"More Than a Mom" Photography Project: The Gallery Show ~ Loowit Brewing Company ~ Vancouver, WA
Before we get started with this blog post, I have two important questions for you...
1. Do you live near Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR?
2. Are you a women who feels that your life has been affected in some part by societal expectations around motherhood?
If you answered yes to both questions, then you'll definitely want to read ahead!
This past year, I started capturing portraits of mothers who were tired of being limited by the title of "mom." And if YOU live near the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR metro areas, then you can also participate in the future! Now, I bet you're wondering what this portrait project is all about...
Even though motherhood is a beautiful journey, and I'm so proud to be a mom... I realized that I (along with SO many other women!) have identities, careers, dreams, and histories that can often get lost underneath the title of "mom." This realization led to the creation of the "More Than a Mom" project!
The "More Than a Mom" Project is a photography and storytelling experience where women can step into my studio, participate in portrait sessions that reflect their personality and passions, and also tell their personal stories. After I was able to host this experience for multiple women, it was then time to present everyone's stories in the "More Than a Mom" Gallery Show which took place on May 2, 2026. With this show, my hope was to empower my participants, remind all moms that we have rich identities outside of motherhood, and also give back to the YWCA Clark County by donating the event's profits to them.
The Gallery Show took place at Loowit Brewing in downtown Vancouver. I decided to go this route (instead of booking a more formal space) to bring some extra fun and personality to the event. I thought this was fitting especially because the whole purpose of "More Than a Mom" is to highlight the different interests and personalities that mothers have outside of momming. Plus, it was helpful that Loowit Brewing offered onsite catering and a bar!
On the day of the event, we luckily had gorgeous weather, so we were able to pop open the garage door and greet all guests directly into the space. I was personally able to welcome and mingle with attendees thanks to my incredible friends who volunteered to work the entry table for me while the event was going on. (My friends also helped with setup and tear down which was SO very appreciated!)
After the event wrapped up, it was so rewarding to present the proceeds to YWCA Clark County. This YWCA is located in Vancouver, WA and provides multiple services that uplift women and children in our community. The work they do is SO important, and their values align perfectly with the mission of "More Than a Mom." Because of this, I definitely wanted to choose them to receive profits from ticket sales and magazine sales. (Yep, we created a "More Than a Mom" magazine, too!)
If you're interested in participating in the next round of "More Than a Mom" sessions, you can sign up today! Registration is now open, and I'm looking for my next group of incredible women who are ready to share their stories. Proceeds from our upcoming gallery show and magazine will be donated to the Pink Lemonade Project. The Pink Lemonade Project provides education and support to people affected by breast cancer across 36 counties in Oregon and 6 in Southwest Washington. This is an organization that's near and dear to our hearts, and I truly can't wait to support them.
To be part of the "More Than a Mom" project, just click on the link below!
