What Keeps People Coming Back

I recently made a post on my Facebook page and asked, "What is it about my work or my content that keeps you here?" And the answers I received were not just overwhelming in numbers, but in affirmation, and they all brought me to tears. I want to share their answers with you here so I can look back when I need a reminder why I do all of the hard stuff every day.

"You're an amazing photographer and you speak your truth, no apologies."

~ Victoria Brown

"When I see your pictures I feel like you put your heart and soul into them. I feel like you make others comfortable in their own skin, make them feel like they are the most important person in the world, and make them feel at ease with you. ❤️

One of these days, I will have to get my hubby to take a trip to see you. I’d love to have you capture us." ~ Karmin Clish

"You and your absolutely amazingly beautiful photos." ~ Pam Haak

"Your natural creative works inspire me."

~ Gregory Poirier

"Your work is one of a kind. The energy of it alone drew me in, years ago. Your attitude and love you put into your work is also one of a kind. You're an amazing hype girl in your sessions, and how you make your clients feel safe, beautiful and free to be themselves."

~ Jen Genesse

"Because you keep it REAL! All day every day! No matter what....you'll deliver the straight goods! I appreciate that you treat everyone as individuals and as people that you truly love and care about.... I could say so so much more, but those really touch my heart 💞"

~ Crystal Hedlund

"You are honest, real, and easy to relate and connect to. You have a clear passion and love for your work, which is something I so admire. You communicate often with so many followers. And added bonuses are your giveaways, funny posts, sincere support. ❤️ You are amazing."

~ Melissa Dawn

"It's empowering."

~ Deirdre Peterson

"The first time I ever met you was at a bridal show. I walked past your table and you were able to tell a story about every single picture that grabbed my attention. Later that night, I bought my wedding dress from that show. I then picked you without any hesitation to photograph my wedding. Knowing you'd remember it forever. Im still here because I can still see that you care about every single picture you take and every single post you post."

~ Kyela Haak

"Everything!"

~ Lisa Halliday

"Your professionalism, your humor, your ability to make people feel comfortable in their own skin. Your eye for photography as all your shots are gorgeous and mean so much to your clients and the connection that you form to them."

~ Sara Phillips

"You!"

~ Brittany Martiniuk

"You. The realness. Supporting an amazing mama."

~ Maela Brittni

"Your photos are vibrant and full of life, you don't just capture a photo, you capture a moment. You can see the enjoyment of the people in the photos, they aren't just posing, they are living, laughing and loving every moment in front of your camera, the light actually shines in their eyes as if you're looking at the person, not a photo of them.

Plus you don't cater to just the skinny, beautiful, easy to photograph people, you find the beauty in every shape and size, and you bring it out of them, showing everyone their beauty, even if they come to you feeling less than amazing, by the end of a session, they feel great and it shows!

Then there's you!

You are warm, inviting, and funny as hell! You are the most genuine, real person, never trying to act better than anyone else.

Even when you are going through hard hard stuff, you try to bring joy to those around you, which is so hard to do.

Your strength, courage and ambition are inspiring."

~ Ce-Jay Stubbs

"You're funny, but genuine. You capture raw, real beauty and clearly give your clients a comfortable space to feel confident within themselves. It shows in your work how great of a person you are, and the environment you create for your clients.

Something I aspire for as an amateur photographer."

~ Shelbi Emjay

"The way you in empower women to embrace their bodies and encourage self-love. Also, amazing photography."

~ Amanda Jimenez

"Your work is unique and beautiful. your content is real and raw. I love seeing your work and hearing what you’re up to next! It keeps me coming back for more ❤️And your WILD support of other women is pretty cool too🥰"

~ Jessica McDonald

"You are a safe honest person. Funny AF. You are so fun! My face hurts from smiling after photo shoots with you.

Your talent is hard to put into words. You capture not just an image but a feeling. A memory frozen in time that I get to go back to and re-live. I especially love what you capture when we aren’t posed. It takes someone in tune and paying attention to the client to create those shots. I will never forget the wedding photos you created for us. Literally brings tears to my eyes just talking about them. We love you Selina."

~ Brooke Adlem Bertrand

"Your personality shines through in everything that you do. beautiful photos that tell a story and love very proud of you, my beautiful cousin."

~ Karen Louise

"You are real. And you love with your whole being, make us feel seen and heard and not judged."

~ Sheena-Lynn Peacock

"Your talent for creating beautiful art masterpieces. Long lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come."

~ Courtney Guschuk

"The way you capture the beauty of every woman you photograph. And I don't just mean their physical appearance. You capture how beautiful and confident they are. You can see it in their eyes."

~ James Schofield

"You understand the story of each photo you take and it shows. You're beautifully talented, authentic and genuine in all that you do. You show up through the good, bad and ugly without judgements. Totally unfiltered sharing with us all but also standing with us all whether we are clients or friends or someone half way across the world that just loves you and what you do! 💞"

~ Kaylyn Avery

"The comfort that I see in each woman's eyes with every photograph... and every family that you work with is captured to their true selves 🥰"

~ Silver Rose

"You have a way of seeing the beauty and making her see it too"

~ Kathy Brook Audy

"Your beautiful inside and out.. your photos bring out the best in everyone. You just make me feel good, feel safe and you all make me laugh ❤️"

~ Dana Barnett

"Your honesty." ~ Jen Gamble

"Its you girl!! Just know how amazing you are in everyway!! ❤️❤️❤️"

~ Shanna McGilliwams

"Your unfiltered view of the world, the humour, and the unquestionable feminism... and also loves the Boss content 💜"

~ Onna Orom

"The work speaks for itself!! And I just love your truth and sass when needed xoxoxo"

~ Kim Youds

"I was drawn in by your amazing talent & I stay because you're real 🫶🏽"

~ Shar Gott

"Absolutely everything. Your energy, honesty and talent"

~ Tamara Miedema

"You do amazing work and your content is top shelf. But most of all it's you! You are an amazing human!"

~ Karen Morris

"I love your photos and how you include everyone and help make people see the beauty in themselves! You are magic ✨️💛"

~ Lindsay Jervis

"All of it!! Plus I’ve known you forever and you align with me! Plus I’ll always be one of your biggest FANS!!"

~ Vanessa Power

"Your pictures are amazing, and your personality keeps me engaged on your posts! One without the other makes for boring content, but paired well keeps viewers interested and hoping to see more! I think you're a fantastic photographer and have a great, quirky personality that makes me smile. Keep up the great work and keep being you 🙏🏻 🕊️"

~ Tyfanee Marsh

"Because you capture the realness of every moment and make it so much fun!!"

~ Amber Woods

"We connected many years ago when you were in a pretty dark time in your life. I’d experienced the same and I wanted to support you. We haven’t seen each other much but I love your heart and your talent❤️"

~ Bryn McNair

"💛 super proud of you and seeing everything you've accomplished in with your career and personal life."

~ Lisa Daniel

"I think you are genuinely a beautiful person, and I love your editing style and you're a fellow photographer friend 😁"

~ Brittany Pardy

"Because I am Sofa King proud of you cuzzy 💘"

~ Sherilyn Kozub

"Everything!!! But especially your authenticity ❤️"

~ Andrea Hodges

"I like the engagement, when you ask questions. Or share your Favorite work. Just like your vibe/ personality in general!"

~ Katelynn Daviduck

"Everything your amazing 🙂 ❤️"

~ Reena Pesonen

"Realness"

~ Denise Maerz

"Everything"

~ Jasmin MAtthew Krystians Titanich

"You're real"

~ Deb Gillett

"Your energy, your heart, your funny as hell & an amazing artist that has captured so many important moments in time 🫶🏼'

~ Sharmayne Hoisington

"Your openness, your talent."

~ Holly Dalgleish

"When I came to you for a shoot, I was nervous, shy, and reserved. But, Within minutes u had me at ease , and completely comfortable. You have a way with people that is unmatched."

~ Don Dear

"You're great at what you do... you bring out a bit of magic in all your shoots. You're my kind of weirdo....hugs"

~ Donna Smith

From these replies, the most common words are:

• Real

• Authentic

• Funny

• Empowering

• Comfortable

• Safe

• Seen

• Beautiful

• Supportive

• Truth

• Vibrant

• Connection

• Genuine

• Energy

• Talented

• Inspiring

• Inclusive

• Joy

• Engaging

• You..

And that makes me seen in such a beautiful way.

So when I doubt, when I am dragging myself feeling like I’m carrying the world on my back, I’ll come back to this post. Because it’s not just my camera that matters. It’s my realness, my energy, the laughter, the truth, the safety, the empowerment, the way I see you, and the way you see me back.

Thank you for reminding me that what I’m building isn’t just a business. It’s a movement.

And it’s so deeply personal.