Madelaine | Class of 2015: South Florida Senior Portrait Session, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Posted on January 14, 2015
Madelaine was the winner of my senior portrait session giveaway that I did this summer for those graduating in the class of 2015, and I am SO incredibly happy that she won. Not only is Madelaine gorgeous, but she is also sweet, funny, and smart! She is the student of a good friend of mine (Hey, Arlene!), and she is active in the school newspaper, softball team, drama and art club. Also, she has the most incredible hair I have ever photographed!
When Madelaine and I were planning her sesssion, she said that she wanted something in a downtown or city area, so we headed to Downtown Fort Lauderdale on a rather rainy Sunday afternoon to take our portraits. Luckily, the rain cleared, and then the most beautiful light appeared (Which tends to happen right after rain. Photographer tip: If you ever want pretty light, go out just after a rainstorm)!
It was so much fun to walk along the city and photograph Madelaine. Her vibrant personality shined through the lens and made my job so simple!
This next shot is my money shot, my favorite of the day. We were walking down a street and this entrance to a restaurant that was closed caught my eye. The light was coming in just right and I asked Madelaine to sit down for just a second. We were there maybe a minute total, but I knew I saw something good. Sure enough, when I saw this image loading on my computer, my breath caught for a second. These are the shots I live for.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Madelaine! I know the future holds so many great things for you!
Carla: Ballet Portraits | Seattle, Queen Anne Portrait Session
Posted on December 23, 2014
I have been a bad photographer blogger and missed blogging all of my sessions from August to November. As such, I will be blogging these sessions throughout the next couple of months or so. This session is from Labor Day Weekend 2014.
TODAY is my sister’s 18th birthday!! And it is also the day she will finally be coming home for a visit!! I could not think of a better way to celebrate than finally blogging the mini sesh we did while I was in Seattle.
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So as I’ve mentioned (check this post for more info), my sister, Carla is now living in Seattle and dancing in the professional training program with Pacific Northwest Ballet. At the end of August, I travelled there with her to help her move and get settled in her new city. Luckily, one of my very best friends happens to live in Seattle (Hey, Roma!), and she had years of knowledge to share with us, including this amazing location at the top of Queen Anne Hill overlooking downtown Seattle.
One of the best parts of this session was getting to shoot in a location that is so different from South Florida. Don’t get me wrong, I love living here, but like seriously– just look at these views!
This is session seriously rocked my socks. Not only did I get to capture my sister, but I fell in love with Seattle and can’t wait to travel there again soon. Also, shooting somewhere new was exhilarating and inspirational. Someone book me to travel soon!! It is seriously my fave (I will literally go anywhere you fly me, true story). =)
Carla: Class of 2015 | South Florida Senior Portrait Session
Posted on December 10, 2014
I have been a bad photographer blogger and missed blogging all of my sessions from August to November. As such, I will be blogging these sessions throughout the next couple of months or so. This session is from mid-August 2014.
I’ve certainly blogged about my baby sister before, but it is hard to believe that I am now blogging her SENIOR PHOTOS. I am not even quite sure how that happened (Alas, this means I am officially old “mature” and can impart wisdom on others. Watch out world).
I digress.
My sister’s session took place on a sort of rushed Sunday afternoon. I say rushed not in that we rushed the photos, but in that we rushed to get to our location before sunset. Part of having a photographer for a sister means Carla gets free sessions, but it also means I have to sometimes squeeze her in when I have time, and this was one of those days. I also had to do this session before my sister left to spend the year in Seattle (more on that later), so we were rushed in a lot of ways.
In any case, I am glad we rushed and I am glad we made it, because the photographs that came out of this session are some of my most favorite I have ever taken. The combination of my gorgeous sister, her amazing dance technique, the beautiful park, and our sisterly bond, made these photos something extra special. Also, my friend and fellow photographer, Stephanie Arieno of Shmily Face Photography & Paper Posies made this RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME flower crown that was the proverbial cherry on top of this photography awesomeness.
And now, I will simply let these images speak for themselves.
My sister moved to Seattle at the end of August to begin a professional training position with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Although I miss her quite terribly, I am so happy that she is living out her dream and taking this incredible step to becoming a professional ballerina. She is currently dancing on stage with PNB professionals in the company’s annual Nutcracker shows and I could not be more proud of her!
Phoebe | South Florida Senior Portrait Session
Posted on July 21, 2014
Phoebe is an incredible young woman. In the 5 months that I have known her, she only continues to impress me with her faith, kindness, humor, and all around general awesomeness. The other thing I love about Phoebe? She is also a photographer and you can see some of her work on instagram!!
Phoebe is will be starting college at PBA in about a month, so we headed over to West Palm Beach for her session. These weren’t her official senior portraits, but more of a chance for her and I to have some fun, and for her to take a moment to be in front of the camera. As photographers, we are always the ones taking the photos, and sometimes it is nice to be on the other end. Plus, I adore Phoebe’s style, so I couldn’t resist playing with her for a little bit. =)
Thank you, Phoebe, for allowing me to photograph you. You are amazing!
Kaylee | Class of 2014: South Florida Senior Session [Delray Beach]
Posted on June 16, 2014
When Kaylee first contacted me, I was immediately impressed with her. This high school junior had just graduated a year early, and because of that amazing accomplishment, she never got a chance to do senior pictures. Already accepted and heading to FSU in just a few weeks, Kaylee wanted to surprise her mom with senior pictures of herself to celebrate her incredible accomplishment. I could not have been more thrilled to help Kaylee accomplish that goal, and with the rain holding, we were able to do just that.
In the middle of shooting our session, we both saw something moving in the grass. Unsure of what it was, we proceeded cautiously, only to find this adorable little bunny wanted in on the action!
Thank you, Kaylee, for allowing me to help you celebrate such an amazing and exciting time in your life. I know that when you head off to FSU in a week, it is going to be the start of an awesome journey. I wish you nothing but the best as you embark on this new phase of your life. Congratulations!
Camile Teresa Photography is booking the class of 2015 right now! Contact me to reserve your session as spots for the summer and early fall fill quickly! If you are in the class of 2014 and missed your senior pictures, it isn’t too late. I’d love to help you celebrate your success!
A Behind the Scenes Wedding Story
Posted on January 15, 2014
For the Malone wedding I photographed in July, Jackie of Photostyle Boutique was my fantastic second shooter. Jackie and I met a couple of years ago as we both got involved in PARK Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to Perform Acts of Random Kindness. When I learned that Jackie was also a photographer, I knew we would be instant friends. Our similar attitudes, work ethic, and sense of humor make working together a joy.
My intern, Chris, also joined me for the Malone wedding. As you may know, I am also a high school teacher and Chris was a student of mine for four years. He graduated this past May and has won numerous local, state, and national awards for his work as a photographer in scholastic journalism (he’s a great writer too).
Now, rarely am I in front of a camera lens (being a photographer means that I am always the one taking pictures, not posing for them) but shooting with Jackie and Chris gave me the rare opportunity to actually be in front of the camera for some shots at the wedding. You see I went to college with the groom, Jon, and knew some of the bridal party as well. Not to mention the fact that the bride, Melissa, is sweet as can be and we had already become friendly from their engagement shoot a couple of months earlier.
With three photographers in the room, I was able to grab a shot with both Chris & Jackie.
And take some shots of my awesome shooters hard at work!
This fun couple loved Jackie so much that they begged me to take some pictures with them and her. They were too funny!
Last but not least, I couldn’t resist some pictures with the bride and groom throwing up “the U” to represent our alma mater, the University of Miami.
Jon and Melissa are such a fun couple that shooting their wedding was more like attending a big party with all your friends rather than work. Jackie, Chris, and I had the best time!
As you can imagine, a lot goes into wedding photography. After all, the photographer(s), bride, and groom pretty much spend the entire day together, and other than the bridal party, no other person will spend more time with the bride and groom. That is why I think the relationship between the photographer and the bride and groom is such an important one. Weddings also have a LOT going on, which is why a trusted second shooter (or two) is invaluable. Hiring a second shooter allows for more coverage on the wedding day and the chance to get differing perspectives of the events.
I want to give a big THANK YOU to Jackie and Chris and all their hard work on the Malone wedding! Having them share this wedding with me was a great experience. To see more of her work, you can find Miami based photographer Jackie online at her website, facebook page, and instagram. And you can find Chris online too at both his facebook page, and on 500px.
Chase: Delray Beach Back to School Session
Posted on October 28, 2013
Yesterday I shot one of my most favorite subjects, my little brother! Chase is 13 years old and an awesome kid all around. I love his style and that he is so multi-talented. He’s been begging me to take back-to-school photos of him for about a month now, and so we headed out to Delray Beach yesterday afternoon to take some fun shots.
Chase is a musical kid, but his two main instruments are the guitar and the french horn (he also plays drums, trumpet, and dabbles in some others). We brought both out to our session to capture his talent. I wish there was audio in some of these photos because he was really playing! People even stopped to listen.
Of course he wouldn’t be Chase if he didn’t get silly!
Lastly, we headed down to the beach. I love to end my sessions there, can you tell? =) I love the beach because it just calms me. The light is beautiful, you get to put your toes in the water & sand, and the sound of the ocean is so relaxing. Plus for photos, it is such a good opportunity to have some fun!
Shooting my brother was such a fun experience. It connected us as brother and sister, and gave me the opportunity to really focus on him, both through my lens and in person. I am so happy to have him in my life!
Puppy Time!
Posted on October 26, 2013
Sometimes you just need to get out there and take some photos of the furry mammals in your life, because they brighten your day and love you unconditionally. Our family dog, Tina, is the best. Loyal, loving, and silly, she can brighten even the most melancholy of days by forcibly putting her head in your lap and refusing to give up until you pet her.
This was a hard week for me, so on Tuesday I took Tina outside, about 6 treats in hand, and had a little mini photo shoot with her. I love how they came out!
This next one is my favorite! She happened to yawn as she was looking at a squirrel and her expression was just perfect!
Tina is the best!
Michelle Class of 2014: Downtown Delray, South Florida Portrait Session
Posted on September 29, 2013
I am going to start this post with a warning: there are about to be a LOT of photos in this post. I just can’t help myself. Michelle’s senior session was just so darn fun and she’s gorgeous. Seriously, the camera loves her!
I’ve known Michelle since she was about 4 years old (Eep! That makes me old.) and as soon as I knew I was going to be doing her senior portraits, I was ecstatic. It has been such a joy to watch Michelle blossom into the young woman she is today. Not only is Michelle beautiful on the outside, she is a kick butt volleyball player with a heart of gold.
Michelle wanted to go for a more urban feel for her senior session, and one of my favorite local urban areas is Downtown Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue. There is just such a charm to the area and there are also a ton of different locations to try. The photos above were taken at the historic Old School Square Museum building, a cultural arts icon in the city.
Of course Michelle’s naturally fun and vibrant personality always shines through!
Next it was time for a style change! From girly and pretty to modern rock.
Love this girl’s style!
The Pineapple Grove Arts District made for the perfect backdrop for some more edgy photos. I am in love with this series!
When I asked Michelle was her favorite dessert was, she enthusiastically shouted, “Ice cream!” So of course, we headed to the iconic Kilwin’s to get some of the best.
After ice cream, it was time to take advantage of the uniqueness of living in South Florida– Atlantic Avenue leads right down to a beautiful beach! And when we got there, the light was incredible.
I seriously could not have asked for more! The sun, the sky, the sea grass– it was all perfect!
Last, but certainly not least, we decided to show off Michelle’s rocking volleyball skills. This girl has already been signed since her junior year to play college volleyball. She dominates!
Thank you so much, Michelle for allowing me to capture your senior portraits. You are an amazing young woman and I know the world has great things planned for you!
Michelle Class of 2014 Sneak Peek
Posted on September 22, 2013
Michelle is so incredibly gorgeous and amazing that I couldn’t help but share a sneak peek right away! I have known her since she was just 4 years old and it was such an awesome honor to be able to do her senior photos. More of this beautiful girl to come soon!
Camile Teresa | Photographer 