Rachel Absher Photography | Central Florida, Tampa and Orlando, Modern, Photojournalism, Child, Newborn, Family, Engagement, and Wedding Photographer

Summer break is coming to a close. I still can’t believe how fast it went by. Is it just me or does summer break seem to be starting later and ending sooner? Maybe I should be looking forward to school starting, but I’m not. I want another week, another month…. I want to do more swimming, go to the beach, take a road trip. As the countdown begins to the first day of school I am trying to savor every moment. My oldest will be in 3rd grade. I can hardly believe I am the mother of an 8 year old. If only I could stop time, just for a moment.

We spent some time with very close friends of ours this week. It was refreshing to take a break from it all and enjoy all of the kid’s laughter, to jump in the pool with kids hanging on my back, to blow bubbles underwater, cannonballs, and float around on rafts.
I snapped some photos the other day while hanging out and I am so glad I did. I love the joy on all of the kid’s faces. Summer = times we will never forget!

I love this family. Annie, the oldest, is a little shy at first. Once you get her talking, you see how full of life she is. Her eyes almost close when she smiles during a giggle (kind of like mine do.) I love that! Kaylee, she’s the #2 child. She’s curious and animated (just like my second child.) She likes to give compliments. She notices details (like my hair being curly rather than straight.) I love that! Cason is #3, the first boy. He’s sensitive and full of compassion. He’s soft spoken (at least when I’m around). He’s thoughtful. (He gave me a very special gift he made.) And he LOVES his mama. I love that! Declan is the miracle that has made this family complete. He shares a birthday with his big brother. Though I don’t know his personality yet, I do know he gives the best snuggles. (I made sure to steal MANY!) I love that!

“S” Family, I can’t tell you how blessed I feel to have shared in so many of your special moments. Thank you for adding even more joy to my job.

Just a little sneak peek from the family session I did in Key West.

Newborn sessions make me smile. I love the smell of a newborn, their little noises as they eat, how they breathe when they sleep. I love their tiny hands and feet, their wispy hair. I am in awe of the miracle of life every time I have the opportunity to photograph these sweet little babies.

Meet the W Family. I had such a great time playing with Mr. R while mom tried to get his new baby sister to sleep. His giggle was contagious and made me smile. Sweet baby girl didn’t want to sleep for the first part of the session. However, towards the end she fell fast asleep and I was able to capture some precious shots of her in her mama’s baby carriage.
P.S. Did I mention how much I love all things vintage and shabby?!

Thank you, W family, for welcoming me into your home. Thank you for letting me cuddle sweet J. She is beautiful and I can see just how much you love her. Thank you for the opportunity to play with my new friend, R. We had a great time! I will be in touch when your slideshow is ready.

Each newborn session is unique. Each baby responds to things differently. Some will sleep through everything, from noises to me moving them and curling them up into those sweet little poses. Others like to to stay awake during the session and take in all the new things their little eyes can see. Newborn sessions take a lot of patience and involve many breaks for feedings, cuddles, etc. I always like to get in my little cuddles with them too.

If you are considering having your newborn photographed, try to schedule your session within the first two weeks of birth. Newborns can still curl up like they did in the womb and often sleep more, especially within the first few days of birth. (Okay, except for at night when you parents are trying to get your rest.) If you would like portraits of your newborn without clothing, please remember to get your home nice and toasty before the session. For those of you who live in Florida, you are probably raising your eyebrows at the thought of this. However, most newborns don’t like to have their clothes off. If they feel nice and warm they usually will sleep through it. Often times I will find a shady spot and ask if we can bring baby outside. The Florida heat seems to put newborns to sleep pretty quickly.