I am not sure blogging is even still a thing – but here we go. I actually still love reading old blog posts that I come across when I am googling something. It feels more authentic than the ‘gram and usually when I read posts by someone that’s a known professional, it makes me appreciate their work even more. A few of my favorites are Jodi Mockabee’s blog, Bryarton Farm blog and Lauren Liess’s blogs! Most of these – actually all three – cover interior design in some fashion but each with a separate niche. Jodi is known for homeschooling her children, being in nature, designing her family’s be ..read more

There is no nobler career than that of motherhood at its best.  There are no possibilities greater, and in no other sphere does failure bring more serious penalties.  With what diligence then should she prepare herself for such a task.  If the mechanic who is to work with “things” must study at technical school, if the doctor into whose skilled hands will be entrusted human lives, must go through medical school . . . how much more should the mother who is fashioning the souls of the men and women of tomorrow, learn at the highest of all schools and from the Maste ..read more

… because there’s a difference. My sister and I were talking yesterday about homes we remember growing up. In true fashion I pulled out old photo albums with the intention of looking for photos that were taken in a friend’s home or our own to see what it was like. Was it like we remembered? Turns out it was.  My sister and I were saying that we remember very few homes that were beautifully decorated or pristine – BUT we both remember that almost everyone of those homes that were apart of our childhood had family pictures on display. We can even remember specific pictures that were in cer ..read more

Let me start off by saying something I always say – the best family photo outfits you can wear for family pictures are the ones that you already have. Gasp! But it’s true! Chances are if it is in your closet already it is something that you wear on a normal basis that is comfortable and you feel good in! That is the key to great family photos – comfort and confidence. We could close this blog post right here. JK. After photographing hundreds of families, I want to share with you my professional opinion on the best family photo outfits as well as links to some cute outfits for mama + child ..read more

January is the month that I evaluate what worked in family photography over the past year, what needs to change for this year and also sit for a minute with a few questions.  Is my current work true to my vision as an artist?  (If it’s not you will quickly burnout.) Is it serving families deeply – which for me means creating honest portraits. If it is honest – it is timeless. They go hand in hand. Always. One thing I have realized is that I want to incorporate more lifestyle portraits (photojournalistic portraits) into my family photography this year. The reason for this is bec ..read more

Have you ever wondered how to take better pictures – especially of your own family? Over time I have come to believe there are two different types of photos. One is an image you want to archive and treasure forever. The other is one that simply makes you feel good when remembering a fantastic memory. (The two can overlap at times.) Understanding this will help you take better photos of your own family. How do you differentiate between a photo that is a treasure and one that is for good memories alone? And what do you do with them when you realize which category they fall into? I have spent yea ..read more

Miramar Beach Photographers To The Bean Family It is such a treat being Miramar Beach photographers – especially to families like the Bean family! From the start of our conversations together, Caylen told me that she was drawn to beautiful aesthetics and unashamedly loves tying patterns together. She had a tremendous job doing this for her entire extended family’s outfits. We had the best time meeting up in Miramar Beach, Florida! With a group of cousins all close it age, it was sure to be the best time. It actually reminded me of my own girls with their cousins. They are all close and the rel ..read more

What family photo outfits should we wear this year? Oh, the age old question. We search Pinterest. You look at what everyone else has worn. We cross our fingers and hope that we look good. Well, I am here to break down for you my best family photo outfit secrets. I will be helping you see all things family photo outfits from an art perspective, color scheme perspective and practical perspective. You ready? Let’s go. (The pro-est tip of all – have all of your photos turned black and white. I kid. I kid!) Back to the good stuff. Family Photo Outfit Ideas From A Master Artist You want your famil ..read more

Why we love the forgotten coast of florida as a family As you know – we love living on the Coast and all things/places coastal as a family! One of our (secret) favorite places to go on vacation as someone who lives at the beach is to what is known as The Forgotten Coast of Florida – specifically Port St Joe and Cape San Blas! You can see two videos I made of our trip this year here and here. We have been going to the forgotten coast as a family for three years now. Let me tell you – I am so drawn to the raw, untouched beauty of the forgotten coast. It is still quaint, quiet, without tons of co ..read more

Are you wondering what are the five best books for creatives? Besides taking three years off social media, reading has impacted my creative journey more than anything else to date. Here are five of the best books for creatives, in my opinion, for you. You make look at this list and think these are the best books for creatives? But let me explain. These five books appeal to the creative heart in different ways and together they make a complete combination. Or they have for me. Without further ado here are my favorite best books for creatives! Five Best Books For Creatives The Artists Way By J ..read more