Welcome to the Untethered Photography Community — a social-media-free photography publication created to celebrate the heart of family photography and the artists behind it. Here, we feature inspiring photographers from all over the family and newborn industry, sharing their work, their stories, and the unique ways they see and serve their clients.
This community exists to uplift, connect, and empower — without the noise and distraction. Whether you're just starting out or you're years into your journey, the hope is that you'll see yourself reflected here and feel encouraged to keep showing up, creating, and trusting your instincts. May you grow untethered from perfectionism, comparison, or the voice that says you’re not enough.
Want to connect further? Consider Unbasic Creatives coaching and keep your eye on in-person workshop dates. And if you'd like to be featured, you can find details here!
the community
Hello, friend! I’m Kaitlyn McEntire, a birth and motherhood photographer, videographer, and doula based in Colorado Springs. I consider myself a people-loving nerd of a soul (enneagram 2w3!), Christ-follower, and up until this year, girl mom (aka our first little boy after three amazing girls is coming our way this fall). Photography started as a creative outlet for me while in engineering school… and then I birthed my oldest. Her birth called me deeply and profoundly into the birth space and everything surrounding it – birth photography, doula support, documenting pregnancy and postpartum, and serving the loss families that birth their babies but don’t get to bring them home. I believe that photos and videos play a major role in not only celebrating, but emotionally processing all of life’s tender transitions, and treasure being welcomed into every tender moment to provide meaningful documentation and support for my clients.
At some point in your photography career, life and death will inevitably collide. Maybe it already has. Perhaps a past client unexpectedly lost a pregnancy or a baby or a child or a parent. Perhaps you have a new client who is coming to you for their rainbow baby’s newborn session. What can we – as photographers – do for these clients? What can we say? How can we serve them well?
Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a family and newborn photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia, and an English language learner with nearly a decade of experience working with students in grades K-3. I’ve been photographing families for several years now, drawn to connection, emotion, and the beauty in everyday moments—whether it’s a quiet newborn snuggle or laughter echoing through a family walk. When I’m not behind the camera or in the classroom, I’m probably out with my husband and two dogs, flipping through a good book, or spending time with the people I love.
Hi! I’m Ashlyn—a wife, mom of four, and a California girl at heart who now calls Utah home. My journey has taken a few turns, from studying Political Science and interning at a law firm and the Utah State Capitol, to dreaming of becoming a labor and delivery nurse after the birth of my first child. Though my fear of needles kept me from that path, it led me back to photography—a passion sparked by my dad and my first DSLR gifted at graduation. I’ve dabbled in photography for years, from capturing political moments to gifting friends hospital sessions, and in 2023, I finally took the leap to start my own business. Now, I document all kinds of love stories while navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
One of my favorite things I’ve done in my photography career is adding film photography into my sessions.
In high school photography classes I was taught all about shooting film, and even developed it myself in the dark room. After years of shooting digital, I wanted to push myself to relearn. Teaching myself to shoot film, and integrating it into my business was something I did for me– to help me define my brand, achieve a style and look that I wanted, and most importantly, to push me as an artist.
I’m Ashley, a wedding and family photographer based in Fresno, California. I’m a deep feeler, detail lover, and forever fan of ordinary moments that carry extraordinary meaning. With a background in nonprofit work and a heart for connection, I photograph people with the same intentionality I bring to relationships: with presence, purpose, and a calm, reassuring energy.
We all know that feeling – the moment when the world slows down just a bit, and for a second your soul exhales as you realize the moment you’re experiencing right now is one of the ones you’ve always longed for. Maybe you’re eating breakfast with your toddler who still has that fuzzy bed head, or you’re in the hospital room with your newborn after a whirlwind birth, or you’re standing in your grandpa’s front room noticing a picture you hadn’t given much pause to before. Maybe you’re chasing bubbles in the backyard you worked so hard for, or watching the sunset in your hometown.
With nearly a decade of experience teaching young children—many of whom are new to the country and just beginning to learn English—I’ve found that the key to working with kids isn’t control. It’s connection. In the classroom, my focus has always been on helping students feel safe, seen, and supported in an unfamiliar environment. That same heart-led, patient approach is at the center of how I photograph families.
Hi, I’m Brittany. I’m a mom of three, married to my high school sweetheart. We live in chilly Minnesota, but I dream of summer all year round.
I’m a big believer that motherhood deserves more than a selfie. As moms, we are often so busy doing all the things for our family, and yet we’re often left out of the photos. My hope is for mothers to feel seen and adored in my work, because they were there too.
In my hometown, it feels like everyone has a camera and a dream. Photography has become so accessible that nearly every scroll through social media introduces another new photographer offering mini sessions or showcasing their latest work. For a long time, that left me feeling overwhelmed. I’d look at others’ polished portfolios, glowing testimonials, and fully booked schedules and wonder, is there even room for me?
You might be thinking:
What if my photos aren’t good enough?
What if I spend all this time learning and no one books me?
What if I disappoint a client?
Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Photographer? You’re Not Alone. If you’ve recently found yourself falling in love with photography—but have no clue how to turn that passion into a real business—you are absolutely not alone.
You might be thinking:
What if my photos aren’t good enough?
What if I spend all this time learning and no one books me?
What if I disappoint a client?
Self Timer Tips for Photographers // How to Improve Your Self Timer Shots I do self timer photos with my family around 2-3 times each year. I often request them around my birthday or Mother’s Day when I have a good excuse to ask my family to do something that I know they don’t really […]
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