Motherhood
My journal about
Tender moments, real emotions, and the beautiful journey of motherhood captured in timeless photographs.
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
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This is one of those places I almost want to gatekeep—but I won’t, because it’s just too good not to share. Tucked away in Spring Hill, Florida, is a nature spot that somehow manages to feel like you’re standing in the mountains… without ever leaving the state. It’s wide open, quiet, and beautifully unbothered by the chaos of daily life.
We planned this Spring Hill family photography session around golden hour, and the light absolutely showed up. The tall grass glowed, the sky softened, and the whole space felt like a deep exhale. Whether you’re planning a maternity session in Spring Hill or simply want updated family portraits that feel like you, this spot checks all the boxes.’
What Makes This Spring Hill Photo Location So Special
Let’s start with the landscape. You’ve got soft hills, wild grass, and the kind of natural light that just wraps around people. It’s one of the few places in Florida that gives you those dreamy, mountain-esque vibes—without any actual climbing involved. There’s even a little pond that reflects light beautifully near sunset, making it ideal for golden hour sessions.
It’s also super accessible. There’s flat ground, minimal walking, and no hiking required. It works beautifully for families with littles, maternity clients, couples, and even pups (yes—it’s a dog-friendly photo location in Florida, which makes it even more lovable).
The Energy of This Session
This particular session just flowed. Nobody was rushed, nobody was overly posed. We leaned into the ease of the location and let the connection take the lead. From cuddles in the tall grass to quiet solo shots beneath the trees, every image felt like a moment instead of a pose.
That’s the sweet spot I’m always aiming for—photos that feel like you were there, not like you were “camera ready.” As a Florida family photographer, I want your session to feel like a breath of fresh air, not another item on your to-do list.
What to Wear for Nature-Based Sessions
I always recommend leaning into earthy tones and soft textures for outdoor sessions like this. Think creams, terracotta, olive, mustard, dusty blue—anything that plays well with the natural landscape. These tones don’t just photograph beautifully—they also keep the focus on you.
Avoid neons, logos, or busy patterns. Think elevated casual. And if you’re unsure, don’t stress. I’ll send you a pre-session style guide and you’ll have access to my client closet if we’re pairing your outdoor session with some indoor studio looks too.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need to fly to the mountains or schedule a full-day adventure to get photos that feel magical. Sometimes, the most meaningful locations are the ones close to home—the ones where you can breathe, move, and just be.
This Spring Hill photo location is one of my favorites because it’s simple, honest, and beautifully understated. It’s perfect for families, maternity, or even just a “we haven’t had nice photos in forever” kind of session.
Want a Session with Nature Vibes?
Whether you’re bringing your baby bump, your wild little ones, or your dog with the zoomies, I’d love to take you here. Let’s create something natural, meaningful, and totally you.
his Spring Hill location is pure magic. If you’re dreaming of a nature-filled maternity or family session near Tampa, I’d love to show you why this spot is one of my go-to favorites.
Click here to get in touch
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Hey there! Ready to make some magical holiday memories? Join me for a Holiday Mini Session at Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Tampa. These 15-minute sessions are perfect for capturing those special moments with your family.
What’s Included?
- Location: Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm
- Duration: 15-minute session
- Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
- Images: 10 hand-edited digital images delivered in a private gallery
- Upgrade: Option to upgrade for more images if available
- Who: Immediate family only (due to time and space constraints)
If you need more time or have a larger group, I’ve got you! There are four 1-hour session spots available on the mornings of November 23rd and 24th. Just let me know if you’re interested.
Don’t miss out on booking these sessions, as spots are super limited! Book your session here: https://book.usesession.com/s/g21ptgGUI
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!
This was such a fun and loving session with Sidney and Austin! Shooting indoors with air conditioning was an absolute lifesaver, especially considering how hot it’s been and how being super pregnant in this heat is no joke. The comfort of the studio allowed us to focus on capturing these special moments without worrying about the weather. These two were so fun to work with, and I can’t wait to see them again for their newborn session.
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!
