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:

Documentary Family Photographer | Orlando, FL

Right before the New Year I photographed the most amazing family at their home in Orlando. I have been dying to share their Documentary Family Session ever since! It’s always an honor being invited into someone’s home to photograph their family and there is something really special about capturing a family’s day without any posing or direction.

When Mom saw their family’s gallery she wrote: “Nicole, I am in tears!!! (The good kind) these pictures are BEAUTIFUL!! Oh my goodness, I can’t put into words how precious these pics are of our little family and home in this season! You captured our girl and our family so magically, so accurately! I cannot quit staring at them! These will absolutely be treasured, and I feel like you have managed to freeze time for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a beautiful gift you have!” 

Since having a family of my own, I realized that a family’s truth is more meaningful for me to capture than anything that I could style or orchestrate. I love when families trust in the process to just be themselves because it allows me to capture ordinary moments. If you’re anything like me, it’s the ordinary that holds so much significance. Like this Mom said, it’s like freezing time.

If you’re interested in a session like this for your own family click here to get in touch!

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. 

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 ;)