I have captured this family a few times already, usually during holiday mini-sessions, but this was our first Real-Life Session & at their home. Soon to be a family of 5, they chose a documentary session t0 capture what life was like as a family of 4. I'm going to guess that a typical Sunday morning is looking a little different these days for this crew with the new addition. At least for some of them... Ryan may still be playing Fortnite. We did a lot of hanging out, playing games, etc (and omg, the pot holder loom was instant nostalgia - I definitely weaved quite a few of those growing up) & of course got their pup, Biggie, involved, as well. I loved capturing the brother-sister relationship of these two & all of the facial expressions that came with it. Knowing that their relationship will be constantly changing as they grow up (and perhaps starting with when they became big siblings to their new baby sister), its something that adds to the "now" of these photos. I can't wait to come back in a year to document how their real life has changed!
tammi j
real life with the wolf pack | florida documentary family photographer
If you asked me a couple weeks ago what a normal day at home with 3 young boys is like, I wouldn't have had any idea. But now, looking back on everything that my day with this family entailed... it all seems about right. There were legos and superheroes and slime and nerf guns and football... and even a competitive water balloon fight (shout out to my 85mm lens for allowing me to capture the action while staying dry)... But there was also calmness and bonding and giggles and collaboration and comfort. So many moments & interactions in any given day that may seem so small while they're happening, but end up being so meaningful as time flies by.
Day-in-the-life photo sessions provide a great snapshot of what your life was like at this moment... They show you how much beauty there is in your every day (even when you can't see it amongst the chaos) and captures the small but meaningful moments of your family that can easily be missed (especially if you're trying to be the one behind the camera all the time).
Family of 3 (+ Peaches the pony)
This was such a fun session. Horse-obsessed Ella recently turned 2 & to celebrate, her parents planned a special afternoon at Bar-B-Ranch in Davie, with Peaches the pony... & I got to be there to document it. We had great hospitality at the ranch, which looked like an amazing place for all kinds of horse & pony riding. Ella was so excited to be there, she hopped right up onto Peaches right away, 100% comfortable with all of the animals and never stopped loving on her parents, which made my job to capture all the cuteness, pretty darn easy.Planning an activity that is special to your family is the perfect way to create natural, candid, meaningful photos. Part of my 'what to expect' conversation I have at the beginning of every session includes telling whoever is in front of my camera to just enjoy each other in every way possible & I'll just be there to capture it. This family seemed to understand my approach before even meeting, which resulted in a super fun & relaxing family afternoon (that happens to come along with a collection of photos to remember it by).[tg_masonry_gallery gallery_id="9688" layout="wide" columns="4"]
welcome 1 month old baby girl | coral springs newborn photographer
Beautiful miss Alesandra was just 4 weeks old when I met her & of course her proud new parents were excited to show her off. We had a relaxed Sunday morning session at their home, which allowed us to integrate some personal items & show off some of the baby's nursery which was AMAZING. All the details worked together so perfectly, including the most adorable little lace onesie. Admittedly, my baby-fever was super strong for this newborn session... I mean look at those perfect little lips & all that new-parent love & adoration! It was so great to meet you all. Welcome to world, Alesandra! [tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="9094" layout="wide" columns="4"]
real life with elena | documentary family photography
The first photo in this gallery was the instant reaction to pulling my camera out while playing with 4-year old Elena in her room. I immediately realized that documenting truly candid photos of the day could be a difficult challenge for me. She was clearly used to the camera & loved to give me her best hand-on-the-hip model pose & smile anytime I pointed it toward her. However, in the end, the day was still completely unscripted. Our at-home document session consisted of an introduction to all of her books & baby dolls, a game of tickle monster (with the greatest tickle-monster gloves ever), riding around the neighborhood in her sweet pink Corvette, a pillow fight & so much more... I'm not sure who had more fun in the process, Elena or me. The photos that resulted capture so much natural emotion & laughter that would not have been easy to achieve in a boring studio... and the added bonus is that they are so much more personal & special having taken place in their home.[tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8235" layout="wide" columns="4"]
welcome 11 day old newborn girl | at-home lifestyle photography
After a 100-mile drive across Southern Florida, including 6 gator sightings & a lot of swampy nothingness... I got to meet this little 7lb bundle of perfection. Preslee Rose was born just 11 days prior & I think its safe to say this day of photos (although the first of many, I'm sure) was her biggest, most active day yet. She was more interested in being in mommy or daddy's arms than sleeping or modeling anywhere solo, but that just meant a lot more photos of these new parents embracing their new, tiny bundle of joy - which was fine by me! Newborn lifestyle photos are all about allowing you to remember how your child once fit into your arms so perfectly & what it felt like in that first week of having her home... (including every detail, like how the 4-legged "first born" was always sure to stay close by).Congratulations on your new addition - she's beautiful![tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8779" layout="wide" columns="4"]
real life with avery & jackson | at-home family documentary photography
Crafts, smoothies, Mario Kart & more... a typical Sunday morning for this awesome family & it was great to be a part of it. I guess its safe to say that these two cuties have grown up with my camera. From newborn sessions, to large family portraits, cake smashes & birthday parties... this time we decided to do something a little different: an at-home documentary session. I'm always striving to find the real moments within posed sessions at a park or beach you may have never even been to... so these take it one step further. More personal, more candid & more real life. There wasn't much of an agenda, because letting life happen results in moments like a private patio dance performance to Sia's The Greatest... or an unprompted hug for mommy or an angry drum solo... & course, lots of laughs. The snowflakes they made turned out much cuter than I had imagined - or tried to imagine when they first started, but I should have known not to question the ideas of the creative mind behind Hello Whimsy Designs. It was a stress-free, relaxed & FUN Sunday morning... and it resulted in a huge collection of real moments that made it very difficult for me to choose my favorites.It was so great to see you all again, congrats on the new house![tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8375" layout="wide" columns="4"]
20 minute mini sessions | robbins park davie photographer
For being new to shooting photo sessions at Robbins Lodge Park in Davie, I sure have gotten comfortable there fast. For the 3rd blog post in a row, these family mini sessions also took place at Robbins, which continues to provide a beautiful setting & gorgeous light for family photos. This past Sunday were families of boys of all ages & a mix of first-timers & old friends... I had a great time laughing with & getting to know these families (including family pup, Marley!). Thanks to everyone who has participated in this year's park mini sessions. This group's full galleries will be on their way to everyone shortly so I can get ready for this weekend's shoots![tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8782" layout="wide" columns="4"]
one hour with family of 4 | robbins lodge park lifestyle photographer
I've known this beautiful mother of 2 my entire life... & that isn't any bit an exaggeration since our own mothers were friends long before the 2 of us were born. This is the third time I've had the pleasure of shooting holiday photos for her & her family, but the first time their dog, Biggie, joined in on the fun (who seemed to be a pro on posing for the camera). Although I've gotten used to 5-year-old Ryan always keeping me on my toes for these sessions with his huge personality - I couldn't help but laugh at all his different facial expressions while sorting through the photos. Ava, who is now 7, is a bit of the opposite with a very calm, quiet demeanor - but also super affectionate & loving. I had so much fun with both of them this past weekend at Robbins Lodge Park, it was great to catch up & see how much they've changed![tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8773" layout="wide" columns="4"]
Jessie's Maternity Photos | Fort Lauderdale Beach Photographer
After being slightly delayed due to South Florida's schizophrenic weather... (okay, okay, it was really just a typical 5-minute drizzle that I probably overreacted to)... we had excellent weather on Fort Lauderdale Beach for a quick maternity session! Just the right amount of sun peeking through the clouds & a nice breeze to keep us from sweating within minutes... a great reminder of how beautiful our beaches are at this time of night. You know what else is beautiful? This glowing mommy-to-be who also happens to be my sister. Baby girl Morgan is scheduled to make her arrival October 12th, so we of course had to get some prime belly shots in before the endless newborn, baby & family photos start up. Consider this Morgan's very first photo session with Aunt Tammi. So much more to come. I can't wait to meet you, Morgan!!