Two days before Christmas I met this fun bunch for a family photo session in South Beach. From the moment we met them it felt SO comfortable. They were cracking jokes, making each other laugh and making me laugh a little too much as well. The only tough thing about this shoot was keeping the camera straight and not shaking. Fortunately, ahem…I’m a professional…so the majority are in focus. LOL  It was easily the best way to end 2011, feeling the love and closeness of this family. You guys were great! Enjoy!  ♥ Vanessa

Words are insufficient to express how happy I feel about baby Lucas’ arrival, who came to bless and make my lovely friends a family. You might remember Sandra’s birthday/maternity session a few months back here on the blog. We did Lucas’ session within a week of his arrival yet he was the most awake baby I have ever photographed. My favorite thing this session was Dad telling Lucas, “Luc I am your father”….hahaha. Love it! Here’s for you Sandra and Jorge, see you soon. Enjoy!  ♥ Vanessa

This beautiful young woman proudly graduated from the University of Miami the day after our photo shoot. It was extremely windy yet we had no choice than to proceed because she was moving back home to Texas the next day. You can’t even tell right? Mom and Dad were in town for the special occasion so we got some shots with them at the beach and then went to the UM campus to wrap up the shoot. Here are some highlights. Enjoy!  ♥ Vanessa

It’s hard to believe that the Holiday Season came and went once again in the blink of an eye. The decorations are coming down and we’re already preparing for Valentine’s Day – I’m sure every store will be decorated with hearts by this weekend. Before it’s all over I wanted to share a special session from an adorable Santa’s Little Helper that came to the studio with Grandma and Mom, who was so excited to get her baby’s first Christmas immortalized. He’s too scrumptious not share don’t you think? Hope your Holiday Season was joyful and restful, and wish you a most blessed and prosperous New Year. Enjoy!  ♥ Vanessa

Back in October VLM Studios was celebrating its 10th year anniversary and, as part of the month-long celebration, we gave away three studio sessions on our Facebook page. Evidently, if you’re not a fan yet, you’re missing out! Click here to “Like” our page.

Tina is one of the free-session recipients. We spoke a couple of times about clothing and how nervous she was about being photographed. I assured her it would be fun and that I would capture her beauty. She scoffed at the mention of her beauty even while I was photographing her. It took some warming up, loud music and lots of laughter to get the real Tina to come out…but she eventually did and that’s when I said…”THERE’s Tina”!!! I knew YOU were in there still Tina, don’t forget YOU. You’re gorgeous inside and out! Enjoy!  ♥ Vanessa

We had rescheduled countless times, but finally got a gorgeous day for Kalia’s 2nd birthday session a couple of weeks ago. The terrible 2′s were alive and well here. She did not sit still for longer than 10 seconds, IF that much. I was able to catch her in a few split seconds of stillness and those shots were gems. She’s so spunky, independent and adventurous…Love her! Well, I love this whole family as I’ve been photographing them now for a few years and it’s like hanging out with old friends. See you soon Tara! ♥ Vanessa

It was time for Giuliano’s 9 month session and, although he’s usually all smiles, he was not ready for his close-up this time around. I did get to sneak in a few shots of smiles in-between the pouts. Can’t wait to photography him walking, hopefully he’ll like sand… Enjoy! ♥ Vanessa

Picture this….

…it’s Thanksgiving Day and all your Holiday shopping is done!

…it’s crazy on the streets and at the mall…and you don’t have to deal with it!

…you can relax and really enjoy the season

All that can be a reality when you try these …

It was 1985 when I first met Sandra. We were in Junior High School together (or middle school as it is called now). Having just arrived from Panama, I barely spoke English but that was no deterrent for Sandra who was, and still is, the type that helps those in need and is open to new friends and experiences. We became friends almost instantly. Ten years ago (almost to the day), I quit my corporate job and embarked on the quest of getting back in touch with the artist inside me, which had laid dormant for many years. Sandra and I took up the task of reconnecting with our ‘inner artists’ by going through the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. At the time, I was only looking to reignite that spark, that passion, that had always been inside me, never imagining that I’d become a full-time artist. She was there when I took my first steps back to a life of beauty and art, clicking the shutter hesitantly in Miami Beach. I am now thrilled beyond words to be documenting her life ten years later as she embarks on another wonderful stage of life…the forties ;) …and motherhood. Can’t wait to photograph her and her sweet hubby…and of course baby when he arrives. In the meantime… Enjoy! ♥ Vanessa

Many of you have been thinking about it for a long time…it’s time to differentiate yourself and step out from the crowd. The right image will do just that and much more. Bert is a realtor that knows the importance of the winning headshot, as you can see. We did two looks, a studio semi-formal and a location semi-casual look, both confident and inviting. He will certainly be making an impact with these. Enjoy! Vanessa