photos by Jason Moody Photo, Erin Marhefka, Golden Folk Photo, and Heather McBride
About Me
I am a therapeutic photographer who specializes in queer and body-affirming portraiture, and trauma-informed photography education. I am an advocate for the fat acceptance movement, destigmatizing addiction, and the use of a trauma sensitive approach when working with clients. I have over 10 years of experience working with and photographing folks in recovery from addiction, sexual trauma and eating disorders.
In my role as a therapeutic photographer, I use my camera as a tool to document moments of profound vulnerability and resilience. Guided by trauma-informed principles, I work to assist photographers in approaching their clients with compassion, respect, and a keen awareness of the impact of trauma. I seek to provide and help others create spaces for individuals to express themselves, reclaim their narratives, and find empowerment in their stories. Through this education, each photograph encapsulates a unique moment of transformation, inviting the client to engage in a dialogue with themselves about empathy and understanding.
About My Work
trauma-informed, therapeutic photography with a focus on boudoir and intimate portraiture
My photography intertwines the realms of visual expression and emotional healing, and is driven by a deep exploration of the human psyche and a commitment to trauma-informed principles. Through my work, I strive to evoke introspection, catharsis, and resilience, as well as foster a sense of empathy and connection, transcending the boundaries of personal experience to create a collective narrative of healing and transformation.
I am driven by the belief that art has the capacity to heal, to bridge the divide between the conscious and the unconscious, and to foster connections on a profound emotional level. In my work, I aim to create a synergy that enables individuals to explore their own narratives and envision a path towards healing and growth.
Ultimately, my photography practice is an ever-evolving exploration, an ongoing dialogue between the intuitive and the conscious, the abstract and the concrete, the personal and the universal. It is an invitation to join me on a journey of introspection and healing, where art becomes a conduit for profound emotional expression and a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.
Disclaimer: I am not a mental health or medical professional, nor a licensed counselor. I am not certified by any institution or organization to give medical and/or mental health advice. Photography sessions are not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health assistance. Additionally, my workshops are created through my own research, collection of scholarly journals, and publicly available academic resources.
About Therapeutic Photography
Therapeutic photography is the practice of using photography to explore issues and achieve goals for personal healing, growth, or understanding. It can be done consciously or unconsciously, and can involve taking, analyzing, and using photos, or participating in photo-interactive activities. Therapeutic Photography activities are self-initiated and conducted by oneself (or as part of an organized group or project), but where no formal therapy is taking place and no therapist or counselor needs to be involved.