Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Truly.
Whether you found your way here because you’re looking for a photographer or just stumbled across this space.. Welcome!
Starting this blog feels a little like opening my journal to the world, and some people may think "Toni, why would you share that with the entire world?!?!". Well, if you're hiring me to capture some of the most special moments of your life, well then you deserve to know who the person is behind the camera. It's already awkward, meeting someone for the first time and then having a camera shoved in your face. LOL
Then to add the scariness of the internet nowadays. With that said, If you’re trusting me with your most precious moments, I can be vulnerable enough to share the uncomfortable, emotional parts of my story. Why? Because my clients deserve that.
Who Am I?
My name is Toni Peterson. Jesus lover. Woman of Faith. Born and raised in a small town in northern Indiana called Middlebury. A small town where everyone knows everyone. A small town of Amish, horses, and buggies. I married the love of my life, Bennett in 2018. We are the proud parents of our 3 crazy fur babies. Widders - our 7 year old, tortoise shell cat, Tank - our 5 year old borador (lab/border collie), and Daisy - our 2.5 year old Standard Bernedoodle. I work from home full-time as a Registered Nurse for a large hospital organization in Indiana. I know you're probably thinking, how do you have time for your photography. Well 7 Brew Energies and coffee really help, but my husband works second shift as a law enforcement officer and with no kids, my evenings and weekends are usually free.
How my photography journey started
Out of school, I always thought that my plan was to pursue a career in Nursing and I did just that. I graduated honors with my Associates in Nursing, passed my NCLEX and I was officially a nurse. A couple years later, I went back to school and graduated with my bachelors in nursing. I was working as an ICU RN at a small local hospital on midnights until my life changed forever.
In October 2020, I was assisting a patient, when I injured my back requiring multiple back surgeries leading to now having a permanent work restrictions that unfortunately do not allow for me to work bedside as a RN. Which brought me to my current role, that I absolutely love BUT I was just feeling that something was missing and I noticed that I started becoming depressed. My husband works evenings, my family lives far away, and I found myself, just sitting alone on the couch and felt so unfulfilled. I started feeling worthless and just gave up on myself. I broke down to my husband that I needed help getting out of this darkness. I prayed and prayed for God to open my eyes to see and ears to hear his purpose for my life because I just felt empty inside (If you have felt depressed before, you know exactly what I mean)..
I've always been creative and "crafty". . But I never knew this passion for photography was in me until I started researching cameras, and researching the ART side of photography. The part of photography where memories become a story, told through an image.
After praying and researching, I invested in some quality photography gear, started taking courses online. I still remember my first session, was a maternity session that I will always hold close to my heart. Why? Because the first time in my life, I felt this burning passion for something that I never knew was possible. I felt myself again. For the first time in a long time, the future felt bright and exciting.
It's not about the money. I don’t just want to take pretty pictures. I want to tell your story the way it deserves to be remembered. I want to help you capture these seasons and moments of your life for you to look back on
Why trust me to capture your special moments?
My clients aren’t “clients”. This part matters to me. You are never just a name on my calendar. You’re a mama. A couple building a life. A family in the middle of a beautiful, exhausting, fleeting season.
From the moment you reach out, my heart is to serve you, care for you, pray over your session, and make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and seen. I want your session to feel calm, cozy, and safe... Not rushed or awkward. Because to me, you’re not a transaction.
You’re family.
My Mission:
My mission is simple To capture the moments that become your favorite memories. This blog will be a place where I share stories from sessions, tips for mamas, behind-the-scenes moments, encouragement, and pieces of my heart along the way.
If you’re here, I hope you stay. I hope you find comfort, inspiration, and maybe even the photographer you’ve been praying for.
Thank you!
Toni