Whos BEHIND THE Camera

Hi, I’m Johanna (but most people know me as Jo)!

Here’s a quick little bio about me.

Born and raised in Halifax, Virginia, I’m a full-time boy mom of 2, I have 3 cocker spaniels, and double as dental hygienist by day and photographer by trade. When I am not behind the camera you can find me spending time with my friends and family. I am a sucker for reality tv shows or binge worthy series, I love animals, shopping, social outings, coffee… did I say COFFEE ( what mom isn't right?), and any beach I can get to!

My world revolves around my children, all 5 of them (yes that includes my fur babies, their children too). In the last 5 years, I have gotten married, added 3 dogs to the family, purchased my childhood home and farmland, lived during a pandemic ( remodeled our house during this time, 10/10 not recommended), had 2 kids, started a business, and worked full time as a Dental Hygienist. I would say I like the fast pace lifestyle but thats a given.

Levie is my 5 year old cocker spaniel and the only girl of the family but don’t let that fool you because she has more grit than anyone else. Next is Moose my 4 year old velcro cocker spaniel and he is hands down a mamas boy. Then the little humans came 16 months apart and both named after Bourbon (yep you read that correctly, BOURBON BABIES). Blanton Trace is my oldest at 2.5 years old and Branch Taylor is my youngest at 15 months. When I saw polar opposites… I mean like night and day differences form eating, interest, to personalizes but it keeps me on my toes and I wouldn’t change a thing. If things won’t crazy enough with an unfinished house remodel , 2 kids, 2 dogs, starting a business, and a pandemic… we added our final addition Walker. He is a 7 month old cocker spaniel puppy that came from our surprise litter. The boys needed a dog too, right… I think we should have named him Wrecking Ball, more suiting!

Back to business, we would be here all day if I am talking about all my children. I have been intrigued with photography for as long as I can remember but in 2019 I decided to make my first purchase and who knew I would fall in love with it.

Following my passion for photography wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for my family encouraging support and some awesome mentors along the way. You may recognize some of these names in photography that I have had the pleasure of mentoring under: Heather Chips, Stormi Solis, Ellie McKinney, Darryl Moore, Kelly Brown, and more! These fellow Photogs have taught me so much on different aspects of photography to help challenge me to become the photographer I am today.

During my sessions, I aim for my clients to have fun and to capture the raw, authentic moments! Even the moment that you may not want to remember, like the time my oldest cried for his entire cake smash session or the time when my oldest put his little brother in a choke hold for our Christmas Cards… those kind of moments that you probably don’t laugh about when it happens but just give it a few days. My style is completely organic from lighting to posing and aimed at capturing real lifestyle details you want to remember.

Humans don't keep forever, so it is my goal to help my families capture these very precious moments in time and preserve these memories to keep forever!