Our WHY
Bokeh Creatives was born from a moment that no parent is ever prepared for.
When our daughter was just six months old, she required emergency brain surgery. In the face of overwhelming fear and uncertainty, Cheryl instinctively reached for her camera—not just to document, but to preserve. She began creating portraits of our little girl, desperate to hold onto her essence in case the unimaginable happened.
By grace, she made it through. Even after a second brain surgery at age six, she continues to thrive—strong, joyful, and full of life.
That experience redefined our understanding of what a portrait can truly mean. It’s more than a photograph—it’s an anchor. A timeless reminder of love, resilience, and the connections that define us.
It was from this deeply personal place that Bokeh Creatives was founded: with a mission to create portraits that do more than decorate a wall—they preserve legacy and emotion in a way nothing else can.
Why Portrait Projects?
As we began to share this experience with others, we were approached by families with similar stories—some whose children had also faced medical challenges, and others whose beloved pets were aging or ill.
We realized our work touched not just memory, but meaning.
With this, we started to realize that emotional depth is EVERYTHING and with this we had a huge sense of purpose to our work.
Our commissions started to fill the calendar, and our ability to reach more families was beginning to see it’s limit - and as blessed as we are to be incredibly busy with commissioned pieces - our heart was still to reach other families like ours.
So was born our portrait projects where we have set aside a limited number of dates and times in our calendar specifically to honor families whose hearts and experiences align with our studio’s why.
And so, our Gifted Portrait Projects were born.
Each year, we offer these limited commissions for selected families to receive a complimentary portrait experience, including one 8x10 museum-quality fine art print.
There is no cost for the session or the gifted artwork.
This is not a giveaway. It is a carefully curated project series that allows us to connect with families who value EMOTION, storytelling, & artistry.
While most will fall in love and choose to invest in additional artwork, there is never any pressure or expectation to do so. We simply invite these families in and ask them to allow us to show them what is possible when emotions collide with fine art portraiture and museum quality artwork.
To protect the limited number of sessions we offer, we require a 100% refundable deposit to reserve your time. This ensures that each session is honored and that our team can dedicate the full experience to the families we serve.
(And yes, should you decide to commission more artwork, the deposit can be applied toward your order—but that is entirely optional.)
Why It’s So Limited
Each year, we receive THOUSANDS of submissions for our portrait projects. Due to the handcrafted nature of our work and the time we invest into each session, only a small number of families are able to be invited to participate.
This isn’t about exclusivity for its own sake—it’s about preserving the integrity of the experience and the artwork we deliver. Every portrait we create is meant to last for generations, and that requires intention, care, and time.
If you are not selected this round, we encourage you to apply again. Many families are invited on their second or third application.
We curate each project with thoughtfulness and heart and a focus on emotional connection.
We believe every home deserves at least one portrait that radiates love every time you pass by—a piece of art that silently says, “This is what matters most” - art that serves as a Virtual Hug.
We would be honored to create that for you.
