Photographing My Own Parents: A Creative Legacy
As a professional photographer in OKC, I spend my days capturing families in the middle of their beautiful, ordinary lives—but this session was different. This time, I turned the camera toward two of the people who shaped me most: my mom and dad.
I was born and raised in Utah by two incredibly creative, soulful humans. My mother is a gifted seamstress, and my father—a lifelong musician and teacher—filled our home with music. From them, I learned that creativity isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of life. It’s how we connect, how we express love, and how we make sense of the world.
That mindset is what led me to photography. Years ago, my parents and siblings pooled their money to gift me my very first digital SLR camera. (You can read more about that moment here on Instagram.) I was just beginning to discover my voice as an artist, and their belief in me lit the spark.
Returning Home, Camera in Hand
Fast forward a few years—and a few states—and I’m now living in Oklahoma City, running a photography business of my own. But on a recent trip back to Utah, I brought my camera with me. My parents had settled into a cozy home in northern Utah after I went to college, and I knew it was time to photograph them.
It was quiet. Simple. No elaborate setup or matching outfits. Just the two of them in the home they love, surrounded by the warmth that define them.
I felt, with every click of the shutter, like I was honoring the creative legacy they passed down to me.
Why These Portraits Matter So Much
As a professional photographer in OKC, I often remind families that photos aren’t just for now—they’re for years down the road. This session reminded me of that in the most personal way.
These images are a gift to them, yes. But also to me, to my kids, and to everyone who loves them. They show not just what they look like—but who they are. The way they laugh. The quiet comfort between them. The lives they’ve built.
If you’ve ever thought about documenting your own parents or grandparents, let this be your nudge: don’t wait. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be real.
Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, a growing family, or the legacy of the people who raised you—I’d love to help you tell that story.
