[ There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October ] Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Who’s to say that we here in Florida cannot marvel in the beauty of autumn days? The inconsistent signs are all around us, the ones we as Floridians have been familiar with since we could balance on wobbly legs; those not-so-frigid cold fronts are rolling in.
It’s the pleasant weather than brings us out of our air conditioned homes to enjoy a morning or evening in the park. Finally bidding farewell to the sweltering summer sun, if only for the beginning and end of the day as afternoons still remind us that we are after all, dwellers in a semitropical state.
So with the beginning of this splendid October, Solis and I met an adorable family of three for their fall photo session in the still-green nature trails of Turkey Lake Park. We were aware that the void of autumn color schemes – red, burgundy, orange, yellow and crumply browns- was going to need a much needed creative hand …or four.
We meticulously matched this shoots items and landscapes to the personality of our clients: inviting, whimsical and distinctive. We gathered brightly colored berries, faux autumn foliage, and other subtle tidbits to make our tiny celebrity pop. Our on location shoots always prove to be so much more intimate than simulated studio backdrops; this dreamy setting even came equipped with squirrels by the dozens.
Fresh itty-bitty, charming Miss Emily gave us smiles, giggles and much baby babble conversation as our makeshift fall shoot had passed her test. We decked her from head to toe in the mild colors of autumn and watched as this precocious four month old modeled better than we had hoped. She ran her chubby fingers through her endearing full head of hair and although sweetly sleepy from keeping Mommy and Daddy up all night, her attitude was nothing shy of easygoing.
With much anticipation, we were eager to gather all of captivating Emily’s angles. For fellow photographers know that this age group although magnetic, is very difficult to capture. Four month old tykes are only just discovering fingers and toes; most have not even learned the art of sitting up. Moreover, each developing differently we were very lucky that Miss Emily was also learning to lift her tiny noggin; gorgeous mane and all.
Oh and it helped that Mom and Dad were completely, totally and wholly smitten with her [I mean who wouldn’t be?!] because the family pictures we were hoping to capture turned out genuine and wholesome. Having a family unit so willing and uninhibited not only made our job that much easier it allowed everyone to just relish in the simplicities of life, togetherness and newly flourishing Emily.
You know, who says Florida isn’t home to an autumn unlike those found up north. While we may not have gleaming snow, fallen leaves, or drastically changing weather… with much scrutiny, even the coldest of our neighbors can see the signs.
Sure we have vibrantly glowing green foliage and the always smiling sun, yet much like our Northern opposites we too seek warmth. It arises, blends, and simmers in the core of our hearts. Isn’t that what autumn is all about, getting cozy with those you love and reaping the beauty within them this holiday season.
We thank you Emily and family for the reminder that unity is really what autumn is about. Make this fall your season of possibility, hope and change. Keep family close and harvest every smile.
Create a fall to remember and book your session today!
