Every year in February we are graced with the breathtaking beauty of almond blossoms in full bloom, creating a dreamy backdrop for this unforgettable session. The soft white and pink petals dance in the breeze, casting a romantic glow—an absolute vision of early spring’s charm.
Amid this setting stands this beauty—radiant and effortlessly graceful. Her natural beauty blended with the landscape, as the golden sunlight filtered through the branches, flooding her with such a glow. Every shot captured her and this quiet nature’s brief masterpiece.
The almond orchards only bloom for a short time, making this session even more special—a celebration of beauty, renewal, and the magic of the season.
February’s almond blossoms remind us to pause, appreciate, and embrace the moment, just as this session so beautifully did.
Family portrait sessions are a wonderful way to capture special moments and milestones, but they can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when kids, schedules, and outfits are involved! As a photographer, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to share my top tips for making your family session stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Preparation is key to reducing stress. Here are a few ways to plan ahead:
Choose Outfits Early: Coordinate outfits a few days in advance to avoid last-minute wardrobe changes. Opt for colors that complement each other without being overly matchy.
Pack Essentials: Bring along snacks, water, and comfort items for the little ones to keep them happy during the session.
Set Expectations: Talk to your family about what to expect during the session and remind them it’s meant to be fun!
Time It Right
The time of day can make a big difference in how relaxed everyone feels. Aim for: Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset offers beautiful lighting and often a calmer atmosphere.
Keep It Fun
The best photos come from genuine smiles and interactions. To create a relaxed environment:
Candid Moments: Don’t worry about everyone looking at the camera the whole time—sometimes the best shots are the ones where you’re just enjoying each other’s company.
Let Go of Perfection: It’s okay if not everything goes as planned. Embrace the chaos and trust that we’ll capture the magic.
As your photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From posing to making sure everyone looks their best, I’ve got it covered. Remember, my goal is to make you feel comfortable and create images you’ll cherish forever.
Celebrate the Moment
Finally, take a deep breath and enjoy this time with your family. These sessions are about more than just photos—they’re an opportunity to pause, connect, and celebrate your unique bond.
By following these tips, you’ll set the stage for a session that’s not only stress-free but also filled with joy and laughter. I can’t wait to work with your family and create memories you’ll treasure for years to come!
These selections will help you to keep that 2024 fall vibe. Contact me to book a session or if you have any questions.
Fall is closer than you think... at least in a photographer's world. It's not too far off from the retail world either. This is a reminder to start booking your family sessions now.
Preferably with me!
Sales start in August/September so don't forget to favorite those outfits for "fall".
Contact me for your session this fall.
More summer fun shooting. New perspectives are good to find.
Where do you want to go for your next session? Contact me.
It's great to find new places to shoot and this place did not disappoint!
The lighting and layout at most of these privately owned properties are stunning in the morning and early evening time. It's fun to explore and there's more to capture than you would think. With various plants and flower backgrounds setting the stage, all of the colors are amazingly vibrant.
Sunflower Snap Shot sessions capture the essence of summer, blending playfulness and beauty. Even as the day's heat and the lighting starts to fade, the vibrant colors and scenery keep the summer presence alive.
You won't believe the simplicity of the location and how much color and beauty is packed into this short simple session.
Contact me for more information.
Pricing details going up very soon on my blog. Stay tuned!
We had a good amount of rain this winter, so I think the sunflowers should be out in full bloom by the end of June and first of July.
I'll be setting up the sessions closer to that time, so stay tuned. These snap shot sessions are short, sweet and loaded with beautiful summer flowers.
I'm a little late in talking about Halloween decor, but since "Summerween" is a thing, then I guess I'm safe to post this here!
Just a view of what possibly may be some of the 2024 decor for the Halloween Snap Shot sessions.
Check back with me and mark your calendars for September 2024... are you in?
This little fisherman came ready to have some fun for his first birthday shoot. I couldn't of asked for a better location to go with his theme!
While mom and dad had the best props (fishing pole and a cake), he made sure to have fun with it all. ha ha
You know the cake smash is a hit when they do a "sugar dive" face first into the cake!
Happy 1st Birthday!!
Noah arrived on his own terms. He wasn't willing to wait any longer, so mama had to get ready.
Truly a joy to see this wonderful family with their new addition. I can’t wait to document this family in their first year together and to watch Noah grow!
Who doesn't love, LOVE?!
Valentine's season is coming up and I'm ready for the overwhelming amount of red and pink that will fill my timeline.
Come on! If you're not into it, it's still fun to see all the littles and pet shots out there.
This is it! It's going to be October before you know it.
QUESTION??? Should I do Halloween Minis? DM me and let me know if you want to book.
If you can't tell by all the fun here, this session was a blast!
And this is ONE of my favorites. Sessions generally have a theme, most of the time it's not obvious in a family session that something turns out to be a theme. A joke, slip up in a shot, one of the kids makes a really funny face or gesture and then the conversation turns to that highlight and we have a theme.
It's always great to hear in a session, "Remember last year when..." and everyone laughs about whatever took place.
This year one of my clients/friends were preparing for their daughter to leave for college. They really wanted to incorporate this milestone for her by showing "school spirit" into their theme and with thoughts of the upcoming road trip . One big last family trip before she hits adulting!
It doesn't matter how much thought you put into what you're going to wear, although it helps, what matters is that you're all present in that day and just having a good time. That really reads across to the camera.
Small moments make the best memories. So enjoy the memories.
p.s. Did I mention that this shoot took place at 6:30 am, because of the intense heat we still get here in August? So BRAVO to this family for bringing it!
Nothing says "one" like a milestone shoot with a cake smash.
It's so great to be able to collaborate with my client's on these sessions and the kids get a kick out of the props too. Candid shots just come naturally since there's room for them to get involved in it all.
This Wild One session was so much fun and Mr. T is the cutest wild one!
Check out the rest of the shoot on my IG. #shellympphotography
I have to say that capturing milestone moments are some of the best moments. And one of those moments is turning two!
Sometimes kids are up for a session and sometimes they're not.
Like most kids, Jr. takes some time to warm up and figure out if he likes what's going on. Once he's into playing there's no stopping him. So when mom started to tickle him rolling around in the ball pit, I knew there were going to be some pretty special smiles and laughs that needed capturing.
Try not to smile while looking at his portraits. It's a pretty special feeling seeing your child happy and having a good time.
So Happy 2nd Birthday to this handsome Lil man!
Just in case you were thinking about blossom sessions like I am.
Next year! Put it on your calendars and meet me out here. ;)
Just a little bit of some amazing family portraits come out of these sessions.
It's not too late! Get your senior session in now and let's get you ready for graduation.
Mom & Dad let's celebrate your seniors' with some great sessions. Contact me soon, I have a few session openings left.
It's so much fun to see client's with new babies and to watch those babies grow. Milestones are the best way to catch all of the 1st year.
It goes by way too fast!!
This handsome cutie had a few of his stuffed animals and hats involved in his shoot.
Look at those little toes!
It's the most loving time of the year again!
There's nothing better than a little Q-t wearing her heart shaped sunglasses, seated next to her spotted heart shaped dog, all sprinkled with hearts.
These shoots are always so much fun!
p.s. If you want to see more themed shoots, head over to my "themed shoots" on the homepage.
This "Dino1st Birthday" photo session was a hit!
This lil sweetie had plenty to do with all of the dinosaurs and his cake smash was even better. It's fun to play in the cake and frosting with Mom and Dads encouragement. lol
She's the sweetest Wild One!
Pretty in pink for her1st birthday. It really is a complete joy to capture these moments for returning clients.
A wonderful gift idea for expecting mothers' and grandmothers' who love photos with their grandchildren at any age. Whatever the occasion you can show someone your appreciation by presenting them with such a meaningful gift. Please contact me to receive more information about my Gift Certificates and sessions.
I've been good all year. Okay, most of the time. Once in a while. I really did try.
She's too adorable not to believe her. I hope you get what's on your list.
Laundry's only cute when your little. Lots of laughs with this adorable Lil' miss.
Well, one can't get over the habit of being a little girl all at once...
Senior pictures are always so much fun. This was a great night with a truly beautiful young woman. Choosing just a few shots was difficult!
I wish her the best of success and happiness in this world for all of the beautiful days to come.
I really like the creativity that each holiday opens up for me between design and photography. Couldn't resist adding some more love to this photo.