Zach's Bar Mitzvah

This was such a lovely family to photograph and simcha to be a part of.  It's always special when you're not meeting the mitzvah family the day of.  In this case, these guys have appeared in front of my camera before for a family session, and we go to the same synagogue, so I've gotten to know them a bit as members of the community.  So it was great to see, and capture an event that was a true reflection of who they are.  I know I only got to see the synagogue rehearsal, but it was wonderful to see how comfortable Zach was, and I can only imagine mitzvah day was more of the same.  They rocked out with friends, and an enviable group of friends that are family who know how to have a good time!  Mazel Tov, and I look forward to sharing more simchas together!  

Melissa, Brandon, and Solomon welcome Lincoln

I love getting to photograph families as they grow.  I've gotten to capture Solomon at 1, when baby brother was in mom's belly, and now for Lincoln's newborn session.  I feel like each time, they've gotten more comfortable in front of my camera, to the point where they now photograph like old friends.  And I love that.  The moments that happen that I get to capture are so genuine.  There's no pressure for their active toddler to 'behave' or 'look at the camera'.  Yes, we'll trick him into it for a few shots, but the goal is just for them to be together and have fun, and they did.  

This was also a really special session for me.  This year my photography growth goal has been to add more variety to my sessions and galleries.  I want to see things from different angles and perspectives, and when I got home and went through this images, I could see my growth and my achievement of this goal at this session.  I'm proud of myself, and can't wait to see the variety I continue to create!

Luli's Bat Mitzvah

This girl is special!  Twelve years old, and already has the courage to be herself that most grown women admire and aspire to!  She celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah with a Friday night Shabbat dinner with a 'Once Upon A Time' theme, where The Venue Ft Lauderdale was a perfect backdrop.  I'll let the pictures do the talking on the decor.  Guests enjoyed a talking magic mirror, a magic mirror photobooth, potions (perfumes, but potions sounds more fun), and necklaces!  Luli was joined by the women in her family for a lovely twist on traditional Shabbat candlelighting, and by the men for kiddush and hamotzi.  And her family is absolutely rad, and they are all just a pleasure to photograph.  Individual, creative style definitely runs in the family!  So much mazel to you all!!

Stephani, Jared, Ben, Drew, and Charlie

This mama and I went to High School together, and haven't seen each other since!  But thanks to Facebook, she knows I'm doing photography in South Florida, so when her family came to visit from NJ for the Spring, we both agreed doing an outdoor session in the Florida sunshine would be lovelier than an indoor winter session at home up North!  I'm so glad I got to capture this family in some lovely evening light.  Mom and dad have certainly got their hands full with three boys, but they handle it with grace, sarcasm, and humor - a totally winning combination in my parenting book!  It was an honor to freeze some of these moments in time for them.

Jessica, Mike, Shoshana, Samara, and Mahalia Go Swimming

I love this family.  I've been lucky enough to capture their maternity and newborn sessions, and now a fun lifestyle family session at these kiddos' grandparents' house.  They enjoy each other and are totally themselves in front of the camera, which always gives me such great genuine moments to capture.  

This session was particularly exciting, because mom said she was interested in including swimming as part of their session.  And my response was, "well, I've been meaning to purchase an underwater housing for my camera!"  So I did, and into the pool we went!

So now that summer is approaching in South Florida, if you'd like your underwater adventures photographed, hit that 'contact' button and let me know!