Setting the Intention: While I have a structured approach, it’s not a strict formula—it’s a guiding framework designed to create the conditions for authenticity. Every shoot is unique, and we follow the flow of the moment while keeping these principles in mind.

We’ll start with a conversation—whether over coffee, on a call, or wherever you feel most at ease. This is your chance to share your story, your aspirations for the photoshoot, and talk about my process. It’s a time for us to connect and lay the foundation for the creative process ahead.

The one question I want to explore:

“When you envision yourself fully in your element—where you feel completely authentic—what do you see?”

I encourage you to see yourself in action—engaged in something that makes you feel truly yourself. This is key to capturing your essence.

From here, we expand and build, exploring ideas that align with your vision and bring your story to life. The purpose of this initial conversation is to encourage you to reflect intentionally on what you want your photographs to convey. This isn’t about superficial details; it’s about the deeper story you want your images to tell.

By focusing on the small but meaningful elements—the environments, objects, and feelings that make you feel most like yourself—we’ll create a thoughtful foundation to build upon. This conversation also allows us to script out the first scene, ensuring we begin in a way that feels natural and comfortable for both of us. Starting with this sense of clarity helps ease any nerves, making it easier to step into a flow where creativity can unfold organically.

I’ve spent significant time understanding how my brain works. How it processes information, the space it needs to find clarity and connection, and the conditions where I naturally achieve flow. This self-awareness, paired with reflecting on past photoshoots, has helped me design a process that allows me to operate at my best.

Interestingly, I’ve discovered that this approach benefits not only me behind the camera but also those in front of it. It creates an environment where both of us can feel at ease, focused, and fully present.

When it comes to time, I find that having a couple of hours available is key. This ensures we have the freedom to connect, explore, and refine without feeling rushed.

We start by easing into things with a conversation. We’ll talk about any new ideas or insights you’ve had since our initial meeting, exploring meaningful elements and their significance. As we talk, I’ll observe the environment as a whole, taking in the light and how the elements interact.

Next, we step into the world we’ve envisioned. With you immersed in your element, I step into mine—observing, capturing, and allowing the moment to unfold.

This time is as much for me as it is for you. It allows me to get a sense of you without the need to give direction, bypassing any early awkwardness with posing and expressions. It also gives me a chance to capture the subtle details—the small gestures, meaningful objects, and moments that add depth to your story.

With a little connection and flow, we begin to refine and get more intentional with the photographs. We’ll move elements, explore expressions and emotions, and create compelling portraits. We’ll also capture headshots if that’s what you’re looking for.

This is where we find our rhythm—discovering the right balance of direction and spontaneity, and learning how we respond to each other in the process.

This is where creativity takes over. We let go, experiment, and embrace the unexpected—because the best moments often come when we stop trying to control them. It’s a time to try on different energies, explore ideas, and create photographs that feel truly alive.

Intentional Authenticity combines two powerful elements: being true to oneself (authenticity) and making deliberate choices to elevate that truth to its highest potential (intentionality).

It’s the practice of identifying what feels genuinely “you” and then consciously refining and enhancing it through purposeful decisions. It’s different from mere authenticity because it adds the layer of conscious cultivation—it’s not just about being yourself, but about being your best self through deliberate choice. It’s also distinct from pure intentionality because every choice is anchored in what feels genuinely true to who you are.

This approach is at the heart of my creative process and informs how I work behind the camera. I believe it can also enhance your experience in front of the camera, leading to photographs that feel both authentic and true to you.

At Its Core, Intentional Authenticity Involves:

• Recognition: Discovering where you feel most like yourself.
• Reflection: Understanding what makes those moments feel authentic.
• Refinement: Elevating those elements through intentional choices.
• Purpose: Ensuring every decision aligns with your true essence.

Ultimately, if I want more authenticity from my subjects, I have to take a more authentic approach myself. This process is my way of doing just that.

Through my journey of understanding how I experience the world and creating systems to navigate my life and work, I’ve gathered a collection of tools that I believe are essential for anyone finding their way in life. These tools aren’t mine—I’ve simply done the work to collect and organize them—and I want to share them with anyone embarking on their own journey. They hold deep meaning for me, and I hope they inspire and support you in your path forward.