There’s a common myth floating around that newborn photos have to happen within the first two weeks of life. And while those early days do make for sweet, sleepy portraits, I’m here to tell you something important:

It’s not too late.

Older newborns—whether they’re 6, 8, or even 10 weeks old—are still very much in that tender new stage. Their expressions are changing, their eyes are bright, and their little personalities are starting to peek through. And when I take your session outside? There’s something extra magical that happens.

Why You Don’t Need to Rush

Those first few weeks can feel like a blur. You’re healing. You’re adjusting. You’re barely sleeping. Sometimes, just getting through the day feels like a win.

I want you to know:
Your baby is still perfect for photos.
You didn’t miss anything.

Older newborns may not curl up as tightly, but they bring their own kind of beauty:

• Soft stretches and growing rolls
• Big, curious eyes
• Little sounds and smirks
• Moments of alertness and connection

It’s a different kind of session—but in all the best ways.

What an Older Newborn Session Feels Like

If your baby is past that early sleepy phase, your session will look a little different than a “fresh 48.” But that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

Here’s what I typically see with older newborns:

• More awake time. Lots of eye contact and interaction.
• Natural positioning. Less curled-up posing, more relaxed holds, over-the-shoulder snuggles, or cozy blanket wraps.
• More personality. Tiny “talks,” smiles, and stretches start to emerge—those moments are gold.
• Flexible pacing. I always follow baby’s lead and build in time for feeding, diaper changes, and snuggles.
• Posing is possible, but not guaranteed. Some older babies may still allow gentle posing, but once they’re more alert and wiggly, I shift into lifestyle-led moments instead.

You don’t need to worry about your baby being “too awake” or “too wiggly.” I promise—some of the most heartfelt images I’ve taken were of wide-eyed, wriggly newborns just being their little selves.

Why I Love Outdoor Newborn Sessions for This Age

When you step outside, everything softens. The filtered light, the fresh air, the natural textures—they create a relaxed space where everyone can breathe a little easier.

Outdoor newborn sessions are especially lovely for older babies. Here’s why:

• No studio lights or noise. Just natural light and space to move.
• Soothing background sounds. Wind in the trees, birds in the distance—it helps calm both babies and parents.
• Organic posing. I often photograph babies being held upright or stretched across a parent’s arms, which works beautifully at this stage.
• Timeless backdrops. Trees, wildflowers, golden grass—they don’t need much else to feel complete.

These sessions often feel more like a quiet walk with your baby than a photo shoot—and the images reflect that same sense of ease and connection.

If You’ve Been Hesitating, This is Your Sign

I hear it all the time:

“She’s already 7 weeks… did I miss the window?”
“I really wanted newborn photos, but life got busy.”
“Can we still do it?”

Yes. You can.
You’re right on time.

This isn’t about capturing perfection—it’s about preserving this part of the journey. It’s about storytelling, connection, and celebrating your baby exactly as they are right now.

Whether I meet you in your home or out in the golden light of Spring Hill, your session will reflect your baby’s unique rhythm—and your love for them in this exact season.

Thank you for reading my blog. If you’re thinking about scheduling a session and your baby is a little older—I’d love to connect. These are some of the most powerful sessions I get to photograph, and I promise, it’s not too late.

Click here to reach out and get more info, or join my email list to be the first to know about upcoming availability and special session dates.

Let’s tell your story—your way.

When you’re getting ready for a photo session—whether it’s branding, boudoir, maternity, or something just for you—there’s one element that can instantly elevate the entire experience: professional hair and makeup.

Not because you need it.
But because it lets you breathe, soften, and settle into the moment with confidence.

A great makeup artist doesn’t just help you look put together—they help you feel ready. And when you feel good before you even step in front of the camera?
It shows up in every photo.

Meet Kierra – A Calming, Grounding Presence in Riverview, FL

Kierra is the owner of Kies to Beauty, and she brings so much more than brushes and blush to the table. She has this grounded, encouraging energy that makes my clients feel at ease the moment they sit in her chair.

Whether it’s your first branding session, a postpartum glow-up, or a boudoir experience after years of pouring into everyone but yourself—Kierra gets it. She listens. She hypes you up when needed. She adjusts without ego. And she always enhances what makes you you.

There’s no “makeover” energy—just alignment, softness, and a little glam that fits your vibe.

Why the Right HMUA Matters (and What to Look For)

Makeup for photography is different than what you’d wear for a night out. A skilled artist understands how your look will translate on camera:

• How to highlight without harshness
• What lasts through lighting, flash, and time
• How to avoid SPF flashback
• The balance between glow and glam

But more than technique—it’s about trust.

You’re already showing up in a vulnerable space. You’re letting yourself be seen. The right artist makes you feel like you’re in safe hands—not like you’re playing dress-up in someone else’s face.

Hair & Makeup Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Relief

Adding hair and makeup to your session isn’t a luxury—it’s support.

It means you don’t have to stress over your eyeliner, your curls, or whether your concealer will last. You get to walk in feeling prepared, cared for, and already a little pampered before I even lift the camera.

You sit back. You breathe. You soften.
And the energy that creates? It radiates in every photo

Tips for Choosing a Makeup Artist for Your Session

If you’re booking someone for your shoot, here’s what I recommend asking yourself:

• Does their portfolio match your vibe? Look for clean, consistent work that enhances (not hides).
• Do they have photo session experience? Lighting and camera-ready makeup is its own thing.
• Do they make you feel safe? You want calm energy, not chaos on your shoot day.
• Do they collaborate with you? Great artists take your lead and help you shine—not just paint over you.

Why I Love Pairing Glam with My Tampa Studio

My Tampa studio is one of my favorite spaces for branding, maternity, and lifestyle portrait work. It’s got clean light, warm styling, and the kind of calm vibe that makes everything feel effortless.

Paired with professional hair and makeup?
You get a gallery that moves from soft and candid to sharp and scroll-stopping—with no stress in between.

I’ve had clients use it for rebranding shoots, soft postpartum portraits, and bold boudoir—all with Kierra’s beautiful glam giving them that extra confidence boost

Why I Keep Coming Back to Kierra

Kierra has worked with so many of my clients, and every single one has walked away feeling seen. She adapts to the energy in the room—some people need calm and quiet, others need a full pep talk with lashes—and she does both beautifully.

Her work is clean. Timeless. Elevated. But more importantly? She helps you feel like the best version of yourself.

And when you feel like that?
You show up differently. You shine.

Thank you for reading my blog. I love sharing what goes on behind the scenes and the people who help make these sessions feel effortless. If you’re thinking about booking a session—or you want in on the next one with Kierra—click here to get in touch.

And don’t forget to join my email list to get early access to session openings, mini events, and special glam collabs before they sell out.

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.

Click here to get in touch →

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

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.
Click here to get in touch