best night ever | san marco jacksonville mother daughter session

A few years ago, my friend and former student posted portraits of her family taken by Kate T. Parker, and I was so excited. I've followed Kate's work for a while, and she has such a way of capturing personality in her subjects. It was so cool to me that Natalia had had this opportunity, and then Kate photographed her daughter's birthday party! Again, gorgeous! So when Natalia messaged me and said she'd be in Jacksonville and would love for me to "capture the moments," I was both terrified and excited. I mean, she's been photographed by Kate T. Parker! We talked, and Natalia said something like "just do what you do with your girls," and I was immediately on board. She mentioned they might get ice cream or just walk around, and I'd be there to document their relationship. It was a relaxed evening, and Natalia and sweet A basically played together, and I watched them interact just like my girls and I do. I shot until my camera maxed out its low light capacity, and I came away with a full heart. These are some of my favorite images ever.

Last week, I was lucky to hear Kate speak at Click Away, a photography conference, and I just loved how authentic she was. I admire her images and the messages she stands behind, and especially the persistence she has put in to her success. My favorite thing she said: "The only thing you control is how hard you work." So true.

I've worked for years to be able to capture authentic moments like these for Natalia and other families. I hope you love them as much as I do!