Czajka Extended Family Session at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL

There’s something super special about extended family sessions. More people generally means more memories, stories, and laughter, and this one was the best! A little while ago, I had the pleasure of capturing the Czajka family at the picturesque Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL. Check out the amazing gallery we made together!

Betsy and Freddie Czajka have been repeat clients of mine, and each session with them has been a delightful experience. This time, they wanted to do something a bit larger — a session that included their extended family. It was an honor to document the entire family together.

Joining us for the session were Betsy's sister, Julie, and her husband, Chris, along with their children. I loved their warmth and camaraderie, which made for some lively and natural photographs. Betsy and Julie’s parents, Judy and Ed, were also part of the gathering. It was awesome capturing photos of them with the grandkids!

Extended family sessions like these are precious because they capture the essence of family heritage and connection. For our session, we created a day full of timeless memories to share.

When booking an extended family session, I always recommend booking a bit more time than one might for a typical family shoot. I suggest at least an hour to accommodate all the various groupings and individual portraits.

I always come with a list of shots so we don’t miss any groups or pairings. Of course, it’s always helpful to come up with a list if you have any special recommendations! Betsy had a clear vision for this shoot.

She wanted to make sure we captured photos of everyone together, each family separately, individual portraits of the kids, and lovely moments between the grandparents and their grandchildren.

Everyone cooperated so well. We knocked out the portraits in no time, and then we were able to have some fun! We had more than enough time to snap all the shots Betsy and her family wanted, so the session didn’t feel rushed at all.

It’s no secret that I love Riverside Park. I’ve taken numerous clients here, and it’s really spectacular because of the live oaks. The path is walkable for pretty much everyone, and there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and be themselves. This allowed me to capture the candid moments, which are priceless.

The Czajka’s extended family session was a wonderful reminder of why I love what I do. Documenting familial love is profoundly fulfilling. Many thanks to the Czajka family for letting me be a part of this beautiful day. I hope to see you again soon!

Porter Family Mini Session at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL

I'm so excited to share a charming experience from my recent mini photo session with the wonderful Porter family: Erin, Michael, and their awesome kiddos, Hadley and Cole. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Riverside Park in Vero Beach, Florida, this session was nothing short of magical.

As many of you know, mini sessions are a fantastic option for families seeking quality photos without the commitment of a lengthy photo shoot. Lasting about 15 minutes, these sessions are perfect for capturing a snapshot of family life in a fun, efficient, and stress-free manner. This format particularly suits families with young children, allowing us to capture their energy and personality before any potential restlessness sets in.

The Porter family, have always been a pleasure to work with, and this session was no exception. They are repeat clients, so everyone knows the drill by now! We had a blast.

Erin had a special request for individual photos of Hadley and Cole, captured from various angles. It's always refreshing to work with kids who are as cooperative and spirited as Hadley and Cole.

Thanks to previous sessions, they were used to the camera and came ready to shine! Hadley in particular was an absolute princess. She was so excited to pose for the camera. On the other hand, Cole was super excited to climb the glorious oak trees here at Riverside Park.

Hadley and Cole were absolute stars throughout the session. Their cooperation and enthusiasm made it incredibly easy to capture a range of expressions and poses. I always strive to make my photo sessions enjoyable for children, and seeing their bright smiles and hearing their laughter during the shoot is the best reward.

Riverside Park provided a perfect setting for our shoot, with its natural light and scenic views. From candid moments to more posed shots, the variety of photos we captured reflects the essence of the Porter family.

My mini session with the Porter family was an absolute joy. Not only did we create beautiful photographs, but we also made lovely memories. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Porter family for choosing me as their photographer for this special mini session. Your trust and cooperation make my job not just a profession, but a passion!

To my readers, I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the fun and efficiency of mini photo sessions. If you're considering capturing some special moments with your loved ones, I'd love to be a part of that experience. Until the next shoot, keep smiling and cherishing those precious family moments!

Schmidt Family Mini Session at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL

It's always a joy to welcome back the Schmidt family for another mini photo session. This time, I had the pleasure of capturing Timothy, Sarahi, their enthusiastic son Elijah at Riverside Park. Timothy's mom was also able to join us! Here are a few of our amazing photos:

The most heartwarming aspect of being a family photographer is witnessing the growth of little ones like Elijah. Each session with the Schmidts offers a new chapter in their family story, and it's been incredible to see Elijah transform over the years. He’s still as cute as a button!

This year, the Schmidts chose a chic yet comfortable style: neutral whites and creams with tasteful blue accents. Their outfits perfectly complemented the natural backdrop of Riverside Park, adding an elegant yet cozy feel to the photos.

I personally adore Riverside Park for its lush greenery and majestic oak trees. It’s a haven for children like Elijah, who revel in climbing the sturdy oak limbs and balancing on the entwined roots. The park's natural charm always adds a playful and spirited vibe to our sessions.

There’s also a pretty impressive playground here for the kids to burn off some steam after the photoshoot. And if the oak trees aren’t your vibe, there’s also a gazebo with scenic views of the river.

From candid moments to loving embraces, this mini session was brimming with fun and affection. Whether we were chasing the light through the leaves or capturing quiet moments of family bonding, every snapshot tells a story of joy and togetherness.

A heartfelt thanks to the Schmidt family for once again choosing me to document these precious moments. It’s a privilege to be a part of your family's journey and to help preserve these memories for years to come.

Kross Family Mini Session at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL

My recent mini session with the Kross Family at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, FL, was a blast! The Krosses, who are repeat clients and now friends, were such a joy to photograph during my November mini sessions.

We went to Riverside Park, which has stunning views of the Indian River. The park’s diverse scenery, from waterfronts to the grove of oak trees, offered a bunch of opportunities to capture the spirit of the Kross family.

Amanda Brooke and Dan, along with their three wonderful kids, Preston, Logan, and Eva, arrived with their usual infectious enthusiasm. Having worked with them before, I know how much they look forward to photo shoots, and it’s always a pleasure to see them.

Some of the Kross kids are also homeschooled, just like my kiddos. It was so cool to have that in common! To highlight each one, we took some stunning portraits.

Mini sessions go pretty fast, so we had a lot to do in the span of about 15 minutes. Luckily, my daughter Abby took up her camera and joined us for the session. She took some awesome photos! Logan was totally hamming it up for her.

One of the boys had a broken arm, so we had to be creative with our poses so that he was comfortable. Fortunately, he had no trouble goofing off with his siblings!

Despite this minor setback, we were able to capture all sorts of photos that highlighted this family’s togetherness, rather than the injury.

I’d say that we hit the nail on the head! I love how this gallery turned out, and I know they’ll be perfect for social media, printing, and gifting. Amanda Brooke is going to have a hard time choosing which to print!

This mini session with the Kross family was a celebration of family, nature, and the simple joys of life. Their cooperative spirit, combined with the stunning setting of Riverside Park, resulted in photographs that they will treasure for years to come.

I'm so grateful to the Kross family for participating in my mini sessions and for allowing me the honor of capturing these precious moments. Thanks so much for choosing me as your family photographer!

Gruber Family Mini Session at Riverside Park in Vero Beach

My family mini sessions at Riverside park were out of this world! One of the most fantastic sessions this time around was with the Gruber family. As a photographer, there are sessions that I know immediately are going to be special, and this was undoubtedly one of them. Check out some of the amazing photos!

Meet Emily and Eric, and their kids Abbey (13), and Owen (10)! They brought so much joy and ease to our session, so it really felt like a family outing. This family warmed up to the camera practically right away, and who can blame them? They’re such a gorgeous family.

What stood out most about the Gruber family was their authenticity. Each smile, every laugh, and the subtle looks they exchanged spoke volumes about their close-knit bond. It was a joy to capture these unscripted, real moments for them.

During our time together, we embraced the spontaneity of the moment. There were no forced smiles here! Whether it was a sudden burst of laughter from Abbey and Owen, or a tender moment between Emily and Eric, each picture stands as a beautiful representation of their family’s loving connection.

In addition to family photos and group shots, we also set aside a few minutes for some portrait snapshots! These turned out gorgeous, and I know they’ll be around in the Gruber family home for years to come.

I just love the way the sunlight dappled through the trees, the gentle breeze, and the serene ambiance added a layer of enchantment to our session.We used the natural landscapes of Riverside Park to our advantage, playing with the oak trees and the Spanish moss to create great memories.

I also can’t get enough of these pastel pink skirts! Light, flowy fabrics like tule are absolutely perfect for my style of photography, and these ladies picked well! They add such a fun and whimsical element to the gallery.

Thank you, Emily, Eric, Abbey, and Owen, for allowing me to be a part of your family's story. Your warmth and joy were a true pleasure to capture!