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

Harris Family Session

The Harris Family 💕

There is one thing I love most about coming to Florida from Minnesota, and I’m not talking about the beach or the weather, or the fine white sand that gets EVERYWHERE, or the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, or the tan I get, or the cool shells I find, or even the fact that it’s a vacation and I get to rest…. the thing I love most is connecting with people when I’m in this beautiful atmosphere. My job as a photographer allows me to do this with just about anyone, but since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten to reconnect with friends and meet new people that are all from home—Minnesota. And it is an honor to capture them during such intimate phases of their lives… changing jobs, buying homes, getting married, having families (yep, even giving birth)… all of these big things that I’m so thankful to help celebrate with them. So here’s to doing that for a long, long time.

Okay, back to the session details… :) We did Tony and Jessica’s family photoshoot at Seagate beach in Naples, Florida. I love Seagate beach specifically, because the sunsets are in just the right spot, the rocks the kiddos are on are perfect for family and kiddo portraits, the area is clean, safe, a little more secluded, and quieter (except for a lovely musician that often plays on his porch overlooking the ocean at sunset). Not much more you can ask for from a beach. It’s a slice of heaven.

Tony and Jess—you two, your boys, and these photos, made my heart happy 🤍🤍🤍

Gray Family Giveaway

As a photographer, one of our jobs is to engage with clients in a fun way, one that shows we care and love our jobs. I try in each of the seasons of Minnesota, to do a giveaway. Sometimes it’s a photoshoot for couples, and other times it’s been for families. Giving away a family or couples session has led me to meeting plenty of amazing people. Like the Gray’s :)

This photoshoot was done at a tree farm in Loretto, Minnesota (about 10 minutes from St. Michael, MN!) I have to say, this truly is one of my favorite family sessions to date. The weather one might think was totally blah. But Minnesota weather is everywhere, and if you live here, you get that! As a photographer, you make the best of any situation. We did, and it turned out amazing.

If you ever have a family session done by me, you’ll see that my photoshoot style consists of only a few poses, but mostly candid moments and prompts that ease everyone’s nerves! Especially with kids, my favorite way to capture them is in the little candid moments. I even appreciate the photos of absolute screaming, because well, that’s real life. Those raw moments when looking back, will feel so nostalgic. Posed shots just don’t feel the same.

SO, enjoy these photos of this sweet family at a tree farm, on a cold windy day in Minnesota 🎄❄️💕