Because you searched for...
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.
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.
read now
Read More Articles
I absolutely love photographing women in business. There’s just something next-level about helping another woman step into her brand, own her message, and show up with total confidence. And this session with the powerhouse behind Sunflower Socials was all that and more.
Shot entirely in my Tampa photography studio, this branding session had that perfect balance of fun and fierce. We created a whole mix of content—from polished headshots to relaxed, lifestyle moments she can use across her social platforms, website, and marketing. The result? A gallery that feels authentic, aligned, and totally her.
Why Branding Photos Matter
Let’s be honest—your business is personal. It’s not just your product or service. It’s your energy. Your values. Your why. And your photos should reflect that.
That’s where branding sessions come in. With the right imagery, you can:
- Build instant connection with your audience
- Show up consistently and professionally
- Create content that actually feels like you
- Save yourself time and stress when it comes to marketing
This session was such a beautiful reminder of how powerful it is when a woman stands fully in who she is—and uses that to fuel her brand.
What We Shot (And Why It Works)
We kept the session relaxed, fun, and full of variety. We shot content that felt aligned with her tone and aesthetic—light, warm, confident, and a little playful. From flat lays to behind-the-laptop moments to power poses with her coffee in hand, it was the kind of session that gives you options for months.
That’s the beauty of doing branding photos in a Tampa studio—we’re not battling heat, wind, or busy public spaces. We’re able to curate the environment so every detail speaks to your brand.
Who She Is + Why You Should Know Her
Okay let’s talk about the amazing woman in front of the camera: the heart and mind behind Sunflower Socials. She’s a social media strategist and content creator who helps women-owned businesses get clear on their message and show up online with confidence.
From content planning and engagement strategies to full-on marketing support, she does it all—and she does it in a way that feels approachable, supportive, and straight-up smart. If you’re a small business owner who needs a content glow-up or someone to finally take the stress out of socials, she’s your girl
Tips for Your Branding Session
Whether you’re launching something new, refreshing your look, or just ready to stop hiding behind selfies and screenshots—here’s how to prep:
- Bring 2–3 outfits that feel like you—neutrals with pops of color work great
- Think about your content needs: Do you want lifestyle shots? Product photos? Headshots?
- Bring your tools of the trade—laptop, planner, coffee mug, anything that tells your story
- Be open to movement, laughter, and a little sass—it goes a long way on camera
And don’t worry if you’re not “good in front of the camera.” My job is to guide you, pose you, hype you up, and make you feel like the boss you are.
Ready to Book Your Own Branding Session?
Let’s create something that actually feels like you—and gets your business the love it deserves.
