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You just had a baby. You’re short on sleep, your arms are full (literally), and the idea of “being prepared” might feel… a little ambitious. Take a deep breath—you don’t have to do it alone.
My Spring Hill studio is designed to be a soft, welcoming space where you can show up just as you are. But if you love a good checklist (or just want the day to run a little smoother), here’s my go-to guide for what to bring to your newborn session.
Your Studio Newborn Checklist
1. A Pacifier (Even if They Don’t Normally Use One)
Sometimes babies get fussy or need a little extra comfort between poses. Even if your baby doesn’t usually take a paci, having one nearby can help me calm and settle them quickly.
It’s not required—but it can be a total game-changer.
2. A Sentimental Item (Optional, but Beautiful)
If you have something meaningful—like a baby blanket from your own childhood, a special teddy bear, or a gift from a grandparent—bring it! I love finding ways to incorporate sentimental pieces that tell your family’s story.
3. Whatever You Need for Feeding
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding, I’ll pause the session anytime your baby needs to eat. A full belly makes for a much sleepier baby—and that means more of those soft, snuggly images.
- If you’re using formula, bring an extra bottle or two
- If you’re nursing, feel free to bring your favorite pillow or cover
- 💡 Pro tip: Feeding your baby right before we start helps them settle in quickly
4. An Extra Outfit—for Baby and You
Babies spit up. It happens. Bring a backup onesie or gown for your little one just in case, and I recommend a neutral shirt for you or your partner too—just in case baby leaves a little love on your shoulder during snuggles.
I’ll provide all the wraps and accessories, so no need to pack much!
5. (Side Note) If Your Baby Was Recently Circumcised…
If your baby has been circumcised, I recommend waiting 5–7 days before your session. This gives their body time to heal and helps keep them comfortable during posing. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to walk you through it.
What I Have Ready at the Studio
I’ve stocked the studio with everything you might need, so you don’t have to stress about packing it all:
- Soft wraps, swaddles, and posing pillows
- A client closet with flattering, flowy dresses you can borrow
- Wipes, blankets, and cozy comforts for baby
- A private, quiet space for feeding or snuggling between setups
A Quick Note from Me
The best sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence.
I’ve had parents show up feeling a little frazzled and leave with full hearts and a gallery of images they love. Bring what you can, and I’ll take care of the rest. We’ll follow your baby’s lead, take breaks when needed, and move at a pace that feels calm and easy.
You don’t need to do anything fancy—you just need to show up. I’ve got you.
Thank you so much for being here. I love sharing stories and tips that help you feel more prepared—and more seen. If you’re ready to plan a session that feels true to you, click here to get in touch.
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Every newborn session tells a story—but some stories begin long before the baby ever arrives.
For some families, the journey to holding a newborn in their arms includes chapters of loss. A miscarriage. A stillbirth. A child gone too soon. And when a new baby is born after loss, they’re often called a rainbow baby—a symbol of hope after the storm.
Newborn sessions for rainbow babies hold a different kind of energy. There’s joy, yes—but also remembrance, reflection, and reverence. I approach these sessions with our whole hearts, knowing that behind every image is a story of strength, love, and healing.
What Is a Rainbow Baby?
A rainbow baby is a term used to describe a child born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Just like a rainbow doesn’t erase the storm, a rainbow baby doesn’t replace the child who came before—but they are a symbol of renewal, of life continuing, and of hope returning.
These sessions are often filled with deep emotion—joy and sorrow sharing the same space.
The Power of Symbolism in Your Session
Many families choose to include a symbol of the baby they lost. This could be:
- A small teddy bear
- A birthstone charm
- A handwritten note or ultrasound photo
- A rainbow-colored wrap or blanket
These quiet additions become powerful. In images, they gently say: you are still part of this family.
I photograph them intentionally—never to overshadow the new baby, but to honor the one who came before. It’s a way to hold space for all of your children in one frame.
Loss-Aware Photography with Sensitivity
I know that grief doesn’t end just because a new baby is here. That’s why I take a trauma-informed, heart-led approach during these sessions:
- I move slowly. There’s no pressure to smile or “perform.”
- I check in often. Your emotions are welcome here.
- I hold space. For tears, for silence, for remembrance.
You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to be okay.
I see you. I honor your story. I are with you. You are fully welcome here.
A Studio That Feels Safe
My Tampa studio is a quiet, neutral space designed to feel peaceful and private—especially for families walking through tender experiences. Natural light, soft textures, and gentle tones allow the focus to stay on connection, not distractions.
No loud props. No forced posing. Just a calm, baby-led session where you can breathe, be present, and feel whatever comes up.
Your Grief Is Not Forgotten
If you’ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss, you are not alone.
If your arms are full now, but your heart still aches for the baby who isn’t here—your story still matters.
You are allowed to celebrate and grieve at the same time. You’re allowed to hold both joy and sadness in the same session. I create space for all of it.
Whether you bring a symbol of remembrance, speak their name aloud, or simply carry that memory silently—I will hold it with care.
Thank you for reading my blog! I love sharing real stories and beautiful moments from my clients. If you’re interested in booking a session, 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
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.
Click here to get in touch
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.
Click here to get in touch
Real talk? Family sessions with young kids are a little unpredictable—and that’s exactly what makes them beautiful. I always tell my clients: don’t go into it expecting perfection. Go into it ready to be in the moment. That’s when the real magic happens.
This session was such a perfect example of that. This sweet family brought so much love, patience, and the kind of real-life energy that makes my job so fun. The kids were full of curiosity and movement, and in between the wild moments, we captured the softest, most connected images—the kind that say more than any stiff pose ever could.
This particular session took place at the family’s private residence, but we have a nearby public location that offers the same dreamy light, open space, and freedom for little ones to run wild. If you’re looking for something similar, I’ve got you covered! It’s a beautiful spot with soft light, open space, and enough room for little ones to roam. Instead of trying to force “smile at the camera” moments, we leaned into their energy—and it paid off.
Here’s the thing: Toddlers do better when they’re allowed to move.
If you’ve got a little one under five, you already know they’re not built for stillness. So when it comes to family photography, the best approach is to make it fun. I use a ton of prompts and movement-based posing—think swinging, running, twirling, chasing bubbles. Nothing stiff, nothing forced. Just connection and play.
That said, there are definitely a few things you can do before your session to make the experience feel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Quick Tips for Prepping Young Kids for a Family Session:
- Naps are your best friend. If your kiddo still naps, try to schedule the session around their best time of day.
- Bring snacks + water. Simple, low-mess snacks and a water bottle go a long way when we need a little reset.
- Wait to get dressed. Seriously—change them once you get to the location to avoid outfit drama, car snacks, or spit-up surprises.
- Release the pressure. It’s okay if your kid cries, rolls in the grass, or insists on bringing a random stick into every shot. These little moments are part of your story, and honestly, they’re usually the photos that feel the most real later on.
This family really embraced that go-with-the-flow energy. They showed up with so much love for their kids, and because they weren’t micromanaging the moment, the kids had space to just be themselves. And that’s when the real moments showed up.
Why These Photos Matter
As a family photographer in Weeki Wachee and the Tampa Bay area, I’ve seen how fast these early years go. One minute you’re chasing them barefoot through a field, the next they’re off to school. These photos are a chance to hold onto what’s real—messy, beautiful, honest moments that tell the truth of your life right now.
You don’t need perfectly posed. You need meaningful.
A Final Reminder
Your child doesn’t need to be perfectly behaved to get beautiful photos. They just need to be loved—and they already are. When you come into your session ready to embrace the chaos and trust the process, that’s when the magic happens.
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
Let’s create something joyful, real, and totally stress-free.
Click here to access our Family Guide for booking your session with me.
It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and want a stress-free family session with your wild little crew, I’m your girl. Let’s make some magic.
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I’m super excited to offer Christmas tree farm mini sessions at Blue Acres this year! These quick 15-minute sessions are perfect for getting your family photos, with 10 hand-edited digital images delivered to you in a private gallery and you’ll have the chance to upgrade for extras!
You’ll get your gallery back in just 1-2 weeks, so you’ll be all set for holiday cards! These minis are limited to immediate family only, though—no extended family because of time and space. If you need more time, I’ve opened up 4 one-hour spots for November 23 and 24. Just reach out if that sounds more your speed!
Want to grab your spot? Click here to book your session!
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!
