Village Portrait Blog

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Working as a photographer has taught me one profound lesson: for the work to matter, for it to be good, you have to care. You have to pour yourself into it, not just technically but emotionally, because what you’re capturing are pivotal moments in people’s lives—moments of joy, heartbreak, transformation, and connection.

But over the last few years, I started feeling like something was missing in my personal relationships. While I was dedicating myself to preserving the emotions and meaning of others’ lives, I noticed a trend that left me unsettled. It felt like so many people—friends, family, even myself at times—were avoiding truly engaging with their own lives. We scroll through our phones, we keep conversations light, we fill our days with distractions. It’s as if we’re all trying to sidestep the messiness of our actual existence.

That realization sparked something in me. It made me look closer at my work and my life. If I could recognize the beauty and importance of life’s raw, imperfect moments through my camera lens, why couldn’t we all learn to do the same in our daily lives? Why weren’t we letting ourselves feel the weight.

This is why I started Village Portrait. I wanted to create a project that highlights the significance of authenticity and encourages people to feel at ease with who they are—without filters or pretense. The project focuses on simple, classic, elegant portraits that capture the essence of the person in front of the lens. The careful curation of the studio and intentionality of the lighting thoughtfully set the scene in a way that allows subjects to relax, creating a space for genuine connection and expression.

Village Portrait isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about creating a space for people to pause and reflect on their lives, to see themselves as they truly are. These sessions aren’t just about creating flattering images; they’re about working to create a connection—to yourself, within your family, between you and your community, and to random strangers that inspire & motivate you.

I believe that in today’s modern age, with social media often shaping our perceptions, we need honest and compelling portraits more than ever. We need reminders that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity and caring are. We need to accept the truth of who we are and work with good intentions toward understanding and connecting with each other.

Through Village Portrait, I hope to inspire others to see and celebrate the beauty in their own lives and the lives of those around them. Because when we let go of chasing perfection and embrace what’s real, that’s when life becomes meaningful.

Village Portrait



In a small room in Royal Oak — a city that’s always felt like the start of something important for me — Village Portrait finally has a home. It’s a modest space, just 150 square feet, but with 12-foot ceilings that give it a bit of breathing room. The walls are draped canvas backdrops. The lighting is soft and painterly.

It’s designed with purpose: understated yet thoughtful, creating room for genuine expression to shine through.

This is the heart of Village Portrait: a place to slow down, to feel comfortable, and to express yourself without any pretense. It’s not about perfection or production. It’s about existing in the moment, just as you are, and capturing that. But more than that, I want this space to be where people do life — where you can play music, create, meet for coffee dates, study, read, or simply be present with one another.

I started Village Portrait as a way to focus on what feels real and lasting. Over the past few years, the world has shifted. Many of us have spent time reflecting on what matters — and our relationships, how we spend our time, and how we connect all seem to be changing. And with dawn of artificial intelligence and technology advancing so quickly, I feel the need to double down on authenticity and honesty in my work. There’s something grounding about creating something tangible and personal.

The studio is just the beginning. I have bigger ideas for the future, including a traveling photo booth setup, family storytelling sessions, a card game to spark conversations, a children's book, and more. But I knew I couldn’t wait for everything to be perfect. It was time to take the first step.

This is a project that I see unfolding over the course of my life, continuing to grow and evolve along the way. If you resonate with the values this studio represents—if you have something meaningful to share or feel open to stepping into a space where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed—I’d love for you to be part of this journey with me.

Starting this in Royal Oak feels full circle. It’s where Diana and I first moved when we left our parents’ homes, and now, years later, I’m beginning something new here again. The feeling is the same—a mix of nerves and excitement, stepping into the unknown.

A small space filled with light and life, built to help people connect and share who they are. A place where you can leave something behind that matters.



I can’t wait to see what we create together.