Legacy Clients, Lake Views & Sunrise Light | OKC Photographer

As a Tulsa and OKC family photographer, I have a handful of clients I consider cornerstone families—people who trusted me early on in my business, come back year after year, and show up with an eagerness and excitement about our time together. This family is one of those cornerstone families. They’re part of the legacy, not just because they’ve booked sessions before, but because they’ve supported me with their presence, their trust, and their friendship. And our time together at Lake Hefner was such a meaningful continuation of that!

A Location That Feels Like Home

Lake Hefner is an iconic Oklahoma City location, and this family chose it very intentionally. It’s not just beautiful…it’s personal! Their home is in the area, and the lighthouse is a landmark for their kids!

When this sweet mom and I were discussing vision, I gave her a heads up that we’d probably have to meet early in the morning in order to hit the best light for the lighthouse AND avoid the busyness of a beautiful spring evening around the lake. That meant an alarm in the 5s and meeting at 6:15 a.m. to make it happen! I know that time isn’t for everyone, but for this session, it was perfect. Sunrise gave us quiet and calm that felt like a fresh start. We began by photographing their family near the lighthouse before the sun crept too high, and then moved to a more shaded, private area (that I’ve taken full advantage of in the past!) to round out their images with variety and more softness.

Sunrise Sessions: Why I’m Leaning Into Them

This shoot was a perfect example of why I’m becoming more vocal about offering sunrise family sessions in Bartlesville, Tulsa and OKC. There’s something about the morning energy—the day hasn’t spiraled yet. Kids aren’t overtired and the session becomes a shared experience that sets a beautiful tone for the rest of the day. When thinking back to our own family photo memories, our best experience was in the morning for a sunrise session. We took our oldest to get a cinnamon roll afterwards and had a ball! I’m finding more and more families love the early shoots too—especially those with little ones or full calendars.

Bonus? You can get ready in peace before waking your kids. Then go grab breakfast or make a morning of it. It’s early, but it’s worth it.

A Vision That Goes Beyond the Session

One of the things I admire most about my friend is how intentional she was with her vision for the photos. From the very beginning, she knew she wanted a neutral pallet that would blend seamlessly with the tones and textures of her home: soft creams, light tans, subtle whites. She also didn’t want these to live on her phone – she planned them intentionally to be hung and enjoyed and to compliment their existing decor and framed photos.

She sees family photos as more than a moment. She sees them as a legacy, layered year after year. And instead of replacing old ones, she builds onto what’s already there. That mindset is something I deeply want to cultivate in the families I serve. I want every session to spark questions like:

• Where will these photos live in our home?

• What do I want my children to remember when they see these on the walls?

• How can we build a visual legacy that tells our family’s story over time?

For Families Who Are Forward-Thinking

If you’re someone who values timeless, natural images and wants help creating something lasting—not just pretty—then I would love to photograph your family. Whether it’s a sunrise session at Lake Hefner or another location close to your heart, I’m here to help you create images that feel both beautiful and rooted in how the Lord is building your family.

Looking for a family session with a Tulsa or OKC Photographer?
I’d be honored to photograph your family—especially if you’re someone who values vision, legacy, and light. Let’s connect here!