I had been waiting for this little love for 9 months. The moment my next door neighbor told me she was pregnant (again), I started planning and gathering items to use for his newborn session. His sister’s newborn session lasted a few days and we achieved about 50-60 AMAZING shots!! I had planned to do the same for this little guy. Well, he had other plans for us. Once in a great while, I will photograph a newborn who does not like to be touched, moved, or ‘bothered’ with! Usually, this does not happen with the 4 day old babies (like this little angel), but rather the 12+ day newborn. They usually sleep so soundly, even with all the moving and positioning.

The conditions were perfect….the shooting area was about 80 degrees (Mom and photog were sweating bullets), I had two backdrops set up for easy transition between sets, Mom nursed til babe’s belly was full. We tried it all! More than once. Actually, we tried over 2 days. This little angel…well, he was not putting up with any of it. The moment he was in the right position and I pulled back to get the shot…he’d go peeps! Being the perfectionist that I am….of course I had to have the finger just so, well, the moment I moved the out of place finger…the whole arm (or arms, legs or whatever it was that I was trying to “fix”) would flail. Now, please believe me when I tell you, as most of you photographers know….newborn sessions are NOT easy. Some pose more of a challenge than others, and this one was my ultimate challenge for sure. I guess the hardest thing for me was that I had GRAND plans for this little munchkin! I had dreamed up a million amazing images in my head, and I was frustrated with myself for it all. In the end…I am thrilled with the final images…as is my neighbor/friend/go to person when I am out of breadcrumbs, ravioli, taco seasoning, mac & cheese, milk, coffee, etc. Thank you for that Lauren. I do appreciate it!!!

He did however, love being outside in the 90 degree weather. Not a peep out of him the entire time. Not even when our neighbor came over to see what was going on. His exact words…”Are you photographing a doll? That is not a real baby, is it?” Zachary moves…..”Oh, my…that is a real baby!!”
Not to mention the butterflies that were all over the bushes behind him…do you think they would have stayed for the picture? Not a chance. We waited and waited for one to land on him…but they did not want to cooperate. Plus, it was HOT and we didn’t want to stay outside for too long with him! But we were all thrilled with this shot!

Thank you Zachary for being such a cutie, and allowing me to get the images that we did get. The shots that we got are perfect in my book, and we love you so much! We waited a long time for you to come, and we are so happy that you are here! Hugs and kisses my little man! PS…..we must learn to get along…as this is not the last time that we are going to do this!!! You have years of putting up with me in your future!!! xoxo

Drew is another baby planner, so I get to photograph this handsome little guy a lot!  Just look at those beautiful eyes! I absolutely fell in love with him (and his beautiful Mommy) at his newborn session!  I know that I will have a lot of fun photographing Drew over the year, and look forward to our 6 month session!  Big hugs to all of you!!

I have been photographing Caila since she was born!  What an honor that has been!  She is so beautiful and happy! I fall in love with her and her amazing family more and more at each session!!!  This session was no exception!  For her 1st birthday we played a bit in some Tutus and cute flower headbands…then we moved onto her cake smash.  She was a little hesitant at first, with this big cake in front of her, but it didn’t take her long before she was covered with icing! It was so much fun to watch her enjoy sticking her fingers into that beautiful cake!!  Thanks for a great year Caila!!  I hope you have had as much fun as I had!!

I hope you all had an amazing Memorial Day weekend!  Summer is officially here!

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to get together with a group of amazing photographers in North Carolina.  I have to say that it is absolutely gorgeous up there, and I am green with envy of their gorgeous locations.  Big beautiful fields of wildflowers, tall green grass (the soft kind…very different from our super thick and hard grass here in S. Florida) (oh…I am not complaining…well maybe just a little…LOL)  Anyway, it was seriously the most fun I can remember having in quite a long time.  We shot a ton of models, learned a bunch, and just had an absolute blast!  Despite the drenching rain, heat, late nights, and lack of sleep…we all managed to have a really great time! I highly recommend to my photographer followers that you go to a photography get together once in a while!  It really helps in keeping your creative juices flowing and it is super fun to get out and shoot just for fun with a bunch of crazy girls who share your passion!!

My family came with me for the trip!  We have extended family near Charlotte, so it was great to spend some time with them as well!!  While I was away at my little retreat, my boys went tubing for the first time.  I do wish I would have seen that!!! They also went to a drive through zoo, which my husband managed to photograph with his cell phone….I will try to get that picture for you.  There was a huge bull who came to the window to be fed.  Huge horns and all!  I think my boys were a bit scared of that thing though! When I came back from my get together, I took JT to see the NASCAR race for the pole at the Charlotte Motor Speedway!  We sat right in front, so JT got the full effect of the super loud roar of the engines as they flew by us!!   There is seriously nothing better than seeing that huge smile on his face as his favorite drivers drove by us!!!

Well, here are some of the images of the models from my get together.  It was super funny to be on the street, feeling and looking very much like the paparazzi!!  Enjoy!

You are what you wear.

A little cliché? Perhaps. But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going – let’s be clear what you’re clothing does NOT need to be:

Brand New
I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.
Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
Unless it’s your thing (If it’s really your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling). If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
Matching
No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks. In fact, I beg of you, please, please don’t. If you’re heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, I’m probably not your girl.
Stressful
No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory. This is supposed to be fun. If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous. I promise.
I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

Feels Good.
During your shoot you could be sitting in a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your fiancé, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me.

Looks Good.
This can be tricky, looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or your trusty photographer (that would be me) who knows about such things and has plans in place to help.

Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography. If you’re really looking for extra help, I can put you in touch with some incredible folks who make people look good for a living.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you love, love, loving the end result.

Makes Sense.
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Glup. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress).

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have an in depth consultation to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph. I’m with you every step of the way.

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems.Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his spider man cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite stripped polo ready to go? Best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that tartan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).

~~~

If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purple belted shirt – I’ve got good news. You don’t have to decide. Bring lots of options. Heck – throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car. When we get to the session we’ll wing it all with fabulous results. Trust me.

Now take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model you’re all going to look in those pictures….

Can you see it yet? I totally can. OMG, you look INCREDIBLE!

Thank you Jeanette LeBlanc for writing this incredible blog post!

Article used with permission.

I am thrilled to introduce baby Andrew!! I must say that this beautiful baby was one of the calmest, most content newborns I have ever photographed. (or seen for that matter!) He was a complete joy, and I had such a great time trying out some new stuff with him! Thank you, baby boy, for being such an incredible little angel for me!!! Julie…you are a beautiful and very lucky Mommy!!! Thank you again for the opportunity to capture your little love!!! I look forward to watching him grow!!!

Another beautiful beach session!  I LOVE beach sessions!  It was a bit hot for December, but we made the best of it for sure!  You’ve got to love Naples, Florida sunsets!!!

And some of their adorable baby girl…

Well, you have seen him before, and he is back…as silly as ever!!!  My buddy Ethan was getting his Christmas pictures done and we had some fun!  Always a little clown…thanks for making me laugh Ethan!!!  Hugs!

These are my beautiful nieces and nephews.  I had the pleasure of taking their Christmas pictures this year, and could not have been happier.  Look at the girls’ hair…how cool is my sister in law?  I must tell you that these are the MOST well behaved children you will ever meet, and they all have such special and fun personalities…I adore spending time with each and every one of them.

The girls:

The Boys:

And I can’t leave out their little rescue doggie, Princess.  Princess has had a difficult life, but thanks to this amazing family, she is now living her life surrounded with love and kindness!!

Well, Stella is a classic beauty, just like her name…and her Mommy!!  Oh, and big sister Alivia was no exception…stunning with the most beautiful eyes!!!  What a pleasure it was to work with you Jess & Brian!  You have a beautiful home and a gorgeous family!!  Thank you for the opportunity!!

Absolutely loved this nursery!!!

How gorgeous is she???