Some sessions feel like they come full circle. This one was particularly meaningful — I had the honor of photographing a woman who has supported my health and well-being for years. During a time when I was navigating a challenging period, her integrative care, unfiltered listening, and advanced testing helped bring my body back from survival mode into a place of balance and thriving. (This is a personal story and not intended as medical advice.)
When I first met Dr. Robertson of A Greater Whole – based in Kirkland WA – years ago, I was in the thick of what I now lovingly call my “lifemageddon” year — a string of intense, back-to-back life events compounded by the chaos of early motherhood, my nervous system was frayed and my body locked in a stress response. I didn’t feel like myself and conventional medicine was not offering the answers I needed. This is what led me to seek out integrative care and was fortunate to find Dr. Robertson.
Through her deeply holistic approach and in-depth lab testing, she uncovered exactly what my body had been trying to communicate. She didn’t just treat symptoms reactively. Rather, she listened, investigated, and steered me back to health by addressing the root causes. Not only did her care help me to regain balance, it helped me thrive again. Years later, I still count her as one of the quiet forces behind my wellbeing.
So when I had the opportunity to photograph her with her family, it felt like a full-circle moment — one I was incredibly honored to capture.
What stood out most during our session wasn’t just the autumn foliage or their beautiful styling — it was the joy, strength, and vitality that radiated from each interaction. Both parents took turns lifting their children in the air, full of laughter and ease. Watching them play, connect, and move together, I saw a portrait of true health in motion — not just physical, but emotional and relational well-being too.
In working with her family, I was reminded of a TED Talk by psychologist Susan Pinker, who shared that the top predictors of longevity aren’t just nutrition and exercise, but the quality of our relationships and social interactions. In many ways, this session was a visual echo of that truth: love, connection, and presence are medicine too.
And yes — have you noticed that she’s stunning? This makes sense to me – I’ve always believed that beauty is really just health at its core, the glow of alignment, vitality and presence. Watching that same radiance shine through her and her family was a joy to witness and an honor to photograph.
The photographs featured here were taken in Redmond, Washington. As a Redmond family photographer, I often choose locations such as Marymoor Park and West Lake Sammamish because they offer a beautiful blend of natural light, scenic backdrops and open space for families to move and connect. Explore some of my favorite Redmond locations for family portraits.
If your family values presence, vitality, and connection and you’d like to preserve the feeling of this season in your own story — I’d be honored to create something meaningful with you.
Reach out to begin your own heirloom session.
