The Lovey Project: Portraits with Heart
Every February, something truly special happens — The Lovey Project. It began as a simple idea: to photograph children with their most beloved comfort object — their “lovey” — and use those portraits to spread love a little further into our community. Over time, it’s become one of my favorite annual traditions, and one that touches my heart in new ways each year.
The Lovey Project is all about capturing that sweet and fleeting bond between a child and their most cherished companion — a tattered bunny, a soft blanket, or a stuffed friend who’s seen it all. These black-and-white portraits are timeless and tender, celebrating the pure connection of childhood and the comfort those loveys bring.
But the project goes beyond the portraits themselves. Each year, 25% of session fees are donated to buy new loveys for children entering foster care in Texas, in partnership with Dearly Children’s Boutique and Partnerships for Children. These organizations help ensure that every child arriving in care — often in a moment of uncertainty — receives a soft, comforting lovey of their own.
The idea was born from a simple truth every parent knows: a lovey can mean the world to a child. Through this project, families not only document that stage of their own child’s story, but also help another child find comfort during a difficult transition.
Each session is short and sweet, usually just 10–15 minutes — perfectly suited for even the youngest participants. The results are heartfelt black-and-white images that parents treasure for years to come. Dearly Children’s Boutique fills with laughter, shy smiles, and a few well-loved stuffed animals that have clearly been hugged thousands of times. It’s a joy to see each child’s personality shine through — and to know that each portrait session helps brighten another child’s story, too.
If you’d like to participate in the next round of The Lovey Project sessions or learn more about how your family can get involved, you can join my email list here or follow along on Instagram for the announcement in January.
