Family
My journal about
Joyful, candid memories of the people who mean the most, frozen in time to be treasured forever.
This session was everything I love about what I do—capturing big moments and little details, all wrapped up in the people who matter most. We combined two of my favorite things in one shoot: a first birthday cake smash and a multi-generational family session. And honestly? It was such a beautiful reminder that milestones don’t just belong to the little ones—we get to honor the whole family.
We photographed this session over the course of two separate days, which, let me just say, was 100% the right move. Because let’s be real: one-year-olds don’t have the attention span (or energy) for a full-blown photoshoot with family and a cake smash. Splitting the session gave us the space to be present and relaxed—and that always shows in the final images.
The first part of the session was focused on the family: grandparents, parents, and the birthday girl all together in the studio. The love in the room was immediate and easy. You could feel the pride, the joy, the full-circle energy of seeing generations gathered together in one frame. These are the kinds of photos that don’t just sit in a gallery—they become part of your legacy.
And then came part two: cake smash time. If you’ve ever considered doing one for your baby’s first birthday, let this be your sign. It was equal parts adorable and hilarious. Frosting-covered hands, a little confusion, a lot of giggles—it was the kind of chaos that’s completely worth documenting. These photos will be the ones you pull out when they’re ten, when they’re twenty, when they’re celebrating their own babies someday.
One of the best parts of doing this session in the studio was the flexibility. We weren’t worried about light or weather, or about finding a location that worked for grandparents and littles alike. The studio gave us everything we needed: soft natural light, access to the client closet, a calm environment, and an easy place to reset in between. It’s perfect for milestone moments and family sessions alike, especially when toddlers (or grandparents!) need a break.
When you’re planning a session like this, I always recommend thinking about color coordination and comfort. Neutrals, warm tones, and textures work beautifully on camera and pair so well with studio backdrops. But above all, pick pieces that feel like you. This session had a mix of cozy, elevated, and fun—and it captured the spirit of the family perfectly.
Here’s what I’ll say if you’ve been thinking about doing something like this: don’t wait. Whether it’s your baby’s first birthday or your parents’ first time in front of the camera in years, it’s worth celebrating. These moments come and go so quickly, and having photos of your people—all your people—is something you’ll never regret.
These images were filled with so much joy, pride, and sweetness (literally). A baby covered in cake. Grandparents holding hands. Parents watching it all unfold. It was everything a session should be: real, heartfelt, and totally unique to the people in it.
Want to Document a Milestone and Your Legacy?
Let’s capture the chaos, the sweetness, and all the love that lives in between.
Thank you for reading! If you’re looking for a Tampa photographer to help you preserve generational memories in a cozy, natural studio setting—I’d love to connect. Let’s capture your legacy together.
read now
Let’s talk about indoor family sessions—and why they are, quite honestly, the unsung hero of photography options. While outdoor golden hour gets all the hype, studio sessions deserve their flowers too. Especially if you’re a parent trying to wrangle tiny humans, navigate nap schedules, and not melt into a puddle in the Florida heat.
This session reminded me of how powerful it can be to keep things simple. We stayed inside, leaned into natural light, had direct access to outfit changes, snacks, and AC… and still captured connection, laughter, and all the sweet chaos that makes your family yours.
Look, I get it. “Indoor” doesn’t always sound exciting at first—but if you’re parenting in the real world? It’s a game-changer. Here’s why: No weather reschedules. Rain? Wind? Humidity? Doesn’t matter. We’re inside. Nap-friendly scheduling. No waiting for golden hour—you can book around your baby’s best time of day. Bug-free zone. That’s right—no bug spray, no bites, no swatting. Access to the client closet. You don’t have to panic about what to wear or change in your car. Everything’s right there.
This kind of session gives you flexibility and comfort. It’s low-stress, clean, cozy, and still just as meaningful.
You might be surprised at the variety we can create in one indoor space. This session had: classic family portraits with everyone snuggled on the bed, solo shots of the kiddos playing in window light, candid moments of giggles and in-between hugs, soft, moody images using different corners of the studio, and even a few quick outfit changes (thanks, client closet). It’s not about having a million props or backgrounds. It’s about light, energy, and giving your family space to be themselves.
Studio lighting tends to be soft and neutral, so outfits that reflect that same tone always work beautifully. Think: warm creams, light browns, muted greens, dusty blues, soft blacks, and cozy textures. The goal? Coordinate without matching. Keep it relaxed. And if you don’t know where to start, I’ll send over my pre-session style guide—and you’ll have access to the client closet too, which has tons of studio-friendly options ready to go.
There’s something sacred about slowing down. About giving yourself permission to enjoy the moment without worrying about where the sun is or whether your toddler will melt down in the parking lot. This family came in open, relaxed, and real—and it showed. We laughed. We took breaks. We captured the moments that mattered most. No chasing light. No fighting bugs. No hauling snacks across a park. Just love, documented with care.
Thinking About an Indoor Family Session?
Let’s make your life easier—and your photos more meaningful.
Indoor sessions are perfect for Florida families who want timeless photos without the weather stress. If you’re interested in booking a family photography session in Tampa, reach out here!
Click here to get in touch
read now
Read More Articles
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!
I had the most amazing time with Stephanie and her beautiful family. Stephanie and her husband John have four amazing bigger kiddos, who love their littlest brother John Jr! Watching all of the kids interact with their baby brother reminds me of my own family, where there’s a big 12-year age gap between their oldest and youngest. I feel so honored to get the chance to work with beautiful families like Stephanie’s.
Mom and I had originally planned for a dreamy sunset beach session, but as we all know, sometimes our little ones can have other plans! When I was driving around, I found these beautiful ruins on the side of the road and told mom about them, and it ended up being the perfect location for an early morning session. We met super early, before the heat came out, and it was still nice and shady. And get this – Baby A was exactly 6 months on the day of her session! How perfect was that?!
Debbie came in for an adorable Mommy & Me session with her handsome son, and dad joined in on some of the fun! We started with mama in a lovely white dress, and her little man looked dapper in suspenders and a bow tie. Next, we moved to one of my favorite new sets, the Little Artist! Mom and her son had a blast painting together. I can’t wait to see them again when he’s a bit bigger!
to Plan for Christmas!
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about capturing those special moments with your family. Booking a Christmas mini session early ensures you get a spot and have your photos ready in time to share with loved ones. My Christmas Minis offer a unique and festive experience at Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, perfect for creating timeless holiday memories. Don’t wait until the last minute—times fill up quickly, so book your session today and embrace the joy and magic of the season!
Don’t miss out! Book your Christmas Mini Tree Farm session today!
Newborn sessions are my absolute favorite, especially when the whole gang tags along! Check out how stunning Britt’s family is in their color-coordinated outfits. And their littlest baby girl? An absolute dream! I don’t think I’ll ever stop obsessing over these. Which one’s your favorite?!
