Real work. Real stories. Real people.
It started long before I ever photographed a business.
Back when I wandered unfamiliar streets with my camera, drawn to what felt real. I wasn’t setting anything up or giving direction—I was simply paying attention. The quiet gestures, the in-between moments, the way people moved through their day. I didn’t have the language for it yet, but I was already chasing the kinds of stories I now love to tell.
Later, when I started my own business, I began to notice those details in a new way. The care that goes into packing an order. The way someone rearranges their workspace before opening. The look on their face when they’re doing what they love and not thinking about the camera at all.
Photographing small businesses brings those two pieces together. It’s about witnessing people doing what they care about—and making sure those stories don’t go unseen.
✨ Where It Started
Photo above: Casey G. at a Quick Candids Photo Session.
My first real love in photography was travel. I’d wander new places with my camera, chasing light, color, and those quiet little moments that felt too lovely not to notice.
Eventually, that curiosity led me to street photography—where the goal was the same, just with more pedestrians (and some awkward eye contact). I loved catching people mid-laugh, mid-hustle, mid-anything. No posing, no prep. Just real life, unfolding in front of me.
It wasn’t about creating something perfect. It was about presence—and okay, a little well-timed people-watching.
Starting my own small business gave that curiosity a new focus. I saw how much care lives in the day-to-day of running something personal, and I knew I wanted to keep capturing moments like that. The ones that don’t ask for attention—but deserve to be seen anyway.
✨ What Draws Me to Small Businesses
There’s something special about photographing people who care deeply about what they do.
Small business owners bring so much heart to the table—usually while also answering emails, making the thing, packaging the thing, and running to the post office before it closes. That kind of scrappy, hands-on, full-body creativity? I love it.
It’s not polished or perfect. It’s personal. That’s why I’m drawn to capturing small businesses in action—not as a brand, but as a person doing what they love (and figuring it out as they go). There’s movement, mess, energy, and soul. It’s not staged—and that’s what makes it so good.
Want to learn more about my Brand Candid Sessions?
✨ What I See Through the Lens
Photo above: this photo taken in Cambodia is a great example of a storytelling photo. You know exactly what's going on and exactly what he does.
When I photograph a small business, I’m not looking for the “perfect” shot. I’m looking for the story.
It lives in the way you set up your space. The quiet focus as you tie an apron or line up materials. The look on your face when you’re deep in your work and not thinking about the camera at all.
A brand isn’t just a logo or a color palette. It’s your process. Your presence. The way your space feels when someone walks in.
Through the lens, I’m drawn to the realness of it—the texture, the rhythm, the everyday beauty that most people don’t stop to notice.
That’s the magic. And that’s what I want to help you see, too.
✨ Why It’s Different From Traditional Brand Photography
Traditional brand photography often focuses on polish. Perfect backdrops. Perfect outfits. Perfect poses.
That’s not really my thing.
What I offer is a little different:
- It’s less about getting every hair in place, and more about capturing what’s already happening.
- It’s built around your real day-to-day—not just a shot list (though yes, we’ll use one).
- It’s collaborative, story-focused, and rooted in presence—not performance.
We’re not staging your business. We’re documenting it.
And the result is a gallery of images that feel like you—not like someone you’re supposed to be.
✨ What I Want Clients to Feel
Photo above: Brand Candids Photo Sessions are all about photographing you, in your space, doing what you do to run your business.
More than anything, I want you to feel like yourself.
I want you to feel seen—not styled. Comfortable—not curated. Confident—not because you nailed a pose, but because you felt grounded in your space, doing what you love.
You don’t need to have the “right” outfit, the “right” space, or a perfect plan. You just need to show up as you. I’ll take care of the rest.
When you look at your photos, I want you to recognize yourself—and maybe even feel a little more proud of what you’re building.
Ready to book? Schedule your consultation call here.
✨ The Small Businesses I Want to Work With
(aka Hopes for Future Sessions)
I’d love to work with more businesses close to home—in and around Bellows Falls, Vermont. To get to know the people behind the storefronts, studios, side hustles, and everyday magic happening right here.
I’m especially drawn to:
- Creative makers
- Community spaces
- Mission-driven founders
- Wellness folks
- Anyone building something thoughtful and personal
If your business is rooted in care, creativity, or connection—I want to help you show it.
Because I really believe in the power of visual storytelling. Not as a marketing trend—but as a way to say, this is who I am, this is what I care about, and you’re invited in.
✨ Help Get More Authentic Small Business Images Into the World
I believe the world needs more real images of real businesses—people doing their thing with care, creativity, and heart. Not everyone has a studio. Not everyone has a perfect desk setup. But what you do have is something worth showing.
That’s why I offer a discounted session option for small business owners who are open to signing a model and property release.
Here’s what that means:
- You still get the full experience—your session, your images, and full usage rights for your brand.
- I may submit a few select images to stock photo libraries, magazines, or contests.
- You’re helping bring more authentic small business imagery into the world—for others to find, use, and feel seen by.
It’s completely optional, and we’ll always talk it through before booking. But if you're open to your story being shared a little more widely, I’d love to offer you a thank-you in return.
💬 Interested in this option? Check out this page for more info.
✨ Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply personal about running a small business—and something deeply powerful about having that work witnessed.
That’s why I do this.
Not to create picture-perfect brands, but to help real people show up in ways that feel true, grounded, and a little bit magical.
If you’re building something with care and intention—and want your photos to reflect that—I’d love to work with you.
✨ Call to Action
📸 Curious about working together? Reach out here
💌 Not ready yet? Save this post or share it with a friend.
🖼 Want to see past sessions? Browse my portfolio or follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes.