Looking towards the future.
Ivey’s grad session at Guana Preserve in Ponte Vedra Beach was nothing short of stunning. Despite the chilly weather, she brought so much warmth and energy to the session, and the results were absolutely worth it. Guana is one of our favorite spots, and it was the perfect backdrop to celebrate this milestone.
Patience, knowledge, and timing.
The countdown starts when you enter Guana for a session. I know exactly where the sun is going to be and when. This takes repetition, practice, and patience. Here I placed the subject in front of the light as she sat on the railing. Creating a soft ray of halo lighting behind her hair and shoulder.
Laugh and look.
Always maximize the output of a session by grabbing subtle variations of looks by directing expressions. This can make a 1 minute pose yield 20 framable photos.
Never stop learning.
Photography is always evolving, and keeping up with current trends is key. While I always stay true to my own style, I’ve noticed gen z is gravitating toward out-of-focus shots, slightly blurry black-and-whites, and grainy textures—elements that add an authentic, raw feeling to their photos. I’m not the type of photographer who is rigid or stuck in my ways. I embrace these trends, love learning something new, and am always excited to push the boundaries of my art.
When opportunity knocks.
One of the things I loved about Ivey’s session was her openness to trying any pose I suggested. We started with the basics to help her get comfortable in front of the camera, building trust and confidence as we went. Once she was warmed up, we moved into more creative, artsy poses, and those ended up being some of my favorites from the shoot. Taking the time to ease into the session makes all the difference when it comes to pushing the limits and creating something unique.
The Crows Nest
My favorite way to end a session at Guana Preserve is by climbing up to the crow’s nest. From there, the view is breathtaking—overlooking the nature preserve and the Intracoastal Waterway, with the sunset cresting behind the trees. It’s the perfect way to capture those final, golden moments and wrap up the shoot on a high note
