Aruba 2018 | Personal

10 years ago, my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Aruba. I still can’t believe that 10 years has passed us by so quickly! We thought it would be fun to go back and visit the island (this time with our kids) as we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary back in December.

Our first trip was an escape to the beach during New York’s cold winter. Going back 10 years later (as Floridians) was a bit different. We’ve definitely been spoiled by the sunshine state and it almost felt silly to have traveled so far away when we have our own paradise so close to home.

I had high hopes of documenting our entire vacation from start to finish but quickly realized that was not only unrealistic but also impossible. Sometimes I’m sad when I miss opportunities to take photos when we are visiting new places and doing new things BUT I’ve learned that it’s always more enjoyable for everyone when I’m present in the moment too!

I relaxed, I had fun, and I only took a few pictures...but I’m okay with that :)

A few from #onehappyisland:

Hilton Hotel Aruba.jpg
Girl in Black Believe In Mermaids Bathing Suit Orlando Documentary Photographer.jpg
Boy Having Sunscreen Applied to His Face Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Dad Carrying Pink Pool Float Orlando Documentary Photographer.jpg
Dad Carrying Pink Float on Aruba's Beach Family Vacation.jpg
Girl in Pink Float in the Ocean Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Boy in Puddle Jumper Aruba's  Beach Family Vacation.jpg
Girl in Ocean on Pink Float Aruba Family Vacation.jpg
Happy Hour Cocktails Aruba Family Vacation.jpg
Portrait of Girl in Aruba Submarine Documentary Family Photographer.jpg
Family Silhouettes in Aruba Submarine.jpg
American Boy in the Sand Hilton Aruba.jpg
Spilled Cocktail on Beach Chair Hilton Aruba.jpg
Boy Playing in Sand at Sunset Aruba Hilton.jpg
Orlando Family Shadow Portrait in Aruba Sand.jpg
Girl in Pink Hat in Pool Chair Aruba Hilton.jpg
Father and Son Aruba Ocean Orland Family Photographer.jpg
Father and His Children in Aruba Ocean at Sunset Orlando Documentary Photographer.jpg
Pink Pool Float in the Sand at Aruba Hilton.jpg
 

September 2018 | Personal

Family Photojournalism and Family Documentary Photography speak to my heart but it's really hard for me to put into words exactly why. I guess it's the rawness. It's the honesty. It's the nostalgia. It's the acceptance. Accepting life for what it is and making a tangible memory out of it.

I love that I'm growing a collection of images for my children of their childhood. After all, they're the reason I pick up my camera in the first place.

It's been awhile since I committed to a few hours of personal storytelling. I picked up my camera today and documented my morning. I've been dealing with some anxiety lately. Add in a bunch of cardiology appointments and tests that are leaving me feeling more and more anxious. It's a vicious cycle. Picking up my camera on a rainy morning was just the medicine that I needed. 

Backyard on a Rainy Day Orlando Family Photgrapher.jpg
Toddler on Toilet Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Dog Food and Banana on Kitchen Counter Orlando Documentary Photographer.jpg
French Bulldog Puppy Orlando Documentary Photographer
Toddler Brushing Teeth Central Florida Documentary Family Photographer
Mother and Son Bathroom Selfie Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Boy Playing with French Bulldog Puppy Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Toddler Boy Sitting on Bench in Bathroom Orlando Lifestyle Photographer
Mother and Son Hugging Orlando Lifestyle Photographer
Toddler Boy On Step Stool Playing with Tools in Living Room Orlando Family Photographer.jpg
Kitchen Sign in Kitchen Central Florida Documentary Photographer
Kids Artwork on Fridge Family Session Orlando.jpg
Boy Reaching to Wash Hands Orlando Family Session

I know that a lot of you are interested in this type of photography for your own family but have fears and reservations. I get that. I sometimes feel vulnerable taking or sharing certain photos too! I hope that as you get to more about me, you will feel a little more comfortable and maybe even brave enough to try out a Documentary Style Session for yourself. In the meantime, check back to see what else I'm brave enough to share over here on the blog ;)