Stepping into the spotlight: my experience as a guest on the Documentary Family Photographers podcast
A little while ago, I was invited to be a guest on the Documentary Family Photography (DFP) Podcast, and I’ll be honest—the idea of recording a podcast episode felt terrifying. I’ve always been a fairly shy person, especially when it comes to speaking publicly or being recorded. But despite the nerves, I said yes. And now that the episode is out in the world, I’m so grateful I did.
What is the Documentary Family Photographers Podcast?
If you’re not familiar with it, the Documentary Family Photography Podcast is a beautifully curated series of conversations with photographers from around the world who are passionate about capturing real, unposed moments in family life. The Documentary Family Photographers community’s mission is to educate, uplift, and connect photographers who work in this raw, honest genre. It’s not just about photography—it’s about storytelling, authenticity, and finding beauty in the everyday.
The podcast is a new project for DFP, and I was honored to be the second guest! The goal of the podcast is for guests to open up about their work, their struggles, and their creative process. Let’s just say I was more than a little nervous when it was my turn to step into the spotlight.
Pushing Past The Uncomfortable
When the invitation came through, my first instinct was to politely decline. I’m not someone who naturally enjoys speaking about myself, especially when it’s being recorded and shared publicly. The idea of people I admire hearing me stumble through my thoughts was intimidating. But deep down, I knew I had something to say, and I believed in the mission of the podcast.
So I pushed past the fear and said yes.
When the day came to record, my nerves were through the roof. But the podcast host, Heather Whitten, was so kind, encouraging, and easy to talk to—it honestly felt more like a heartfelt conversation than a formal interview. We talked about my journey as a photographer, the challenges I’ve faced, and what keeps me inspired.
Heather was specifically interested in the two aspects of my career that I have carved out and that keep me going: my long term subscription family photography in the form of yitl, and my work forming and maintaining The Birth Story Collective.
It was a nice conversation. There were laughs, pauses, and honest moments. And I left the recording feeling lighter, proud, and more connected to this community than before.
Hearing From the Community
After the episode aired, I braced myself. I reluctantly reposted it on social media and cringed every time someone mentioned it. But something completely unexpected happened: people reached out.
Photographers from all over sent kind messages, shared what resonated with them, and thanked me for being open. It was overwhelming in the best way. I realized how powerful it is to show up—even when it’s scary. The vulnerability I feared actually opened up new conversations and connections I never anticipated.
What I Took Away From the Experience
Saying yes to the DFP Podcast was a big step outside my comfort zone, but it taught me so much. I learned that our stories matter, even when we doubt them. I learned that community is built through honesty, not perfection. And I learned that sometimes, the things we fear most are exactly where we grow.
In many ways, showing up for the podcast reminded me of what I ask of my clients every time we begin a session: to let go, to be real, and to trust that there’s beauty in honesty. Just like I had to push past my nerves and share my story, my clients trust me enough to show up as they are—with all the chaos, laughter, tenderness, and imperfection that real life holds. That’s where the magic happens. This experience was a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t just part of the creative process—it is the creative process. And whether it’s behind the camera or behind the mic, that honesty is what connects us.
To Heather and the DFP team: thank you for inviting me and for creating a space where photographers can be real. To everyone who listened and reached out: thank you. Your words meant more than you know.
The Set Up
My office before we started recording.