One of the most beautiful places in the United States. So magical. The rain and cold didn't even bother me. I was so distracted by gorgeous trees, streams, wild elk, and deer. To make this situation even better, I had the privilege of documenting these beautiful families and couples. Here are a few sneak peeks.
The Sigmans // Family Session // Bonita Springs Family Photography
Dreamy light, crystal clear water, and curious cranes at this beautiful family session in Bonita Springs.
ANTHONY + CHRISTINA // A dreamy chic Arizona wedding
I've known these two since High School. Anthony was always the popular down to Earth guy. Christina was more quiet, and had a small close knit group of friends. To know them separately and together is knowing that you're in the presence of true love. Congratulations you two. I am so, so happy that I was able to be a piece of your love story. It was so much fun being around old high school buddies. Here are some highlights of your day.
A stormy Lover's Key vow renewal // Fort Myers Beach Photographer
These two found love 14 years ago. Yesterday, they renewed their love for each other in front of friends and family on Lover's Key. This time, their 3 beautiful children were able to attend the ceremony. As we entered the beach we saw a large black cloud closing in on the beach. We could see a thick rain wall. We were so nervous! Luckily, it barely avoided us. Everything was so beautiful and I am so honored to have captured a small piece of their love story.
Why I decided to trade in my iPhone for a flip phone // Your mind is beautiful but you're not giving it a chance
A few weeks ago I got angry. Very angry. So angry that I threw my phone at a wall. The screen burst into a million pieces. Before anything else I was already using my fiance's cell phone to file an insurance claim so that I could have a new phone the next day. I've broken many, many phones. In fact, I'm pretty much known for it. That night, I was driving to a photoshoot and I got to thinking. Why are we (humans) spending so, so much money on such fragile technology that we feel like we NEED? I've simply dropped my phone while on the toilet (1.5 foot fall) and it broke. Yet, I shovel out more and more money for this device thats poisoning me.
1 week later I was in my car driving. I saw a spider, and started to panic. All I had was of course, my smart phone within arms length. I cracked and broke my phone trying to kill a tiny little spider. 2 weeks later, I was on a boat with clients and I asked my fiance to hand me my camera bag. As he handed it to me, my phone slipped out and fell right into the lake. I wasn't sad. Worried. I felt relieved.
We have so many distractions lately. So many social media accounts to check, and stay up to date on. We literally document our every move. Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter, and the list goes on and on. Why do we need all this at our fingertips 24/7?
I've noticed that any task is now boring. Every night, I read my daughter two books, and rub her back while she falls asleep. This task would bore me. So much so, that I felt the need to scroll through facebook with my left hand, and rub her back with my right hand. Why couldn't I just enjoy watching my child all snuggly and cute in bed?
When we aren't on our phones we constantly feel as if something is missing. Something is not right. I can't eat a meal without being on my phone because eating a meal is now boring. It's boring because our brains are now accustomed to always having that phone to scroll though and provide an extra dose of entertainment.
The other night I was driving home from a photoshoot and I got bored driving. Yes. Bored Driving. I pulled up facebook on my phone and 10 seconds later police lights were blinding me in my mirror. I was pulled over for going 44 in a 25. I wasn't paying attention to the speed limit signs because I was on Facebook. I just HAD to see what I had missed for that one hour where I couldn't check Facebook.
Some might say "I run a business, I need a smart phone" my answer to that is no you don't. In fact, imagine how much better your life would be if you didn't have one. You would set work hours for yourself, and when the work day is over, it's over. You'd get MORE work done. Spend time with your loved ones. If a client email comes in, guess what? It will be there tomorrow. Those moments with your loved ones won't be. Check social media through out the day on our computer and then move on.
What is so wrong with being lost in our thoughts? No one is lost in their thoughts anymore, and if they are they get bored. We feel the obsession of posting our thoughts, and reading others. You go to National Parks and see people using their cell phones constantly. They take an image. They post it on all social media accounts, but then they have to constantly check the comments, likes. We live off validation that our lives are cool enough for likes, and comments on social media apps. It's sad.
That's why I decided 4 days ago to pick myself up a flip phone. It's the best thing I've done in a long time. I check facebook a few times while I'm working, and then at night I have zero distractions. My fiance doesn't have to stare at me, staring at my phone instead of talking and enjoying each other. I cherish those back rubs with my daughter. I enjoy my drives to photoshoots. Roll down the windows and think about how blessed I am.
I challenge you to be lost in your thoughts. Your mind is beautiful but you're not giving it a chance to show what it's capable of. You're not allowing you to be yourself anymore.
Sharaya + Elizabeth // Mommy & Me // Rock Springs, Florida
I've known this mama since high school. She's a beautiful person inside & out. I was so excited to capture her being the great mother that she is.
Cindy, Kyle, and baby Corina // Family Session // Rock Springs, Florida
I have wanted to shoot here for YEARS. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. It felt like we weren't even in the USA. The caves, small cliffs, and crystal clear aqua water was perfect. I'm so glad to have captured these memories for this beautiful family. Cindy was one of my best friends in High School. She is an amazing mother, and person. It's crazy to see her as a mommy, and fiance to Kyle who is an amazing father.
Baby Reese // Lifestyle Session // Fort Myers Photographer
Loved documenting this gorgeous family cuddling with their newest little squishy.
Baby Aiden // Sneaks {Fort Myers Newborn Photographer}
I love lifestyle newborn sessions so much. They are so organic, and raw.
Walt Disney World // Magic Kingdom Session
My dream came true a few weeks ago, when Tonya asked me to document her gorgeous little family, celebrating Kenzie's 3rd birthday at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It was literally non-stop fun, and excitement. Side note, I am currently working on my website - It's very sloppy and I apologize in advance.
