Posts By meg

Jacksonville Child Photographer- Kingsley Plantation

This child session took place at the Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, Florida.  Her mother described her as “half-princess meets Tomboy.” She loves being outside.  I love hearing parent’s talk about their children. I just knew as mom talked about these photos and her daughter how much she adored her. She said, “Her smile tells you what she’s thinking. And if it’s a real smile – it’s the most beautiful and amazing smile ever.”  It’s my goal to get genuine smiles and laughs from anyone I photograph.

 
This session was sunny, bright and full of life just like this girl. Isn’t she beautiful? She looks like a porcelain doll. All these smiles were captured because of her mom. Kids smile the best for their own parents.

 
Another trick I learned from this family was to have multiple options for the child to change into. These were taken in the fall. The weather is not consistent. It can be warm or cold. Her mom was extremely prepared and had multiple dresses that would work depending if it was hot or cool. This evening was a little cooler so this gorgeous red velvet dress was chosen to wear. It worked out perfectly because these photos were used for Christmas cards. The multiple dresses also allowed the girl to make her own choice in what to wear.  I learn so many great tips from those I photograph.

 
Anytime water is involved I always give the option to get in the water. I loved her mischievous grin. She did wade in the water a little. We laughed, jumped, twirled and ran around, we had a great time. Get ready to see her amazing smile. She and her mother were such a delight to be around and I am honored to have photographed this little girl. Child Portrait Jacksonville Child Portrait Jacksonville Child Portrait Jacksonville

To see more from this session continue after the jump. 

Backyard Lifestyle Session/ Jacksonville Florida

This family session took place in their own backyard and home. I love doing in-home family sessions. There is something so special to have photos from your own refuge- your home. There is a little nature preserve right in their backyard that is beautiful and has awesome textures from the vines and leaves. Due to the age of the baby it was decided she would be happiest in the morning. The session started later than originally planned on a bright sunny day so the goal was to find shade.  The kids were awesome and so loving. Anytime I said group hug they were so quick to pile on top of each other to give hugs and kisses.

Mom has a BFA in photography (aside being incredibly flattered to do their family photos) so the goal of this session was to include her in as many of the photos as possible. She’s normally the one behind the camera and not in the photos. She looked stunning and was a natural in front of the camera.  While looking through the photos, I noticed mom remained poised and smiled through all the photos. Even while her three kids were being busy she just smiled through it all. She said, “well I figured if I was at least smiling you would have one less person to worry about.” So true! I need to remember that when I am getting my own photo taken. Just smile through everything else that is going on.

Mom works for Yountique and a real go-getter. She and her husband took the family on a big road trip just a few weeks after their third was born. They center their lives around their family and I love it. As I look at these photos I can’t help but smile at the love they have for each other. Families like this always inspire me to be more loving towards my own.

At home Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville Beach Lifestyle Newborn

This was a beautiful lifestyle newborn session. This handsome little guy was sleeping when I first came into the home. I peered into the crib and saw a little angel sleeping. While mom got him up, I was greeted by dad and their other son. I read Paw Patrol to the preschooler and he showed me his cars and trains. Then we started the family photos.
 

There were numerous photographs beautifully displayed in their home. In the master bedroom their oldest baby photos were on both nightstands.  It’s wonderful when photos are printed out to be enjoyed.
 

Prior to visiting their home, mom and I discussed words such as sweet, peaceful and natural as the type of desired images. A new baby does turn our world upside down but there is so much added joy a newborn brings. Lifestyle newborn photography showcases how perfectly the baby fits into the family. This little guy did just that. He snuck in a few little smiles for us that I loved.
 

All of my children have arrived after my due date so having a child come early is mind boggling to me. I need every last day to prepare for a new baby in the house.I have to applaud the parents. This little guy came early. They had already planned their oldest birthday party (and had it shortly AFTER the baby came home from the hospital). They had the name picked out early enough to have his name embroidered on the darling crib bumper.
 

There is some down time during newborn sessions while the baby needs to be fed. I enjoyed chatting with mom about her pregnancy and delivery.  I mostly noted how her world revolves around her children and all the fun things she did with her son prior to welcoming another baby into their home.
 

The beautiful navy lace dress mom wore added a nice texture to the photos. The baby was simply wrapped in a white blanket. This keeps the baby snug, the focus on the baby and a timeless feel to the images. Lifestyle Newborn Photography Continue after the jump to see more of this lifestyle newborn session.