Photos By Jewel Blog

Stephanie: Fiercely Real Boudoir

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:38:32 +0000

I packed up my equipment and headed out the door and thought to myself, today is going to be a good day. Today, I am going to photograph a woman who probably doesn’t realize how beautiful she really is. Boudoir photography is a truly rewarding experience for me as it makes me feel so good when my clients get to see themselves in a whole new way. Once I arrived at Stephanie’s home, I was greeted with a warm smile but I could sense her nerves as she welcomed us inside. Over the next hour we chatted while Mariela of Miss MariMac Makeup worked her magic to play up Stephanie’s gorgeous features. When she was finished, Stephanie looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe the woman she saw staring back at her was herself. You could sense a spark of self confidence begin to burn. I smiled to myself as this was just the beginning. We traveled to the quaint and beautifully decorated Catalina hotel where the shoot would take place. We started shooting and I could see Stephanie trembling at one point as her nerves started to creep back up. We put some fun music on, told jokes, shook out the nerves, and kept reassuring her she looked amazing. By the end of the session, the spark from earlier in the day began to burn again and you could see Stephanie was feeling confident in her own skin. At that moment I was content. I had reached my goal of making a woman realize her beauty. The added bonus was Stephanie chose to do this for herself. She has been working hard on transforming herself and wanted to do a shoot to capture the already amazing progress she has made.

Stephanie, I hope every time you look at these images you smile and that spark of confidence continues to burn brightly. It was truly a pleasure photographing you and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Stephanie and Steve: Miami Engagement

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:46:16 +0000

As I drove to Stephanie’s house I was silently thanking the weather gods for the beautiful blue sky and warm sunlight. The weather was my only worry the day of Stephanie and Steve’s engagement session. I knew they had amazing chemistry and photographing them wouldn’t be a problem, all I needed was some awesome weather. Once I arrived at her home, I was welcomed with warm smiles and big hugs. They’re the type of people who welcome everyone into their family with open arms. I knew then this was going to be one of my favorite shoots to date.

Stephanie and Steve, your love can be felt through every single photo. You both love with all your hearts and it can’t help put pour over into the hearts of those around you. I cannot wait to get you two in front of my camera again at your wedding this November. I’m so honored to have been chosen to capture such a milestone in your lives. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.

We started off at Schnebly’s Winery in Homestead, Fl. It’s an adorable hidden gem among the farmlands that made a beautiful backdrop.

After taking a break with a delicious dinner at Schnebly’s, we headed to downtown Miami for a few city pictures. Don’t they look great all dressed up?

Courtney and Randy: Maternity

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:04:22 +0000

I met Courtney for the first time a few months ago and we instantly clicked. She’s a photographer from Kentucky, and just moved to Miami in December and was looking to meet up with other local photographers. We met for lunch and talked about life, photography, and of course the little baby girl she’s expecting! Courtney is so sweet and I’m glad I was able to convince her to do a quick maternity session. Just something to remember this part of the journey. Her and Randy are adorable together and made it so easy for me. I will admit, I was nervous to be photographing another photographer, but she understood what I was looking for before I even said it. I can’t wait to meet their sweet baby girl. She’s going to be gorgeous without a doubt. I mean her daddy looks like Tom Brady with his awesome hair and her mommy has such natural beauty.

Courtney and Randy, thank you again for your patience with me! It was such an honor to photograph you two and I know you’re going to make wonderful parents. I look forward to watching your family grow.

Collins Maternity

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:48:05 +0000

There are few people who you come across with such pure hearts and kindness toward others. Melanie and Dave are one of those few. I’ve known Melanie for about nine years now and she’s the type of friend that no matter how long you’ve gone without speaking, if you needed her, you could pick up the phone and she would be there in a heartbeat. She’s just the sweetest person and you can’t help but smile and feel good when you’re around her. And when I met Dave for the first time, he was just as warm and welcoming as Melanie. I’m beyond excited for them to soon be welcoming a precious baby boy into the world. They are two of the most deserving people of such an amazing blessing. I know they are going to great parents and I can’t wait to meet the little guy! He sure is going to be a cutie with having two good looking parents!

They were troopers to wake up early to do sunrise beach photos. The light is so magical that early in the morning and yes the photo below is real. It’s not a backdrop.

It was a cloudy morning so the sun kept coming in and out between the clouds. When it finally broke through, it was beautiful. The next couple images are my favorite with the warm glow of the early morning sun.

Melanie you are so beautiful, you have no idea.

We ended the session in the sea oats and these are some of my favorites as well. We took advantage of the soft diffused light, but my all time favorite is the last one with the dramatic lighting the sun provided.

Danielle and Adrian: Islamorada Wedding

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:15:52 +0000

Danielle and Dre’s gorgeous Islamorada wedding holds a special place in my heart. I’ve known Danielle since we were in elementary school and we were cheerleaders for West Pines Optimist. I was so happy and excited for her when I found out she was engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Dre. Their relationship has withstood many hardships and many miles. They attended college together at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, FL where shortly after Danielle entered into the Air Force and Dre stayed in Daytona to finish his Master’s Degree. Just a few months before their wedding, Dre graduated and was finally able to move to Pensacola to be with Danielle where she is now a First Lieutenant in the Air Force.

Their wedding was nothing short of amazing. With the love and support of their family and friends, they were able to plan a beautiful beach ceremony and a fun-filled reception. The details that went into the planning were so well thought out and personal to them. I felt honored to be included in such an intimate part of their lives where everyone in attendance truly loves them and cares for them. Danielle and Dre, I am so happy for the two of you. You have a one-of-a-kind love. One that can surpass any obstacle as long as you stay true to yourselves.

Special thanks to Katie of Kathleen Amelia Photography for coming down all the way from South Carolina to help photograph the wedding with me. Check out her awesome work!

Walking into where the bridesmaids were getting ready was like walking into a high school reunion. It was so great to see so many familiar faces and that they were still such close friends after all this time. The girls were so talented and did their own hair and makeup.

Then Danielle’s mom, Debbie, and baby sister, Brielle, helped her get dressed.

While I was with the girls, Katie, was with the boys at the hotel. Dre also had a great group of family and friends supporting him on his wedding day.

The groomsmen even surprised Dre with a homemade video.

Danielle and Dre opted for a first look and I was so glad they did. It’s such an intimate moment to have on your wedding day where you can feel free to be yourself and express your emotions without several eyes on you.

Dre was overcome with emotion when he saw his beautiful bride.

After we did a few relaxed portraits around the grounds before the ceremony started.

This was definitely a fun bridal party!

Both of their faces lit up when they saw each other. These two couldn’t be happier to be getting married.

I love how the girl’s dresses blowing in the wind looked like ocean waves.

I was definitely fighting back tears during the father-daughter dance. Such a beautiful and emotional moment.

Whenever Journey is played at a reception, you’re guaranteed to get some awesome singing shots.

Madison: 4 Years Old

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:20:20 +0000

I don’t know where the last four years have gone, but somewhere along the way my sweet little niece has grown up. She’s got a spunky personality, an uncanny wit, and the memory of an elephant. She amazes me every time I see her with how smart she is and the moments when she kisses me on the forehead for no reason, melt my heart. I’ll admit it was a bit challenging taking her pictures. It was the last thing in the world she wanted to do, especially for her “Tia Julie.” All she wanted to do was go to the house to play with Kimbo and Tessa and drink apple juice. The girls knows what she wants and has no problem telling you what it is. Thankfully, “Tio Steve” was there to make her laugh and smile so I was able to get a few shots. But she made sure to give me silly and pouty faces in between.

Madison, I love you with all my heart and I’m so proud to be your tia. You light up my life and I can’t imagine not having you around. You walk into any room and already at the young age of four, can captivate everyone in it with your bubbly personality. I hope that you continue to speak your mind and strive to be the best. I look forward to watching you blossom into a beautiful person inside and out.

We started out with her classic poses….I don’t know where she gets them from. haha

She knows tents are for sleeping when you go camping so that’s what she pretended to do!

Some fun with marshmallows!

Haha….she obviously didn’t find Tio amusing here

Her silly “I don’t want to smile for you Tia” smile

This picture makes me want to give her the world. It’s definitely being framed in my house.

She’s a little sassy….

And when she says done, she’s done. =)

Patty and Renier: Day After Session

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:28:22 +0000

I squinted my eyes, preparing for the bright streak of sunlight peeking through the blinds, but to my surprise it was still rather dark in our bedroom. I thought my internal clock must be off and I woke up early. I lean over to check the time and see that it’s 8:32 am and my heart sank. That could only mean one thing…. a gloomy, overcast, rainy day. I got up and peeked through the blinds and confirmed my suspicions. I tried to think positive and that the heavy winds would have it blow over quickly. I needed the sun to come out for an awesome “day after session” I had planned for later that afternoon with my bestie and her hubby. Our ideas for the shoot included a tall grass field and lots of yummy, golden sunshine. So the rain better take a hike!

I went about my morning and started to get ready to pick up a lens rental when I got a text message from Patty. “Have you seen how windy it is outside?” I knew right away she was beginning to think the shoot wasn’t going to be able to happen. I quickly reassured her and told her not to worry about the wind and that there’s only a 20% chance of rain. Everything will work out! I went to pick up my lens and a few rain drops fell but nothing too bad. Once I got to Patty’s house to help her with her hair and make-up, the weather took a turn for the worse. It was pouring! I just kept saying, “It will be fine. It’s all going to work out.” By the time we were ready to go, the rain had stopped and left us with a cool breeze and a dramatic sky.

We headed to the train tracks and were determined to make the best of it. And by the end of the shoot, the weather had cooperated with us and we had a very successful shoot! I’m so glad we stuck with our plan and I was able to capture some beautiful, passionate, and tender portraits of Patty and Renier. I hope you enjoy them!

After playing around on the tracks a bit, things got a little steamy….

Then we headed to a tall grass field off the side of the road. Patty and I had envisioned a lush field and lots of golden sunlight. I hope these fit those visions!

Apparently, my “oh my gosh I LOVE it! Ugh so awesome!” remarks get an adorable smile out of Renier.

So fierce you two! No they’re not professional models, but seriously they could be!

After successfully not getting bit by a snake in the field, we headed over to an oak ridge to end the day.

And what a way to end the day….in the arms of the one you love with a gorgeous backdrop.

Academy of Glam: Pin Up

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:38:15 +0000

I had the great pleasure of working with the ladies at Academy of Glam with their pin-up themed photoshoot. The students learned the fundamentals of creating that classic pin-up look and then got the chance to be creative with their models and put together their own twist on it. The girls styled their models from their hair to their wardrobe and I must say I was impressed with the end results. The gorgeous models were sweethearts and so much fun to work with. You may recognize a few faces as Florida’s Lady Panthers. Please leave the girls some encouraging words to continue on their road to success!

My BFF Family: The Baierlein Family

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:26:48 +0000

I’ve known the Baierlein family for a little under a year now and I couldn’t be more grateful to have them in my life. They are truly beautiful people inside and out. They’re always willing to go out of their way to help others, very caring, and have a way of making you feel immediately at ease and like family. I’ve been trying to get them in front of the camera for awhile now and I’m so glad they (mainly Bear) finally obliged. =) The Baierlein’s have a great family dynamic and I hope it shows through the photos.

Cody proudly refers to me as his girlfriend and it melts my heart every time. Isn’t he a cutie?

Bear (Dad) always knows just how to make Cody smile.

I had to snap just a few of Bear and Carla together. They have such a great relationship and always put each other first.

Bear, you are one luck man to have such a beautiful wife.

Bear, Carla, Cody I love you all so much! I’m so glad you’re my BFF family!

2012 Goals and Resolutions

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:40:27 +0000

Every new year millions of people across the globe make new year resolutions and for most they give up before the end of January. I am one of those people. Every year I make a list of goals and aspirations and every year I throw in the towel straight of the gate. Well this year, I’m making my goals public in hopes to have support from family and friends and encouragement to go beyond my goals.

2012 Goals:

1. Get healthy! -I know this is cliche but I don’t necessarily want to lose weight, I just want to live a healthier lifestyle. Eat better, be more active, and strengthen my body.

2. Be proactive in both my business and personal life. -You make your life what you want it to be. You can’t sit there and expect greatness to come to you. You have to get out there and grab it.

3. Be more social. -Attend networking events and get to know my peers.

4. Stay focused- Stay focused on my business and it’s growth. Don’t get lazy and simply say “I wish I had more business.” Follow through on ideas, projects, advertisements, etc.

5. Give Back- Find a way to give back to the community, person in need, etc. Volunteer, donate services, anything to help

6. Get Organized- Both personally and business wise. Organization helps to keep you on track.

7. Nurture my creativity- All those ideas swarming around in my head. Sit down, write them out, and then write the steps necessary to make it happen. Follow through and make my ideas come to life. Reach out to collaborate, share your vision, and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

8. Learn to say no- Say no when you’ve already taken on too much. Say no when approached with a job that isn’t a good fit. Focus on your strengths and opportunities that will push you forward.

9. Learn to let go- Outsource when it becomes too much and relinquish control. Make time for family.

10. Love deeply- surrounded myself by those I love and who love me. Always share my feelings and show my love and appreciation.

Now that my goals and open to the world, I have no choice put to push forward and reach them. Every month I’ll update you on my progress and the actions I’ve taken to reach them. Thank you for all of you who follow along and encourage me. I truly appreciate all of you.

Since every post is better with a photo, here’s a picture of my love and I on Christmas Eve.