A Book Project

Join me as I embark on a uniquely Philadelphian adventure to reflect the light of the future-makers of this city: citizens who are combatting the fear and hopelessness of our current era with a revolution of compassion and action. A photo book to inspire, not to a side, but towards a future.

Throughout the year, I’ll be researching, meeting and documenting individuals, groups and businesses who are transforming the communities and landscapes of our city.

Choosing inspiration and collaboration over competition for a stronger community.

As a freelance photojournalist and visual anthropologist living and working in the Greater Philadelphia Area, I have a passion for documenting the visual ways in which we are all human, with the hope of connecting and inspiring others to action and compassion through honest, emotional images and stories.  I am driven to contribute to the national conversation and reflect the light of the individuals, groups and businesses who are creating hope and making waves in our community.

I'm a 35 yr old transplant from Connecticut with a serious case of wanderlust and a drive to give back to the world. A BA in Visual Anthropology and Genders Studies from Franklin and Marshall parred with an MA in Photojournalism from BU led me down a wide and meandering path through New England, New Zealand, and Arizona before spiriting me to where I live now. I’m currently just outside Philadelphia, the city which gave birth to my business Wide Eyed Studios seven years ago. Feel free to go down the rabbit hole wideeyedstudios.com to see more. Though I find a ton of joy creating meaningful, tangible memories to those who hire me, I wanted to do more to bring my community together and lift up those around me. And so, I began the Revolutionary Philadelphia Book Project.

Unified by a love for the Earth and the people who live on it.

There’s a lot of historic things happening in our country and world right now. Information is easier to consume and often filled with distressing, sometimes terrifying realities. I have a lot of friends who feel helpless, unsure of what to do with all these difficult issues, overwhelmed by the challenges ahead of this nation. I’m here to remind you, and them, that there’s good work happening, right here in our communities. Change doesn’t happen on a giant level, it happens in individuals, it happens between neighbors.

Philadelphia--also known as the “City of Brotherly Love” and a vocal sanctuary city--has long been a center for innovation, creation, connection, rebellion and history-making.  In 2019, as in 1776, I have seen the people of Philadelphia rise to the challenge, pushing back through individual works, organizations, protests, political action and social activism. We are becoming Revolutionary again.  I believe that the nation needs that hope and inspiration right now: “Look at how a single candle can both define and defy the darkness”, said Anne Frank. I began my proposed book, “Revolutionary,” to illuminate the visionary people and deeds that are lighting a fire in their communities and creating a future we can be proud of, just like our forefathers.  

Come. Dream big dreams with me. Dig deeper, open wider, see clearer. Connect.

Let’s build a future together.