and I am a:
Photographer. Designer. Director. Mom. Wife. Self-Starter. Manager. Artist. Nurturer. Introvert. Survivor. Intellect. Optimist. Empathizer. Observer. Adapter. DIYer. Listener. Problem-Solver. Collaborator. Geek. Athlete. Superhero. Woman.
and I am a:
Photographer. Designer. Director. Mom. Wife. Self-Starter. Manager. Artist. Nurturer. Introvert. Survivor. Intellect. Optimist. Empathizer. Observer. Adapter. DIYer. Listener. Problem-Solver. Collaborator. Geek. Athlete. Superhero. Woman.
I could tell you about how I have always loved photography, or how many rolls of film I went through in college, or how my father had built a darkroom in our basement when I was a child, but my story is actually a bit more bittersweet…
I was drawn to photography following the loss of my son Owen just two weeks before his due date. His stillbirth was completely unexpected and without explanation… and it left me searching for meaning in life. Most of all, I wanted my son’s life to matter so that he would not be forgotten. In order to help myself heal, I decided to surround myself with happiness and so I started Reiley Photography at the end of 2006, not long after the birth of my daughter Paige.
Photography became a way for me to cultivate happy moments and share them with others. Since it was Owen who inspired this decision, in my mind he is also responsible for the joyful memories these images bring the families I work with. Each and every photo I take is evidence that Owen’s life has made a difference in the world.
You can read more about what happened here:
I believe that my lifetime of experiences have helped to shape me as a photographer—technically, creatively, and personally, and I am grateful to have found a meaningful way to bring joy into people’s lives.
Photographs allow us to hold onto moments that might otherwise quickly pass us by. I believe the most powerful photographs remind us of how a moment felt, not just what it looked like.
Photographs allow us to hold onto moments that might otherwise quickly pass us by. I believe the most powerful photographs remind us of how a moment felt, not just what it looked like.
I want to live in a world where families spend quality time together; a world that isn’t tethered to an electronic device; a world where people care more about doing good than looking good.
I want to live in a world where families spend quality time together; a world that isn’t tethered to an electronic device; a world where people care more about doing good than looking good.
Here’s what I know for sure: when you stop and look around, life is pretty amazing. The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. It’s up to you to see it.
Here’s what I know for sure: when you stop and look around, life is pretty amazing. The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. It’s up to you to see it.
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”
~Omar Khayyam
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”
~Omar Khayyam