The Reddings

What an amazing time I had photographing Megan, Eric and Emma. I almost forgot what it was like to have toddler. My body remembered the next day for sure! Emma was so adorable. All she wanted to do was explore and go where ever the adults were not. She kept me full of laughs and of course , smiles. However, it was my job to try and capture hers. Toddlers are a challenge, I will admit but that is what makes my job fun. Although I think The Reddings were aiming for more structured pictures, I think we caught the best moments when they were just being themselves. I just sat back and watched them interact and play. Before I knew it Megan and Eric had Emma giggling up a storm. I had to get closer so I would not miss a moment. To see the love they have for their daughter is precious. When I look at these pictures, I remember the innocence we all once had. What a beautiful family!

David and Kim

 When David and Kim asked me to take their Christmas pictures I was so excited! Mainly because this would be my first session involving dogs. I like a good challenge so I was ready! However, the dogs were very well behaved and that left more time to focus on David and Kim. They were recently engaged. I think the excitement of the engagement carried me away and before I knew it we were taking more intimate pictures of the two of them. The sparkle they have is inspiring. It is always a joy to photograph true love. Their “Christmas” session turned out beautiful. (And no, not because I was the photographer) All I did was hold my camera and capture honest moments of love.

Congratulations Dave and Kim!

Sheila and Gabreilla

Sheila and Gabreilla

First of all, Gabriella took the shine away from the stars! This little girl did not need direction. What I needed was a faster shutter speed. I had so much fun getting pictures of her. Every time I clicked my camera, she changed her pose. It was so adorable. Sheila (mom) was prepared for this session. I mean, she had the spray bottle of water and ever thing. This whole experience is new to me but I love seeing people getting serious. Sheila was ready! And speaking of Sheila, so Bonita! Just like her sister they just capture the moment. These girls are just natural when it comes to photography. They made my job easy and fun. I adored them. I actually took pictures of Gabriella many years ago when she was a baby. I am a little worried to see them. I used a complete manual camera with black and white film. Let's just say I am happy to get some updated ones! You girls were awesome! Thank you! And thank you for not freaking out about rats and capturing a really great “behind the scenes” picture of me in action. I love it!

Anna

Anna is a beautiful woman with a soft smile. I personally think she should be doing print work. What an honor to be photographing a girl like her. I have only met her a few times but I felt like my camera had taken pictures of her for years. This girl rocked it! We chose downtown Jacksonville and I am glad we did. Anna just has a look to her and it is a look that is original. I hope to get more pictures of this young lady. She is a joy to photograph!

Ernie and Wes

Ernie and Wes

Ernie is special to me. We have been friends since 7^th grade. I guess you can say I have always been protective of him. He has a heart that will beat forever. I am so glad that we have stayed friends over the years. Even more over the past year. When I met up with Ernie and Wes, I knew I was in for it. I mean this session made me want to nap afterward! I was getting dirty on the ground and climbing on monkey bars ( literally I was standing on top of them praying I would not fall and thanking God I had aflack if I did). This was a work out. But for them, it was a regular day. Clearly they have fun where ever they are and Wes was so excited in front of the camera. He was ready for shots I before I was. I loved every minute. I felt honored to be there and to capture some pure moments of a father and son playing around. It was great to see that Ernie could be himself with is son. That is something I treasure so much with my daughter. Wes is lucky to have a dad like Ernie, and I know Ernie feels blessed to have a son like Wes.

Heatherley

Amy and Kenny

Amy and Kenny

How is this a job if I am laughing more than the couple I am photographing? How is this a job if I am laughing at all? With Kenny and Amy there was nothing but laughs! I could tell Kenny was a bit camera shy, he did not want to look directly at the camera most of the time. No worries! I was able to see the real him anyway. Amy may not realize this, but the camera LOVES her! She is so photogenic and her smile can light up a room. These two were as silly as they get. Listen people, we hit St. George Street during a crazy busy day. They were such great sports! I will be honest and say, I do not think I could have smiled in front of all the people walking by like they did. What you see is a couple, laughing and having fun. What you do not see is all the people staring and wondering if this was a couple getting engaged to be married. But what I saw was two people who are the best of friends and in love, enjoying each other like they promised.... for the rest of their lives.

Thank you Kenny and Amy for a wonderful day, and thank you for letting me capture your moments of true love.

Miss Pre Teen Jacksonville Finalist

  Alena isn't just a pretty face. She is one of the most talented young girls I know. If only you could hear her sing! Alena has a voice of an angel. She recently competed in Miss Pre-Teen Jacksonville and was one of the finalist. With her all around great personality and smile I had not doubt she would make it in the top. Alena really did well during this session and I was extremely impressed with her ability to "talk" with her eyes. That isn't just something you can teach. She focused and you could tell she was a natural when in front of the camera. I hope to do more sessions with Ms. Alena. I also see a bright future for her! Great job Alena, and congrats on being a Miss Pre Teen Jacksonville Finalist!

The Batkoski's

  I had the honor of taking my best friends engagements pictures. Would you believe this was over 3 years ago? I guess you could say it was one of my first attempts at photography. I was so nervous but excited that she actually asked me to do it! She even used one of them for the guests to sign. Three years later and these two are in more love then the day I took these pictures. I am blessed to have them both in my life. I love you Brooke and Jason!

The Webers

  What a blast I had photographing this family of 6! No dull moments I can assure you. There were so many things going on, I was so worried I was going to miss something. I have to say that I saw true love in Andrea and Corey's eyes. They compliment each other so well. I felt honored to be a part of this special day capturing real moments of their everyday lives. The kids had a great time running around and being my little models. I think I enjoyed them even more! Thank you to the Webers for my first "big" family challenge!

Abby

   A day at the park with Abby! This little girl is a doll! I really should have more swing shots because that is what she loved to do, swing! She was a great sport with my camera in her face and the hot sun blazing down on us. She handled it all so well and the pictures turned out adorable! My vision is to capture candid moments like these. The simplest things like leaves or playing on the swings can make any child smile. I am so glad I was able to freeze these moments for ever.

Mikey

OK, I may be biased but he is one of the most adorable babies I have ever seen! His smile makes you smile! And his chubby legs and cheeks you just want to pinch! We had fun watching him investigate his first pumpkin. In just 10 minutes we captured some cute moments and unforgettable smiles! Many more sessions of Mikey to come! Stay tuned!

The dress

Oh how I love this dress! My daughter not so much. The deal for this photo session was she never has to wear it again. Well I am happy to say I got some great moments at the beach with her wearing it one last time. I know she will thank me one day. I may even secretly save the dress to pass on to her daughter. :)

~ Heatherley

Girls day!

 Location: St. Augustine, Florida

  These girls know how to have a good time! When it was time to roll film I captured some real moments of pure fun. Caydence truly makes you remember what it is like to be a kid again. She is so curious and amazed by life. I wasn't sure if I would actually get her to smile. All it took was some pretending and before you knew it she was a princess flying through the air. I loved it!

Jacob

What a sweet little angel Jacob was! This was my first time photographing such a young baby so I was nervous. He did great and we even captured some smiles. He has the most amazing blue eyes. It was a real joy to take these pictures. I hope to be able to take more and watch this handsome man grow up!

The boys...

With 45 minutes until church, these boys really knew how to work their magic!  I will admit I was a bit grumpy. I knew  I had a goal but come on! We needed to get to church. So where are we going to take these pictures???(Pictures Chris's parents have been asking for, well for months) He takes me down the side of another church...."if only it was the church we were attending today"  I thought to myself. So we pull up to the most beautiful area I have ever seen! Ok, well beautiful for the back of a church. I refuse to release the location of this spot but it was gorgeous! I captured some great moments in just 25 minutes. I hope you enjoy the moments these boys shared with me. True moments of love of a father and a son.