciation from Mom & Dad, for their new baby boy Killian.

There’s nothing like staying in at home all comfy on a rainy day…
it’s even better when you’re surrounded by loved ones.
I get the privilege of being a fly on the wall and allowing you to bask in that LOVE.
These are the moments that you cherish and I get to help you do that.

Thank you Alison, for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful chapter in your lives.
If you’re interested in a session of your own, you can view my services here.

Continue reading “Newborn Photography: Welcome Killian”

Photo Journal: Kat’s Picnic for Two

3E4A3597ย  ย One of the beautiful things in the world to me, is the radiance of a woman who’s transitioning into a new stage of motherhood.
One of my dearest friend’s Kat is expecting, and her and her spouse couldn’t be happier. Due to these past couple of months being a rough in the world, we’ve stayed away from each other as recommended, but I love having girl dates.
I think making time for your girlfriends is essential. They’re the ones that listen to all your troubles, make you laugh and are with you every step of your journey, so why wouldn’t I go out of my way to do a little something simple, like plan a picnic.
We made our way to the most obsolete part of the park, 6 feet had nothing us today. Our speaker was blasting reggeaton, while we caught up on everything that’s going on in our lives at the same time. Where do you even begin?
For me that was a little easy, as my trusty camera was ready. But let’s be clear this photo session was not planned, not even a little a bit… but I was eager to document some part of her journey— even if I was a little late, and even if she’s almost due.
3E4A36243E4A36213E4A36733E4A3662bf9974af-8933-42ef-b657-72ebc19f895cHow about you, are you ready to document your journey to motherhood?
I know I’m ready to hear from you!
See the packages I offer HERE, or you can contact me HERE.
Have more questions? Visit my FAQ page HERE.
Looking forward to working with and creating wonderful memories with you.
Best MS signature-gatteway.png copy