ro
Ever since I can remember, design and art have been a part of my life. With my dad being a graphic designer, I was introduced to Photoshop early on and would spend hours playing and creating. I was drawn to composition, unique perspectives and piecing together images to evoke feeling and emotion.
Fast forward to years of finding my way through several retail jobs and a short cosmetology career and coming to realize the things I loved about graphic design growing up translated so beautifully to photography.
From there—I was hooked.
Though my work has evolved and transformed over the years, my love for photos being more than just something to see—but something to feel and experience—has been a constant.
My passion is documenting those real, everyday moments and interactions that seem ordinary and uncovering the beauty in them.
a visual storyteller for all my nostalgia loving people
A little about me
BIRKEY
PHOTOGRAPHER.
[1]
MY
FAVORITE
THINGS
I WISH THE WORLD WAS ALWAYS SEEN THROUGH A WES ANDERSON LENS
I'm so visually and creatively inspired by all of his films and think the world is so much more whimsical through his use of perspectives and color!
Currently I'm living in the Midwest with my husband Noel and our three kids—Cohen, Ames and Nova. They are a big part of my world. Along with taking care of our little ones, you can find me adventuring around our city, enjoying wine with friends, or on the hunt for my next croissant and coffee. Now that I say that I realize a lot of what I do revolves around eating and drinking—and yes, I’m very ok with that.
We also love traveling and exploring when we can. I'm so affected by my environment and can't help but be inspired by the places we visit. Whether it's mountains in Colorado, the cool crisp lakes in Michigan or the energy of New York City...I really do love it all.
That’s a little sneak peek into my life and a few of my favorite things. No matter who and where we are, we’re all souls wandering this beautiful earth, with a different story to share. No tale is one and the same. And that’s why I love documenting stories of all kinds!
Apart from playing outside, making quirky home videos with my siblings and constructing whatever was in the recycling into art...a significant part of my childhood was spent enjoying shit-ton of old films.
I loved that there were varieties of cinematic moments from ordinary to over-the-top that evoked all ranges of emotions. They told different stories with the use of colors, grain, shadows and interesting perspectives. Those films are still living rent free in my mind, inspiring me to always seek light in all forms, find creative perspectives to tell your story and make space for intentional, emotive moments.
Since becoming a mama to three little ones, I've also been inspired to see everyday moments in a fresh way. My kids are growing up fast and as much as I try to remember every little glance, detail and mannerism—I just can't. Capturing them through photos—who they truly are—will always inspire me to keep documenting others in the same way. Life is precious, seasons come and go and all we really have is now. Everything doesn't have to be perfect, just give it space to be. It will be enough, I promise.
"EVERY SHOOT I SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A WHOLE NEW LENS. YOUR STORY WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST, AND THIS IGNITES MY PASSION ALL OVER AGAIN."
what
INSPIRES
ME
BEHIND
THE
LENS
FEELINGS MATTER. I SEE YOU.
My approach when shooting is to make sure that anyone in front of my lens feels like their story has been captured in a beautiful, honest and artful way.
So, having photos taken is not really a normal everyday occurrence. I know from my own experiences that it can feel nerve racking or even bring out annoying insecurities, but I promise that you don't have to resign to feeling that way!
Whether it's a FaceTime call, meeting up before for coffee or having some before-shoot wine to calm nerves, I got you. My hope is that you not only feel comfortable throughout the process of working with me, but truly seen.
Here's the thing though—It’s super important to feel like your vibe is in sync with your photographer and not forced. If you value real, simple moments, honest connection and unique details and are already wondering how we are not friends IRL, I have a feeling we will be an amazing fit.
And if not, that’s ok too. Really!
I’m not about convincing anyone that they need to book with me. Everyone deserves to find a photographer that is best suited for them. It’s about getting the experience you want!
From high school photo class to setting up impromptu editorial shoots with friends, I've always loved to capture people in not only an artful and creative way, but one where they truly felt comfortable. Seen.
That continues to be my hope for everyone who steps in front of my lens. I want it to feel like we're just hanging out and your good friend is snapping photos instead of a high pressure situation with a stranger.
We'll stream some music, chat, explore and make space for everyone to exhale and get comfortable while highlighting all the connection and love you share!
my philosophy
my philosophy
my philosophy
THE YAKOS FAMILY
Absolutely in love with our photos from our family session with Ro. We feel so seen. Ro has a true gift for capturing people and their connections in such a genuine and beautiful way. I honestly couldn’t be happier with our experience, it was everything I was hoping it would be! The whole family (little kids included) felt so comfortable and at ease throughout the session, making our photos feel natural, genuine, and not forced. Already looking forward to our next session in the future!
HEART
WARMING
WORDS
THE HARER FAMILY
"Oh my gosh! These are so sweet and beautiful and perfectly what I had hoped for!! You’re the best, Ro!! Can’t wait to sit down with a huge glass of wine and go through these one by one. Can you just take our pictures quarterly?"
HEART
WARMING
WORDS
THE ZIMMERMANN FAMILY
Taking our family photos with Ro was not only enjoyable, but for the first time that I can remember, my entire family felt relaxed and calm during a photo shoot. I love the way that Ro organically took us from space to space, gave specific prompts without any staging, and made it feel like we were just walking around a beautiful space with a longtime friend.
HEART
WARMING
WORDS
THE CHRISTMAS FAMILY
I am absolutely amazed by Ro's photography skills and creativity-- I couldn't be happier about the photos she captured of my family and I. The whole experience from start to finish was easy, professional, and enjoyable. I appreciated the time and interest Ro invested in us prior to the photo shoot, it truly made a difference in my comfort level while being photographed. I could see that she truly wanted to get to know us as a family and what we were hoping to capture in our family photos! I will definitely be reaching out and booking with Ro for years to come!!
HEART
WARMING
WORDS
/ FROM MY PEOPLE
artfully capturing your story
honest moments
