AFTER THE SESSION
I upload the images to my computer and back them up on an external hard drive. Then get to work culling and editing.
Once completed your images will be uploaded into an online gallery where you can download the full resolution digital files.
We will set up a time to chat and go over your online gallery. You can ask questions and we can help you decide on what to order and get the best choice for your budget. We are fully educated in the printing process and can help you decide what to print at what size. 
​

WEATHER
Ahh, weather. The only job where you can be wrong 80% of the time.  In a traditional Florida summer it is raining somewhere, it could be a mile down the street and sunny where you are! I have five weather apps that I refer to constantly, I go with three out of five similar forecasts. The short version is we try to wait until the session day and just before everyone begins the process of getting ready to decide. You can read more about the weather policy HERE. For more information on what to expect during windy conditions, you can read HERE.  
TIMING
Timing is especially important in a mini session. Our beach sessions are held just before sunset so we do not have the option of starting and ending late. When the sun is down we are out of time. If you are not sure if you may need longer time let us know. We can begin earlier and if we have everything after 20 minutes great, if not we can go for a Classic session. We have an article you may want to check out titled 'Is a Mini Session right for us?"
We do account for time walking to the location when setting the meeting time so we aim to meet at the agreed upon time. Traffic here is unreliable however so you may want to leave early. We have a lot of bikes and golf carts that like to ride on back beach roads and in most areas there is just 98 so if there is an accident there is no way around it. However arriving early does not necessarily mean we will begin early,  light is everything in portraits. 
We will typically meet in the parking lot and from there we will walk down to the beach while discussing final details. I will ask if there is anything you especially want to get or if there is something you are wanting printed large. We will prioritize getting those shots first to capture optimal lighting suitable for large prints. ​

*Cards are created by Amy and Caitie using photos from your session and come in sets of 25 with envelopes for $75. 

​Digital painting is an editing process that enables artists to create portraits with a classic Heirloom painting. I use images from your session and turn them into portraits that feel timeless and resemble classic portrait pieces. 

Despite a Bachelors degree in painting, I rarely bring out a brush and canvas these days. 
However the love of the art has not left me. 
Using a digital tablet and pen, I am able to essentially paint on the digital image. 
Turning photographs into heirloom paintings involves a meticulous editing process. I begin by recreating the atmosphere of the portrait's mood, enhancing the overall tone and emotion of the image. Using dramatic lighting, I strengthen the focus on the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to key elements. I soften edges, blend textures, and refine details to mimic the delicate brushstrokes of a traditional painting. Each piece is carefully crafted to convey a timeless, artistic quality that transforms the original photograph into a cherished work of art.

We now offer this as an upgrade option with images from your session! 

Florida weather can be finicky, beautiful one minute, pouring the next. It can be tricky to anticipate, you can't always rely on the app because 100% may mean it will rain down the street but not where you are. 

Our best bet is always to schedule early in the vacation. If the weather does not cooperate we will try to reschedule. 

Our biggest weather concern actually isn't rain. Our biggest concerns are lightening and wind. There are not many lightening rods near an open beach and we do not want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt, nor do we want to end up on the front page of Yahoo as 'the photographer who let their clients get struck by lightening'. 
Wind is not just annoying to deal with (check out our blog about beach blown hair) . Once it gets around 15mph the wind will pick up the sand and sandblast you. And by sandblast I mean blast, in the movies you see the annoyance of sand storms with sand in their eyes and mouths but what they don't tell you is how much it hurts! Each piece feels like a little ant bites and yes, it does get in your eyes, your hair, your clothes, and our equipment. We will not shoot in wind above 12mph. Anything above 10mph will blow your hair and clothing, making editing extremely long and hard.
Other weather concern we look at are fog and high humidity. I have had to cancel shoots in the past after showing up and attempting to shoot but not be able to see the clients 3 feet away or my inner lens fog up and not work properly.

If your goal is not to have just a picture on the beach but to capture a special moment or finally have everyone in one place, we WILL find a way. I can come to your home, rent a conference room at a hotel, I have been known to wait inside my car next to my clients and rush out when there is a break in the rain to at least grab that one group shot. 

Weather apps are constantly updating. It can help give us an idea of what to expect on the day but we do not depend on them. We like to wait until the day of to make a decision. We will wait until just before the clients begins getting ready for the session. We don't want you to spend a long time getting all dressed up, bribing the kids and hubby, only to do it all over again the next day. We will get in touch a few hours before we are to meet and make a judgement call. We take in account the weather radar, the percentage at the time, the presence of thunder. While we do keep an eye on several weather apps the most reliable information can be found with the radar a few hours before the session. We may just need to move it up a few minutes to avoid early sunset or we may need to reschedule to a later mutual date.
We are not opposed to shooting in light rain, at the request of the client. Pouring rain will effect our equipment and hinder the shot.   

The retainer fee is non refundable however it is transferable. If we cannot find a mutual date to reschedule during the current vacation we can transfer it to a future date. 
If Amy or Caitie find the conditions not favorable and the client wants to try anyway we will drive out and wait for the rain recede up to 15 minutes. Any longer than that and we lose the light. In this instance the retainer fee is utilized that day and is no longer transferable. 

​Weather at the beach is famously unpredictable. With no trees to provide shade or block the wind, you're at the mercy of the elements. The water can be crystal clear or teeming with seaweed, calm as a lake or wild with waves. The sky might be brilliantly sunny, hazy with intense fog, or painted with vibrant colors. We've learned to adapt to any situation—embracing the unpredictability is key. After all, you can't control Mother Nature, so the best approach is to go with the flow.

Read below to find out how we handle sessions when excessive wind is present.

Our Classic Session is our most requested. We have found that 45 minutes is the perfect amount of time to capture the essential shots and a few fun shots!​

WEATHER
First let's talk a little about the weather. It can be frustrating when your job depends on the weather! I have five weather apps that I refer to constantly. In a traditional Florida summer it is raining somewhere, it could be a mile down the street and sunny where you are!  The short version is we try to wait until the session day and just before everyone begins the process of getting ready to decide. You can read more about the weather policy HERE. For more information on what to expect during windy conditions, you can read HERE.  
TIMING
​All beach sessions are held just before sunset. We do account for time walking to the location when setting the meeting time so we aim to meet at the agreed upon time. Traffic here is unreliable however so you may want to leave early. We have a lot of bikes and golf carts that like to ride on back beach roads and in most areas there is just 98 so if there is an accident there is no way around it. However arriving early does not necessarily mean we will begin early,  light is everything in portraits. 
We will typically meet in the parking lot and from there we will walk down to the beach while discussing final details. I will ask if there is anything you especially want to get or if there is something you are wanting printed large. We will prioritize getting those shots first to capture optimal lighting suitable for large prints. ​

We have a general list of standard shots to include with every session. I try to work in this order so I don't forget anything: family close up and full, couple, individual shots of the children, siblings together close up and full body. We will end the traditional shots with another family shot as the light will have changed by then, providing you with more options. These are the standard traditional shots that are usually printed for walls or wallet size for sharing. By this time we're all somewhat familiar with each other, everyone is a little more relaxed and we're ready for some cozy, fun lifestyle shots that more reflect your personality than traditional posed shots. These are great for albums and social media. We will end the session when the sun gets below the water and we start losing the light. ​

WHAT IF MY TODDLER DOESN'T WANT TO COOPORATE? 
Leave it to us. We both, Amy and Caitie, have worked with little ones for 15 years in addition to having 4 and 5 of our own and we love working with little ones! If you are especially worried let us know and we will be prepared. Amy has worked with toddlers for over 20 years teaching general education, special education and has trained as a Registered Behavior Therapist. 
You can read more about preparing your toddler and how we can help HERE.

AFTER THE SESSION
I will then get to work on the after session; culling and editing. 
The images will be uploaded into an online gallery where you can download the full resolution digital files and place your order. Our job is not done until you are satisfied that you got what you came for. We are fully educated in the printing process and can help you decide what to print at what size. 
When you look good, we look good! 
Moreover, simply right-clicking, printing from a phone, or using a kiosk will not deliver the quality you are investing in. HERE is a blog you can check out with information about digitals and prints. 

Creating composite images is so much fun! I love diving into the details—give me some good music or an Audible book, and I can totally lose myself in the process. It’s just so fun bringing all the pieces together and watching it come to life.​

​When it comes to finding the perfect Father's Day gift, it's all about knowing your dad's interests. My dad had recently become obsessed with the new Vikings show, so I had a brilliant idea: why not turn him into a Viking himself?

I love it when kids get into it!  This little man shyly asked me about two ideas he had at the end of our session and I'm like, yes please!

I was trying to get this little man comfortable with me and asked him his favorite superhero. He proceeded to shoot his web at me. I decided to create a little surprise image to the session. (check out the collar, his spider suit is under his polo disguise).

Not quite a composite, I just cleaned up the background so the focus remained on the sweet pup running to me.

My daughter and I like to create her Valentines with fun composites!

My mom wanted a Christmas card with her puppy Milo. I decided to play around with an older image of my daughter and create a snow globe for her.

Interested in a composite of your own?
Drop me a line and let's chat!