Your family is unique and you are not interested in living a cookie cutter life.

I want to tell your own unique story.

I will give you

timeless

real life

&

fun

images of your family

to enjoy for generations to come.

I am a documentary

storytelling photographer.

I pay close attention to both

light

&

moment

because I believe

documentary photography

should be

beautiful

&

truthful.

Hello! I’m so glad you are here!

My name is Lyra.

Lyra is pronounced like "lyr" in "lyrical".

I have a strong passion for finding joy in everyday life. No matter how messy or chaotic your life feels, I can assure you there is beauty in the midst of it all.  I enjoy coffee, laughing, close friendships, great conversations, traveling, camping, kayaking, and exploring new places. 

This is my family…

Photos by Bryan Hempstead

Learn more about me…

 Documentary photography allows real life to unfold with no direction

 How many times have your kids had to stop what they are doing to get a picture?

They don't like it, do they? 

Documentary photography is easy for the folks in the frame.

You don't have to look at me. No cheesy smiles.

The only requirement is that you DON'T look at me.

Just keep on doing what you're doing.

I see you. 

And, I will save it forever.

TESTIMONIALS

 “Thank you again for such a fun experience last night. The boys had a blast and were surprisingly much more

comfortable than I thought they would be. Thank you for making it so easy!” -Heather

“Our kids actually enjoy having their pictures taken because you make it an

adventure for them and let them be themselves.” 

-Allison

“Best experience I have ever had.

Lyra is laid back and knows what she is doing.

Beautiful, real life family photos.” -Wendy

 Are you a lifestyle or documentary photographer, and what's the difference?

Lifestyle involves some direction and documentary involves no direction. For my newborn, Fresh 48, and engagement shoots I take a mostly lifestyle approach mixed with some documentary, because I find that these sessions need a little more guidance. I still take a very relaxed and easy approach, but with time constraints (less than 2 hours), the sessions need some guidance.
 For my family shoots, I am mostly documentary. I really love documentary, as this is how I shoot images of my own family on a regular basis. I prefer to start my sessions completely documentary. We plan an outing or activity for the family to do together, and this makes documentary super easy for everyone. My clients find that they enjoy this approach because they don't have to do anything but be themselves and enjoy their time together as a family. During the last few minutes of the session, I will make sure to grab a few loosely posed shots, but the majority of our shoot will be documentary. You will be amazed at how many beautiful images you will receive from our time together. 

How long does it take to receive my gallery of images?

You will receive your gallery within 2 weeks of the session. Full day sessions and weddings will require 3-4 weeks.

Do you offer any products other than the digital images?

Yes. All of my collections include digitals, but you will also choose from tangible products such as bordered press prints, coffee table books, and gallery walls. Digitals are great to have, but you also need to see pictures in your hands and on your walls. It is my responsibility as your photographer to help you make the most out of your photo session with me and I know that you will be so happy with the tangible products you will receive.

Can I pay online?

Yes. I will send you an invoice and contract as soon as you book. The first payment will be your deposit of $250. This will hold your spot on my calendar. The remainder of your balance will be due 3 days prior to your scheduled session. Weddings and travel sessions will differ in deposit requirements.  

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. I happily arrange payment plans. After paying your deposit, you can make payments up until 3 days prior to your session. Final payment is due at that time.

Are you available for travel?

Yes. I love to travel. Contact me for more information. 

I find it extremely important to keep my creative juices flowing through my own personal projects. In the end, my clients benefit from this, because personal projects push me to continue growing in my abilities as a photographer. I love freelensing with a vintage lens, traveling, street photography, and I continue pushing myself to shoot daily with my 365 project.