Capturing Transcendent Moments Through Photography
Have you ever looked at a photo and felt captivated? That’s the power of awe—a deeply human emotion that connects us to something larger than ourselves, sparking inspiration, gratitude, and a renewed perspective on life. Single moments feel monumental, transforming an ordinary scene into something truly extraordinary. Awe is most often associated with the monumental: the giant sequoias, watching the Olympics, or even catastrophes like the devastation after a tornado.
I keep a copy of "Moments: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographs" on my bookshelf. Each photo in the collection tells a story so powerful that it creates a deep sense of wonder and emotional connection. Many of these images capture ordinary experiences, yet they inspire awe and a greater appreciation of humanity. While I don’t pretend my photos are on the same level as those iconic images, I am aspirational in that I want to stir just a fraction of that type of emotion and experience for the families I work with.
In this blog, I’ll explore the fascinating psychology behind awe, why it’s essential for our happiness, and how family photography can evoke this transformative emotion. I’ll share insights into how I aim to create images that celebrate beauty, connection, and the uniqueness of the world around us. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or you are curious about the science of what moves us, this post is for you.

How Awe Transforms Us
Feeling Small In A Good Way
Awe has a remarkable ability to shift our perspective. It’s often described as a “self-transcendent” emotion because it makes us feel small—but in a good way. It quiets the part of our brain that’s usually focused on ourselves, like our worries or to-do lists, and opens us up to the world around us. Psychologists have even found that awe releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, leaving us energized and inspired.
Studies have shown that people who frequently experience awe are more likely to feel gratitude, creativity, and a deep appreciation for beauty. According to the John Templeton Foundation, “Feelings of awe can be accompanied by heart rate changes, goosebumps, and the sensation of chills, and there is some evidence that awe may even decrease markers of chronic inflammation.” Awe isn’t just good for the soul; it’s good for the body too!


Where Can You Find Awe?
You might think awe only comes from grand moments like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or hearing your favorite artist perform in person. But awe is all around us—in the everyday moments we often overlook.
Some examples include:
- Nature: Mountains, garden flowers, or under a microscope.
- Art: a painting, a music festival, or a photograph that resonates with your core.
- Stories: Hearing about someone’s amazing achievements or acts of kindness. For me, Humans of New York stories often create a sense of awe.
As a family photographer, I see awe everywhere. It’s in the connection between siblings who seem to share a secret language, the way a toddler lights up when their dad's attention is on them, or the beauty of a pregnant mother’s hand cradling her baby bump. These moments may seem small, but they’re filled with immense meaning. My job is to bottle them up so you can relive them forever.


How Family Photography Evokes Awe
A Reflection Of What You Love Most
Photography can evoke awe in a deeply personal way. For a mother, seeing a photo that perfectly captures her child’s essence—their wonder, joy, or love—can be transformative. It’s about creating an image that makes her say, “Yes, that’s what I see. That’s what I love so much about him.” What is difficult to explain in words, is perfectly said through a photo.
During one session, I worked with a family whose son was energetic and uncooperative on that particular day. Instead of photos of everyone facing the camera and smiling, we slowed down and embraced his natural energy. We played games like “find the stuffy” and asked him to bring flowers to his mom. For the mother, these authentic moments were absolutely perfect because they showed her son exactly as she knows him to be—full of energy, kindness, and personality.




When you’re one of five daughters as I was, or a mother of six (that’s also me) - your identity may get grouped into the whole. That’s why it’s important to me to get portraits of each child in the family, and captures of individual children with a parent. As a mother, I marvel at the uniqueness of each of my children. More importantly, I want each of them to know their specialness to me.




Newborn photos are a source of awe because they capture the purity and wonder of new life in its earliest, most delicate moments. The tiny fingers and toes, and details of a newborn who mere days ago was still inside her mother is a reminder of how miraculous life is. Photos from a baby's earliest days evoke a deep sense of love, wonder, and connection.



How I Capture Awe In Your Photos
Connection Before The Session
Every awe-inspiring photo begins with connection. Before your session, I take time to get to know your family—your dynamics, personalities, and what makes you unique. This helps everyone feel comfortable and allows me to capture authentic moments that reflect who you truly are.
The Magic of Light
Light is one of the most powerful tools for creating awe. I schedule sessions during golden hour—when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, soft glow over everything. This light transforms even the simplest settings into something magical. Additionally, I bring a large studio light and lighting assistant to outdoor shoots to perfectly balance the light falling upon you with the natural light in the scene, ensuring your features are beautifully illuminated while maintaining the atmosphere's warmth and charm.
Northern Nevada's Beauty
Northern Nevada offers a stunning variety of backdrops that shift with the seasons, from vibrant fall foliage to blooming wildflowers in spring. Whether we’re at a sweet little creek, an open field, or a sandy Tahoe beach, the setting adds an extra layer of wonder to your photos. Choosing the right location ensures that your surroundings complement your story, making each image feel both grounded and extraordinary.
Gentle Prompts for Authentic Moments
No forced poses here. Instead, I guide you with gentle prompts that feel natural and comfortable. Think of playful interactions like holding hands, sharing a laugh, or exploring together. These moments are about being present, not performing, which allows your true emotions and connections to shine through.
An Artist's Eye + Gear Experience
Just as your grandmother might instinctively cook without a recipe, I work with my camera and gear intuitively, blending shutter speed, aperture, and light seamlessly. 20+ Years of experience allow me to trust my instincts and focus on capturing the magic of the moment.
Capturing awe goes beyond technical skill—it’s about noticing the little things. My intuition and artist’s eye help me find and frame these moments, ensuring your photos are filled with both beauty and emotion.












Your Own Piece of AWE
Awe reminds us that life is full of wonder—we just have to notice it. Family photography is a powerful way to celebrate the beauty, connection, and love that define your world.
Let’s create something extraordinary together. When you book a session with me, we’ll plan to make it uniquely yours. After your photos are professionally edited, I’ll help you design an album or wall art that turns those moments into tangible treasures.
There’s a reason family photos are among the first things people grab in a fire. They’re not just pictures; they’re a legacy. Let’s capture yours.