Kali Lilith Studios

01/08/2026

There will come a random Sunday evening, an ordinary conversation, or a moment so small you almost miss it, when you’re simply too exhausted to keep performing or accepting less than you deserve.

You might catch yourself about to force a laugh at a joke you don’t find funny, nod along with an opinion that makes your skin crawl, or shrink yourself into something more digestible. And right there, in that raw, unguarded moment, you realize you’ve been holding onto a relationship that no longer aligns with the truth of who you are.

When you stop the act and retire your people-pleasing tendencies, those who benefited from the mask will feel uncomfortable, even threatened. They’ll call you “different,” “changed,” “too much,” as if you’ve regressed. What they really mean is that you’ve stopped being convenient or easy to shape. They can no longer take from you like they used to.

Authenticity often means outgrowing approval, artificial harmony, and relationships sustained by performance. It will hurt. But you must let it. The ache is part of the return to heart.

Naturally, you will feel some guilt and grief. But remember this: how can people see you for who you are if you’re performing who you’re not? How can anyone love what they’ve never actually met? Real relationships and deep connections require you to be the most authentic version of yourself.

It’s time to stop translating yourself for people who refuse to learn your language. You’re out here explaining your boundaries, feelings, and existence like you’re asking for permission to take up space. You’re not. You don’t need to footnote your complexity or apologize for your contradictions. You’re allowed to be evolving, messy, sensitive, fierce, uncertain, and still worthy of love and respect.

The right people won’t need a manual to appreciate you. They won’t require you to dim or distort or diminish. They’ll meet you in your wholeness and call it sacred.

Please note that this post shouldn’t be used to excuse harmful patterns or remove personal responsibility.

07/31/2022

04/28/2020

What do photographers do when they can't take photos? We entertain ourselves with photoshop. Before/after surreal editing of my beautiful niece.

01/23/2020

01/23/2020

02/16/2018

08/16/2017

She was able to put this into words far better than I could have. I realize I have been MIA from my photography page for several months and It is not because I have decided to quit taking photos it is because I realized how much time I was taking away from being with my daughter and the moments I was missing out on by spending any free moments I could find at my computer editing sessions. And seeing that the trade off between the income and time spent working was not worth the time I was missing out on with my family. It really hit home when I realized I had done 2 sessions for a baby who was just barely younger than my daughter and in that time I hadn't done a single session with my daughter because I was so caught up in finishing clients sessions. My daughter had grown out of outfits I bought just to photograph her in without ever even having the chance to try them on. So, I made the decision to take a break from my business and put more focus on creating and documenting memories of my own family for a while.
It has been amazing to be able to really focus on being with my daughter as she has grown into a spunky, hilarious toddler. I am so happy to have been able to take a break from working to be with her every day.
I will be returning to photography in September. I will be limiting my sessions to one session per week to allow myself plenty time to focus on each session while still being able to spend time with my family.
Thank you to everyone for patiently supported my page as I have taken this much needed break.

It's not uncommon for me to hear how expensive my services are. I hear it A LOT. I watch more and more clients leave me because they found someone who is willing to do it for free, or provide at a lesser cost. Maybe 5 years ago I would have settled with every client I crossed paths with. An eager me wanted to please every individual and be everyones "favorite" "affordable" "popular" photographer. After my 3rd year of working my tail off 7 days a week with nothing to show for it, but burning myself out on a hobby that I once loved, and 4 children who were begging their mommy to step away from computer for just 5 minutes to play with them. I love my job guys, but I missed my kids! I had to make a choice. I had to put myself and my family above my business and value the work I provide for those who choose to hire me. I couldn't work 16 hours 7 days a week anymore only to make minimum wage in the end. I get tired of having to explain my prices to people. And now a days I just don't. When the topic gets brought up I either change the subject or just ignore the email.

I am a mom on a budget who tries to provide what's needed and for the extras as well. I am just like every other mom out there. I am lucky enough God gave me an ability to share my talent with others and a way to provide all while staying home with my amazing kids. But even though I was home, I was not there for the longest time. BUT, that has CHANGED! I am sensitive to those who are on a budget and love what I do but just cannot swing the cost. I get it totally! I can't purchase everything I want right away either. It took me years to save up for our pool and ALOT of hard work! I worked extremely hard for that luxury! Anyone in life who wants a luxury has to work for it if they want it bad enough! SO many of us don't question the cost on most luxuries. We just aim for that goal of getting it!

Not everyone looks at photography as a luxury. Not everyone cares about the details photographers put into it. Is there anything wrong with that? Absolutely NOT! But this photographer cares! I have clients who care! What I see and what you see will never be the same! I pour everything inside me into every single image I make! I want there to be a story told when you look at my photograph. When you look at YOUR photograph.

What you see.... and what I see..... will always differ. That is what makes my photo art.

Sorry for rambling. I just love what I do and will never stop

06/01/2016