Mother's Day is May 13th!! Don't screw it up THIS YEAR!!

April 11, 2018

I'm a mom, and I have two of them, and let me tell you, moms love to look at beautiful pictures of themselves and their babies, even when they aren't babies anymore. It's 2018! We give mom what she wants! And we show her how beautiful her love is and what it means to us that she keeps showing up to love us.

For all the late nights, middle of the nights and early mornings.
For all the kissed booboos and broken hearts.
For the times she stood up for you even when you weren't totally right.
For the times she just sat there quietly when she needed you.

But mostly for the everyday, very mundane, repetitive mommy motions that she performs with beauty and grace even if her hair is in a bun and she hasn't gotten out of yoga pants in 4 days. Mother hood is a journey built on ideals and hopes and dreams and then comes crashing in as the hardest job she will ever show up for.

But I am gonna help her see how beautiful all of this is. Then on nights when her deadlines are looming, her email is stacked, the baby is crying and the laundry is looking more and more like it's begging for a raging dumpster fire, she will be able to look at these images and feel SERENE ABOUT HER LIFE CHOICES.

$99 MAMA MINIS

She gets 30 minutes at Studio Be and access to the glorious studio wardrobe.
Sitting with her loved ones in whatever combination she chooses.
Choice of 3 images from gallery to download, share and print.
1 beautiful 8X10
(In time for Mother's Day if session scheduled, shot and selected by April 30, 2018.)

Let's face it. Motherhood is hard. Every day should be mother's day but actually days, weeks, HOW LONG GOES BY that we don't even thank her for what she is doing for us, and what she isn't doing for herself because she doesn't have time for it?

I am not saying that this special is going to CHANGE HER LIFE, so you might want to take her to brunch, too.

This baby is having brunch on her mom's FACE. Take her to brunch without the baby. — This baby is having brunch on her mom's FACE.
Take her to brunch without the baby.

Oh, and here is one more thing.

I know there is a mama out there who really needs this.
So comment here, or go to this post on my facebook page and nominate a mama that could really use this, and my kids will pick a winner on April 25th.

Your mama loves you. More than I do.

Get her this special because if I tell her about it and you missed out then she might stop making you eggs in the morning.

YOU CAN PURCHASE IT RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.

My Sisters, the Holidays, Memory Lane and Two Gorgeous Dresses

December 28, 2017

The holidays were AMAZING this year, and one of my favorite parts of it is watching the family grow. I have BROTHERS now! and Mom has SONS. And of that she is enamored. I feel like the family is finally complete, and of course, I have subjects to photograph at Christmas. Here is a picture of said gorgeous boys and a couple of presents from their doting mother-in-law.

WARNING: This post gets political as I zoom in on the socks she gave each of them.
(The views and opinions expressed by these socks are those of the socks and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any person in this picture.)

Mom couldn't stop giggling about these socks.

I think they even like each other. And might be starting a band.

BUT THIS POST ISN'T ABOUT THEM.

It's about my sisters!

These two have been lighting up my life since 1987-88. Probably the first little things I fell in love with, they have always been my living dolls. I get super excited when we all get to be together.

I get SO EXCITED, in fact. that I JUST MIGHT bring a trunk full of dresses and make them play dress ups for me. I mean, you are never to old for dress ups with your sisters. And I can never get enough of these two. And then I'm all LET'S RUN DOWNSTAIRS AND PLAY CATALOG MODEL. And they come. Because I am the big sister and there will be NO TURKEY OR NAPS until I get some PICS. :) (I'm the meanest!)

I am so crazy about these two. Best presents my parents ever gave me!

Every little thing they do looks like magic to me! I am smitten.

Aren't they lovely? My favorite part is getting pictures of them that I love capturing of my own daughters. It's like a time traveling experience. BABIES GROW UP TOO FAST!

I'll take "Pictures that make a mom cry." for 2000, Alex.

The dresses my sisters are wearing are from the newly released collection by Whims + Waves.
The texture and flow of the material was absolutely luxurious and soft. The halter dress could be styled for any occasion, and the teal keyhole maxi is just really would make a beautiful choice for bridesmaid dresses. They wanted to keep them forever, but as much as I love my sisters, they only gets dibs on LAST YEAR'S client wardrobe.

But I told them, and I will tell YOU, if you order from Whims + Waves and use my discount code (KVAND25), you can order these dresses for your very own closet, and get 25% OFF your order! No shipping in the United States.

Daytona Beach Shores - Family Beach Sessions

April 18, 2017

I absolutely love all 3 of these people.
But this little girl truly has my heart, because she looks so much like my baby sister.

daytona beach shores florida family photographer

I have 2 younger sisters, and 2 daughters, so I am a sucker for little girls.
They have the best hair.
And twirls.
And dreams.
And stories.

I get so inspired just sitting down and listening as they go on and on about what's in their brains. The things they think about. The ways they express themselves.

The way they are so honest for a camera.

The ways they love to play.
I just love that their hearts are so big and so free.

Family.

SPOILER ALERT: These hearts are so full of love.

ormond beach florida family photographer

New Smyrna Beach Florida Couple's Session

April 16, 2017

Her: What if it rains?
Me: Then we make magic in the rain!

I might have a special place in my heart for this couple, since they are MINE.
My sister and her THEN boyfriend were visiting for a weekend and nothing makes me happier than family members who value the gift of beautiful images forever.

These two recently tied the knot, and I had to blog these babies up (finally!) before I got to the wedding pictures!

Anyhoo, it was rainy, and beautiful and I am so happy they didn't let weather stop them from giving everything to these beautiful memories I was so lucky to document.

Rain happens.
Love happens.
And when the two mix?
MAGIC HAPPENS.

new smyrna beach engagement photographer

I love the way he hold her so gently,
more careful with her heart than she has ever been.

The way he makes her smile with her whole face.

This one is my favorite.
They are the cutest.

Rain brings in the moody clouds and windy sea oats.
You can't beat that.
It's the beach at it's best.

It's totally romantic to dance in the rain at the water's edge.
In a fancy tutu.

She loved every minute of this session.
I could tell.

Because sometimes the skies are dark, and the future in uncertain.
But I have you to hold me, so I will not fear the unknown.

twirl her....

hold her...

tickle her.

kiss her.

Love her like this.
Every day.
And I will let you live.

I've never seen her so happy!

To sum up:

1. My sister found an incredible guy and he has promised to love her and cherish her for absolutely ever.

2. Don't worry if it looks like rain for your picture day. But if it's a total downpour we can reschedule :)

3. My sister brought the t-shirt, and i dressed her in everything else. I love to help you figure out what to wear, and I want you to look your best! SO, let me help.

Couple's session are so good, and I absolutely LOVE documenting LOVE. Sessions begin at $350 and My dreams and visions are absolutely free. Call me at 407-595-4185 and we dream up a perfect session for you and true love. You deserve beautiful images of yourselves in your home. Let me turn your love into art.

Family Love - Ponce Inlet Family Photographer

April 12, 2017

When this sweet mama contacted me, I knew I had to connect with this little family.

She wanted some special pics before Daddy went back to work for a few months.

I just love documenting families.
I really do.

I think this one might be my favorite.
Maybe my second favorite.

The last one in this set is so good it is hard to choose!

Everybody knows I am a sucka for little boys.
This one's little fauxhawk and man shirt had me starry eyed.

Wait, no IS THIS ONE MY FAVORITE?

Despite Daddy not being a "picture person" he ended up really liking it.
When he saw the inlet jetty walk he immediately asked if we could get right out there.
I love that he fell into the adventure.
When Dads believe, anything is possible.

Wind in hair is my absolute favorite.
Let your hair free.
Let things happen.

Let magic become real...

Family Sessions are my favorite and sunset or sunrise is the way to make them PERFECT!
contact me at 407-595-4185 to talk about customizing your family session wardrobe/location/accessories to capture your beautiful life in the beautiful color it deserves.

Or black and white. If you are into that. ( I AM )

Daytona Beach Florida Maternity Portraits

February 28, 2017

Maybe I will never see anything as lovely as a mother to be.

The miracles involved in growing a new life blow me away but the beauty of a mother, this is blinding to me. The curves, the lines, the shape of a blossoming belly.

It all happens so fast.
And I want you to remember the best little bits.

Pregnancy isn't always pretty.Maternity portraits capture this beautiful part of your life at your best. — Pregnancy isn't always pretty.
Maternity portraits capture this beautiful part of your life at your best.

If you don't know what to wear, I have all kinds of options in the studio.
But also I just love bellies wrapped in cozy lounge-y clothes and soft textured fabrics.

We actually had to reschedule her session, because when her husband found out she booked with me, he really wanted to join her for a few. He just tapped into the wifi while we dressed and played around, and then I would call him in for a couple snaps when she was already in a great light and position.

I LOVE including dads. Seeing man with so much love in his heart does the world so much good.

daytona beach maternity and family photography

I love to do maternity sessions in this studio.
There is something so calming about the breezes that blow through the windows.

What is also great is I had a chance to show them the types of textures, wraps and props I have for newborn photos, so I know what to bring to their house for the newborns photos.

The waiting is the hardest part. I can't wait to visit them at home for in intimate in home lifestyle session with the new little one.

And they have a fur baby at home, so I am doubly excited about documenting all that sweet sweet love.

port orange florida maternity photography

Are you expecting? Because I would love to share your love story as it unfolds.

New Life - Daytona Beach Newborn Photographer

August 31, 2016

Ponce Inlet is for Families

August 4, 2014

Who knew I would have 2 (2!) former classmates come visit me during the same week.

Seriously, I used to ride the bus with this one, too!

I called it my "Magic School Bus Reunion" week of shooting...

This particular family is PARTICULARLY adorable as they one a handful of couples from my high school (Go SILVERHAWKS!) that were a couple IN HIGH SCHOOL. How deep is that love?

And how crazy when daughter walked around the back of the car when we first pulled up and looked JUST LIKE I remember her mother.

It kind of took my breath away.

I love what I do.
Mostly because I love who I do it with.
Every. Time.

Beautiful Sisters in the Sun

August 3, 2014

Taking a few moments from a crazy birthday shoot for fifteen 13 year olds to do some family shots. (When *I* was 13, I was friends and rode the bus with this 13 year old's mom.)

I can't tell you how much it means to me when friends from my past contact me for a session. Not only is it awesome to catch up, it is such an experience to see them now, as an adult, with their own children.

What is also amazing is seeing their former selves in their children.

Her girls are just at the age I remember her....