As I sit down to write this blog post, I am flooded with memories and nostalgia from my photo sessions this month. I did a few family sessions that made my heart smile, prom photos in the rain, my first cake smash session, and even self-portraits. I really pushed myself to be a better photographer this month, and I am very proud of all the progress I made. Reflecting on May 2024, I wanted to share my experiences with you. So buckle up for some memories!

A happy family portrait featuring parents in yellow outfits holding their baby girl in a yellow dress.

Family Sessions

Starting off strong with family sessions—something I didn’t think I would like. I was dead wrong. This month has totally changed my attitude toward family sessions. Before photography, I was a high school teacher. I loved working with my high schoolers, but I didn’t ever see myself working with little ones. I guess the old adage “don’t knock it ‘til you try it” is true. I was shocked at how fun and spontaneous working with kiddos was! My biggest discovery in May was that I love working with toddlers/babies. I will definitely be doing more family sessions from now on!

An adorable toddler boy in a blue hoodie and straw hat claps his hands and smiles.

The Studio

When I started portraiture in 2022, I mostly worked with natural light. I worked in a studio setting very little since that would require me to rent out a space. But, when I decided to get serious about photography, Andres, my parents, and step-parents, all helped to build me a studio/office in our garage. This was key since I am still unable to drive due to health issues. Though I have done a few outdoor photo sessions this month, the studio was my favorite setting to work in. I will continue to do natural light photography outside, but I will definitely do more photo sessions in my studio!

A woman in a pink dress lovingly holds her baby near a serene lakeside setting.

Starting a business

My passion is photography, but in order to be a full-time photographer, I needed to learn to be a business pro. I took Rebecca Rice’s course in business and marketing for photographers, which was incredibly helpful! I learned a lot and had much more success in my first month than in the whole summer of 2022. I plan to continue using her techniques and build this into a successful business! I already know I’m going to do it!

A young woman in a strapless red lace mermaid gown poses outdoors holding a corsage.

Fun photography

I also do photography as a hobby! I got to do a fun, creative Pride session (be on the lookout!) and took a few photos of Andres running a half marathon on Memorial Day. These types of sessions are so fun for me. I love editing and perfecting my photos, so these gave me a challenge, but the challenges make me better. I love doing creative sessions where the model and I get to truly express ourselves through art! 

A baby girl in a crown and white onesie leans over a rainbow birthday smash cake.

All in all, May was an awesome first month back in the photography business. I can’t wait to see what the summer holds for me and my business! Family sessions are my favorite type of photography, so book a session with me! Here are some of my favorite photos from this month!

An adorable baby girl in a yellow ruffled dress sits against a warm brown background.
Father in white shirt holding infant baby with dark hair and blue eyes in outdoor portrait.
Five young women in elegant red and blue formal gowns laugh together outdoors before prom.
A baby girl wearing a rainbow crown celebrates her first birthday with a colorful smash cake.
Young woman in elegant red sequin mermaid gown with train posing outdoors on green lawn near garden.
Happy mixed-race family with mother father and baby smiling together by scenic lakeside outdoors.
Adorable toddler boy smiling while holding blue knit hat wearing blue floral button-up shirt studio portrait.
Father joyfully lifting smiling baby in the air near lake with overcast sky background.
Happy curly-haired toddler laughing while zipping blue hoodie jacket in professional studio portrait.