I'm a mama to my beautiful daughter Mila and our rescue pup Sadie. And a wife to my stud husband!
Before I became a professional photographer I worked in health care for 10 years. I worked with infants reshaping their little heads. In this field, I found my passion to work with families! I got to work especially close with babies and taking their pictures to help fix their heads.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and going to the beach. During the summer, I can't get enough Country concerts under my belt!
Most of all, I have found a passion in capturing the best moments in life...You!
Hey! I’m T.J.!
let’s do this together
view my work
my people. my heart.
Motherhood is such a huge part of my life, so it's important to me to help document those moments for you.
From my personal experience, I know how fast kids grow and at this point, I’m sure you do too. I know each and every milestone is so special, but it comes and goes in a blink. Time is truly a thief, so being able to hire a photographer is your opportunity to freeze time. To have those memories of your growing belly, fresh baby, or family story…forever.
My hope is that I get to grow with you, as your family continues to grow! Those memories, my friends, is what you'll be able to pass on to your kids.
"T.J. has such a huge heart and loves what she does. It shows in her photos. She works with you throughout the whole process to make the perfect memories. She goes out of her way to do so."
- Jennifer H.
my wants for you
I want you to have these memories. I want you to be able to see yourself the way others see you. I don’t want you to be perfect. That doesn’t exist. I want the real, the messy, and fun. I want to capture those hugs that squeeze you tight, the eskimo kisses that will be soon outgrown, and the love. I want to share your story.
1. I’m a Southern California girl, but have definitely moved around for school! I grew up in Palm Springs, CA. Then went to high school in SLO, and did my undergrad at UC Santa Barbara. Next I went to medical school in the Caribbean for 2 years, and lived in Delaware to study for board exam. Then I was off to lived in Chicago, IL for about 5 years before I met my husband, which brought me back to Southern California in beautiful San Diego!
2. I've been married to my husband for 6 years! And we have a beautiful 3 year old who is the light of our lives! My family is everything to me and I’m truly blessed to be their wifey and mama! Oh,! I can’t forget our spaniel rescue dog Sadie! My husband will tell you that’s a day in the park he wished he wouldn’t have strolled into (dog adoption fair). She’s definitely given us a run for our money with Vet bills, but I think she’s totally worth it!
3. Before I became a photographer, I worked in a small niche field for 10 years helping to fix babies misshapen heads with a ‘helmet’ or Doc Band. The middle part of my time there I was a traveler for the company; training new hires. This was so much fun, because I was in a new state each week and got to really indulge in good foods during my work trips! I have to admit, I got a little spoiled with my travel stipend, and really missed it when I stopped traveling.
4. Fun Fact! Dare I say; I’m Oprah’s number one fan! In college I used to schedule my classes around 4:00pm to watch her show EVERYDAY. This was before the land of DVR. When I lived in Chicago I was lucky enough to go to 3 live tapings. And even more; I was lucky enough to go to her LAST ever live show, and got chosen to sit in the front row! I was allowed to bring one guest, and I called my BFF who lives in San Diego the day before the live taping…and let’s just say that was one very expensive plane ticket, but again totally worth it!
5. I’m a huge country music fan. But strangely enough didn’t get into country music until I lived in the Caribbean, so random because they don’t even play country music there. My husband and I love going to all the summertime country music festivals too! I also love myself some good worship music, Sara Bareilles, and some U-S-H-E-R, R-A-Y-M-O-N-D (iykyk).
6. I’m really a home body, and love just being at home cozy with my family. I would say I’m a little bit of an introvert, but when it comes to working while taking photos; I think I’m pretty outgoing!
7. Food! I love food. I do a lot of cooking at home (thank you Blue Apron), but a couple of times a week usually a brunch and/or dinner; my family loves to go out to cute little boutique restaurants. In San Diego, we’re pretty lucky because it’s filled with so many mama-pop restaurants to try.
8. God. I love God and am really growing in getting to know him. I’m not one to ever force my opinions or beliefs onto anyone. Nor judge differences. But if you ever have a prayer request, I’d love to pray for you.
9. Fertility. My husband and I were on what seemed like an eternity. A 3 year journey of IVF and fertility treatments to have our daughter. It sucked, and those are just facts. I hate needles, like really hate needles. And every time I had to get an injection I would cry ugly tears, especially for the PIO shots in your butt---with really long needles! But I would do it all over again to have our daughter. She’s everything.
10. I care a lot and am really empathetic to other’s peoples feelings. This also comes forth in my job of capturing photos of You. I’m truly honored that my clients/families choose me as their photographer. And I really go into each session as a gift and opportunity to preserve this special moment in time for you. My biggest hope is that I provide you with memories you can hang on your walls and cherish for generations to come.
