Family

The Sawatzky's at Fort Myers Beach

This sweet little family session at Fort Myers beach happens to be of my sister and her two boys. I adore capturing memories of my own family— especially my sweet nephews. They are also absolutely spoiled because those two made me an auntie for the first time (a title I hold dearly).


This family photoshoot was a bit last minute because the next day (our planned shoot date) was to be rained out. This being said, we showed up a bit later than my typical start time when dusk had started creeping in. I did love the cooler tones, as well as the clouds in the sky, offering up a moodier cotton candy vibe in some shots ✨

On a personal note, these monkeys (including my sister;)) are the reason I head to Florida for as long as I can in the winter. My nephews are only little once. These moments of hugs and kisses, 1000’s of questions, high pitched giggles, big smiles, hearing “autie Sevenanah” in little chipmunk voices, excited little faces and screams saying “IT’S AUNTIEEE” when I see them… MELT my heart. Can’t wait for next year.


Savannah


Tony & Jess Courthouse Wedding

I took the trip to Florida again this year, given Minnesota is still in it’s winter phase—and I’m so glad I did. I had the privilege of capturing both Tony and Jessica’s family photos and courthouse marriage all in the past week. There is a separate blog for their family session, because this Fort Myers courthouse wedding needs it’s own space. I should clarify… the photos were taken around downtown Fort Myers after their intimate ceremony.

I showed up (and managed to get a parking ticket —$17 if anyone wants to Venmo me🤪) and was greeted by the couple, their sweet son Isaiah, and a few family members. We started with a quick photo outside the courthouse of their family, and then Tony, Jess, Isaiah, and I went on our way. We had no issues in the location scouting department—there were gorgeous natural backdrops everywhere we looked.

After a while of shooting outside, we headed to the Cigar Bar where we were given permission to shoot. This was easily one of my favorite locations to shoot at during my entire Florida trip. There was an intimate section of the bar tucked away from customers, so we had privacy. The space was dark, moody, dreamy, rustic, and had heavenly light. I used flash for most of them, but got away with taking it off towards the end, as there were a couple of windows on one wall.

After we were done with the photoshoot, baby Isaiah put his arms out for me to hold him, and while mom and dad put the stroller away, he put his little head on my shoulder (and I even got a hug goodbye 🥹🥹🥹).

We’re already planning our next shoot when Tony and Jess come back home to Minnesota for a visit. Can’t wait!!!!!

I hope you all enjoy these photos as much I do. ❤️

PS. If a courthouse wedding is in your future and you want to savor those memories, I would LOVE to connect. :)

Savannah

Tips For In-Home Family Sessions

If you have younger kiddos, this can be one of the sweetest times to capture their unguarded, full-of-life personalities with an In-home photography session. Looking back, you’re going to miss so many things about your babies. Heck, I already miss my nephews being babies… I can’t imagine (yet) how this feels with one’s own kids. When they’re little, they’re unguarded, passionate, resilient, explorative, and ready to take on the world. Guess where allllll of that is nurtured? Yep, home.

That’s why I’m passionate about these in-home family sessions. Hire a trusted photographer, because this is your space and you are allowing them into it to capture your littles in their natural environment.

Not sure what to do? Successful In-Home sessions require a little bit of prep, but not really. Because these are natural aspects of life for your kids, they will enjoy “showing” the photographer the ropes. Just make sure you have ideas of what your kids enjoy, to help the photographer navigate the session. Below are some easy ideas to consider:

-       Activities with mom/dad (dancing in the kitchen, board games, baking etc.)

- Hobbies your kids take part in (sports, piano, technology, reading, etc.)

-       Photos of mom/dad doing what they normally do (yes, even washing dishes, your kids WILL remember this—especially when they’re parents;))

-       Games siblings like to play together

-       A fort!!! (This is so much fun to capture)

-       Intimate moments, like hugs and snuggles, with parents

- They’re rooms! (These are full of familiarity, and will be something they fondly look back on)

Hopefully, this list gets your gears going!

Remember, these photos will serve a great purpose for years to come. You’ll see more than just your looks… You’ll see home.

-Savannah

(PS! I’m a Minneapolis, Minnesota based Photographer, with a love for capturing families and couples! If you have any needs (including travel!), please ask about my photography info/price guides. I’m always willing to share tips and ideas i’ve learned along the way, to help you have a successful photoshoot with your loved one/s).