One HOT Mama! {Sarasota Materntiy Photographer}

The title says it all. I had the absolute PLEASURE of meeting Sarah, Steve, Sawyer and "Nonna" at Siesta Beach for a maternity session. That's right, in late December, while most of the country was shoveling snow, we flew kits, shoveled sand, and even put our toes in the surf. The weather was a bit cold for us Sarasota folk (in the 60's), but it was definitely what I refer to as a Chamber of Commerce kind of day. Sarah is most certainly a beautiful, HOT mama and WOW, is she glowing! Sawyer is by far the most cooperative little 3 1/2 year old that I've photographed. Nonna was a blessing and a great sport. Steve, I am so glad I didn't need to break out the Benadryl or Epi pen when you saw the camera. Thank you for allowing me the honor to photograph and document this wonderful time in your lives. I can't wait to meet your precious new little one!

{The REAL DEAL!} - Sarasota Children'sPhotographer

We have been quite busy with Christmas festivities and I do have intentions of sharing some of those details soon, once I process them. But, I couldn't help but post just a couple from today. We went to Brunch with Santa today. It's a tradition we've done as a family for several years, each year gets a little more magical. The Santa is amazing, I'm pretty sure he's the REAL DEAL, no helper here! He magically knew that Madelyn and Thomas had both outgrown their Crocs and even knew their size and favorite colors!

Caroline and Santa...


One of my favorite pictures of ALL times! I absolutely LOVE this one. Such a classic.


The Svenson Crew - Madelyn, Caroline, Thomas and Bjorn with the Big Guy


We didn't tell the kids where we were going. It's a game we play with them whenever There's a special occasion. I initially started it a couple years ago, to prevent any drama in case that we were unable to make an event, but now it's a fun guessing game. Madelyn almost always figures it out beforehand, and today was no exception. She grabbed a gift bag and an "art project" (tracing of shapes on one side, address label stickers with handwritten names by her and Thomas on the other) before leaving the house and said "just in case we are going to see Santa, I want to bring him a present". This is Santa admiring the present. I ADORE the look on both of their faces, Madelyn has the shy but proud look and Thomas is proud and amazed. So them.




As a photographer, it's hard to allow myself to just take snapshots of moments and not always strive to get a portrait. If I was going for the portrait, I would have missed these moments, ones that I wouldn't trade for the world. And, as I sit here tonight writing this post, they are both in bed, wearing their new Crocs to sleep. There truly is nothing more amazing than experiencing Christmas through their eyes.

{Sneak Peek Doubley Blessed} - Sarasota Newborn TWIN photographer -

Parker and Hayden couldn't wait for their first Christmas! They arrived three weeks early just to prepare. I had the pleasure of photographing them and their big brother when they were just 9 days old. They are both tiny peanuts, Hayden weighing in at just over 5 lbs and Parker just over 6lbs. These babies are beyond loved and responded instantly to the sound of their mother's voice. It really was a family affair, passing babies to mom, dad, grandma and grandpa. I am truly blessed to have such a fantastic opportunity to be a part of their lives, even just for the afternoon.

Parker was all smiles snuggling up to his sister.



Couldn't resist the wrinkles. Parker had some of the best I've seen!


Check out the lips! Watch out Angelina - Hayden is going to give you a run for your money!


Parker showing us his bendy, curly newborn tricks.


Hayden was Bright-eyed, she didn't want to miss out on any fun.

{W Family Sneak Peek} - Sarasota Family and Maternity Photographer

I had the honor to photograph the "W" family this week. They have been beyond busy making preparations for baby boy #3 including a major house remodel. Thanks for taking a time out from the construction and drywall dust and allowing me to document you and your growing family. Erin you look fantastic!




No nap often causes a case of the sillies in the 3-year old crowd. I LOVE every single part of this one!





Evan in the sand trap - quite the serious little dude.


GORGEOUS Sarasota Sunset





Love this moment

{Sneak Peek - R-Family} - Sarasota Family Photographer

I had the honor of doing Kelly's maternity shots earlier this year. This week, I had the pleasure of photographing them as a family, with the Gorgeous Taylor. I was worried all day about the weather, in fact, there were gray clouds up until the minute we started shooting. Then, miraculously, we had blue skies and a beautiful sunset. Quite fitting for this beautiful family. Thank you Kelly and Bobby for the privilege to photograph your family and to meet your sweet, sweet little girl.



I literally gasped when I saw this one on my camera's LCD and it continues to have the same effect on me every time I see it.






Taylor looks like a perfect little doll in this one

{3 months} - Sarasota Baby Photographer

Admittedly, I am a little late. Probably no surprise to my close friends and family. For some reason, since having children, being late is no longer the exception to the rule, it is my rule. I have been busy with photo sessions, processing the images after the sessions, creating holiday cards, and placing orders. I have become a tracking stalker, constantly checking the status on expected deliveries. I am still very much like a child on Christmas morning, waiting for client pictures and products to be delivered. It is always THAT much better seeing and touching my art.

Anyway, even though I didn't publish the milestone, Caroline is already 3 months old, 1/4 of the way through her first year! My little Belle is generally a VERY happy baby, quite the flirt really. She smiles, coos, and has even started that sweet belly laugh. I have to work hard for it still, but I do get it eventually. I thought we escaped the dreaded REFLUX this time around, but, no such luck. I caved and started her on the same medication that Thomas used. Seems to be helping but unfortunately, is no magic cure. I am still constantly wearing Eau De Puke, but she seems to be in less pain overall. She is growing like a weed, almost too long for her bassinet. Her hair is growing too - wild as ever actually. On that note, here she is, Caroline at 3 months.





And, this one is just for fun. Thomas was sitting in this antique baby doll highchair the other day, I freaked, but quickly realized, when it didn't break, it would be the perfect spot for a quick picture of Caroline. I really wanted to take one of Thomas in there too, but figured that would only encourage the behavior, so I resisted.

{Sneak Peek - Three Generations} - Sarasota Family Photographer

Family. Three generations. Solid. I met up with the Smith family last week-end at Selby Gardens. They were so loving and supportive to each other and were such good sports doing whatever I asked. OK, so maybe there was a little candy and sticker bribery along with some toys and crazy noises involved in getting the youngest generation to fully comply, but we accomplished our mission. Thank you for sharing your Sunday morning with me. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek (sorry it is a little late).









and, because I love the REAL - here's one of Grace being silly (think she was over me?).

{Sneak Peek -"CH" Family Trio} - Sarasota Family Photographer

I Love what I do. I truly love it and this is why. I had the pleasure of photographing sweet, little Addison and her parents Laura and Aaron this past week-end. The weather was perfect - what we like to call "Chamber of Commerce" weather -which made the session that much better. Not only did I get some formal and posed shots for their Holiday cards, but I was able to capture them as a family, just "being". Mom and Dad were so laid back and let Addison go at her own pace. I think we got shots that reflect what a FUN family they really are. Here are just a few. I am keeping most of the full family shots under wraps, I don't want to ruin your Christmas card surprise. Thank you Laura and Aaron for the privilege to photograph your family.


One of my favorite images of all times



This is why we tolerate the blistering heat of Florida summers - for Novembers like this.

{Sitting Pretty} - Sarasota Baby Photographer

So, we are finally getting some family pictures taken. It's something that I've been wanting to do but have put it off for one reason or another. Some of the best excuses included: "we are so busy with moving(insert any possible event), let's wait until things calm down and do it", "I'm pregnant, there's no point in getting pictures now, without the new baby", "I want to wait until I lose these last 10 pounds", "Let's wait until she's holding her head up (insert other developmental milestone her), "he fell and has an big bump and bruise on his head" etc.

Recently, I've been reminded of how precious life is and to not take a moment for granted. I've realized this is who we are NOW. I want to document the now, remember us for who we are NOW. Maybe in a few months, things will be different and more "ideal", but I want the NOW (including the 10 extra pounds).

So, being the crazy shopper and obsessive person I am, yesterday, I started our wardrobe search. It's not easy to find outfits that coordinate but aren't too matchy for a 4 1/2 year old girl and 2 1/2 year old boy who are way too tall for clothes that actually fit them in their wastes and butts. Even though it's November, it's still in the upper 80's here and the kids have pretty much grown out of any picture worthy outfits they have from the spring and summer. The stores only have sweaters and heavy, fall and winter choices, which, I figure we can "suffer" through, since it is a session for Holiday cards. But, that same 2 1/2 year-old boy hates long pants and long sleeves and had one of the biggest fits in recent history the day I made him wear them. Oh, and that same 4 1/2 year-old girl has fairly strong opinions that she should really only wear pink and purple. And then there's me...I admit I have my own issues (see above-mentioned 10 pounds) of having limited items that fit the way I want. Oh, and a budget, did I mention that?

So, I decided to start of with the one that doesn't talk back (yet) or have opinions about color (yet) and frankly, if I might say so myself, looks pretty darn cute in just about anything. So, I tortured, uhh, I mean engaged Caroline to play dress-up. Of course, I couldn't just try on the outfits and form my own opinions, based on what fit etc. I decided I needed to get my camera to take pictures, so that I can ask my friends, family, and a group of fellow photographers on a message board for their opinions too. After I got the first option on, I put Caroline back on our bed to get my camera. Not thinking, I sat her on the bed. She surprised the heck out of me and stayed that way - SITTING UP!!! She is only 2 1/2 months old.

I hadn't intended on taking pictures that would be for sharing here(hence the messy room, unmade bed, Snapshot). But, how could I resist.

Here's my little Belle - sitting pretty.



Still sitting tall...


And...she's done!(I LOVE the drool)

{The Most BOOtiful Ghost Ever!!} - Sarasota Baby Photographer

I might be a little biased, I admit, but I cannot image that there is a more adorable ghost anywhere. Here is my sweet Caroline (@ 2 1/2 months) trying on her costume before tonight's big Trick-or-Treat Hayride. More pictures of the "big" kids to come later.

{Sneak Peek - 19 month old Lily} - Sarasota Child & Family Photographer

I posted a sneak peek of Lily's newborn sister last week. I thought I would share just a couple of Big Sister Lily tonight. She has the most beautiful curls and brown eyes that tell a story without words. Lily was a little chatter box at just 19months old and was a perfect little lady during the session.

I love this shot. It's one of my favorite from the day.

{Sneak Peek - 8 days young} - Sarasota Newborn Photographer

I was honored to photograph 8-day old Camilla and her big sister Corin today. Camilla was bright-eyed and awake for much of the session, she didn't want to miss a thing. She really enjoyed looking out the sliding glass doors where we set up to shoot. With a little persistence and lots of "shhhh, shhhh, shhhing", Camilla finally fell asleep and we got some beautiful shots. I was also able to capture some of Corin showing me her personality. Thanks Kristi for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to photograph your beautiful girls.

Here's Corin being silly.


So curious!



Finally, asleep.


Lil' piggies


I love little baby wrinkles


She has such distinct features already.


Seriously... How precious!