Newborn Session: In-home and in love with this baby girl in Port Orange, Florida

October 15, 2017

This rosy little face was just the sweetest!
Nothing I love better than a good in-home snuggle session with a brand new baby.
The house was full of hustle and bustle and lots of pink and even more love.
No wonder I caught this itty bitty baby smile.

wrapped up tight or showing all that baby skin?
I can't decide.
I love her every way!

This big sister was the proudest of all!
She was so content to sit for a minute and love on her new baby sister for a pic.

She also made some cute cheeky faces and licked the baby.

PERFECTION.
#thisissisterhood

It was such a pleasure to connect and capture these lovely ladies in their beautiful home.
Everybody is so much more comfortable in their natural environment.

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Beauty.

Never been so big.

My favorite moment.
Quiet little outtakes with the pupper in the room they live and love in.
SO loved.

On Fertility Goddesses and Maternity Portraits - Florida Maternity Photographer

August 16, 2017

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment
until it becomes a memory."
-Theodore Seuss Geisel

Pregnancy is like that. Feeling kicks for the first time. Laying awake and dreaming up this little person, their future, how they will feel in your arms, how they will feel in your heart.

It seems like a long time to wait.

Until it is over.

It becomes a memory. One that is hard to hold tight to, as these memories give way to more memories of little coos.
little footsteps.
little milestones.
little sleep.
long days.
short years.

TIME.

shadows and dreams and memories of bellyhood

I know a lot of times it is hard to feel pretty and pregnant at the same time. I have been there. But I also see the value in art history and a culture rich with fertility goddesses. This round, burgeoning human cosmos orchestrated by the deep, inner calling of motherhood, artfully created, exquisitely crafted - I resonate to the sound of the fertility figure.

It's always been my favorite.

I remember the waiting and anticipation, the feeling that every moment had weight to it.

I remember wanting to remember.

And I am not really sure I remember anymore. I am so happy to have the pictures my husband took of me, and the ones I timed on the tripod and ran into. But if I could go back and make other choices, I would wish to have images like these.

That's what I am thinking when I shoot these scenes.
I am trying to remember.

I try to find the shapes and shadows that give little glimpses into the best parts.

whispers of hopes and the ether of anticipating the unknown.this is the quiet business of growing babies. — whispers of hopes and the ether of anticipating the unknown.
this is the quiet business of growing babies.

I love layers and textures in fabrics and human-ness and I am happy to share any of the wonderful trappings of the studio closet for you to play with and choose from because I want to make you feel amazing and beautiful and still very REAL.

And I will love it if you bring loved ones who are also anticipating their new roles and dynamics as all the little pieces of your life puzzle discover another part of your big picture.

I want to help you remember exactly as it was before it all became a new beautiful journey.

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I will bend and angle you and we will find your perfect inner fertility goddess.
We will pull her out of the clay and make her real.

Because these won't be snapshots or images your mom took.
These will be the art of you making art with your body.

And when your baby is old enough to see this, they will be in awe of the Queen you were that day, when you were still constructing all of their beautiful details and dreaming of their little lashes and curls and coos and accomplishments.

They will be able to see everything you poured into creating their place in this world.
They will see you.

THE REAL YOU.

The you they deserve to discover.

Pregnancy is a milestone you don't want to miss out on documenting. And neither do I.
Let me tell your love story.
Nobody loves it like I do.

daytona beach shores maternity photographer

Daytona Flash Wedding - Elope in Daytona Beach Shores

August 6, 2017

So I have a little thing I do on the side with a lovely friend of mine who is a local pastor/notary/wedding planner that is SUCH A GUILTY PLEASURE.

We take perfectly wedding-able couples and we ditch all the extra anything. 95% of brides at some point turn to me and say, "We should have eloped."

Every bride/family/wedding is different, so it's always for so many different reasons, and this is why I LOVE ELOPEMENTS. No tangled webs, no extra people to accomodate, and the easiest breeziest brides and grooms ever.

So whether I meet you at a hotel or the wedding site, I do love getting small details and a couple "getting ready" shots. I mean just because it isn't a BIG wedding doesn't mean it isn't a BIG DEAL. Because it IS a BIG DEAL. And I am super excited for you!

I call it a FLASH WEDDING because we just show up and get married, wherever you'd like. We get in there and vow up, pose and leave before anyone even asks us to. All the fun, the dress, the make up, the flowers, the officiant, the only thing you need to bring is your Florida Marriage License, so we can get you all OFFICIAL.

Lynn is amazing and she will serve up whatever kind of service you would like. Want it short and sweet? She's got you. Want to write your own vows? Perfect. Whatever you have in mind, your wedding words will be crafted to fit your personality and wedding vibe.

You get to kiss the bride.

And then we take off to a gorgeous spot and I encourage y'all to hold hands and make out and give me sexy faces and funny faces. I will request that you dance, and spin her. I will ask you to grab her close and tell her about the time you were most proud of her. I will ask you to tell him your favorite future of your life together. I will ask you to fall together giggling and flirting. I will tell her to look up at you and bite her lip and bat her eyelashes.

And right when you tell me "I can't really do this I don't know what I am doing!" I will assure you that you already have, and to keep doing exactly what you are doing.

We will adventure. We will explore different canvasses and backdrops for your gorgeous love.

We will take a moment to chill.
I mean, y'all just got married! Let's talk about THAT for a minute.

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We will play and dance and walk some more.
You will make her laugh.

YOU will make him smile.

I'll ask you both to whisper secrets. To dream together.

And when it is all said and done (about an hour and half for the whole thing) we will be exhausted. We will hug our goodbyes and you will drive off into the sunset.

And I will go home and download your images and fall in love with your love story all over again.

daytona beach shores wedding photographer

Senior Sessions - Fashion and Fun

August 2, 2017

Oh, to be 17 again!

So young and fun and full of spunk! Or angsty. YOU BE YOU.

You want the best pictures in the world but you insist you are "AWKWARD" and I want to tell you, I MAKE AWKWARD AWESOME.
And you, no matter how you protest, do not LOOK as awkward as you FEEL. At least, not by the time I am done with you.

Senior Sessions are SO GOOD.
I know that many people just take what everybody else gets when it comes to Senior Pictures, but this is such a beautiful, wonderful milestone achievement that a portrait session should really shine a light into this child fast becoming an adult.

Parents - Before you know it, your (not so) little love will be out in the real world, getting their own apartment, finding a path, setting a course, sailing out to their beautiful future.

I can't even. It just all goes SO FAST.

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Seniors - So you want a private Senior Session. What does that look like?

First of all, let's talk wardrobe. We will want a few options that really show who you are, what you like, and make you look your best. I tend to shoot seniors with a more editorial vibe, so we can pull of some fun, fashionable shots that are magazine worthy and will make your friends and family wonder how you got SO MADE.

These pictures will be 100% you. The things you like, the personality you shine with, the world you love. Of course I don't expect you to be a seasoned model, I will prompt you with poses and movements and sometimes we will get awkward but mostly I will make you laugh and then tell you to STOP SMILING SO HARD.

I will just keep snapping and we will be uncovering GOLD.

I find that sometimes, my senior subjects work better in front of the camera when they bring a friend, so I also have sessions designed to capture 2 or 3 of you in the same sessions, individually and together.

These friendships are so special and should be documented forever.

We can probably fit 3 wardrobe changes and 1 location change into a session if we prepare. It's amazing how much we can get done with a little planning. In fact, call me up. Let's get your session into the vision process so we can both get exactly what we want.

And maybe a few unexpected shots too...

Information on session pricing can be found by clicking here.
A gallery of Senior photos may be viewed by

Call Karmen at 407-595-4185 to book your session.

Newborn Sessions - Let's stay home

August 1, 2017

YOU JUST HAD A BABY!

Or you are about to. And you know you want pictures but THIS IS YOUR FIRST ONE or maybe it's YOUR 4TH, either way, we talked and decided to do it at your house, because YES MA'AM I ABSOLUTELY MAKE HOUSE CALLS. I prefer to get to your baby between 4-10 days after they are born but circumstances certainly sometimes prevent that. You just have me come the soonest moment you are comfortable.

I love capturing the lifestyle side of a new family, and although I try so hard to replicate that in the studio, there is just something so much more intimate at home.

So yes, I will pack up my SUV like a gypsy and bring all kinds of blankies and fabrics and headwraps and hats and bowls and baskets and what have you for the baby (and also some things for you because you will want to wear them and get in the frame) and this is why it is SO IMPORTANT that we talk about this first so YOU can get JUST AS EXCITED AS ME.

THE INTRODUCTION AND WALK THROUGH

When I first get there, I will basically look like I am moving in and I will bring in all my things and then I will wash my hands AGAIN because at first I will just want to hold your baby.

It's been a while since mine were little, and they weren't even little long.

Your baby is a little person and as I hold this precious little subject I will get a much better idea of how they move, bend and what makes them comfy. Generally babies get VERY EXCITED about how FUNNY I am, even if they were just asleep, so baby and I will find our artistic groove and you can show me all the cute things you have to choose from for wardrobe and pretty little spots and we will find some pretty pockets of light in the house. We will go to the nursery.

It doesn't really take that long to do but I feel like it took forever to type it.

POSED SHOTS

I will wrap the baby in something soft and lay the baby on something full of texture or or color or fuzz and I will get to business. It takes a bit to get baby both visible and comfortable so I will be basically molding the baby to relax fingers and faces and you will stand right behind me oohing and ahhing because it really is just the cutest thing ever.

I love to give you tips as I go so that as you try to capture pictures daily on your phone you can get the very best pictures of your baby as they grow and do new things.

I will totally stop and snap a phone pic of your baby for my Instagram and maybe do a little social story behind the scenes and I will encourage you to grab your phone as well. YOUR MOM IS GONNA FREAK WHEN SHE SEES HOW CUTE I MADE YOUR BABY.

And then, if like, Easter is that weekend or something, I MAY DO SOMETHING SILLY.

Ugh. I cannot EVEN with this guy.

Just blogging this makes me miss him like crazy!

LIFESTYLE SHOTS

But HEY! Don't think it is all posey posey cute in a basket. While I have been doing THIS, you have been trying on clothes I brought and you have finished pulling together that new mom gorgeousness so we can get some sweet dreamy environmental portraits of your new baby's new world.

I come to your house so I can capture the world you are in right now. In 10 years when you look back and get emotional over the beautiful moments we have captured, you will feel your heart tug as you remember that old couch and the how young the dog was and that sweet home that was just a starter version of the beautiful family that has grown and changed.

These little details mark time, show history, build a legacy of heirloom images for your children to cherish, and your children's children. You will value these images over so many other tangible items as you grow older, and so will they.

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

ONE THING THOUGH: I may not have mentioned a whole lot of the WORK involved or the ATTITUDE of your baby yet, I've made this whole process sounds peachy keen but when I get there, and your baby is having their first OFF DAY and you didn't sleep last night, and the baby won't stop nursing/fussing/whatever other skills your baby was blessed with at birth, DO NOT FREAK OUT - THIS IS ACTUALLY WHAT *I* EXPECT. (That's a whole separate blog topic. ;P)

I don't expect anything to be perfect when I get there, and have (more than once) struggled through getting a baby to cooperate to the 9th hour when Mom, and Dad and Grandma and I were all just going to throw in the towel but then BOOM THE BABY GIVES UP and gives us 20 minutes of sweet dreamy newborn sleep and I TAKE IT FOR ALL IT IS WORTH AND WE GET THE SHOTS.

So that's it. After 2 hours we are all exhausted and I am sweaty and I pack up my car and sprinkle you with glitter and drive off into the noon day sun to get working on making magic with what I have just captured and you all go take a nap.

I send a few sneak peeks right away and you will ooh and ahh and then 2 weeks later when I deliver your gorgeous gallery you will already see the changes in your growing baby and you will be SO GLAD we got in there early and made it all happen.

Wonder how much it costs? Click here.
Want to see more examples? Click here.

Bridal Session - Lake Martin Alabama

May 22, 2017

A few weeks ago i had the opportunity to travel up to my parents lake house in Dadeville, Alabama to gather with my sister and her very best friends to celebrate her last days of being single.

I brought a few things from my studio wardrobe closet to play dress up with her at one of my favorite places in the world. I love this house, I love this house, and I love this woman right here.

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This is one of my favorite shots ever.
I love the realness of movement and expression.

And I love chopped heads.

Another fave.

I am used to crazy windy beaches and the middle of the lake in the morning is, well, not windy at all.
But like I said, there were lots of ladies with us.
And cocktails.

So we improvised.

Pretty sure I need a crew for ground support from now on.
Open up the pictures in the grid.
That little firecracker in the red almost made me pee my pants.

IT ISN'T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS, MAKING WIND BLOW OKAY??

But we finally figured it out. ;)

It was a little chilly, my sister was like, "IS THIS DRESS SEE THROUGH???" and we really only had like 20 minutes between rain pours, but I am absolutely in love with all these pictures and her face and her happiness and her heart full of love.

FAVORITE EVER

This face right here - ugh.
WHO IS THIS CHICK?
Mrs. Jackson. That's who.

Welp, there you have it, my sister is one of my favorite subjects, and this is one of my favorite shoots, and some of my favorite pictures. I adore having the freedom to dress, doll up, and direct a living breathing art piece, and create something wonderful with someone I love.
This is why I do what I do.
This is why it all gets done.

A Baby Baptism Party - Apopka, Florida

May 15, 2017

I was super excited to attend and photograph this little one's baptism in Orlando last month. His parents were actually one of my first weddings, and it had been years since I had seen or photographed them, though we kept in touch on Facebook.

I had been wanting to get my hands on this little guy for sometime, to say the least.

This was my first baptism session, and it was absolutely lovely and so touching. It was a private event and therefore I was able to move and photograph freely during the ceremony, capturing all the sweetness and this beautiful light.

This handsome guy.
He has the sweetest little face.

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Baptism Day is a huge day for a baby.
So much family and so much party.
So much celebrating of life.

After the ceremony we headed back to the house for a family party and pictures with every grandparent, auntie, uncle, cousin and family friend.

And of course my session wouldn't be complete without a little getaway with mom and dad.
We sneaked a couple of quiet minutes in the living room for some cuddly family goodness.

I am so in love with their little family.
Only thing missing is their gorgeous dog.

So I guess I will have to go back.
Because family isn't complete without puppers!

Triple Threat - Daytona Beach Baby Photographer - Triplets

May 2, 2017

I once had a dog and if you threw 3 balls, he would try to fit all 3 in his mouth.
That's how these three little people make me feel!

Here is a session that is proof that the best part of a session are the outtakes!
(SPOILER Lifestyle Photography IS basically outtakes.)

I can't really begin to quantify my job as a photographer, because it is so fun and awesome, yet also it isn't as easy as I make it seem! I have 1 hour to try and reveal the souls and connection between how ever many people I have in front of my camera and so often, I will encounter a subject or two who may even have been brought to the session against their will!

But this is how my job is wonderfully easy:

Life is beautiful.
Life is magical.
Life is REAL.
As long as I keep snapping up
little bits and pieces of REAL life,
I will capture a magic that only truly yours.

It's so hard to make all three of them happy at the same time! I can't imagine what these adorable parents have been going through, but watching them just love on these babies and let them be themselves and soak in the moments was such an amazing process.

And mom had the best attitude. "Everybody loves the ones where they are crying!"
GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT. :)

Life so real I can't even handle the cuteness!

Oh, NOW YOU'RE HAPPY. :P

Things I learned about tiny adorable gangs:
They do what they want.
They go where they want.
They eat cheerios.

After a little warming up, all 3 are almost happy. :)

identical triplets - daytona beach family photographer

The one in the middle KNOWS.

identical triplets - ormond beach family photographer

Finally the right mixture of cheerios, fan wind and me acting a fool.

I MEAN COME ONNNNNNNN.
How are they supposed to deals with this manner of cuteness all day and night?

You have no idea the amount of weird noises and exaggerated motions it takes to keep these three anywhere near THE ZONE. Of course with this level of content we had to try and throw the parents back into the mix!

Cutest family ever!

Each one of them is adorable in a similar but totally unique way.
But my favorite part is getting to know their little personalities as they grow.

And there ya have it.
To sum up: Somebody is hogging up all the babies.
I think it might be ME!

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Hello 2017 - Ponce Inlet Beach Vacation Photography

January 4, 2017

My favorite clients are on vacation here on the beautiful Florida coast. LAtely I have had lots of clients visiting their grandparents and wanting a big family/small family combo session, and these are just my favorite.

So much love and all of the smiles.
It is true that we are more lovely when we are with our loved ones.

And this mama right here?
I just LOVED her immediately.
She wanted to worry about kids getting wet or messy, and she wanted to worry about her hair.

But I didn't let her.

And when I pulled them aside and gave them couples' pose prompts, they giggled at the awkwardness, and then just breathed into the lovely space of what I wanted it to be.

And I loved them for it.

I loved every minute of the hour spent with this family almost as much as the time spent poring over each little joyous moments during edits.

This was my very last session of 2016 and I couldn't even imagine a better ending.
I feel like I grew so much and learned a ton, and met so many wonderful new people.

These moments right here. A mommy, a child, this love: this is my favorite thing to capture.
I am so excited for all the stories to tell in 2017!

Ponce Inlet Vacation Photographer

September 30, 2016

When I opened an email from this lovely lady, I fell in love at once.
She wanted to book a session to celebrate her mom's birthday, and Within a few minutes of communication, I just felt like we had been friends for a long time.

Once I met her her in person, I was hooked. I don't know if it was your eyes or your smile or your super sweetness, but JEN, YOU ARE AMAZING. Call me next time you are in town!

New Life - Daytona Beach Newborn Photographer

August 31, 2016

the edge of adulthood

August 31, 2016

When I look back at my senior pictures,
they don't look anything like this....

A lovely young lady on a lovely afternoon in Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Angel Face - Daytona Beach Child Portraits

July 14, 2016

This sweet little gigglebox stole my heart...

I absolutely LOVE mommy and me sessions.

If all I ever captured was a mother and child love bond, I would be a happy photographer.

Mommy loves you more than she can ever say.

July 5, 2016

So many times I try to recreate the moments I feel have passed me by.

Moments as a mother to young children, especially.

I long to have these photos of myself to calm my heart when life seems too rushed.

When they are growing up too fast.

I don't have a lot of pictures of me with my children.

I am the one who documents all the things in our lives.

I am the one not in the images of their childhood.

I am the one behind the camera, tears falling as I scramble to capture the moments I can see flying into the past.

When I have the opportunity to capture this sweet fleeting moment of pure love, the world. just. stops.
There is nothing else.

There is only this.

This is what I want for you.

To capture the sweet moments you want to hold on to.

To immortalize your sweet selfless love.

Andra and Jay First Anniversary Session

July 5, 2016

Happy Anniversary, you crazy beautiful people!

Not only are these two a blast to work with, they are an inspiration of young love. I am so happy they chose to come in for a First Anniversary session...

Andra had one of the prettiest wedding dresses I have ever witnessed.
I am pretty excited she got to wear it again.

New Baby Boy

July 4, 2016

A little sweetness...