how it all began..

My son Tyson is medically complex, and walking this journey with him opened my eyes to a world I hadn’t fully seen before. A world that is often misunderstood, overlooked, or reduced to diagnoses—but is actually overflowing with strength, perseverance, and profound love.

In April 2026, I had the idea to start Project Ty, by giving free photoshoots to families who have a child with special needs or physical disability/mobility difference. I started by doing free 10 minute sessions for a few families at my favorite outdoor location, Dogwood Farms in Belews Creek NC. I was so encouraged to do this for as many families as I could. But I wanted to be able to reach more than just families in my area; I wanted to help them and families all over. Project Ty On the Road was born! I decided to start a GoFundMe to try to help raise funds that would pay strictly for my travel (hotel + gas) to reach other cities and states, to reach new families! Since then, I have met with 22 incredible families in 5 North Carolina cities, and even Boston, MA!

I captured an adaptive chair for the first time in Belews Creek

I captured a service animal for the first time in Boston

I captured an amputee for the first time in greensboro

I captured a gait trainer for the first time in wilmington

I have gotten to meet so many incredible families and amazing, strong kids through Project Ty! It has been such an honor to be able to do this, to talk with parents, learn about their kiddos' histories, diagnoses, personalities, and interests, and really just be there for one another as medical parents. Every family I have met has brought a different story, a different set of challenges, and a different perspective on what life looks like when you're navigating the medical world with your child. Some families are facing diagnoses and medical complexities that look very different from our own experiences with Tyson, but there is something so special about being able to connect with other parents who understand the emotions, the uncertainty, the appointments, the therapies, and the endless love that comes with this life. I've loved getting to know each child's unique personality, seeing the things that make them smile, and hearing their parents talk about who they are beyond their diagnoses. These kids are so much more than their medical histories, and their families are so much more than the challenges they face each day. Getting to meet them, hear their stories, and capture a little piece of their lives through photography has been such a meaningful experience for me. Project Ty started from a place that was deeply personal to our family, but it has grown into something that has allowed me to connect with families I might never have otherwise met. I am so grateful for every parent who has trusted me with their story and every family who has allowed me to be a small part of their journey. More than anything, I hope these sessions have given each family a chance to feel seen, celebrated, and reminded of just how special their child is.

Important Update

Unfortunately, due to having so many no-shows, Project Ty sessions will now require a $20 REFUNDABLE deposit.

This is something I truly hoped I would never have to implement. Project Ty was created to provide free photography sessions for families of children with disabilities, and I have always wanted to keep these sessions as accessible and easy as possible for the families who need them.

However, when a session is reserved and a family doesn’t show up, that spot is lost. There is another family waiting who could have used that time, and unfortunately, I am also unable to fill the appointment on such short notice.

The $20 deposit is not an additional cost for your session. It is fully refundable when you attend your scheduled session. Its only purpose is to help ensure that the families who reserve a spot are able to commit to that appointment.

I completely understand that life happens, especially when caring for a child with additional needs. If an emergency comes up or you need to cancel, please just communicate with me. I will always do my best to work with you.

Important Update

Unfortunately, due to having so many no-shows, Project Ty sessions will now require a $20 REFUNDABLE deposit.

follow us on social media for location updates and more!

FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

Project Ty sessions are always completely free! The only cost associated with booking is a $20 refundable deposit to reserve your session time slot. Unfortunately, we've experienced several no-shows in the past, so this deposit helps ensure that families are committed to attending their scheduled session. Your deposit will be fully refunded when you arrive for your session!

Project Ty is something I offer out of love for the medically complex community, volunteering my time and services to give these incredible kiddos and their families the opportunity to have beautiful photos of their own. Because these sessions require time, planning, and a commitment outside of my own family's schedule, I kindly ask that families respect their reserved time slot or provide as much notice as possible if they need to cancel.

FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

A family with a child(ren) that has any kind of special needs (with the exception of autism**), physical disability, or mobility difference!

**Children with autism will have their own sensory-sensitive sessions. Check back often for updates on when the Autism Awareness sessions will be!

FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

Because Project Ty is a volunteer-based project, sharing photos from our sessions is an important part of helping it grow and reach more medically complex children and their families. Since these sessions are offered completely free of charge, showcasing the beautiful kiddos and families I meet is how I spread awareness about Project Ty, connect with new families, and continue offering these sessions to others who may benefit from them.

For this reason, families participating in Project Ty must be comfortable with their photos being shared publicly on my photography website and/or social media. I completely understand that every family has different comfort levels when it comes to sharing photos online, and I respect that! However, if you prefer to keep your child's photos entirely private, Project Ty may not be the right fit for your family at this time. I want to be upfront about this expectation before you book so you can make the best decision for your family.

FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

Right now Project Ty sessions will take place anywhere within an hour of Greensboro NC.

Through Project Ty on the Road, I am able to reach families in any state! These sessions will be much more limited, and all sessions and locations will be announced on my Facebook, this blog, and my website! So check back often and give us a follow!

FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

Project Ty sessions are intentionally kept short because many of the kiddos and families I photograph are navigating medical complexities, mobility challenges, feeding schedules, + more. 10 minutes gives us enough time to capture meaningful images without asking a child to participate for an extended period of time.

I don't expect your child to sit still and smile for 10 minutes! Project Ty is child-led and we work with whatever they're comfortable doing that day. They can be held, use medical equipment, look away from the camera, take a break, or simply be themselves. Some of my favorite images happen in those completely unplanned moments!

The goal is to keep the experience simple, comfortable, and stress-free while still giving your family beautiful memories to cherish.

If you want or need a session longer than the ten minutes, I offer mini sessions throughout the year that are 20 minutes long, for $175.

Project Ty FAQ

What is the cost of a Project Ty session?

Who eligible to participate in a Project Ty session?

What if we don't want the photos posted?

Where are these sessions offered?

What if we want a session longer than 10 minutes?

How many photos do we receive and what is the turnaround time?

Project Ty sessions have a minimum of 10 edited photos! There is no maximum, and I will edit and deliver every photo that I find to be of good quality. So you could have anywhere between 10-35 photos; it just depends on how the session goes!

My turnaround time for all of my sessions, Project Ty and otherwise, is roughly 2-3 weeks. Usually 1-2 weeks during the slow seasons, and closer to 3 weeks during the busy seasons.

No unedited photos/RAWs will ever be sent, no exceptions!