When its my first time meeting (& photographing) a family, I always do my best to explain my creative process a bit in the beginning. It starts simple... "just be yourself", "engage with each other", "pretend I'm not here"... but after this past Sunday, I think Melissa & Josh might tell you it sounds much easier than it actually is. I'm sure when they arrived at Colee Hammock Park Photo Sessions in Fort Lauderdale for family photos, they were probably not expecting to get a full workout complete with running, lifting, throwing, etc. But good news... I don't charge extra for the unexpected calorie burn! ;) I had such a blast with these girls, covering every inch of the waterfront park... pulling those natural smiles out from behind those shy, hiding faces I first met. It was great to meet you all - I hope you enjoy the photos... full gallery coming soon!
families
1 Year Old, Family Photo Session + Cake Smash | Tree Tops Park Photographer
My photography-love-affair started with this amazing family a few years ago, when little Avery was first born. Over the last 3 years, I've had the privilege to not only see her grow up into a beautiful little girl, but also have the same opportunity to capture her little brother, Jackson, since his newborn session a year ago. Last time we got together, we were joined by 8 of their other close family members, spanning 3 generations with a big pre-holiday group session on Hollywood Beach. But being that this was their last session in their (second) baby's first year package, this one was all about Jackson and his first birthday. We started the session at Tree Tops Park for some fun with their wagon, but couldn't resist continuing it in their backyard for some fun cake smash & clean-up photos! Always a blast hanging with this fam - thanks for letting me continue to create lasting memories for your family!
Husband/Wife Photo Session, Tree Tops Park | South Florida Photographer
Jackie & Jonathan had never been to Tree Tops Park and I loved seeing it through their eyes. Its become one of my favorite places to shoot photo sessions... (and judging by the recent crowds, its become a favorite for a lot of other local photographers, as well). However, since I grew up near it and shoot at it so often, I sometimes forget to appreciate its beauty. It really is a very unique spot in South Florida, with a lot of interesting landscapes that you don't see much of in this area. I love the variety... as Jackie pointed out near the end of the session, everywhere we stopped was very different. Since I've mostly been doing mini-sessions there lately, this session was a great change to really take advantage of some of the great spots in the park without worrying about time. And I owe a big thank you to these two for letting me drag them all over this huge park! It was a great day!
Family Mini-Sessions, North Beach Park | Hollywood Mini-Session Photographer
After doing a multi-generation family session at this same location just 2 weeks ago, I returned to hang out with 3 different families for my second round of mini-sessions this season. Without too many available days for sessions between now and Christmas (I know, I know, it scares me too), I'll be spending the rest of my year focusing on full photo sessions. It was great to have one last back-to-back-session day of the year - never a dull moment! I met so many great faces!
Family of 4, Lifestyle Session | Plantation Family Photographer
I think I say this every year around this time, but boy do I love watching families grow over the years! Its one of the main reasons I give special discounted pricing to my repeat clients. This is the 4th session I've done with this family since I moved back to Fort Lauderdale and it seems to fall on almost the exact same weekend each year - just as the weather finally gives us a break from the 90 degree sun. After doing a Fort Lauderdale beach session in 2012 and one at Tree Tops Park in 2013, we've circled back to the same great Plantation location we first met at in 2011, when Jordan, now 4, was just a little younger than Kylie is now. I had a blast as always... looking forward to even more years to come! [tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="9180" layout="wide" columns="4"]
Family Mini-Sessions, Tree Tops Park | South Florida Photographer
This season's first round of holiday mini-sessions took place at Tree Tops Park. Like usual, I had a great mix of repeat clients and some new faces - with little ones ranging from 8 months old to 6 years old! Here are just a few of my favorites from 3 of the families that joined me that day...
Family Group Portraits | Hollywood Beach Family Photographer
Saturday at a quiet North Beach Park in Hollywood, I hung out with this great three-generation family of twelve... and shot HUNDREDS of photos! It was just 9 months ago that I photographed 15-day-old Jackson - the newest addition to the family, so it was great to see how him and big sister Avery have grown. Not to mention, the rest of the family, most of whom I had first met at Avery's first birthday party. I definitely owe this session to Jess for being the best subject and assistant at the same time, making sure all groups were covered and everyone knew exactly where they were supposed to be. It made MY afternoon super relaxed - hope we got it all covered! I had a blast with all of you... it was so difficult to narrow down my favorite photos. The entire gallery is coming soon! [tg_grid_gallery gallery_id="8791" layout="wide" columns="4"]
4 Year Old Girl, 21 Month Old Boy + Family | Hollywood Beach Family Photographer
Last Sunday, I went to John Lloyd Beach Park in Dania Beach and spent the day with some of the most contagious smiles ever. It had been about 2 years since I had last seen this family. In 2012, we met at the Dania Beach pier at sunrise when Ava was just 2 and RJ hadn't made his appearance yet. RJ has the same big personality his sister did at about that age, so these two smiles together can make anyone melt. The morning started out cloudy and drizzling, but we didn't let that affect our fun. We twirled, played games, raced, jumped... some of us even got tickle-attacked. Mornings like this are just reminders of how much I love what I do. I had a blast capturing these huge personalities in photos - looking forward to the next family shoot!
1 Month Newborn Boy + 3.5 Year Old Big Brother | South Florida Newborn Photographer
This is the third brand new baby boy to hit the blog, I feel like its been forever since I've done pictures for a baby girl. Something in the water? Its also another at-home session - I love the intimate element these home sessions can add to the photos. Tyler was born 4 weeks prior to our session, but similar to my previous newborn, he had yet to reach his due date, so he was still newborn-tiny. His big brother, Gavin (and even the family dog, Ditka) both watched over the new family addition with excitement as I took photos.
3 Week Newborn Boy | Ft Lauderdale Newborn Photographer
I couldn't believe it took me 3 weeks to finally get the chance to go meet baby Dylan (and see his GLOWING momma)! I was so happy to be able to capture some of the love that surrounds this new family of 3. Although 3 weeks old, Dylan's mini-session took place shortly before his expected arrival date, so he was still super newborn tiny... and his hair! His hair is SO soft (and clearly taken after his dad). Clearly he chose to sleep through most of the photos, but I had a great time. I'd love him to stay tiny forever, but I'll definitely enjoy watching him grow up!