Hayden’s 6th Birthday Party: Weston, FL Birthday Photographer

Tara and I go way back, like preschool way back, like next time I go to my parents, I’m going to have to dig up a photo for Throwback Thursday on Facebook way back.  But, as we grew up without modern technology, we lost touch for a long time.  We bumped into each other now and then over the years, and re-connected most recently, when I was photographing Jacob’s first birthday.  If you follow my blog, you know I’m a fan of “Small World” stories.  Geographically small in this case, as Jacob and Hayden live next door!

Needless to say, I was looking forward to this event, as Tara had asked me to photograph it very soon after Jacob’s, so it’s been on my calendar for months.  When I got there, she told me to have fun.  That’s the best thing a client can tell me.  When I get the direction to have fun, I do, and it allows me to relax and feel like I’m part of the action, rather than just an observer.  This often translates into captured moments with a little extra punch.

Geek-Out with Erica Sue:  Having photographed several parties at Tag Gymnastics in Weston, I was familiar with what to expect, but I also know it hasn’t been my favorite venue to light.  Don’t let the bright fluorescent lights fool you.  When you’re photographing action as quick as you find at a children’s gymnastics party, you need good lighting.  This time I brought a second flash, and changed things up with my on-camera flash, and my results improved dramatically.  I also used my new camera with higher ISO (previously discussed here), all of which lead to a successful shoot.  I never stop learning and trying new things to capture the moments that are So You!

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Robert’s 40th Birthday: South Florida Event Photographer

I first met Marie at her son Oliver’s 1st birthday (he appears in my 2013 summary post here), so when she asked me if I was available to photograph her friend’s husband’s birthday party, I was excited.  I always enjoy getting past clients in front of my camera again.

I arrived shortly after the surprise to capture some portraits.  As many of the guests were visiting from out of town, it was extra special for them to be together.  There were several toasts to the birthday boy, followed by some more portraits, and a beautiful cake.  These family and friends were genuinely happy to be together, which gave me some great moments to capture.

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Terry, Tara, Layla, and Luke: Davie, FL Family Photographer

This shoot is from late last year, and in the busyness of holiday portraits, never made it to the blog.  Since it’s one of my favorite sessions at Tree Tops park, and I often send clients to the blog to help with selecting their location, it’s definitely worthy of a catch-up post! 

I work with Terry and Tara, and have enjoyed watching their family grow. With Layla becoming a big sister to Luke, it was time for some updated photos. So we met at the park to capture their family of four.  They were so happy with their pictures, and showed them off at the office proudly. 

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Sasha, Dustin, Coby + 1 on the way: South Florida Maternity Photographer

Sasha and I had been brainstorming locations for their maternity shoot for a few weeks. We finally settled on Riverwalk in Downtown Ft Lauderdale, and I'm so glad we did. It was my first time shooting there, which is always fun, as I get to experience the location through my lens, and find interesting ways to incorporate my subjects. The sky was overcast, but we didn't need sunshine for this family to light up these photos with their excitement for their upcoming addition!

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Anna, Jonathan, and Coralee: South Florida Family Photographer

Anna and I had been chatting online about getting together to photograph her family for a while. I'm glad we finally got to meet, but the circumstances were bittersweet. This family suffered a loss during pregnancy, and we met to photograph their balloon release to heaven, as well as capture some fun family portraits. The beach at John U Lloyd State Park was the perfect backdrop, and allowed us to connect with nature as they sent their message of love off into the sunset.

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