Me and my dog, Jackie, a Katrina Rescue from New Orleans, who came to live with me in 2007. Photo by Alina Corbett — Me and my dog, Jackie, a Katrina Rescue from New Orleans. He became part of my family in 2007. Photo by Alina Corbett

MARSHA STECKLING - Boulder, Colorado

I’ve been documenting my family and friends since grade school, kids and families for my clients since 1999, and dogs since volunteering in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina.

My interest in family photography started at a very young age while spending countless hours going through old family photos with my Grandmother, Evie. I can’t tell you how much I value that time with her and having those old photos and albums dating back to the late 1800’s.

I value just as much the photos I take today of my family, friends, and pets and I am crazy passionate about creating images for my clients. I want you to have images of your loved ones that you will reminisce over time and again. Think about this: how quickly do your children grow? Too fast! And our pets are with us only for a short time. Our memories are worth preserving.

I have been volunteering at Longmont Humane Society since 2007 and have learned a lot about dog and cat behavior. This understanding helps me in photographing pets as I can tell what type of enticements to use to get your pet’s attention for great photographs. I’ve photographed countless kids over the years and am skilled at working with different personality types to help them be natural in front of the camera. I also have a certification in Special Kids Photography to serve families who have kids with special needs.

I believe that having portraits of our family, children and pets gives us a sense of belonging, and helps us to remember the special moments and feelings we shared while also helping us tell future generations about where we have been and where they come from.

Photographs capture the love, bonds, connection and joy we experience with each other. Photographs tell a story and stop time so we can savor and remember them. Sometimes we don’t even know how important a photo will be to us until later, after a family member or pet has passed.

I believe we need to document the special moments in our lives through images. I believe we need this and our children need this. And you deserve this.

Let me tell your story.