Orlando Documentary Session | Orlando Newborn Photographer

I photographed this family at their Orlando home while Mom was still pregnant with baby #2. Their documentary style session captured their life at home just before they became a family of 4. You can check out some highlights from that session here.

It’s always exciting (and an honor) to photograph a newborn but it’s especially exciting when you’ve already met and fallen in love with the family. Seriously, I loved photographing these guys. They are the sweetest.

We got to catching up and we had a wonderful laidback and casual documentary style session together. It’s freeing going into a session without any expectations.

I truly believe that these real life sessions at home are extra special. This family ended up relocating to Ohio and I am so glad that they captured sweet memories together in their Florida home. They will always have these photos of this special time to cherish and look back on. Real life, real smiles, real love.

Disney Family Photographer | Lifestyle Family Session

This family was visiting Orlando and planned their Lifestyle Session during their Walt Disney World vacation. We shot this session over at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

These kids were adorable inside and out - they were the sweetest little bunch.

Mom is a fellow photographer from Minnesota and our kids ending up having so much in common! I love meeting new people and by the end of a session I always feel like I’m photographing old friends :)

Click here if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World and have been thinking about updating your family’s photos. Disney vacations are a perfect time and place to capture memories plus it’s super easy to plan a session at the resort!

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:

Orlando Family Photographer | Lifestyle Family Session

Having family photos taken can feel pretty stressful but I always try my very best to keep my families as relaxed as possible. The less worries and expectations that you have about how the session will go, the more enjoyable it will be. Easier said than done, I know! But really, let me do all of the hard work and just go with the flow! Families that don’t take things too seriously are the very best to photograph ;) Have fun with your spouse, let the kids enjoy themselves and let me take care of the rest.

Some more laughs and hugs - my favorite way to finish up a session!

I hope you enjoyed this peek into a fabulous lifestyle session. If you’re looking for a family photographer with a relaxed and casual approach, get in touch! Winter in Florida is the perfect time for an outdoor session :)

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 ;)

Winter Park Family Photographer | Mead Botanical Garden

This Sweet Mama was looking to capture some family photos and portraits of her son before his first big haircut.

Check out this little boy and his curls. So adorable. 

Like a lot of kids, this little boy was not into the idea of a photo session. In fact, before we got started he made sure to let me know that he hates having his picture taken...

Game on!

When this Mom filled out her client questionnaire she used the words, "playful, foul mouthed, loud and obnoxious" to describe her family. I almost died laughing! Clearly, they were going to be my kind of people!

This family let me do my thing and kept their cool even when this kiddo didn't want to participate. We played games, we ran around and we let him do his thing.

This little boy had one of the biggest imaginations EVER! So awesome!

Not bad for a kid that pretty much refused to have his photo taken ;)

And the grown ups -  well, they were beautiful inside and out and I had a wonderful time photographing them. I truly believe that the best photos are made when people are themselves and have trust in the process.

I shoot from my heart and when families go with the flow that's when the magic happens. It allows me to capture authentic portraits that are relaxed, honest and beautiful. 

If you're interested in a Family Session at home or on location, get in touch, I'd love to help you create beautiful memories for your family. 

Around Our Clocks - 12pm | Orlando Family Photographer

Complete the circle to see how other photographers spent their 12:00pm. Up next is Madison, WI Birth and Family Photographer Catherine Hilcove.

Follow us on IG: #aroundourclocks2018

Central Florida Family Photographer | Downtown Orlando Family Session

My Lifestyle Sessions are perfect if you're looking to have casual, beautiful and fun photos taken of your family. I want everyone to have a stress free experience and enjoy having their photo taken in a way that truly represents their family. 

I met this family over at Walt Disney's Amphitheater Bandshell in Downtown, Orlando. I gotta say, I love photographing family's at home or in sentimental places. This was a new and really fun location!

It's no wonder this couple has 3 beautiful girls. Mom and Dad were both hot stuff. How adorable are they?!?!

Their little munchkin gave us a bit of a run for our money but Mom and Dad played it totally cool. I loved her spunky toddler personality and I kinda think she stole the show with her cuteness!

I always feel so lucky when I meet such awesome families. Mom told me they were thrilled with every photo and I can't tell you how happy that made my Mama heart :)

My Lifestyle Sessions are available year round. If you're ready to update your family photo with some real smiles and lots of laughs get in touch! I'd love to hear from you :)

Orlando Newborn Photographer | Documentary Style Newborn Session

My heart aches because I wish I had storytelling photographs like these when my babies were small. Raw, simple and honest. I love being able to deliver a session like this to a client because I know how much they'll treasure each and every photograph. 

Shooting these first time parents was extra special. I could feel their love and amazement over their sweet little boy. I can still remember that feeling from when my kids were born. It's that feeling you get when you look at your baby and you just can't believe how perfect they are. I love capturing that for families.

This shot right here is life with a newborn...how many of you can remember your countertop looking like this? 

I seriously love shooting Documentary Style Newborn Sessions. They're the easiest way to capture life at home with your newborn. Believe it or not, there's a way to have a stress free photo session with your baby...and this is it :)

During Documentary Style Sessions I photograph everything. Whether it's the bottles in the sink...

diaper changes...

or tummy time...

I document it all. 

Dad = such a natural…

Before heading out I grabbed some sweet details while Mom was holding her little man. I can't express how amazing this family was to be around. Their baby boy is so lucky. He hit the jackpot. 

There you have it, one of my favorite ways to capture life at home with a newborn. No stressing for Mom and Dad and a gallery full of the real life moments they shared with their baby. No silly props or Pinterest poses. Just real life and love. 

Want to see another Documentary Style Newborn Session? Click here to see another awesome and real session with newborn twins :)

Pillow Play | 5 on 5

This month I joined the ladies of the 5 on 5 Documentary Blog Circle to share a set of photos from a regular day at home. Normally I discourage the kind of crazy that leads to couch cushions on the floor followed by leaps and jumps but every once in awhile I'll grab my camera instead of being the "fun police" ;) 

These shots were taken and culled with my son in mind. He’s at this in-between stage in his life where he’s big enough to play rough but still very much a baby. I wanted to capture that along with the joy he experiences while playing with his favorite pal, his big sister. 

I ran for my camera the moment I saw him tearing the couch cushions apart…

Then I waited for a moment where I could get in close enough to feel like I was a part of the action too.

Being sure to capture him among the pillows. 

Rough landings and all!

When I realized that I was able to truly capture my children without posing or directing them it changed the entire way I approached photography. 

Nothing extraordinary is happening in this set but it doesn't mean these moments aren't worth documenting. I've captured my son's authentic joy as he bonds with his big sister.

When I look back at the photos I've taken over the last two years I don't just see cheesing faces. I'm reminded of the toys that were loved, the games that were played, the clothes that were worn and the way life felt during that particular time. In the background I can see the slow transformation of our home as we continue to tackle projects big and small. For me, it's all about being able to look back and remember things just as they were. I'm so glad to have these photos for my kids and they already enjoy looking through the photos that I’ve taken of them. 

Sharing next in this month's blog circle is Melissa Kayser, a St. Charles, MO documentary family photographer Head over and show her some love! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Newborn Twins | Orlando Florida Newborn Photographer

My heart skipped a beat when this Mama told me what she wants to remember when she looks back at this time in her life. She told me that it's, "the chaotic, fun times, the hard but rewarding moments, all of our efforts that show the huge love we have for our kids, our little apartment that we can call home, humble but full of memories, the beginning of this journey with kids." 

Her words spoke to my heart on so many levels. Documentary Style Sessions are all about letting go of expectations and capturing reality. It's about embracing and loving the life that you live - even when the words you use to describe it are hard, chaotic and humble. There's beauty to be found all around us. It's found in the spaces that we live and in the moments between us and our children. 

These sessions are meant to be a peek into our lives. They'll serve as a reminder of the things we did, what we were like and how our lives felt. It's not only a gift for us but for the generations to follow. 

These parents made having a toddler and newborn twins looks easy. Okay, maybe easy isn't exactly the right word...but their teamwork persevered and their loving personalities and patience shined through the entire session. 

At times, things did get a little chaotic: imagine a hungry baby x2 but shooting with a documentary approach helped keep the vibe relaxed for everyone. Mom was busy nursing like a champ for a lot of our time together and Dad stepped in to help with bottles and diaper changes. Big Sister stayed close to her new siblings and loved on them along with Mom and Dad. 

It was an absolute pleasure hanging out with this family. Once again I photographed a family brave enough to embrace the Documentary Style and it allowed me to capture their "right now", their "ordinary" and their "love".

The family ended up moving out of this apartment a few months after their session and I know they are so glad that they had this special time documented. Like Mom had said, it was the beginning of their journey with kids.

For me, the very best part, aside from the photos, is that we ended this session as friends :)

Ready to document this special time when your baby is still new and small? Send me a message, I'd love to chat!

Documentary Family Session | Orlando Family Photographer

This family totally embraced the documentary style session. They did their thing and I photographed them. It was a documentary photographer's dream :) 

I photograph my documentary families the same exact way I photograph my own. My approach includes crouching, crawling, climbing and a lot of other awkward and strange positions that usually puts the people I'm photographing at ease. 

Anyway, I love that these sessions are as honest as they are unique. I get to capture families living. For real. I'm capturing a story. Their story. I'm freezing a moment in time for these families and to me, that's really, really special.

I'm a big believer in photographing the everyday things. I know that one day artwork will stop covering their walls...

...and epic water balloon fights won't break out in the middle of the afternoon. 

Think about your day. What was different 6 months ago? What will change 6 months from now? Our lives and routines are always changing. 

It's why we should always remember to embrace the place where we live, the people we love and the things that we do  <3

Ready to give a documentary style session a try? Click here! I'd love to crouch/crawl/climb around and photograph your family ;)

Lifestyle Family Session | Orlando, FL

Some of my favorite images are the in-between moments when everyone forgets they’re being photographed. It’s in these short moments that I am able to capture something honest and real.

When I began documenting my life at home and photographing my client's without direction there was a lot more honest and real being captured. I realized that those images were the ones that really made me feel something. Feeling something and connecting with my clients - that's what inspires me as an artist. For me, it has nothing to do with what happens when a family poses and smiles for the camera and everything to do with what happens when a family is living in the moment. That's what I want to capture.

As much as I'm shooting for my clients I'd be lying if I said I wasn't also shooting for myself. I shoot from my heart and not from a list of Pinterest poses.

I want to be in the moment with you and your family. I want your kids to be 100% themselves. I want to capture more than just what your family looked like but how you made each other feel... 

Lisa, thank you for allowing me to do my thing while you and your family enjoyed hanging out together. There's nothing better than photographing families full of love, like yours.

Interested in a Lifestyle Family Session like the one above? I'd love to chat with you about these fun sessions that will capture your family honestly and beautifully. Click here to get in touch. 

In Home Family Session | Central Florida Documentary Photographer

Sessions in and around a client's home are my absolute favorite. Why? Because there's no place like home. Because my favorite childhood photos are the ones that were taken at home. Because to me, real life is way more interesting and beautiful than anything you'll ever find on Pinterest.

I spent a Saturday morning with this family a few weeks before their second baby's due date. I can still remember how special those last few days were with my daughter, those very last days when we were still just a family of 3.

Very soon this family's Saturday mornings will change but when they look back at these they'll be able remember what a Saturday morning was before they were 4. 

Want to have your family's story told in pictures? Let's do it! Send me a message here.