Joe and Maria Engagement

This couple will be celebrating their wedding in 7 weeks and 3 days, so we met this weekend to capture their Engagement session.  Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer, and have plenty of time to get some great shots of the couple without the pressures of a wedding day timeline.  They mentioned they are a beachy couple, and I’ve always wanted to photograph the lighthouse on Key Biscayne at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, so I suggested we meet there.  They took my suggestion, and visited the park the weekend before to check it out.  When we met, they were the ones showing me around!  We had a great time exploring the natural beauty of the area, and got to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.  The sun was lighting up the clouds with a rainbow of color to the west, and to the east, the entire sky and water turned pink as far as the eye could see.  It was truly awe-inspiring!  My only regret is that I don’t have a superpower to slow down time so I could have taken even more beautiful photos!

Valentine’s Mini Sessions

When I started seeing Valentine’s photo ideas coming in my Pinterest feed, I decided I wanted to get in on the action this year.  Since I typically don’t photograph with props, I took my time selecting and implementing my favorites that would have the biggest impact.  My first subjects were my boys.  I decided I wanted them to wear red bow ties, so I went onto Ebay to find some.  I ended up finding these bow tie and suspender sets, and I just couldn’t resist! 

Once wardrobe was set, I set about gathering some curvy and straight sticks to create cupid bows and arrows with felt.  I also created a large and a mini burlap banner.  These were my first, and I just love how they turned out.  We created a patch of hearts in the field, and set up some fun themed candies.  At the end of the day, I think the 3 of us had a great time, and captured these fun shots in the process! 

Anderson 1 Year Portraits

It’s been wonderful watching this family grow from their maternity session, to Anderson’s newborn session, to his 1 year session, where mom is glowing, carrying another upcoming addition to their family!  Anderson has a very sweet disposition, and was keenly observant of his surroundings.  With the beautiful weather and scenery (and his lovely family) at the park, there was plenty to admire!  We took some photos with the same construction truck he rested in for his newborn session, and mom says they may have a construction themed party.  That sounds like fun, and I wish this family lots more fun as they continue to grow!

Madison’s 6 Month Family Portraits

Madison had her 6th month photo shoot this morning!  Her parents are dedicated to taking these portraits every 3 months for her first year, which I love and fully support.  I did the same with my own kids.  As they change so rapidly that first year, it’s fun to capture it!  I really can’t begin to describe her cuteness, so I’ll just let the pictures do the talking.

Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah

When I first scheduled this event I had to make sure I had the date correct, because it was on a Sunday!  That’s right, during Hanukkah, the Torah is read every day, which means a young man can celebrate his Bar Mitzvah!  Jacob was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in an intimate service in the cozy chapel of their synagogue, surrounded by closest family and friends.  As a photographer (who normally can’t photograph a Mitzvah service on Shabbat), I really enjoyed being able to capture these moments.  The rabbi was encouraging of my photography, so I was able to walk around, get up close, and capture the service from multiple angles. 

The family celebrated with a lovely brunch at their home following the service, after which Jacob got to go out fishing with some of his friends.  During the brunch, his dad’s Bar Mitzvah album was on display, as there’s a striking resemblance between the two at that age, so of course, we chose to recreate one of the photos.  Mazel Tov!