Sarah's Bat Mitzvah

This lovely family is framily to my Aunt, which makes them like framily to me too, by extension (framily n. friends that are like family).  Whenever you have the privilege of photographing people you have a connection with, that connection comes across to the camera in the form of genuine emotion.  

Sarah's theme was Peace Love and Sassyness, and it fit her perfectly.  She is a happy, spunky teen, who was full of smiles from beginning to end, and I'm so glad I got to capture them all!

Shot with Amber from Amber Sycz Phototography.

Camp Shalom

Today I had the opportunity and privilege to spend the day at camp. I was there as an alumni, a parent, and a photographer.  At the end of the day, I was filled with so much joy!  I got to spend time photographing most of the cabins at their various activities,  and I got such a warm feeling from all. 

As a lifestyle photographer, I seek out genuine emotions, and with these campers, I didn't have to look far, and I left with a camera full of images of happy campers. We may have staged some of the activities to make sure we got them all covered throughout the day, but the emotions and happiness were real.

As an alumni, I was happy to see the fun and traditions I enjoyed at camp are still upheld 22 years later. There's something satisfying about a timeless experience that is shared between generations.  

And as a parent, I was happy to see my kids happy.  I was happy to see your kids happy.  I was happy to see my kids creating lasting memories and friendships with your kids. I was happy to see the staff so invested in ensuring our kids are having a great camp experience.  I'm so glad to have these images to relive such a magical day. 

Alexis, Brad, Hanna, and Ian

I loved this family and I loved this session.  Followers of my blog hear me say it all the time, but when you relax and enjoy yourselves and your family in front of my camera, it gives me lots of So You moments to capture.  When I parked my car, I looked over and this colorful mural caught my eye.  It happened to also be an area that provided the shade we needed to keep us cool on this warm South Florida morning.  These guys played, and laughed, and snuggled, and snacked on pretzels, and I got to capture it all!

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!