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

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

When baby Nicolas was born, big brother Gabriel said they were now ’5 Guys’ and he was beyond ecstatic that it was yet another brother. I’ve photographed the boys since they were born and for the first time we have been able to do a complete family photo session…the 5 Guys and the 2 Ladies. We managed traffic delays, minor temper tantrums, and time running out to get some beautiful images. So glad we were able to get everyone in these. Very very special. 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

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

Yes, it’s now FOUR boys! You’ve met Nancy and the boys here on the blog before…and now another sweet bundle of joy has arrived. Baby Nicolas was a surprise for both Mom and Dad, but a welcomed one nonetheless. Their three boys were rooting for another baby brother and they were thrilled to get their wish. They had decided not to find out the gender until the baby arrived, so once it was confirmed that it was another little brother, big brother Gabriel announced “we are now 5 Guys!”. So funny. I’ve been privileged to photograph every one of the boys, including their Baptisms, and I’m beyond honored to be there again for this amazing family. Nancy, your strength amazes me every time. See you soon. Enjoy! ♥ Vanessa

At last we got to complete Dylan’s first birthday session! The rain was the main culprit as to why he’s already (I think) 15 months. This day was almost a wash out as well, but the sun held out just enough to allow us to get these beautiful shots at the beach. Dylan is not much of a smiler, so I’m thrilled to have gotten a few of him doing just that. Photographing this family is always a ton of fun. Enjoy! ♥ Vanessa

It was an absolute honor documenting this moment in time for this Mom and her two gorgeous, smart and confident daughters. I had photographed the girls over five years ago, including a Bat Mitzvah and graduation! Now one has already graduated college and moved to New York, the other is also away at college, and it’s rare when all three are together like this. So Marjorie decided to do a photo session with her girls because it could be that the next professional photo session would be a wedding, and then it’s just crazy. I love how casual and relaxed they are, no hoopla about hair or make-up, just them. That second shot in BW is my favorite followed closely by the laughing-with-eyes-closed which is adorable. Enjoy! ♥ Vanessa