Sweet Ava At Five

As I get ready to head off to NY for a shoot this weekend….I can’t help but think about how excited I am to get home for Ava’s 7th Birthday.  Where Does The Time Go?  Had me thinking about a favorite shot I snapped at play date only a few months ago…no wait, it was actually two years ago now.  Enjoy every moment with those who are precious in your life….flies by too fast!

A new favorite find…. love letterpress paper, hawaiian sea salt chocolate caramels…and HAND CRAFTED CAKE TOPPERS. Found these in Blue Bird Bake Shop (bluebirdbakeshop.com) a local Orlando gem. Of course the red velvet and ultra rich chocolate cupcakes are not to be missed!

Beautiful inside and out…celebrating 10 years of success owning/buying/styling Zou Zou Boutique.

I’ve said it before…love what I do.  A recent shoot featuring the uber talented and sublimely charming James Bernard at the funkadelic Stardust Cafe.  A beautiful portrait that captures his spirit.  Take a gander…

On location in Florida….so fortunate to shoot an event styled by PALM SPRINGS EVENT PLANNER, Shari Kelley http://www.sharikelleyevents.com/. It’s inspiring to watch such a creative maven work her magic. Truly an artist, a meticulous marvel…Shari raises the bar for all things beautiful.

Props for fabulous styling by my art curator client turned stylist Ginger. Ginger effortlessly constructed a castle out of cardboard, dressed the girls in colorful frocks by Crewcuts, broke open her endless supply of crafts and we were set to shoot.  As always, favorite shots are unrehearsed and casual capturing impromptu moments and subtle nuances.  Of course I’m always there to mingle with clients and make suggestions – in this case one of my favorite shots came from a request to turn on some tunes, and a “challenge” to my client’s daughter to show me her best dance moves.

New clients often ask…what should we do on our shoot and what should we wear?   Wear clothes that are an expression of your style, ones that are comfortable and make you feel great.  As for what to do on our shoot…be patient…let moments happen, relax and have fun!

The other day I had the pleasure of photographing a long time client’s three spirited children.  Shoot planned, on location and the weather was just not cooperating.  Quickly while my subjects are still “fresh” I make the decision to head to the client’s house and shoot inside.  Excitedly the children tore off their “picture clothes” and changed into what they felt like wearing.  Now, you might think this mother of three would be upset that we were not shooting as planned, however it was quite the contrary…completely relaxed and laid back she enjoyed what ensued after we all made our way up to the kids’ bedrooms.   Because my client has known me and used my services for years, she understands how I work and knows that what will unfold will be priceless if we just hang out and ENJOY THE MOMENTS INSTEAD OF FORCING THEM.   I’m so thankful to all of my clients who have invited me into their lives year after year, getting to know their families – no formality, no forced shots simply taking time for the moments to unfold.  I received an email shortly after her work was posted…music to my ears…”there are so many great pics I don’t know how I’m going to choose!”

Shoot for The Martha Stewart Show

Commissioned to shoot for The Martha Stewart Show at Walt Disney World FL. A wonderful assignment that spanned three days, photographing Darcy Miller, the editorial director at Martha Stewart Weddings and her family. The images were used for a special project that aired on a segment of The Martha Stewart Show.

An early morning shoot with the incredibly talented Ansley Schrimsher of Dora Mae Jewelry Design.  I was like a kid in a candy store as I sifted through the beautiful collection of her one of a kind treasures…lucky me to be the recipient of some amazing pieces. Ansley combines vintage finds with modern materials to create her priceless works of art…

NYC….catching up.  I was elated to spend time with friend, music producer and fellow photographer Juan Patino. Since we were heading out to a favorite mexican cantina I pulled this beautiful gently worn shirt from his extensive wardrobe of fabulous finds. I think he’s quite photogenic – this is one of my favorites; a stolen moment in between the banter.