IN Dancing Light Photography’s 2025 journey has been truly rewarding, filled with gratitude for the diverse people I’ve photographed and the unique stories I’ve captured. My portraits over the past year have included seniors, executives, families, and ballet dancers from many cultures and nationalities, such as Greece, Pakistan, Somalia, India, and China. At the core, my mission remains to create meaningful connections by celebrating individuality and uniqueness through every session.

Recognitions & Awards

An entry into the Indiana State Fair professional portrait division received a second-place award. A second State Fair entry received an honorable mention. A photo of a ballet dancer received a merit award in the Photographic Society of America competition. Another portrait has been selected for the cover of a book about the descendants of Pilgrim William White, a passenger on the Mayflower, which departed from Plymouth, England, in 1620.

Engagement Proposals

The year included surprise wedding engagement photos at the Indiana Statehouse, Coxhall Gardens, Holiday Park, The Canal Walk, White River State Park, Brown County State Park, and Rick’s Café Boatyard. Engagement proposals can be among the most exciting and nerve-wracking times of your life. Photographing an engagement proposal requires careful planning, so I’m at the right place, at the right time, with the right background. I like to meet with the client a few days in advance to find the perfect spot for them to stand. If possible, I want this to be around the same time as when the proposal is planned, so I know the lighting angles and how crowded it will be at that time of day. Often, there were delays because the partner had no idea they needed to be on time for anything.

Weddings

Some of the weddings included locations at Sweetwater Lake in Nineveh, a backyard in Broad Ripple, the Maharaja Palace, Coxhall Gardens, West Clay Village, Hawthorns Golf and Country Club, and the Hamilton County Courthouse. Some weddings were held indoors, while others were held in the fresh air. One wedding had a Harry Potter theme. All of them were joyful and celebratory.

Events

Interesting events included a campaign event at Sangria Restaurant, a pickleball fundraiser in Carmel, the WWET convention in the Indiana Conference Center, a store opening in the Greenwood Mall, a Cars and Coffee event in Westfield, a dance studio recital at the Gas City Performing Arts Center, a foundation event at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, and a corporate holiday party at the Skyline Club. Throughout these diverse events, I demonstrated adaptability and versatility, tailoring my approach to suit each unique occasion and client need. This flexibility ensures clients that I can effectively handle their special events, regardless of type or scale.

Portraits

And of course, there were many portraits in my studio in the Stutz Business Center. These included acting headshots, families, couples, maternity, dance, and business professional portraits. In my portrait sessions, I aim to create a welcoming and relaxed environment that allows clients to express their true selves. My style is centered on capturing authentic emotions and moments, ensuring every session is a unique, personalized experience. Before the session begins, I provide a consultation to understand the client’s needs and expectations, as well as to discuss the overall vision for their portraits. During the session, I offer guidance on posing to help clients feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Clients can also expect to receive their final images within a few days, ensuring a smooth, timely experience from start to finish. Throughout history, portraiture, which encapsulates a moment in time, has communicated fundamental truths about humanity and identity. Portraits provide insights into social, cultural, and political history. A well-crafted piece provides a glimpse into who someone is—their mood, their story, and their time in history. And portraits can evoke emotions, spark nostalgia, and create a legacy for future generations. Portraits provide an opportunity to connect with other living, breathing human beings.

New techniques

Fog machines and canned “atmosphere” were new tools that I used this past year. The fog adds an interesting dimension to both portraits and still-life images. And I continued to experiment with flowing, spinning, or fluttering fabrics. Each image is unique and can never be replicated. This is a chance to step outside my comfort zone, experiment with different looks, try new things, and be creative.

Year-end

The year came to a close with photographing the swearing-in ceremony of Josh Kocher as the new Prosecuting Attorney for Hamilton County. The Hamilton County Reporter Newspaper plans to publish one of the images in its January 5, 2026 edition.

Continuing this Journey

As I continue this bold journey, I strive to refine my portrait techniques to deliver even higher-quality images of families, administrators, educators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and dancers. I aim to bring creativity and uniqueness to each portrait session. My commitment to professionalism and client satisfaction is unwavering, as I prioritize building lasting relationships with my clients. Through attentive service and reliable results, I ensure that every client feels valued and confident in choosing my photography services.