Monica, Steve, Victoria, Nicolas, and Nana Delfina

I met this family last year when I was practicing for a gymnastics bday party photo shoot.  We’ve kept in touch, and I was looking forward to photographing them again when they scheduled their session.  It took Nicolas a few moments and the promise of a trip to Toys R Us in exchange for smiles to warm-up, but what parents wouldn’t barter a toy for their bambino’s beautiful eyes and smile in the perfect photo!?  Since “cheese” is sometimes too cheesy, it was the word “silly” that had Nico and his family looking their best, and I think they had fun in the process.  Enjoy these beautiful photos from our session at Hollywood beach.

Kristina, Mike, Madison, and Jacob

This is the second year I’ve had the honor of creating this family’s holiday portraits.  This year, we changed things up and headed over to Hollywood Beach for a mini session.  I absolutely love their outfits, with the mixtures of pink and blue.  Dad even rocked both colors in his shorts!  At the end of our session, mom remarked how much easier it was to capture their pictures this year.  I had to agree.  Jacob has really matured, and it was fun to see him interacting more playfully with me and my camera.  And Madison is just as adorable as last year, especially when she started our session by giving me a drawing she’d made for me.  She dressed me better than I dress myself, in a ball gown with a matching bow and high heeled platform shoes!  Thank you so much, Madison!  I loved it so much, I’ve included a snapshot of it below.  Happy holidays, and I hope to continue to get you in front of my camera to capture your “So You” moments!

The P Family Portraits: Lincoln Road and Dylan’s Candy Bar

This family has had their portraits taken annually by my mentor, the best wedding photographer in the business, Ricky Stern.  This year it was my turn, and needless to say, I have big shoes to fill!  I asked Ricky to send me what he’s taken in the past so I could get an idea of what type of session they’re used to, and when I complimented him on his work, he mentioned that it was a 15 minute session, complete with a reward of ice cream at the end for their patience and cooperation.  And then I had my winning idea. 

There are many constraints with scheduling this time of year, as it’s super busy with families taking holiday pictures.  My evening sessions for the day were already booked, and daytime sessions can only be done in locations with shade.  This family is located in South Dade County, and I’m in Broward, so we wanted to find somewhere in the middle.  Well, when I realized that these boys like ice cream, I had the brilliant idea to shoot their session at Dylan’s Candy Bar on Lincoln Road.  While I was waiting for them to arrive, I also scouted some beautiful spots on the shady street outdoors. 

These three had tons of energy and great ideas for posing during their session.  What you see is a collaboration of our ideas.  As I always say, when we work together, I can capture the photos that are “So You”!

Zackary’s Bar Mitzvah

This event hasn’t been on my calendar for long, but I looked forward to it ever since it was.  Zackary’s mom was referred to me by a mom from my prenatal yoga class 6 years ago.  This young man originally didn’t want a big party to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.  But as the saying goes, “mother knows best”.  This celebration truly brought that saying to life.  You see, his mom understood that what Zackary really meant was that he didn’t want a traditional DJ dance party.  So they planned a sports-themed party at their home, with a foosball table, hockey table, basketball hoop, and traditional arcade game.  These were enjoyed by all guests, boys and girls, young and old, but what Zackary enjoyed most was playing “ultimate” frisbee and football with LED sports equipment on the lawn.  We were blessed with a beautifully crisp and cool South Florida evening (I even got to wear a fleece jacket!), which was perfect for dress-up outdoor sports. 

I really enjoyed photographing this event, because I appreciate creative, out-of-the-box thinking.  Seeing how much the Bar Mitzvah boy enjoyed his celebration, and being there to capture it, was truly special. 

Synagogue Portraits:  Temple Beth Emet, Cooper City, FL

Marielys, Tony, and Juan Maternity

I recently started a new full time job, and as such, have had the opportunity to meet new people.  Marielys happens to sit near me at the office, but it wasn’t until we were waiting for the elevators together one day and I was complaining about my bug bites from a recent photo session that I mentioned that in addition to being a talented Engineer, I am also a talented photographer.  As it turns out, she is due in a few weeks, and wanted to have maternity photos taken.  We met at my favorite park and made the hike to the green bridge, capturing sweet moments between these parents and their son along the way.  Congrats, and I hope to meet your newest little one soon!