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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Sunrise Beach Family Session | South Florida Family Photographer

Summer is coming and my sister is expecting, so I plan to spend TONS of time in South Florida awaiting my nieces arrival (and snuggling her when she gets here, of course!).

Every time I am in South Florida, I LOVE getting my camera on beautiful families as the sun rises. I know the word 'sunrise' may seem scary, but I promise you that the colors will be beautiful, your family will have fun, AND then you have the full day to relax and enjoy the beach.⁠

Would you like to know if my schedule will work out for a beach session? If you're not on my email list, be sure to sign up asap and keep your eyes on my feed this summer for beach availability.

Birdie Turns ONE!

One of of my favorite things about my job is when I get the opportunity to photograph milestone sessions from past newborn clients! There is something so special about documenting a baby grow. Oh, what a difference on year makes!!

Did you know that, with every newborn collection booked, you get 20% off any milestone session during baby’s first year? Some parents use it for a 6-month session, but most use it when their baby is about to turn one! I just love how Birdie’s one year photos turned out.

You can watch her first birthday video by clicking the play button, or scroll down to just view the pictures.

Orlando Family Photographer | W Family at Rollins College in Winter Park

I have the pleasure of photographing the W family every year. For their 2018 photos, they requested a shoot at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

The campus is so beautiful, so I jumped on board at the chance to take some photos in an atmosphere that was different than my usual go-to field and beach locations.

The rain started falling as soon as we got there, but that didn’t stop me from getting some great shots of this beautiful family. Heck, if you ask me the drizzle almost looks like falling snow.

I’m about two years behind in blogging, but once I get their 2019 session up I will link here. We went back to Rollins and found some new, amazing little nooks to photograph in. I love how this one location can give you so much variety and two sessions could look like completely different spots!

Orlando Family Photographer | C Family in Oviedo

Fall family sessions are in full swing — and I just delivered this family’s gallery of photographs. I know I’ve been slacking on the blogging, but a session like this was just the motivation I needed to get back to it.

Telling you I loved everything about this shoot would be an understatement. Words can’t even express how much I enjoyed hanging out with this adorable family of four last weekend in central Florida. As you can see, the two little boys are the cutest — and mom and dad are some of the most beautiful (inside and out) people I know. And, y’all, they drove all the way from Tampa to meet me in Oviedo. From the mouth of of the girl who thinks driving anyway farther than 15 minutes is “so far away,” that meant a lot!

I sent mom the pin of the location I selected for our time together. When she pulled into the empty grass parking lot, she had commented about how this space was pretty basic — and not in a negative way at all, she was just making an observation and said it with a laugh. She trusted me, and she knew I knew what I was doing, but her comment really stuck with me, because so often clients (and photographers) search for these elaborate spots to shoot and, in my opinion, it’s just not necessary. All I need is some grass and trees, space for kids to run and play, and some golden light of course.

So, warning to future clients — I may ask you to meet me in an empty parking lot, or at a gas station, or at any other random place I find. But, I assure you, I have a vision and I have an eye for light. I location scout every time I’m on the road, or going for a walk — always thinking in my head if that run-down lot of nothing would be a good space for golden hour photos, or sunrise photos, etc.

And, if I do say so myself, this spot I’ve been eyeing for a while was pure perfection. And so was this family. I’m so thankful they chose me to take their family photos this year, and hope I get the opportunity to document these boys growing as the years pass.

Adorable Family of Four | Central Florida Family Photographer

It’s been more than 10 years (I won’t say exactly how much more) since I graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale. I have some great and not-so-great memories from that place, but one of the best takeaways from walking those outdoor halls (because if you went there, you know NEVER walk on the grass) is the many individuals I’ve had the privilege of keeping in touch with.

While Social Media certainly has its drawbacks, it’s undeniable that platforms like Facebook and Instagram facilitate keeping up with others no matter the distance. Lucky for me, this beautiful mama and I have stayed in-the-know of what’s been happening in each other’s lives - post high school and college.

When Lauren reached out to me a few months back about my schedule because she wanted some family photos, I was super excited. We had run into each other a few times at a mutual friend's house since we graduated from college, but I hadn’t yet met her adorable boys and it had been years since I’d seen her husband, who I also went to high school with. 

The moment her oldest son hopped out of the car, I knew I was in for some fun. And I sincerely mean that! To me, nothing is better than a rambunctious little kid! I don’t want kids to be on their “best behavior” because that’s boring. I want to capture wild. I want to capture crazy. I want to capture funny faces. I want to capture REAL LIFE. Yeah yeah, we started the session with the whole “Ok let’s get the look at me and smile out of the way with” but that was done and then we were all ready for some fun.

Well, not all of us. Poor baby Finley was NOT having it. I tried to reason with him, but the 5-month old didn’t listen. Weird… But I had some tricks up my sleeve and assured mom and dad not to worry, that I would get some sweet shots of him too. I blame teething for the lack of smiles, because I assure you I am very funny!

While the kids stole the show (they always do!) I absolutely fell in love with one of the shots I got of just mom and dad at the end of the session. When I showed it to mom, she said “That reminds me what I fell in love with at 14.” And I got teary eyed. Because that, my friends, is why I love what I do.

If you want some updated family pictures, I’d love to be the person to capture them! I’m now booking sessions in Central Florida beginning in August. CONTACT ME to get on my calendar.  

C Family’s In-Home Session | Costa Rica Lifestyle Photographer

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” Karl Lagerfeld said it first, but I couldn’t agree more. There is no better way to capture true, genuine moments than to hire a photographer for an in-home family session.

Over the holidays, I was contacted by this amazing family in Costa Rica who was in need of some annual family photos. After our initial discussion, I learned that they wanted their photographs to be done in their own home. I was elated, because one of my favorite places to shoot is inside a family’s home – where they are most comfortable.

Upon entry into their beautiful house, I was greeted by the two sweetest little boys who were eager to show me all of their favorite things! They relaxed and did that they wanted. They read, played with Legos, colored, climbed their favorite tree and had sword fights. I just took a step back, and captured it all as it was happening. No props, no posing – just real, natural fun.

These images are so special, because they really show who those boys are right now. My hope is that in 10, 15, 20+ years, the parents look back on these images and are immediately brought back to this exact time in their lives.  The time when they were living in beautiful Costa Rica, when their two adorable and amazingly-smart boys loved to read, play with Legos, climb trees and have sword fights.

Thank you, C Family, for inviting me into your home, and allowing me to capture your family exactly as they are.

If you’re interested in family photography in your own home, I’d love to hear from you! Contact me to book your lifestyle/documentary session!