I feel blessed beyond measure. Last weekend, I had the joy of photographing my son, Mica, and his sweet friends before their sophomore homecoming. As a mom and Creator, getting to capture a milestone in my own child’s life feels especially meaningful.
Getting his approval to come take photos... That took a little conversation.
A Mom, a Camera & a Promise
Mica’s longtime friend had asked him to go to homecoming, and I wanted to show up to take photos before they headed off.
He felt my presence was unnecessary. That I would be the "only parent who wanted photos". He was also a little concerned I would embarrass him by, in his words, “bossing people around and telling them what to do.”
I told him I only do that when people have asked me to – or when I’ve been paid to.
I promised I would keep that promise and reminded him that the other parents would be there taking photos, too. So, of course, I showed up with my camera around my neck.
“Photographer! Help These Kids!”
Right away, a dad yelled, “Photographer! Help these kids!”
I didn’t know many of the other parents, and my first thought was about the promise I had made to my son.
I looked at Mica.
He gave me a little nod.
Then the girls started chiming in: “Yes, please! Where should we go? What should we do?”
There it was: my son’s approval and his friends asking for direction. The very thing he had been worried about became the thing everyone wanted help with.
What started as a point of contention turned into a really fun experience. I got to help the kids come together for their homecoming photos and capture Mica alongside his sweet friends before they headed off to celebrate.
Homecoming Photos That Hold a Story
For me, these photographs hold more than a milestone. They hold a story I’ll remember every time I look at them: a longtime friend’s invitation, a son’s concern about his mom embarrassing him, and a little nod that welcomed me into the experience.
I got to be there as his mom and use my gifts as a photographer. I also got to provide memories for these kids and their families.
That feels like such a blessing.
I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to show up, share something I love, and capture a chapter of my son’s life that we can revisit through photographs.
Organic Storytelling
My favorite form of photography is organic storytelling: capturing people in a way that reflects who they are and spotlighting the beauty that lives within them.
Sometimes that means offering a little direction so everyone feels comfortable and knows where to go. Sometimes it means giving a moment room to unfold.
This approach guides how I capture events, personal milestones, and meaningful memories. I want the photographs to feel connected to the people in them – to their personalities, their relationships, and the story they’re living.
This homecoming experience reminded me how much I love that work. A camera around my neck became an invitation to connect, contribute, and preserve something meaningful.
And that little nod from Mica?
I’ll carry that memory, too.
Book Your Content Session
If you’re hosting an event or ready to capture a memory, book your session with Zaya Artistry today.
From milestone portraits to event photography, my favorite part is telling your story organically and spotlighting the beauty that already lives within you.