Our Services

At Bright Thorne Photography, every session is a chance to capture radiant joy and real connection. I offer a full range of professional photography services — including wedding photography, event coverage, portraits, headshots, maternity, and child photography — each approached with care, creativity, and heart. Whether you're planning a big celebration or simply want to preserve the beauty of everyday moments, I’ll help you create lasting images that feel true to you. Explore the categories below to see examples of my work and learn more about each offering.

Wedding Photography

A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception. The bride is wearing a white gown with a veil, smiling with her eyes closed and arms raised, while the groom is in a blue suit, holding her hand and looking at her.
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A bride and groom stand facing each other and smiling under a wooden and metal archway in a lush green forest, holding hands on a brick path, during a wedding ceremony.
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A group of six people, five women and one man, at a wedding. The women are wearing matching pink dresses and holding bouquets, while the man, in a gray suit and bow tie, stands in the center. The women are puckering their lips towards the man, who is
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A bouquet of white and blue flowers tied with a cream-colored ribbon hangs on a tree trunk surrounded by brown vines and green leaves.
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A woman in a white lace dress getting her makeup done while looking in a mirror, with another woman in the foreground applying makeup.
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A woman in a wedding dress puts on earrings while smiling at her reflection in a mirror.
Two women in white dresses, one holding a bouquet of flowers, standing close and smiling at each other behind a stone wall in a lush, green forest.
Close-up of two wedding rings, one with a large center diamond and a diamond-studded band, and the other a plain band, resting on a glittery blue surface.
A young boy dressed in a light-colored suit, bow tie, and dark shoes stands holding a sign that says 'Zio Tony...' at a wedding ceremony, with seated guests watching and smiling in the background.
A bride in a white lace wedding gown holding a bouquet of pink and white roses stands close to a groom in a gray suit with a white boutonniere, near white columns and a glass door with a garden in the background.
A bride and groom standing on a cobblestone path beside a river, with a stone bridge in the background, surrounded by greenery.
A floral centerpiece with pink lilies, red carnations, white baby's breath, and greenery in a glass jar, with a blue number 3 in front, on a table with a burlap table runner, decorated with beer bottles and candles, at an outdoor event.
A couple in wedding attire standing outdoors on a pile of logs, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, during sunset.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers outdoors on a sunny day.
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Ahhh… love! Sweet, beautiful, incandescent love. You’ve found your partner, your best friend, your forever person—and now you’re getting married! Seen and celebrated by the people who adore you most, this day marks a meaningful milestone in your story together. You’ll pour your heart, soul, and a whole lot of life force into creating the perfect celebration of your love. And then—almost in a blink—it’s over.

When the glasses are empty, the flowers have faded, and your carefully chosen garments are packed up or passed on, what’s left are the memories—the real treasures. And those memories live on through your photographs.

That’s why choosing the right photographer matters so much, perhaps more than anyone you’ll work with (outside of your officiant.) This isn’t just someone with a camera—it’s someone who’s by your side through it all: the quiet moments, the wild shenanigans, and everything in between. You want someone you can trust, someone who feels like a friend, someone who just gets you. Because when that connection clicks, the photographs will feel like you—your joy, your energy, your love.

With camera in hand, I’m all in. I’ll laugh with you, cry with you, dance with you. I’ll notice the little details you’ve carefully crafted, and I’ll genuinely connect with your family and friends. And honestly? By the end of it all, there’s a good chance we’ll genuinely be friends, too—because that’s how I roll.

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Portraits

Young boy with blond hair standing in front of a woman and man in a lush green forest
Family of five enjoying time on the beach, smiling and hugging each other, with ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
A couple sharing an affectionate moment at the entrance of a subway station on a busy city street, with pedestrians and tall buildings in the background.
A woman and two children smiling and sitting outdoors near a stream, surrounded by green foliage and grass.
A family of four stands together on a forest trail, smiling at the camera, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy.
A man and a girl are standing on a wooden dock near a river, smiling at each other. The man has a beard and bald head, wearing a tan blazer and blue shirt. The girl is wearing a long, ruffled purple dress and a colorful necklace. The background featu
An elderly couple stands outdoors in a lush garden, embracing each other and smiling at the camera.
A woman with red hair and vintage style clothing sitting on a beach ball by a swimming pool in a backyard.

When I was little Kristen, one of my favorite activities was rummaging through boxes of old photographs in my grandmother’s basement and flipping through hand made photo albums for hours. And hours. And hours. I loved asking about the stories behind each picture—tiny windows into moments frozen in time. From early on, I’ve understood something that still guides me today: portraits are heirlooms. They’re treasures we carry forward into the future, and I approach every session with that in mind.

Why? Because people are my favorite to photograph! I love capturing the full spectrum of what it means to be human—the laughter, the love, the little in-between moments that make life magical. And so much of that magic comes down to where you are and who you’re with.

That’s why my approach is always collaborative and relaxed. My goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. We’ll stay in your comfort zone and move at a pace that feels good for you. Kids getting wiggly? I’ll turn it into a game. Not sure what to do with your hands? I’ll give you gentle, natural guidance. Partner a little photo-shy? We’ll keep things fun and light so it feels easy instead of overwhelming.

Each session is unique—tailored to you and your dynamic. You’ll walk away with a beautiful mix of naturally posed, frame-worthy portraits and candid, heartfelt interactions that reflect who you are and where you love to be.

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Events

A female aerialist performing balance act on a teal silk in front of audience of children at a party or celebration.
Group of young girls, some in dresses, posing on a rooftop with city buildings in the background.
Woman in red lace dress dancing at a celebration with party favors on a table behind her.
A woman performing aerial silk act on a silver hoop at a celebration event with children and adults watching indoors with large windows.
A woman wearing a sash that says 'Future Mrs.' is smiling and holding a framed sign at a wedding reception. The sign contains wedding advice and instructions about the significance of wedding rings. In the background, there are other guests and a man
A woman with dark hair sitting on a chair, smiling while opening a gift bag at a celebration or party in a decorated room.
Four women at a restaurant celebrating a birthday, with one woman having a ring put on her finger by another, while a third woman looks on with a surprised expression, and a woman on the wall wearing a denim jacket is smiling and holding a green pape
An elderly woman wearing a tiara and pearl necklace smiling as a woman adjusts her earring during a celebration or party.
Woman with a sash that reads 'Future M...'
Women celebrating, one woman with a floral headpiece holding a large bottle of Mirassou wine, others smiling and embracing in a bright room.
A man wearing a green cap, blue sunglasses, and a blue shirt with small red and white patterns, drinking from a white mug. A woman with short blonde hair and glasses, smiling, standing beside him. Other people are in the background in an outdoor sett
A vintage baby stroller decorated with gold and silver glittery triangle flags draped around it, placed indoors on a wooden floor.
A group of women and children in a backyard garden during daytime. Two women are in the foreground, smiling at the camera, one holding a teacup and saucer. In the background, a woman is holding a baby, a little girl is holding a book, and others are
A woman smiling in front of a backdrop with cardboard cutouts of women in costumes, some as royalty, superheroes, and pop stars, with a gold tinsel curtain behind her.
A woman in a blue belly dancing costume dancing with a woman in a brown lace dress at a party or celebration. Several women are watching and enjoying in the background.
Three women at a celebration smiling and holding balloons, in an indoor setting with framed artwork on the wall.
A young girl in a pink dress is playing with large purple and pink confetti-filled balloons on a dance floor at a celebration in a decorated banquet hall with guests seated at tables.
Room decorated for a celebration with a large gold number 3 balloon, smaller gold balloons, and colorful disco lights projected on the ceiling, walls, and furniture.
A priest in gold vestments performs a blessing over a young girl in a white wedding gown with a veil inside a church with colorful stained glass windows. Several children are seated in pews behind them, and a woman stands nearby, watching.
Young girls dressed as altar servers or flower girls, wearing white dresses and floral headbands, are attending a religious ceremony or event in a church. They are standing in pews and holding papers.
Young girl in a white dress, veil, and headband, smiling outdoors in a park or garden setting.
Group of children and adults at a birthday party, hugging and smiling around a girl in pink glasses, in a bright room near large windows.
Man in a white suit celebrating a 40th birthday with large illuminated '40' sign, white and silver balloon arch, and holding a glass of champagne indoors at a party.
A smiling woman and man in white attire standing inside a restaurant holding glasses of rosé wine, with other guests and large windows in the background.
A clown with colorful makeup, red nose, and bright clothing dancing at a carnival with a Ferris wheel in the background.
Group of people standing on stone platform outdoors with a large stone monument behind them, trees, and mountains in the distance on a sunny day.
People at a birthday party, with children and adults gathered around, some looking at a man in a suit who appears to be giving a gift or a card.
A young girl wearing a blue shirt is reaching for cupcakes decorated with blue and white icing and Star Wars-themed toppers. A large rectangular cake with white and blue icing and Star Wars decorations is in the background.
Three friends at a social event holding drinks, smiling at the camera, with festive decorations and other guests in the background.
Indoor celebration with guests, round tables with floral centerpieces, bunting decorations, a chandelier, large window with curtains, and balloons.
A decorative sign pointing to the right with the word 'Engagement' and a heart with initials 'X+M' on it, surrounded by green and pink bushes in garden.
Kids with fairy wings gathered around adults, including two women dressed as fairy characters, at a sunny outdoor birthday party.
Woman in a blue dress decorating a two-tier birthday cake with pink and white flowers at an outdoor celebration. The background features a "Happy Birthday" banner and large pink and peach paper flowers. The table is decorated with cupcakes, fairy fig

Let’s get this celebration underway! You probably picked up one this already, but I love photographing people — it’s kinda my thing — and special events are no exception. From milestone birthdays and anniversary parties to music festivals, promotional events and company retreats, I thrive on being in the center of it all, documenting the energy as it unfolds.

I’ll capture the pulse of your party — the whole spectrum — from the candid, unscripted moments to the classic “let’s get a photo” group shots. And if your schedule allows, we can often carve out a little time for polished portraits as well.

The result is more than just coverage. Together, we’ll weave a photostory that sparkles with you — your family, your friends, your business, your brand — ensuring your special occasion shines for years to come.

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Maternity

A couple smiling and smiling at each other outdoors in a snowy park, holding hands, with trees in the background.
A pregnant woman holding a pink flower and wearing pink lingerie and a floral pink and white kimono against a pink background.
Doctor examining pregnant woman's belly during a check-up.
A pregnant woman in black lace lingerie standing against a plain white background.
A happy pregnant woman and her partner standing outdoors in front of a stone wall with the words 'BABY BOY' spelled out on the ground, surrounded by trees.
A black-and-white photo of a couple standing close together on a park bridge, touching foreheads and smiling.
A pregnant woman and a man looking at each other in an outdoor setting with yellow autumn leaves.

Almost. You’re almost there. Your life is about to change — irrevocably, unbelievably, beautifully — and you are equal parts thrilled and terrified. You’re radiant and ripe, full of the promise of new life and everything it might hold. These mid to late-pregnancy days feel slow and endless now… but they’re about to end in an instant.

Then begins the sweetest blur: the hush of a newborn on your chest, the milky snuggles, the nights that erase the difference between 2am and 2pm, the tidal wave of firsts — first smiles, first words, first steps. Life resets itself. The world is new again. But not quite yet.

You’re already a mother. You have been for months now. And yet you still have autonomy. You still get to sleep through the night (mostly), you still get to decide when you leave the house, you can still wear long necklaces and dangling earrings without the threat of bodily harm to your person. (But not for long!)

I love photographing this miraculous “before” chapter, because you’re soon to learn what every parent comes to know: time flies! Straight out the friggin’ window. And before you know it, the sweet anticipation of this moment is gone. Your baby is on the outside and your life will never be the same.

Maternity sessions are mother-led and fully collaborative. Want to don a dramatic gown while climbing a ridgeline at golden hour? Let’s do it. Tiny shoes balanced on your bump? Yes, please. Nude silhouettes that celebrate your strength and softness? I’m here for that too. We’ll design the session to reflect your experience — your taste, your comfort, your story.

Preserving the “before” lets you hold onto the feeling of who you were right at the edge of everything.

This is your once-in-a-lifetime “before.”

Let’s honor it beautifully.

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Little Ones

Baby dressed in a unicorn costume with a hood and a sparkly horn, sitting on a pink background, smiling.
A sleeping baby wearing a feathered headband and a dark wrap, lying on a soft white surface
A sleeping baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket, wearing a green knit hat with a white bow, lying in a black bucket outdoors amid green foliage.
Baby sitting on black ground with colorful geometric and floral patterned wall in background
Close-up of a sleeping baby with a decorative headpiece, lying on a dark surface, wearing a teal knitted garment, with soft focus on face and hand.
A smiling baby being gently held by a woman wearing a blue shirt.
A newborn baby lying in a woven basket, wrapped in a teal knitted blanket, wearing a teal knit hat with a pom-pom, on a multicolored wooden floor.
A newborn baby sleeping on a green fluffy blanket in a nest of twigs, with a forest scene and a bright light in the background.
A young girl in a pink dress sitting on the floor, holding a yellow balloon, surrounded by pastel-colored balloons and pink backdrop, celebrating a party.
A newborn baby sleeping in a soft, furry nest outdoors surrounded by greenery and rocks.

These wondrous, early years of life are truly the sweetest. There’s nothing quite like the hush of new life, sacred and so miraculously special. The cuddled-up-cozy quiet moments with your baby while you breastfeed. And the outfits! OMG the outfits. Too. Friggin. Cute! But alas, they don’t stay little for long! There’s that quick acceleration from scooting to crawling to coasting to walking to running to navigate! The fun of those first Halloween costumes. Discovering the ocean. Discovering… everything. And all too soon, the hand-holding while walking down Main St becomes “Mom, STOP! You are basically mortifying me through college!” (True story. I mean, who doesn’t love a pop up dance party with strangers? My kid, that’s who.)

I’m biased though; I loved parenting a little one. In fact, most of my strongest, fondest memories of motherhood to date fall across the birth to 4 years timeline. 

Now I’m a mom to a tweenager, and nearly every day I ask myself, “are they 9, or 19?! Where is my baby?!” I’ll tell you where. In my heart… and in beautifully curated photo albums. I’m so grateful I have these memories to visit vividly through photographs.

Little Love
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Headshots

A smiling woman with long black dreadlocks wearing a blue and black patterned dress standing in a well-lit room with beige walls and bookshelves.
A smiling woman wearing a white medical coat with a name tag that reads 'Karen', standing in a hospital or clinic reception area.
A woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a black dress with a red and green floral accessory, smiling with arms crossed in a bright room with beige walls and a wooden table.
A smiling woman with wavy blonde hair standing indoors with a blurred background of a modern office or home setting.
Portrait of a woman with curly black hair wearing a turquoise headscarf and white top, standing against a light-colored stone wall.
Two women smiling and standing close together in a well-lit room, hugging each other.
A man with short dark hair, a beard, and blue eyes smiling, wearing a black button-up shirt, standing against a white background.
Woman with shoulder-length curly dark hair smiling, wearing a black top and layered statement necklace, standing against a light pink background.
A smiling young boy with blonde hair wearing a white button-up shirt standing by a large window in a room with wooden trim and a windowsill.
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a black jacket and maroon dress with cross arms, standing by a white fence on a city sidewalk on a cloudy day.
A woman with dark hair, smiling, wearing a blue sleeveless top, standing indoors with her arms crossed.
Professional woman with short brown hair and a blue dress smiling in front of a neutral background.
A woman with dark hair and blue eyes sitting on a beige sofa in a living room, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse and blue jeans, with a lamp and flower arrangement visible in the background.
A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a purple top standing indoors near a wooden table.

You’re on the verge of a new chapter — whether it’s a career shift, a business launch, a fresh season of visibility, or simply a “you, but updated.” Your headshot should feel like you at your most true: approachable, confident, and unmistakably alive in your own skin.

Headshot & Editorial Portrait sessions with me are collaborative and human — no stiff poses, no “say cheese,” no pretending to be someone you’re not. We work together to create images that actually match how people experience you in real life: warm, smart, magnetic, trustworthy. The version of you people want to work with, hire, listen to, or follow.

We’ll work together to conceptualize different looks and different moods until we find the one that reflects you: bold and bright, soft and natural, editorial and clean… or something in between. We’ll move through postures and outfits until something clicks, and you can feel that click in your body — that moment you recognize yourself.

Your headshot isn’t just a picture — it’s often the first impression, the invitation, the yes.

Let’s make one that tells the truth about who you are… and who you are becoming.

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