Senior portraits are not my normal genre.

However, when a neighbor is looking for a photographer to take some senior photos of her son, I was happy to oblige. I had the pleasure of photographing Chase in June. Such a pleasant young man.

We met at the Bradenton Riverwalk along the Manatee River during the golden hour. It was a perfect, beautiful day to capture these images. He was very easy-going and followed my prompts very well.

Chase plays hockey and follows the Tampa Bay Lightning team. He was very happy they won the Stanley Cup this year. I asked if he wanted to bring along his hockey stick to use as a prop in some of the photos, but he didn't really want to. He just wanted nice, casual shots.

I wish you well in all of your future endeavors, Chase.

Congratulations! Class of 2021!

Let's chat about your next photo session. I would love to capture your story and create your legacy.

Whether you are having a professional photographer come in to take Fresh 48 photos or not, here are four items you should bring with you to the hospital:

1. A nice robe.

Having a cute robe for Fresh 48 photos will make you feel pretty and pulled together rather than wearing that ugly hospital gown. It's a nice coverup to keep you comfy and warm and still easy enough to nurse.

2. Don't forget Dad. Pack a plain shirt for him.

I don't think you'll want photos with him wearing an old grungy t-shirt that he was wearing running out of the house when you said it was time to go to the hospital. Having a nice, plain shirt will do the trick and not be distracting.

3. Your cell phone or better yet, if you have your own DSLR camera.

Even if you are having Fresh 48 photos taken by a professional, it's great to have your own camera in order to capture lots of photos of your baby. Hand the camera off to your husband and let him take some of you and the baby and vice versa. You can even ask your nurse to take a few of all of you.
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4. Last, but not least, bring an outfit for your baby.

Choose a favorite outfit you may have received at your baby shower to bring baby home in. This outfit can also be used for your Fresh 48 photos.

​I think I can speak for most photographers in saying that we love to shoot during the golden hour because that time of day, an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset and even shortly after sunset, creates a naturally diffused, pinkish or golden light that is absolutely gorgeous in creating beautiful portraits.

Golden hour produces that warm and soft glow which makes it perfect for outdoor maternity or family portraits. Since the sun is low in the sky, this enables me to block harsh sunlight on you to avoid shadows on your face as well as prevents you from that awful squinting.

The mood the golden hour provokes is happy and comforting. It allows beautiful blurred backgrounds or beautiful highlights where light may filter through foliage.

...and when the sun has just set, who doesn't love a beautiful silhouette?

For sessions with DreamWorld Photography:

WINTER - we will meet between 4:45 p.m. & 6:45 p.m. These months could work for young families.

SPRING - in early April, shoots will start around 6:30 p.m. In late May and June, shoots will start around 7 - 7:30 p.m.

SUMMER - long summer months mean later sunsets. These sessions are best for families who have older children with later bedtimes.

FALL - the time changes considerably. We may start your shoot at 6 p.m. in the beginning of fall and by the end, we will start around 4:30 p.m. The fall months would work best for young families with early bedtimes.

All these shooting start times are approximate. It will depend upon the month and day you choose. All sessions will begin approximately one hour before the time of the sunset.

So, when will be the best time for your family to have golden hour photographs taken? Well, according to the times listed above, if you have small children with early bedtimes, fall and winter would work the best for you. Otherwise, any time of the year will work depending upon what type of portrait session you are having.

Are you ready to have your beautiful portraits taken during the golden hour? Let's chat and get you on the schedule.

Did you know you could join my Exclusive Baby's 1st Year Club to capture those precious milestones during your baby's first year?

Save on sessions by enrolling in the club. This exclusive club includes:

Newborn Session
(up to two months old)

Sitting Session
(generally between 6  - 9 months old)

One Year Session
(showcasing personality of one year old; incorporating heirlooms; favorite toy, blanket, etc.)

PLUS you will receive this beautiful piece of artwork - a trio frame featuring your favorite image from each session to display in your home for you to enjoy for years to come.

Let's plan ahead now for your next outdoor family photo session. Click on the button below to begin the plan now.

Tip 2. WEAR CLOTHES THAT ARE CLASSIC AND COMFORTABLE.

Stay away from reds, all black and busy patterns. No graphic tees, character shirts or neon colors. Keep in mind, short dresses or skirts can be hard to move around in during the session, as you may be walking around, sitting down, laying down, etc. Therefore, wearing a longer dress/skirt or pants will work the best. The most important thing is that the clothes will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Wear something you feel beautiful in and coordinate around that. Wear “you.” Simple, yet classic comfortable clothes will give your images a timeless feel.

Check in tomorrow, same place, same time for Tip #3!

Let's have a chat about how you and your family can have beautiful outdoor family portraits that will last a lifetime.