Catching up here.  In the last month, I had nine sessions within three weeks of each other.  With preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas during that same time, I'm a little behind in posting my sessions, so be prepared to be inundated here on the blog with highlights from those sessions over the next several weeks and beyond.

First up is this beautiful family that lives in my own neighborhood and contacted me to take their family photos.  After having to cancel two times because of weather, third time was the charm.

We took these photos right in our neighborhood on a beautiful morning.  The grandparents joined in for some shots as well.  Wearing color-coordinating clothing really makes the images pop and not distracting to the eye.

Are you worried you may not be able to have school portraits taken of your children this year because you may be doing hybrid or full blown homeschooling?

Worry, no more. In light of the current Covid-19 situation, I am now offering my boutique school portraits this year for individual families. I will take photos of your student(s) outside at a local outdoor site. Your student(s) will now have a natural outdoor background instead of the standard black background. It will be the same style as my indoor school portraits capturing children in a very relaxed, natural way. No awkward, stiff, or boring poses.

This will be a FREE 10-minute session with the option to purchase various packages, digitals and a la carte items. All proofing, ordering and payment are completed online. Within two weeks of photo day you will be sent an e-mail with a link to your private gallery.

Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

September 12 & 19
by appointment only 
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Click the button below to contact me to schedule your session now.

Many Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida families wonder when is the most opportune time to take family photos outdoors.

We are so fortunate to live on the West Coast of Florida where there are beaches, parks, trails, you name it, in which to choose the best location for an outdoor family photoshoot.  All these places and more are so photogenic.  However, since this is Florida, the time of day does matter when you want to capture the best and the most flattering natural light, as well as not get too roasted in the heat.

Golden Hour is Our Friend for Being the Best Time of Day

When is golden hour?  It is the time of day about an hour before sunset where the light is absolutely gorgeous and "golden."  This type of light ensures everyone will look fantastic!  I LOVE scheduling outdoor family sessions during the golden hour.  If your family session will include little ones (two months and older), I highly recommend they take a late afternoon nap, if at all possible, and feed them snacks or dinner prior to the session.  This will help them be in their best mood possible.

However, you may ask, "What if I can't be out that late with my little ones?"  No problem.  I will be happy to accommodate you in whatever way is necessary.

If We Can't Do Golden Hour, Morning Time Comes in Second for the Best Time

I can certainly serve your family and still capture beautiful images no matter the time of day.  So, if golden hour won't work for you, we can schedule your session during the morning hours, usually around 10 a.m. when the sun isn't up too high yet and the light isn't too harsh.  The morning hours actually work best for newborns and toddlers.


Let me know when you are ready to capture your lifestyle outdoor family session.  I would love to see you at the golden hour.

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​Next week, I’ll be able to photograph again.  Yay!  Outdoors only for now. So, you may be wondering what you should wear to your outdoor photoshoot.
 
There is no absolute right or wrong answer to what to wear.  However, there are certain choices that will allow your images to look fabulous!
 
Read on for my suggestions:

In a previous blog post, I wrote about what extra safety precautions I was going to take when taking photos of you, your baby and/or family.  That was when all of this was just beginning and before the stay-at-home order was in place and I could no longer photograph.

Now, that we are getting prepared for the lockdown to gradually phase out and photographers will be allowed to photograph again, I wanted to inform you of additional safety precautions I will be taking at your photoshoot.

I want to ensure that you and I both take the maximum care and precautions to protect all of us as much as possible.  Please take a few minutes to read the guidelines below:

In-Home Photoshoot

• I will remove my shoes before entering your home
• I will wear a face mask and gloves
• I will wash my hands after entering your house and/or use hand sanitizer
• If I am photographing a baby, I will limit my handling of your baby as much as possible
• I ask that we all remain at least 6' away from each other
• Only immediate family being photographed will be allowed

Outdoor Photoshoot

• We will remain at least 6' away from each other
• Depending upon the outdoor location we are shooting, I will wear a face mask, if deemed necessary for protection, i.e., if we are in a park and other people are out and about that may be near us
• Only immediate family being photographed will be allowed at your photoshoot

For your part, please follow the steps listed below to ensure my well being as well as your own:

• I ask that no one living outside of your home has visited your home within the 48 hours prior to the day of your photoshoot
• Please cancel your appointment within 24 hours if you have experienced any of the following symptoms:
  • Fever, cough, dizziness, lack of taste/smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue (not from lack of sleep)

In the meantime, I hope you get a little chuckle from my photoshoot with Little Miss Clorox - it's their first pandemic!

Thank you so much!  Stay safe, stay strong!

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. If you are ready to book a future session when restrictions are lifted or chat about your photo session with Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click the "Book A Future Session" box below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

This is for all you mamas-to-be out there ready to give birth during this quarantine time.  I want to extend my support by sharing with you some tips on how you can take your own Fresh 48 photos since professional photographers aren't allowed at this time.

You can easily take these with your iPhone or other smartphone.
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1. Whether you are giving birth in the hospital, birthing center or at home, turn off all artificial lights
2. Position baby close to a window.  Natural light is the best.
3. Don't forget to take all the tiny details - feet, hands, face
4. Take photos at all different angles - above, side, head
5. Make sure you get in some of the photos with your baby, too.  Have the father or nurse take them.  While you're at it, have the nurse take a few with you, the father, the baby and any siblings.

After the quarantine has been lifted and photographers can work again by it being safe to come into your home, I can take your newborn photos, even if baby is a little older.  That's the beauty of lifestyle photography.  You will have the first priority to get on my schedule.

For now, rest, relax and cherish these last days of pregnancy.

Please feel free to share this with any of your pregnant friends so they can have these tips as well.

Take care, stay safe, stay strong.

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. During this quarantine time, you can book a future session now.  Contact Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click "Book A Future Session" box below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

​Are you going a little stir crazy? Children driving you nuts? Disappointed you can't get professional photos taken right now?

​I have the perfect solution. I just wrote up a quick guide explaining an easy 4-step process of taking lifestyle photos yourself on your phone! Whether you are single, a couple or have children, I have prompts for all.
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Interested? Request the guide by clicking the button below and I'll send you the guide right away.

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. During this quarantine time, you can book a future session now.  Contact Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click "Book A Future Session" box below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cara Soulia in Boston started The Front Steps Project to bring families together, yet separated during this quarantine time.  I knew I had to do something for my own small community as well to help get us through this crazy time in our lives. I called mine, "Front Door Project" because our houses do not have porches or steps.  However, I did photograph one of my friends who lives in a different neighborhood that did have front steps.  :-) 

I posted what I wanted to do on our community's private Facebook group.  I also asked some friends.  I used my 24-70mm lens and zoom lens.  I stood on the sidewalk to take the photos, which allowed me more than 20' of safe distancing.  This was a great way to get out a little bit for some fresh air and to meet some of my neighbors I hadn't met yet.

These were just quick, five-minute shoots and were a lot of fun and FREE!  I only asked and encouraged my participants to donate to my favorite charity.  

It was so touching to see families come out, smile and enjoy a little bit of togetherness.  All the families seemed to really enjoy taking these five minutes of just being out, smiling, and being silly to document this time in their lives.  Even their fur babies were included.

I hope and pray everyone is doing well. Stay home, stay safe, stay strong!  This too shall pass.

Enjoy this little slideshow of my Front Door Project.