Vanuatu | FamilySession | Baty Family

This gallery is one of my absolute favorites from my final months in Vanuatu — and I have to share a little fun fact: these beautiful photos didn't take place at some fancy resort or exotic location. They were captured right in our client's backyard, on the waterfront. 🌊 Just goes to show that magic doesn't require a far destination — it just requires the right light, genuine people, and a little trust.

But before you scroll, I want to tell you why these images matter to me, and why the move behind them shaped how I photograph families and weddings today as a KCMO Photographer.

Seven Years, 83 Islands, and a Different Way of Seeing

Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, each with its own traditions, ceremonies, and way of celebrating life's biggest moments. It's one of the most culturally rich places I've ever experienced — and I spent seven years there with my camera, learning something new with every single session.

The biggest lesson? Permission comes before the picture.

In Vanuatu, you ask before you shoot, especially during sacred ceremonies. Traditional custom, called kastom, governs daily life, and respecting it is part of the job. That habit stayed with me. Every session I photograph now starts with listening, preparation, and a clear conversation about what to expect, how to feel comfortable, and what matters most to you.

You can feel that in this gallery. Nobody looks stiff. No one's forcing a smile. That's what happens when people actually trust you. And building that trust is something I take just as seriously here in Kansas City as I did halfway around the world.

The Move Nobody Prepares You For

In June of 2025, we packed up our entire life and moved to Kansas City, Missouri — me, my husband Chris, and our girls (three when we left the islands, and now four 🥹). It was one of the biggest leaps we've ever taken, and honestly, no one fully prepares you for what it feels like to leave a place that shaped you so deeply.

I'm now based in Kansas City, Missouri and I'm so excited to serve families and couples in this area. I specialize in natural family photography, maternity sessions, and heartfelt storytelling portraits — the kind that actually look like you.

If you're looking for a Kansas City family photographer who captures genuine connection and timeless memories, I'd love to connect with you.