National Adoption Day | Denver Documentary Photographer

Mar 6

National Adoption Day celebrates how courts and communities come together to finalize thousands of adoptions of children in the foster care system all over the U.S. Adoptive parents and families share their stories and journeys – a process that is not for the faint of heart.

For the past two years, I’ve had the honor of volunteering to photograph National Adoption Day with Arapahoe County.

The Court Room is not always the best place to be. But at the beginning of November each year, the courtrooms are filled with toys and candy. Family and friends gather carrying balloons and flowers to witness the official welcoming of a new family member.

I always silently see a range of emotions. Parent’s expressions tell the story of years in the making, and you can tell they almost don’t believe the day has come to finalize the adoption process. Excitement and joy, relief, and so much love behind each tear shed.

Formal questions. Imperfect answers. But so much love and excitement from the caseworkers, parents, friends and family, and even the judge finalizing the process.

As an Event & Family photographer, I know how special this moment is. I am honored to capture this moment and the first official family photo these families get to experience together.

My Favorite Moments

Some of my favorites? The REAL moments.

Like when one of the kiddos accidentally sprayed hand sanitizer across the courtroom, and the laughter the family shared of this imperfect moment.

Or when one of the kids said he was most excited to spend more time with his new grandma! And grandma’s face when this happened.

The one that really got me…

The 17-year-old whose adoption was finalized just before his 18th birthday, before he aged out of the system, knowing he finally had a family he was a part of. And how his new family hugged him and loved him as he cried.

(And now I’m crying again!)

This is what Underexposed® is about.

Real Life Moments

I’m not your average Denver Family Photographer. Underexposed® is about Real Moments. Documenting real life and emotions to give you memories that are timeless.

Un-photoshopped. Not AI generated.

Real life is messy, imperfect, and beautiful.

Adoption is messy, imperfect, and beautiful. And I’m honored to be a part of National Adoption Day to capture this for these families.