Celebrating Skylar: A Full‑Circle Moment in My Photography Journey

When I first stepped into the world of photography back in 2000, I had the sweetest advantage a new photographer could ask for—two brand‑new babies in the family, born just six months apart. They became my first practice models, tiny muses who helped me learn light, patience, and the art of capturing a moment before it slipped away.

Today, one of those babies is celebrating her birthday: Skylar.

Photographing her throughout her life has been one of those unexpected gifts that comes with doing what I love. I’ve watched her grow from a bright, curious little girl into a brilliant woman, and now I have the joy of photographing her own precious baby girl, Joplyn. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the next generation in front of my lens—like watching time fold in on itself in the most beautiful way.

Skylar has always been whip‑smart, and she’s now working toward her doctorate while juggling motherhood, marriage, and a career that makes a real difference. She manages a respite program for parents of children with special needs, giving families a few hours of rest each month—something that matters more than most people ever realize. And while she may have the strongest Arkansas accent I’ve ever heard, she also has one of the kindest hearts I know.

Happy Birthday, Skylar. Watching your story unfold has been one of the joys of my career, and seeing you become the woman—and mother—you are today is a blessing I don’t take lightly.

Skylar Skylar