My life, my story and how I became a Manhattan, Ks family photographer
I am a Florida girl at heart who somehow found her forever home in Manhattan, Ks. I moved here in 2011, fully convinced it would be temporary... and then life happened. Fast forward to now, and Manhattan is home in ever since of the word. I have always had a deep love for photography, long before my career, and I have never stopped being fascinated by how a single photo can hold emotion, connection and a moment you never want to forget. Somewhere between building a life, raising kids and falling in love with this community, that passion turned into what I get to do everyday, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I am a mom of two boys and they're the real reason my photography journey ever began. like most moms I started by taking photos of my kids... constantly. First steps, messy faces, goofy smiles everything. Eventually they got a little tired of being my full time models and very confidently suggested that.. maybe .... I should start taking pictures of other people instead. And honestly> Best advice I had ever gotten. Now they are my biggest fans, They proudly tell anyone who will listen that their mom is a FAMOUS photographer, wear their Demi Adena photography t-shirts to school, and consider themselves part of the team. You may even see them tagging along to sessions or helping out behind the scenes. Being a mom doesn't just influence my work as a family photographer.. it shapes everything I do. I know how fast the seasons go, how fleeting the little moments are, and how important it is to freeze them before they slip by. My boys are my heart, my inspiration and my built in reminder of why these photos matter so much.
When I am not behind the camera as your local Manhattan, Ks photographer, life at home is full in the best way. I have a mini dachshund, two cats and- not joke- 12 fish. I am a plant girly with over 100 house plants. I love to cook, can’t say no to starbucks, and anything artsy is my vibe; from crafts to creative diy projects. Most of my furniture is thrifted and refurbished by me, and if photography hadn’t won my heart interior design definitely would have. I was adopted which shaped so much of who I am and why story telling is so important to me.
Day to day, my life looks a lot like controlled chaos, in the best way of course. Between basketball for my oldest, play dates and adventures for my youngest, my schedule is full but my heart is fuller. Nights often end with family game nights, laughter around the table, and reminder of how life is moving so quickly. Being a mom is my full time gig, and I am so grateful that my job as a photographer allows me to be present for it all.
