Sunkel Family Beach Session

My favorite part of family photography is capturing the essence of love and togetherness, and this Family Beach Session with the Sunkel Family was absolutely breathtaking in so many ways.

We hit the sands of Vero Beach, Florida to snap the photos of their dreams! This family is so beautiful, and their inner sparkles just shine. I can’t be happier with their gallery.

Melanie is a dedicated homeschool mom from the VBA family, and she exudes a warmth and patience that's both inspiring and comforting. Phil is a realtor who also dabbles in photography. Together, they have nurtured a family full of life, love, and laughter.

The day was radiant, with the sun casting a golden glow over the beach. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting for our session.

The Sunkels came dressed in coordinated outfits featuring flowy fabrics and light and neutral tones, which complemented the beach's natural palette. Awesome job!

We began with the standard portraits, capturing the family's warmth and closeness. The children, each with their own distinct personality, added a lively dynamic to these initial shots.

As the session progressed, the true magic began. Moving beyond the structured poses, the family embraced the playful spirit of the beach. Unfazed by the prospect of getting wet, they headed towards the water, ready for some spontaneous fun.

The kids reveled in the freedom of the open beach, had an absolute blast playing in the waves. These unguarded, joyful moments are the ones that families treasure for years to come.

Capturing these moments for the Sunkel Family was not just about photographing their togetherness, but about documenting their spirit, their joy, and their love. I’d say we nailed it!

Thank you, Melanie, Phil, and kids, for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful day at Vero Beach. It was so much fun creating this gallery, and I wish you all the best!

Bring Home the Magic with a Disney Photo Session!

As many of you know, my camera and I have been fortunate enough to follow families through the enchanting experience of Disney World in Orlando. There’s nothing like capturing the magic.

Each time I step into Disney World with a family, it feels like walking into a living storybook. The vibrant colors, the iconic landmarks, and the infectious excitement in the air make it a photographer's dream.

I've found that every family brings their unique sparkle to this magical setting, and that's what makes each session so special. From the first glimpse of Cinderella Castle to the delighted squeals on the Dumbo ride. These moments are just waiting to be captured!

What I love most about these sessions is the beauty of the unscripted moments. Disney has this unique way of bringing out the childlike wonder in everyone — and that's where the magic happens.

The unguarded laughter, the wide-eyed amazement, and those quiet moments of family togetherness are what I aim to capture. The parades, the character encounters, and those magical fireworks provide the perfect setting for breathtaking photos. It's all about finding those perfect spots and timings to capture the essence of the Disney experience.

But Disney World isn’t the only place in Orlando! This city is brimming with fun adventures. Whether you're considering moving here or just visiting, there's something for everyone in this lively city.

I was also recently interviewed for a RedFin article about the best activities in Orlando, where I shared about my experience with the Disney Wilderness Campground. It's an honor to be recognized, and I'd love for you to check it out.

And if you’re interested in booking a Disney Session, let me know! I’m on the fence this year about whether or not to renew our season passes. Regardless, I can’t wait to make more magic with my camera this year!

Whalen Family Celebrate a New Puppy with a Family Beach Session

Oftentimes, when I photograph family growth, it means a new baby! However, this time, I had the opportunity to document the Whalen Family as they celebrate the adoption of their new puppy, Tux!

Vero Beach is known for its breathtaking beaches and tranquil atmosphere, and it provided the perfect backdrop for the Whalen family’s photo shoot. However, things didn’t go as planned for our original session date.

It started raining, which is a common thing here in Florida, so we rescheduled for another date. Meg and Danny were so flexible about the timing, and everyone was still ready to smile a few days later!

On the rescheduled evening, the skies were still not looking great, but we still managed to create some magic. The slightly overcast sky gave our photos a soft, natural light that enhanced the warmth of the family.

In addition to the new puppy, Danny and Meg have two amazing kids: Rosie and Joey! Meg is a talented artist and illustrator known for her delightful children's books, and she homeschools the kids. Way to go, Mom!

Rosie and Joey's playful energy, combined with Tux’s adorable antics, made for some fantastic photographs. Wether it was walking alongside the beach or playing with the sand, we focused on creating great memories that showed how beautiful their relationships are.

Working with the Whalen family was such a great experience. Their relaxed approach and willingness to embrace the moment helped us create a stunning collection of images that they will cherish for years to come.

These images tell a story of love, family, and the simple joys of life. As a photographer, it was a privilege to capture these precious moments for the Whalens.

Thanks so much for choosing me as your family photographer! It was so wonderful seeing you all again and meeting Tux. See you next time!

Family Session with the T Family at McKee Botanical Gardens

There are few things more rewarding than documenting a family's journey over a period of time, capturing their growth and changes through my lens. This session with the T Family at McKee Botanical Gardens continued their story.

I originally met the T Family through a referral, but have now had the pleasure of photographing several sessions for them! It’s always great to see them, and I’m always amazed at how much the kids have grown.

We went to the McKee Botanical Gardens, which is full of enchanting landscapes and a diverse collection of plants. It’s so healing to come here and enjoy all of the greenery. I know that the T Family felt the same.

Photographing at McKee Botanical Gardens comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The garden closes early, so we had to work within a time frame that ensured we captured the best light.

Shooting in bright sunlight can be tricky, but my previous experience at McKee Gardens gave me the advantage of knowing exactly where to find beautiful shaded areas that offered interesting backgrounds for close-up portraits. These spots provided a soft, diffused light that highlighted the family's features beautifully.

For wider shots, we embraced the full sun, using it to our advantage to capture the family against the stunning, vivid backdrop of the gardens. The bright, natural light brought a lively and vibrant feel to these photos, complementing the family's energy and the lush greenery surrounding them.

Unfortunately, one of the kids wasn't feeling her best today. Family photo sessions can sometimes be unpredictable, especially with young children involved.

However, the parents navigated the situation with kindness and grace, ensuring that their child felt comfortable and cared for. This empathy and care allowed us to slowly but surely draw her into the session, which allowed us to capture some truly fantastic shots for the final gallery.

Navigating the gardens and dodging other visitors was part of the adventure. Having shot here before, I was familiar with the more secluded spots, allowing us to have intimate moments without the interruption of passersby. This familiarity with the location enabled me to focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the T Family.

As their family photographer, I am honored to be part of these precious moments and look forward to many more sessions with them in the future. Thanks for choosing me for your family photos, T Family!

Musselman Beach Family Session at Riomar Beach in Vero Beach, FL

There's something truly magical about Beach Family Sessions, especially around the holidays. This season, I had the privilege of photographing the Musselman Family at Riomar Beach in Vero Beach, FL for their Christmas cards.

I was thrilled when the Musselmans chose me for their special family photo session, knowing that select images from our gallery would help spread Christmas cheer to all of their family and friends.

The Musselman family are brand-new clients of mine, and they are a vibrant blend of personalities and passions. The Mom, Linda, is the entrepreneurial spirit behind Byzantine Market, where she sells 100% handmade and 100% delicious treats with no additives or sugar.

Her husband, John, alongside their children, Laurel and Johnny, complete this picture-perfect family. Each member brought their unique energy to the session, contributing to a collection of photos that are as dynamic as they are.

Our rendezvous was set at Riomar Beach, which was the perfect setting for our Beach Family Photo Session. Known for its stunning vistas and tranquil ambiance, we had no trouble at all making this beach our own.

The Musselmans arrived early, bubbling with excitement and ready to start. What stood out to me was the level of cooperation from everyone, including the kids, which is always a delightful surprise in family photography!

Linda, with her keen eye for detail, came prepared with a list of specific photos she hoped to capture. While I always carry a list of go-to shots for family sessions, having input from the family ensures that the session is tailored to their exact wishes. This collaboration ensures that the final images are not just reflections of my artistic vision but are deeply personal and meaningful to the family.

Throughout the session, the Musselmans thrived. Their natural bond and comfort with each other shone through in every shot. Whether it was candid laughter, tender embraces, or playful poses with the children, each photograph captured the essence of their family bond.

They were also unafraid to play! We captured shot after shot of them playing in the sand and the waves, just enjoying the feeling of being together. It’s clear that they loved every second of our session!

In the end, I bet Linda and the family had such a hard time choosing just one photo from our gallery to feature on their Christmas card. These are all winners!

I am deeply grateful to Linda, John, Laurel, and Johnny for choosing me as their photographer and for allowing me to be a part of capturing their family's story. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!