Let’s be honest—maternity sessions with toddlers aren’t always serene. They’re chaotic. They’re unpredictable. And they’re full of energy, giggles, and moments you couldn’t plan if you tried.

And that’s exactly what makes them perfect.

This sunrise session in Spring Hill was a beautiful whirlwind of chasing light, brushing hair out of faces, and soaking up every second of love and laughter between a growing family. There was only one outfit—a stunning two-piece from my client closet—and that’s all we needed. One look. One location. One gorgeous morning to remember.

Why I Love Sunrise (Even When It’s Wild)

Don’t let the soft golden light fool you—sunrise sessions may look peaceful, but behind the scenes? It’s usually full of movement, toddler wrangling, and snack bribes.

But that first morning light? It’s magic. It creates this dreamy glow that wraps around everything and softens the chaos just enough to make it feel cinematic.

Here’s what makes sunrise sessions so worth it:

A reset moment at the start of your day that helps you slow down and soak it all in

Bright, flattering light that doesn’t fight your skin tones

Empty parks and fields—no distractions, no crowds, no photobombers

The Client Closet Fit

The mama in this session chose a boho-inspired look from my client closet—earthy tones, flowing fabric, and enough movement to dance in the grass and cuddle her little one with ease.

My client closet is full of bump-friendly styles that photograph beautifully and make getting dressed easy. Just let me know ahead of time if you’d like to use it so I can have pieces ready to go.

Tips for Planning a Real-Life Maternity Session

• Expect the chaos. Toddlers are unpredictable, and that’s part of the magic.
• Choose comfort. Flowy dresses, stretchy fabrics, and barefoot moments photograph beautifully.
• Let go of perfection. The most emotional images often happen in between the “posed” ones.
• Don’t overthink it. One outfit, one location, and one willing heart is more than enough.

Motherhood is raw and real and wild. This session celebrated all of that. It was a sunrise full of love, dirt, cuddles, and connection—and it’s exactly the kind of chaos I live for.

Every Season of Motherhood Deserves to Be Seen

Maternity sessions aren’t about looking perfect—they’re about feeling present. They’re about freezing time just long enough to remember what this season felt like… the kicks, the chaos, the love that keeps growing.

If you’re thinking about booking a session—whether it’s your first baby or your fourth—know this: you don’t need to have it all together. You just need to show up. I’ll handle the rest.

Thank you for reading my blog! I love sharing real stories and helpful tips for planning your own session. If you’re ready to book, click here to get in touch!

If your dog is basically your child (same), I want you to know that they are so welcome in your family session. In fact, some of my favorite moments have come from letting a pup do their thing—whether that’s stealing the spotlight or just trotting in and out of frame like the goodest background actor ever.

This particular St. Pete beach session was a reminder of how beautiful it can be to include your dog in a setting that’s relaxed, open, and 100% pet-friendly. The light was dreamy, the sand was soft, and the vibe? Easygoing, happy, and full of playful energy.

Why I Love Dog-Friendly Sessions

For a lot of families, pets aren’t just part of the household—they’re part of the story. Including them in your session adds so much personality and realness to your photos. And when we’re shooting in a place that welcomes dogs (like this St. Petersburg beach location), it’s even easier to lean into the fun without worrying about logistics.

We kept things simple—plenty of space to walk, lots of natural movement, and a few treat breaks to keep everyone happy. The result was a session that felt real, unforced, and full of connection.

Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Your Photo Session

To make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone (including your four-legged family member), here are a few pro tips:

• Bring a leash that looks good in photos (a simple leather or neutral one works best)
• Let them run before the session to get all their excess energy out.
• Pack treats + water—we’ll probably bribe your pup at least once 😉
• Bring a favorite toy or squeaker to grab attention when needed
• Consider a handler or friend to take your pup for a break if we do a few without them
• Let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly!

And if your dog has a lot of energy? No worries. I’ve seen it all. We’ll work with their personality—not against it. Whether they’re chill or chaos gremlin, we’ll make it work. Promise.

Choosing the Right Location for Dog-Friendly Sessions

Not every beach or park in Florida is pet-approved, which is why I always recommend chatting with your photographer (hey, that’s me) about the best spots. This St. Pete location is one of my faves for dog-friendly sessions because:

• It’s spacious + offers a ton of amazing photo spots
• Dogs are allowed which is a must when you want to include your fur baby
• There’s enough variety to capture both playful and posed moments
• The lighting is GORGEOUS near sunset

You can kick off your shoes, let the kids run, let the dog dig a little, and just be. That’s where the best photos come from.

Your Dog, Your Story

Whether your pup is a fluffy new addition or has been with you through all the chapters of your life, they deserve a place in your story. These photos are about capturing your real life—not some perfectly curated version of it. If real life includes a wagging tail and sandy paws, I’m here for it. And the best part? Just steps from the dog beach is the people beach, with the clean, white sand Florida is known for

Want to Include Your Dog in Your Family Session?

Let’s make it happen—joyful, real, and fur baby approved.

How to Include Your Dog in a Family Session (St. Petersburg, FL)
Your pup is part of the family, and they belong in your photos too! If you’re looking for a St. Petersburg family photographer who loves four-legged friends, I’d love to hear from you.
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Breastfeeding is such a deeply personal journey—and one that deserves to be honored. Whether it lasted three days or three years, it’s a chapter that’s raw, emotional, and worth remembering. As a Tampa breastfeeding photographer, I’m here to help you freeze that moment before it’s gone. Because one day, you’ll blink, and the nursing days will be over—and you’ll wish you had just one photo that showed what it felt like.

This session was especially close to my heart because my own journey is winding down. I’ve breastfed all four of my kids, and when you add it up, that’s eight full years of nursing. It’s been a beautiful, exhausting, soul-shaping season—and knowing it’s almost over feels bittersweet. These photos are my way of honoring that part of my story, and helping other mamas do the same.

Why It Matters

We’re so used to photographing milestones—birthdays, first steps, cake smashes—but feeding your baby? That’s a milestone, too. It’s messy, intimate, sacred. It’s hours of your life you’ll never get back—and likely wouldn’t trade for anything.

And let’s be real: breastfeeding is normal. It’s not something you should have to explain or justify. If you want it captured, you deserve a photographer who gets it—and creates a space where you feel comfortable, seen, and respected.

That’s exactly what we do with breastfeeding sessions here in Tampa Bay. They’re gentle, intentional, and built around your comfort.

How to Include Nursing in Your Session

Wondering how this works during a shoot? It’s simple and natural—we just build it into your family or motherhood session like any other moment.

Here’s how:

• Let me know ahead of time. We’ll plan space for it within your session, without making it a “thing.”
• Choose a breastfeeding-friendly outfit. One of my favorite pieces from the client closet is flowy, flattering, and allows for easy nursing access.
• Follow your baby’s lead. There’s no pressure to pose. If your little one needs to nurse, we’ll ease into it quietly, and I’ll capture what’s real.

There’s no need for perfect light or a “nursing pose.” Just you, your baby, and that beautiful in-between moment that says this is us.

If You’re Not Sure Yet, That’s Okay

You don’t have to commit to anything. Some mamas decide in the moment. Some start the session unsure and then lean into it when it feels right. And some have already weaned but still want to honor the chapter.

If you’re past the nursing season and feeling a tug in your heart reading this, you’re not alone. We can still capture your feeding journey in other ways—bottle feeding, snuggles, snack breaks, the way your toddler wraps their arms around you at snack time. It’s all part of the story.

Why I Offer Breastfeeding Photos (and Always Will)

Because this matters. Because motherhood isn’t polished—it’s powerful. Because there’s a sacredness to holding your baby close and knowing your body has been their comfort, their nourishment, their home.

As a Tampa motherhood photographer, this is one of the most meaningful types of sessions I offer. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about preserving what this season feels like, in the most honest and beautiful way possible.

Want to Include Breastfeeding in Your Family Session?

You’re safe here. Whether it’s your first baby or your last time nursing, I’ll hold the space and tell the story—honestly, gently, and beautifully.

Your breastfeeding journey is powerful and deeply personal—and it deserves to be honored. If you’re in the Tampa area and ready to document this chapter, I’d love to walk through it with you.
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There’s a tucked-away spot in Holiday, Florida that feels like a hidden slice of magic—open space, golden light, lush greenery, and eventually, the beach. It’s not your typical pull-up-and-go location, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s quiet, natural, and full of the kind of peaceful beauty that just shows up in the photos.

This particular maternity session was such a dream. The light was soft, the vibe was relaxed, and the journey to the final location—the beach—was just as meaningful as the beach itself. And that’s the thing about this trail: we’re not just shooting at the end. We’re documenting every step along the way.

What to Expect at This Location

This isn’t a location where we hike in and then start shooting. We start the second you step onto the trail—so come fully dressed and photo-ready from the beginning. The light, scenery, and feel of the walk are all part of the story we’re telling.

It takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the beach at the end of the trail, and along the way we stop wherever the light and energy feel right. You’ll want to wear comfy shoes for walking and pack anything else (water, baby items, extra clothes) in a backpack. It’s not stroller-friendly, so this session works best for couples, maternity sessions, or families with older kids who can walk independently.

What to Bring for an Adventure Session

Here’s a quick checklist of what I recommend bringing along for this kind of outdoor maternity session in Holiday, FL:

• A small backpack with water, snacks, and any essentials
• Comfortable walking shoes (change into photo shoes later if needed)
• Bug spray and wipes—Florida doesn’t always behave
• A relaxed attitude—because sometimes the imperfect moments are the most magical

If you’re including your pup (yes, this spot is dog-friendly!), be sure to bring treats, a leash, and water for them too. I’ve even taught a dog “sit” mid-session before—so no pressure if they’re still working on their model skills.

Who This Location Is Best For

• Maternity sessions for couples who love a little adventure
• Families with older kids who can walk the trail
• Dog parents
• Clients looking for something natural and a little off the beaten path

This isn’t a manicured park or a styled studio—it’s raw, earthy, and full of personality. And if that’s your vibe, this is going to feel like home.

Why I Love Sessions Like This

There’s something about being surrounded by nature that softens everything. People relax. They breathe deeper. They connect in a different way. And because we’re walking and talking and moving the whole time, the session doesn’t feel posed or stiff—it feels like an experience.

That’s my favorite kind of session. The ones where you’re not performing for the camera. You’re just being in the moment—laughing, holding hands, brushing sand off your bump—and I’m there to capture it all.

Thinking About an Adventure Session?

If you’re dreaming of something a little wild, a little beachy, and full of connection, I’d love to take you to this beautiful corner of Holiday, Florida.

Nature, love, and a growing belly—what more could you need? If you’re drawn to wild, nature-inspired maternity photos in Holiday or the greater Tampa area, let’s chat about your vision.
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I recently had a super fun beach maternity session with a blonde mom, her hubby, their little girl, and their little boy. They were all in cute white outfits, and mom rocked a two-piece from our client closet—she’s a photographer too! The kids had a blast playing in the sand while mom and dad enjoyed some sweet moments together. It was such a fun, happy session by the ocean. Can’t wait to see them again for their newborn shoot!