Outdoor Santa Claus Mini Photo Sessions Return for a Second Year | Orlando Photographer

Santa Claus Mini Sessions in Orlando: Capture the Magic

For years, I have envisioned offering Santa Claus sessions for my clients, and after several years of debate, I finally made my vision a reality last year. While I'm normally not big into themed shoots, I will always make an exception for Santa Claus! They were SUCH a hit so, today, I’m making it official - Santa Claus is coming to Chuluota again!

About Our Chuluota Santa Claus Mini Sessions

Step away from the mall Santa and get ready for the REAL DEAL in Chuluota once again! Anticipate magic as your little one gets 5 precious minutes to walk and/or sit with Santa, sharing their heartfelt wish lists.

I'll be there to capture every moment, and each Santa session includes a keepsake ornament featuring a photo of your choice from your image selection. While smiles aren't guaranteed, don't worry, the crying shots are just as precious and fun to cherish in the years to come!

Early Booking Savings and Pricing Details

The early booking cost will be $55 for a sitting fee only. The sitting fee will increase to $100 24-hours after booking link is released. Images are purchased separately.

Booking links will be live soon! Subscribe to my email list via the link below so you'll get first dibs to the available sessions!

(This personalized experience is just for children - no adults please.)

Preparing for Your Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, or Family Photoshoot: Tips from an Orlando Photographer

As a lifestyle maternity, newborn and family photographer in Orlando, Florida, I understand that preparing for a photoshoot can be overwhelming. You want your photos to be perfect and capturing your family's memories in the best way possible. However, I want to assure you that I do most of the preparation for you. Here are some of the things I do to prepare for a photoshoot, and some tips for you to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience that yields stunning results with minimal effort.

1. We plan ahead: Before the day of the shoot, we will have already planed out the location, outfits, and time of day for the images (usually during golden hour for the most flattering light.) We’ve had multiple discussions and have considered what you want to convey through your photos, and we chose a location that suits the mood and feel you are trying to achieve.

2. We coordinate outfits: One of the services included in all of my collections is outfit coordination. I’m a firm believer that attire can make or break your photos. Coordinating your outfits in advance and ensuring that they complement each other and fit the location and theme of the shoot is crucial — and we’ve already done this well before the day of the shot! Have the outfits laid on the night before, ensure the they are wrinkle-free (and if they wrinkle easily you might even want to consider changing on location and bringing a bottle of Downy wrinke-releaser just in case!). Ensure nails are well-manicured, as it’s not uncommon for me to incorporate hands into my photos.

3. Get a good night's sleep: This one It may sound simple, but getting a good night's sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and look during the shoot. Being well-rested and relaxed will make it easier to capture natural and authentic moments with your family.

4. Pack a bag with essentials: Bring a bag with essentials such as water, snacks, and any necessary items for children like toys or pacifiers. You'll want to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy during the shoot to capture those genuine smiles and moments. Don’t forget extra hair ties, bobby pins, and some wrinkle releaser if your outfits will need it!

5. Relax and have fun: The most important thing is to relax and have fun. Enjoy the experience with your family, and let me capture those special moments. As your photographer, it is my job to ensure that your photos turn out beautiful and timeless and I take this job very seriously.

As you can see, preparing for a photoshoot doesn't have to be stressful. With these simple tips, we can make the most out of your session and create memories that will last a lifetime. As a lifestyle maternity, newborn and family photographer in Orlando, Florida, I'm here to help you capture those special moments and create beautiful memories that you'll cherish for years to come.

How much is newborn photography in Orlando, FL?

You may be asking yourself what to expect when it comes to the cost of newborn photography. The investment for professional photos can vary widely depending on so many factors — such as the type of session (newborn sessions are generally more time-intensive, thus cost more), and the specific services and products included in the package.

Some photographers include consultations, outfit styling, access to a client closet, and other perks leading up to the session. And, the investment will vary depending on what’s included — prints, digital files, and albums are some examples.

Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Experience matters: Newborn photography is a specialized field that requires skill, training, and experience. A professional photographer who has worked with newborns before will know how to handle and pose them safely, how to manage their mood and sleep schedule, and how to create beautiful and unique images that capture their personality and essence. An experienced photographer will also be better equipped to handle unexpected situations and to provide guidance and support to the parents during the session.

You get what you pay for: Choosing the cheapest photographer is never the best option. A photographer who charges significantly less than the average market rate may be inexperienced, unskilled, or cutting corners in some way (e.g., using low-quality equipment or not investing in ongoing training). A photographer who charges a higher rate is likely to have a higher level of expertise, better equipment, more time and resources to dedicate to your session, and exceptional customer service.

A profitable rate is a good sign: When a photographer charges a rate that is profitable for them, it shows that they value their work and are invested in providing a high-quality experience for their clients. It also allows them to cover their expenses, pay themselves a fair wage, and reinvest in their business.

Insurance is important: This one is so important. Ask your photographer if they have liability insurance. Not having liability insurance is a huge red flag.

Ask for a sample photo gallery: Before booking a photographer, ask to see a sample gallery of their previous work. This will give you an idea of their style, creativity, and quality of work. Look for consistency in lighting, composition, and editing style. Consistency is important so that you have a true idea of what your final gallery will look like.

If you think I might be the right fit you for, contact me to get on my calendar.

Child Modeling and Acting Headshots | Orlando Child Photographer

Is your little model or actress (or actor) in need of some updated images for their portfolio?

While adult headshots aren't my jam, I will gladly take alllll the kiddos! This session with sweet Giana was so much fun!

During their pre-session consultation, mom and I talked outfits and options for the background. We decided to go with blue for the background, because I just knew it would make her incredible eyes pop! For outfits, we went with black and white, but layered with a pop of pink and accessories for variety.

On the morning of their session, Giana sure did bring her personality, which you know I love. We got some silly, serious and smiley shots!

It was so hard to choose which images to share here but I THINK these are my favorite from the day.

I offer studio sessions like this year-round. Contact me for more info.

What is lifestyle newborn photography? | Orlando Newborn Photographer

Lifestyle, in-home newborn photography will always be a passion of mine, but I know these candid, authentic sessions aren't what everyone envisions when they want newborn photos. ⁠
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That's one of the many reasons why a pre-session consultation with whoever you are considering as a photographer is SO important.⁠
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An in-home newborn session may appeal to parents who have really focused on creating a beautiful nursery for their newest arrival, and wants this space that soooo many hours of labor (mind and physical) has gone into documented in their newborn story. ⁠
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You may prefer a concierge newborn photographer if you have a toddler at home already. Photographing a toddler in their own space tends to yield a happier, more comfortable child (hello authentic smiles!) I even go into big brother or big sister's room and take some time to bond with them so they feel extra special, too. ⁠
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Don't want the fuss of traveling with a newborn baby? I'm often told this is one of the prime reasons why lifestyle is the winner. You just had a baby! You are tired, you are overwhelmed, and now you have one less place to drive because I come to you. ⁠
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And, finally, FUR BABIES. Y'all, I'm a HUGE animal lover and 100% believe animals are your babies too. With in-home newborn photography, your whole family is included -- even the furry ones. ⁠
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After reading this, if it sounds like lifestyle newborn photography may be your preference and you'd like me to do this special job, be sure to reach out well before baby is here. I only accept a limited number of newborn sessions per month. ⁠Contact me here!
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By the way, there are some incredible photographers in the central Florida area that ROCK posed newborn shoots. And I'm always happy to refer clients that I'm not a good fit for because they prefer posed newborn photography to these artists. ⁠

Three benefits to indoor photography | Orlando Child Photographer

Looking for a fun and care-free photo session for your kiddos? Personality Portraits are always a great option!⁠
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While I adore shooting outdoors, indoor photography has its benefits, too. ⁠
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1) More flexibility with scheduling. When shooting outdoors, the best light is always around sunrise or sunset and, sometimes, that's just not ideal for families. I invested in studio lighting a couple of years ago and, because of this, we have complete flexibility over when to schedule your child(ren)'s Personality Portraits. ⁠
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2) Less dependence on weather. Don't get me wrong, I love living in Florida, but my goodness the weather is unpredictable. This time of year, it's not as common to have to re-schedule due to rain or heat... but that's certainly not the case year-round. I actually do not book outdoor sessions in the summer because of the heat and daily downpours, and the unpredictability of weather continues even through the fall! That's one HUGE perk to an indoor shoot - it's on, rain or shine! ⁠
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3) Controlled lighting. While I always strive for consistency with my images, I can't control mother nature. An outdoor photo on a cloudy gloomy day will have a bit of different look than an outdoor photo on a sunny cloudless day. Indoor photography with controlled lighting allows for more consistent and predictable results.⁠
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Outdoor photography certainly has its own benefits like stunning natural light, unique nature-filled backgrounds, and more space for kids to run around and be free. It's simply a matter of preference and what we want to achieve with the final image.⁠

Tips to Use When Scoping Out a Photographer | Orlando Newborn and Family Photographer

I've been thinking recently about what factors are important for clients when they are looking for the best photographer for them and their family, and I have some information I'd like to share.

First off, I'd recommend looking at their website and social media channels, and seeing what genres they specialize in. Photography is not always a catch all. A newborn photographer may not make a great wedding photographer and someone who focuses on posed newborns (think baby in a basket) may not have that eye for in-home lifestyle work (and vice versa). A photographer who is wonderful with rowdy toddlers may struggle posing teenagers. I specialize in lifestyle newborn sessions in the home my clients (I have been voted of the best newborn photographers in Orlando for the past two years!), as well as outdoor family sessions with younger children. It’s also clear that I have a love for pets, and adore incorporating your fur babies in any genre of photography that I am creating.

It’s also important that you ask about the photographer’s years of experience. I've been working as a photographer in the Orlando area for more than ten years and, over these years is how I’ve truly specialized in my art. If you are looking for a newborn photographer or a photographer who specializes in toddlers, knowing what experience your photographer has working with kids and babies is SO important because you want to ensure that the photographer has patience and flexibility required during these sessions.

Look for consistency and editing style in their portfolio, website, as well as social media presence. If you can’t find a lot online, before you book, ask a photographer to see a full sample gallery for the location and genre you’re inquiring about so you know what to expect as far as a final outcome. I tend to find a handful of locations close to the Oviedo area that I use for my outdoor family sessions every year. Below is an extended family session at one of my favorite spots!

If you look at my website and my social media channels, you can see that clients will receive a clean edit with true to life skin tones, and that the images will be in a lifestyle design. But, I also do my white backdrop personality portraits. Although these are different, you can still see the same personality shining through those photos...same is true of my online social media posts.

I hope you found these tips you can use when scoping out the many local talented photographers helpful, and that you find one that fits your needs and style! If you are in the Orlando, Winter Springs or Oviedo, Florida area, and I sound like the right match for you, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here.

Bringing your Pet to your Photo Session | Orlando Family Photographer

I'd like to share one of my favorite LOVES with you today....that is PETS!⁠
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I absolutely love when you include your family pets in your session!! ⁠The featured session below is on of my favorite outdoor sessions that included their dog. This family initially reached out to celebrate baby’s first birthday, but asked how I felt about incorporating their first baby too — the dog! Of course, I said YES!
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If you're nervous about how they would do out and about, or if the location you desire does not allow pets (we always need to check the rules, but I have many spots in the Orlando area that allows animals), then let's discuss doing your session at your home!
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Contact me if you’d like more information on a family photoshoot with your furry friend. we can chat about your pets, the best spot in the Orlando area for your family photographs, and how to best fit your per into your session!!

Orlando Family Photographer | My Number One Tip for a Successful Family Photo Session!

Want to know my number one tip for a successful family photo session? It’s SO simple. Just stay connected!

Now…this sounds like a funny tip…but by always staying connected to your loved ones during your session, that love and sense of togetherness will shine through in your images. ⁠
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So, if your child or partner is standing by you, hold their hand, touch their hair, pick them up, or graze their back or shoulder with your hand. ⁠
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The sense of love and intimacy is elevated and never looks awkward. So, there’s no need to worry about what to do with your hands during your session! ⁠Use them to stay connected to your family.
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