The Story of 1015 Photography:
If you had told me ten years ago that I’d still be photographing families, babies, and all the beautifully chaotic moments in between, I probably would have laughed — lovingly, but still.
Not because I didn’t love photography. I always had.
But because when 1015 Photography began, it wasn’t part of some perfectly mapped-out business plan. It was born out of change, uncertainty, motherhood, and a whole lot of photos of one very cute baby.
Before 1015
Before cameras and client galleries, I was working as a graphic designer and ad trafficker for the newspaper. I had just acquired a degree and felt like I was doing exactly what I was “supposed” to do.
Then I had my first son — and everything shifted.
It became clear pretty quickly that my position wasn’t going to look the same when I returned from maternity leave. What had once been a quick 10-minute commute would turn into a daily drive into Nashville — adding nearly two extra hours away from home.
Between the cost of daycare, the logistics, and the fact that I really, really liked that little dude, the idea of returning to my old job just didn’t fit anymore.
The plan was simple (and slightly naive): I’d stay home for a bit, soak up the baby stage, then eventually find something new that aligned better with this season of life.
Enter: The Camera
I’ve always loved photography.
Growing up, I remember playing with my Granny's film camera's and even an old polaroid, which developed into carrying around a a digital camera (like it was part of my personality) by my teen years. I was involved in yearbook in middle and high school, constantly documenting moments, people, and stories. Looking back, the signs were all there.
When my son was born, I *knew* I needed a new camera. Not wanted...**NEEDED**. He required his photo to be taken approximately 25 times a day, every single day. He was just too cute to risk missing anything.
My husband surprised me with a Sony camera — the camera that started it all. (He still considers himself an investor in this business, and honestly… fair.)
That camera went everywhere with us.
I photographed everything. Everyday.
I dressed that child up every day in October and did mini photoshoots because… why not?
The “Am I Even Allowed to Do This?” Phase
At some point, friends and family started asking if I could take their photos.
I said yes — happily — but also with a lot of doubt.
Then one day my husband asked a simple question:
“Why aren’t you charging people?”
Cue immediate internal panic.
Just because I had a camera didn’t mean I was a photographer… right? Who was I to charge for something I loved? The imposter syndrome was loud. The fear of failure even louder.
But eventually, I decided to take a small leap.
I started a Facebook page.
I shared my work.
I told myself I’d just see what happened.
What Happened Was You
What happened was referrals.
Word of mouth.
Friends telling friends. Families telling other families. Trust being passed along in the most meaningful way.
This little business grew faster than I ever could have imagined! And almost entirely because people believed in me and shared my name.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve photographed:
More babies than I could possibly count.
Hundreds of families.
Lots of weddings, near and far.
Littles, milestones, couples, pets...
Truthfully, I tried to look back and tally it all up and realized it was basically impossible — which honestly feels like the best kind of problem.
10 Years Later
1015 Photography has grown alongside my life.
From one adorable baby to many.
From learning as I went to mentoring others.
From saying yes to everything to becoming more intentional about how and why I work.
What hasn’t changed is why I do this.
I believe photos matter — not because everything looks perfect, but because everything is real. The loud moments. The tender ones. The seasons that pass faster than we expect.
If you’ve ever trusted me to document your family, supported this business, referred a friend, or simply followed along — thank you. Truly. I can't tell you how grateful I am for YOU and for this business and what it's given me and my family.
This story exists because of you.
Here’s to 10 years of memories… and to all the moments still to come 🤍
