That look. I see it every time. It usually happens just before Mom thinks I'm ready to take the picture. In that moment of getting ready for the shot. That connection of their eyes. A bond that surely must have happened upon first glance after birth. It is such a privilege to capture such an intimate moment for Mom with her newborn. Bliss. Enjoy.

Most of my blog posts revolve around how much I love photographing brides & babies, which I do! However, I feel lately I have neglected my appreciation of nature and most especially, the Florida scape beauty that is free for the viewing by simply stepping outside my door. So today is just a thank you to Mother Nature for all the beauty around us. Now, aside from a few little hurricanes, nice sized mosquitoes, and did I mention the alligators that live in the water everywhere around us (?), you simply can't ask for a more peaceful place to live. Even the baby alligators that were born on this preserve are too cute, but since the Mom & Dad are obviously lurking, big eyes & all, above the water, it's best just to use a telephoto lense for any desired pictures. 

 

While walking today, these photos were taken with my "favorite thing"  palm pree   & not my  Canon 5D Mark II.  Just goes to show you how far our great technology has taken us. I'm thinking one day professional wedding photographers will be shooting weddings via phones! Sure would lighten the equipment load!

Stephanie & Philip, your photos are on the way. Some of them are way too cute. Hope you'll have many happy memories of this time in you lives.

"Colin here, reporting for duty & looking for action!"

Could he be any more adorable? I think not! This child is not even a month old & look at how he can pull himself up already. And look at that fierce look of determination. Go, Colin!

Today Colin made a re-appearance for his photo debut. Last week he decided to postphone his photo shoot as had a whole new world to explore. Today he felt much more co-operative although we had to wait a while for him to decide to take a nap. We were patient & finally he fell asleep, but only for a short while! So peaceful looking when he sleeps.

Colin's Mom & I were determined to get this shot, so there was a bit of a battle of the wills between the infant & the grownups. One lesson that Colin may be getting early on is that "Mom's Rule!" Thanks Colin for working it out with us.

Wishing you many sweet dreams, Colin!

Nothing makes me realize the preciousness of life like the delicate little fingers & toes of a newborn.

Look at that delicate skin, still flaky from birth. So cute!

Welcome Colin! All 9lbs/5 ozs! While he may look like a happy camper here, all snuggly & smiling, he let us know he was not in the mood for his 1st photo session. So we let him off the hook & told him we'd postpone his full debut until next week! Look for more of his cuteness soon. He has the most beautiful, alert eyes & he is obviously ready to get busy with learning about his world. Lucky for Colin, he has amazing parents to help with that! After only a few days of this parenting stuff, they look like complete naturals with their new roles as Mom & Dad.

Congratulations Stephanie & Philip! He's a keeper!

This one's a secret for a while longer. This little one had suprise photos made for her Mom today. We'll keep her under wraps for a while longer until Mom's seen her little cutie pie in her tutu.

 

 

To see Niki & Keith's wedding slideshow, click here or here for the YouTube version. For gallery viewing, enter password.

I can see why everyone's anxious to see more of Niki & Keith's wedding photos! They're shaping up nicely. Gallery should be up by the weekend for your friends & family. Until then, here's one to make you smile. Enjoy!

 

This is why I love weddings! More accurately, just one of the many reasons I love weddings. There is always that moment of quiet reflection which  makes the bride even more beautiful. I like to think she is thinking not only in the moment but also, with anticipation, into her future.

Niki & Keith had a picture perfect wedding on Saturday. While the Florida temperature continued to hover in the 50's & the evening even colder, the skies were a brilliant blue &, along with their loving families, the warmest of memories were created for this special couple.

 

Niki & Keith, here's a sneak peak of some of your photos. As the processing continues, I will post a few more in the coming days, along with your gallery.

 

While Niki started the getting dressed process, Keith took a quick trip to the hotel gym. Great idea to calm the nerves!

Seeing the bride at the moment she is stepping into her dress is always a special moment for me. So much love & attention to detail goes into this process. Niki's dress was incredibilty beautiful. It had a vintage look & Niki has this amazing hair that completed the look.  

One last check either for either a special message from his bride OR the sports scores.........we'll never know, but it looked important.

Niki & Keith chose to break tradition & see each other before the ceremony for a few intimate pictures. A very good choice as some of the very best photos come from those few minutes....and it is such a private time just before the ceremony.

 

After the wedding, we walked a short distance from the Chapel to the Melbourne Beach Pier for some pretty light!

Every once & a while I capture a little one's photo that says " I'm as sweet & innocent as I look". Yet in reality she might be covertly munching on a tiny little clover leaf, thinking all along no one saw it quickly go in her mouth!

Have a happy week to everyone around the internet world.

What makes a great wedding photo? Well, you start with a fabulous couple for starters! Lucky for me, my brides & grooms fill that order. Then you have them strike the perfect pose....one that fits for them.....that way it looks natural & not fake. One reason to get to know your wedding couple's personalities. I love that part. I always seem to feel like we've become friends along the way. Now, if you ask them, they may say they have a pretty nerdy photographer that laughs & talks way to much. But how else do you get those great smiles! Mission accomplished!

 

Check out this article with some great photos, since today's post is about posing .....AND posing is not a bad word for wedding photography.  Otherwise photos can look haphazard & like they were taken by your uncle who thinks he's a great photographer just because he's been taking photos a while now with the latest new digital camera. Honestly, there's a learning curve to be mastered here!