One of my "Mama Bear Mantras" is “Take risk in relationship” I’ve got 6 kids aged 3-17 and as we navigate life, this is a theme I want them to hear over and over again.  Risk in relationship. Take risks in relationships. Yep, you might get hurt. Hurt happens. But you also might find a treasure.

I have an idea!!!!!Actual footage of me having an idea.

I was cultured in Dallas, TX for the first 10 years of my adult life. And there’s something I learned from Southern hospitality: never show up empty-handed.  That's what I'm talking about in relationships. Ain’t nobody can steal the gift of who you are...but it’s your responsibility to show up to the party of life with the gift of yourself in hand.

Gift in handBehind a lens is home

So one day, 3 years ago, I showed up at the virtual doorstep of my biggest competitor, Mallory, and asked her to work for me. Actually, I told her I needed her. I saw her work, I saw her personality, I saw her strengths, I saw my weaknesses and I wanted to take the leap and see what we could do together. I’m so glad I didn’t shy away from the fear of rejection, mockery, or being taken advantage of because taking that risk in relationship has raised the bar in my personal life and professional life. Here, three years later, I’m thrilled Mallory is no longer, “just second shooting” for me at weddings, but that she joined my team last month at Moments Photography + Co.!!

Moments Photographer, Mallory

Mallory brings a degree in Instructional Design and Technology to the company that steps up our branding game significantly. Not only is she good with a camera, she’s great with an iMac ...which, honestly, is where I never like to spend time. I needed someone on my team to do the dirty, creative work of logo design and photoshop amazingness with the eye of an artist. She’s got this impressive portfolio of design work for luxury real estate magazines and newspapers, national billboards and our very own United States of America Military Instruction Publications. (Shout out to Veteran’s Day, today!!) As great as the portfolio was, it isn’t what I wanted from Mallory. I don’t just need another photographer/designer on my team. I need heart.  During the interviewing process here at Moments, I tell my people, “I’m firmly connected to God and fiercely committed to my team.” And that’s what I want from them as well. We are a whole-hearted business, bringing our talents, skills, and a whole lotta hustle with passion and purpose.

Heart of Moments PhotographerFirmly connected, fiercely committed

So while she’s an ace with the details, she’s got the heart of a Moments Photographer. The mission is in the name, we’re here to capture a moment in your life. Your session with Mallory will be short but your memories will be long. Your Moments will shine into generations. Mallory loves building long-term relationships. She’s passionate about cultivating trust and genuineness into her work, especially the babies. Her Baby’s First Year sessions get better and better with each sitting. And we are THRILLED to offer in-studio or in-home baby sessions for central Illinois.

If you don’t love this girl like I do, you will once you hear about her true-crime obsession or the biggest question of the day, “Are we doing 2 pumps or 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla in the hot, venti, Americano with an extra shot today?”

Welcome, Mallory!!! Girl, we got this!!

Moments PhotographersJody Robinson and Mallory Nyman