Kindred Stories Photography

08/26/2026

Tongues out, teeth showing, questionable facial expressions, and absolutely no interest in cooperating for the camera… sounds about right for National Dog Day.

So today seemed like the perfect excuse to share a few bloopers of Bailey, Teddy, and Chloe. Because as much as I love a beautiful portrait, sometimes the pictures that make you laugh are the ones you love the most.

Somewhere between squeezing the last bit out of summer and transitioning back into teacher life, keeping up with social media posts got away from me a little. Life has been plenty busy behind the scenes; apparently remembering to actually post about it is another story. 😂

But today is for the dogs who make us laugh, keep us on our toes, fill up our camera rolls, and make life a whole lot better just by being in it.
Happy National Dog Day to our pups and yours! 🐾

07/29/2026

Every now and then, nature gives you a front-row seat to something truly incredible. 🐢✨

Tonight, while walking the pups on the beach, we unexpectedly witnessed a sea turtle nest hatching. Watching these tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and instinctively begin their journey to the ocean was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen.

One little turtle got stuck for a while, and it was so hard not to help. The volunteers gently tossed sand to help it find its direction, but otherwise let nature take its course. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best way to help wildlife is to give it the space to do what it was born to do.

Seeing these tiny creatures take their first steps toward the sea is something I'll never forget. What a truly special experience.

The picture quality isn't the best, but I was much more focused on watching these amazing little turtles than on my phone. Sometimes it's worth putting the camera on hold for a moment. 🙂

Have you ever been lucky enough to witness sea turtle hatchlings?

07/10/2026

I'm so honored to be featured by VoyageVirginia Magazine!

This interview shares my journey from Lynchburg Pawtraits to Kindred Stories Photography, and how photographing pets with their people, along with my work with The Tilly Project, has shaped the photographer I am today.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey so far and trusted me to be part of yours. 💖

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Lynch. Hi Maureen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?Looking back, photography feels like something I naturally gre...

07/10/2026

Tonight was a milestone I'll never forget. 💖

I photographed my very first maternity session, and I couldn't have imagined sharing that experience with a more special family.

This family has been part of my photography journey from the very beginning. We met at Pupalooza 2025, my very first event as I stepped into professional photography. Not long afterward, they trusted me with my very first full photography session. We reunited again at Pupalooza this year, and tonight, I had the privilege of photographing them for the fourth time as they prepare to welcome their sweet baby boy.

Of course, this growing family wouldn't be complete without their furry crew. Shadow, the sweet senior beagle, proudly took on the role of big brother. Benji, the resilient senior Shih Tzu, stepped into the honorary role of uncle, and even Sadie, the family cat, joined in as the soon-to-be big sister. 🐾

Watching this family grow while growing alongside them as a photographer has been incredibly meaningful. Their continued trust means more than I can express, and being invited back to document another chapter of their story is a privilege I'll never take for granted.

I can't wait to share more from this beautiful evening. 💙

07/08/2026

Some sessions stay with you long after you've put your camera away.

This was one of them.

When McKenzy first reached out, she introduced me to her boys: Sammy, an eight-year-old Norfolk Terrier, and Duke, a six-year-old pit mix they rescued as a puppy. She shared stories about the joy they bring to her family, the adventures they've shared, and the love that fills their home. Before we had ever met, I already knew this family shared something really special.

Then she shared the reason for the session. Duke had recently been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma.

Reading those words, my heart immediately went out to this family. My sweet Maddie Mae lost her battle to the same cancer, so I know how quickly life can change after hearing that diagnosis and how precious time becomes.

A few days later, I met the Duke McKenzy told me so much about, and she couldn't have described him more perfectly. He had the biggest smile on his face, explored the park, and never let having just three legs slow him down. With Sammy by his side and his family close by, he spent the evening soaking up every scratch behind the ears, every smile, and every moment together.

As the evening unfolded, it wasn't the posed moments that stayed with me. It was simply watching Duke with his family. Their love needed no explanation. It was there in every moment.

This wasn't about a diagnosis. It was about celebrating everything that makes Duke... Duke.

Thank you, McKenzy, for trusting me with this chapter of your story. I hope these photographs always bring you back to Duke's smile, his goofy spirit, and the love you all share.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Pupalooza Cutest Pup Contest! 🐾

I've sent each winner an email with the details of your Kindred Stories Photography prize and how to schedule your session. Please check your inbox (and your spam/junk folder, just in case!).

Please note: This photography prize is separate from your Pupalooza Cutest Pup Contest prize. Be sure to connect with Erika to receive your contest prize as well.

Thank you for stopping by to see me at Pupalooza. I can't wait to photograph you and your pup and capture some beautiful memories together!

You've been waiting for it and the votes are in! Of COURSE your pup is the cutest and all our doggos got lots of votes, but the pups with the most votes on Facebook and Instagram were:
🥉3rd with 60 votes.........................Goose
🥈2nd with 119 votes.....................Brady
🥇1st place with 143 votes...........Athena
Winners: Please come to the market tent to claim your amazing prizes!
Thank you again to everyone who came out and made this one of the busiest market days we've had this season!
Special thanks to
🐾Cuba's Cups & Treats LLC for providing cool treats for our pups and their humans!
📸Kindred Stories Photography for sharing her talents and taking all the wonderful photographs for this contest!
🙋‍♀️Jennifer Kohn who manned the Healthy Kids Bucks Program so I could walk around and pet the dogs - the market wouldn't be the same without our "loyal market volunteer"! ❤️

07/03/2026

This session was about celebrating a new chapter and the one who has been there through every page of the story. Winston brought his goofy personality, endless love, and the sweetest head tilts every time he heard his favorite word, "apple." From the way she looked at him to the way he never wandered far from her side, it was easy to see that Winston isn't just her dog; he's her constant.

07/01/2026

Some families simply radiate love, and this one is no exception. As they celebrate nearly 20 years together, they wanted to freeze this moment before the kids grow up any more. Their session was filled with laughter, playful moments, and the unwavering love that shines through in everyday life; especially in the bond between these two brothers. Watching the oldest encourage and support his younger brother was something truly special.

And of course, Ozzy made sure I passed his security check first! Once he decided I was okay, his goofy personality took over. He kept everyone smiling with his playful energy and was the perfect finishing touch to an already fun session.

06/30/2026

WHEW!! 🐾💖

What an incredible turnout at Pupalooza! I had the pleasure of photographing so many amazing pups, and I'm happy to say...

🎉 The Cutest Pup Contest photos have been uploaded through Bedford VA Farmers Market and all 33 individual galleries have been edited and delivered!

If you stopped by with your pup for pictures, check your email; your gallery is waiting for you! If you can't find the email, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder just in case.

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to those who made a donation during the event. Together, you helped raise $100 for the Bedford Humane Society Virginia!

Now I'm off to take a much needed break from the computer! 😂 I can't wait to see your favorites, so if you share your photos on social media, I'd love for you to tag Kindred Stories Photography.

Thank you again for making Pupalooza such a special and memorable event. I hope to see you and your pups again soon!

06/29/2026

Cutest Pup Contest 🐾 Go vote for your favorites 😍