This beautiful family was an absolute dream. If I could photograph them every day, I would. Adoring, brilliant parents. Crazy-smart kids. Fantastic senses of humor We met one recent evening at the Hyatt Regency on Clearwater Beach, but of course it's Spring Break here and we didn't want to fight the crowds (read: shoot around a hundred people in bathing suits). So we hopped on over to one of my favorite quiet beaches just south of CWB. Sand Key Park is one of my best little back-pocket beaches, and I love sharing it with my families. I can get so many different looks from one beautiful place. Things like that make a photographer immensely happy.

You know I adore documenting the connections between the people in my portraits. So one way I get families to think more about each other (and less about having a big camera in their faces) is to ask them questions while I shoot. Often when shooting pairs (mom with her son, dad with his daughter, etc.) I will ask the kids to tell me one thing their mom or dad does for them that makes them feel special. Or tell me one thing they love about their mom or dad. And it's a great way to find out their love languages too! See for yourself...

So I gathered that one of Mom's love languages is Physical Touch. I'll bet you noticed too? Her contented smile when she reached out for her children (and her husband) melts my heart every time I look at these. You can see that her son shares her language because when she reached out to tousle his hair, he closed his eyes and just enjoyed it. He also said that he feels loved when his dad encourages him to do his best at everything. (Words of Affirmation for the win!) And love that Dad put his hand on his son's neck too, as they were walking. The littlest one was really snuggly with her mama this evening... made my heart nearly burst. As did the sweet way daddy and his middle daughter laughed together as he was tickling her and throwing her into the air. She was delighted to be center of attention and have her turn in front of the camera, and I'd be very willing to guess that one of her love languages is Quality Time. :)

Truly, what a gem of a family. I am so very blessed to have spent this evening being inspired by them and getting to know their hearts.

XOXO,
Stacey