Hi! I’m Jana,
Here’s the honest truth… I didn’t set out to become a family photographer. In fact, it was years after I got married that I even wanted to have kids. Once that desire took hold, becoming a mom took longer than I expected. That waiting taught me something I carry into every single session: that the ordinary, unremarkable Tuesday with your kids is not ordinary at all. You just can’t always see it while you’re living in it. That’s what I’m here to help you hold onto.
That realization didn’t come from photography. It came from everything that happened before it.
That’s a picture of me at 18 with my grandma, fresh out of Air Force medic training and headed to England for my first duty station. That season helped me grow up fast and gave me a strength I still carry today.
After the Air Force…
By then, I was married to Larry and off to college, chasing my love for pottery all the way to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Printmaking. Funny enough, I never took a photography class, but that creative foundation shaped how I saw the world and would serve me well as I dove into photography.
Next came motherhood. This season took longer to get to than I expected, and the waiting was really tough. But when it did, it changed my heart, my perspective, and the work I do today.
Becoming a mom helped me see how quickly childhood moves, how the ordinary moments we live in every day quietly become the memories we treasure most. That realization is a big part of why I was drawn to family photography, I loved to capture the real connection, laughter, and love that make each family’s story unique.
Today, my goal is simple: to help families in Austin, Texas preserve this season of life with photographs that feel honest, joyful, and deeply personal.
My Favorite Drinks
My morning Americano with half-n-half and a spicy Chai.
My People
My husband, 3 daughters, family and small circle of friends.
What’s Relaxing
a good rom-com book, a chilly morning walk and cuddling with my dog, Toby.
My Crew
The heart behind what I do.
My sister and I are adopted.
The earliest photo I have is this one from my adoption file. I often wonder if my girls looked like me as babies, but there’s no way to know.
That missing piece is why I believe so deeply in what I do. Your portraits matter. Not just for now, but for your kids, and their kids someday too.
It took years to become a mom.
When I finally had my first daughter, I knew I wanted to not only celebrate the milestones, but also our day-to-day life.
I homeschooled my girls and soaked up all the everyday magic: messy art projects, park days, reading marathons, and those wild, beautiful milestones that sneak up on you.
That season shaped me, both as a mom and as a photographer. I learned to spot the beauty in the ordinary, to celebrate the big and ordinary moments. And now I get to do that for your family.
Sarah S. says~
“She welcomed our busy, energetic family and just melded in with whatever was going on. And it was fun and full of kindness.”
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back session filled with giggles, snuggles, and moments that feel like home, I’d be honored to help tell your story.
I serve families throughout Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas with relaxed, real, and joyful lifestyle portraits and heirloom artwork designed to last for generations.
Let’s celebrate this beautiful, magical season of your family’s story.