Lake Brantley Grad: Glowy New Smyrna Senior Session | LMP Seniors

Prepare yourselves for the ultimate DREAM of a New Smyrna Senior Session!!! It was a little toasty 90 degree day with HIGH humidity, but these Lake Brantley seniors absolutely ROCKED and we were able to explored some of my favorite spots at NSBeach! I was impressed on how Mia and Kyrie took their time to get prepare for their session… we exchanged lots of messages about outfit colors and they ended up ordering the cutest dresses from Lucy In The Sky. They also paid special attention to hair and make up, and my hair/make up stylist Marcia did a wonderful job, like always! Last but not least, they showed up with the BEST attitude at the photoshoot! Talk about a photographer’s DREAM!!

If you know me I am ALL ABOUT CHASING THE LIGHT and FINDING COLORFUL AREAS for the photoshoot!!! I am so happy we had the best glowy light and SUPER COOL colorful areas to use :)

I have so many favorites!

I just can’t get enough of this entire gallery and I hope you love my faves as much as I do! It was really special to be able to capture the radiant personality of these two teenagers. Enjoy scrolling through!

Creative Eyes Being Used Beyond Photography

Covid impact in my business

I am going to be honest, when we started quarantine in April, I was the most happy and positive family member around my house - my family was anxious, especially my college son. I dove into my photography and took advantage of my time to adopt new marketing techniques, build up my web presence, and learn new skills, I was basically breathing photography 24/7.
Months passed and I caught up with many goals, what now? This pandemic has been tough on business and being a photographer I can feel the impact. The first semester is the busiest for me, I have various business events/group headshots, but 2020 really disappointed.
So, I decided to get creative! All I have is TIME so I started few projects, because if I don’t I am literally going to go crazy!


Living room project:


First I searched for weeks until I found exactly what I was envisioning for my living room: a set of 5 large 5.5’’ deep Hexagon Shelves. Here is the Etsy link in case you would like to check out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/603330760/set-of-5-large-55-deep-hexagon-shelves?ref=user_profile&frs=1 (PS: at the end of blog I have a list of pros and cons for this product)
Upon arrival I felt in love with the shelves, they were very well wrapped and no damages were found. Right away I noticed the raw wood color and decided that staining would give a richer look to it.

Painting/Staining shelves


First, I covered my work space with newspaper and made sure to wear gloves. I didn’t have to sand the shelves, it was pretty smooth. To stain the wood, I used “Old Masters Professional Fast Dry Wood Stain” Provincial 60504. This wood stain was really pretty, not to dark and not to light, just perfect! Instead of using a brush I found that staining with a piece of fabric is much easier, you can just use an old white shirt from your husband 🤣.

After the staining process was done I started to wonder… These shelves came with screws that would go directly to the drywall. It didn’t seem like a good idea to me because I knew my flower planters were a bit heavy and I would hate for the shelves and plants to fall. A trip to Lowe’s was all I needed! I purchased anchors specifically for my drywalls. Lowes link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-10-Pack-1-5-in-x-0-19-in-Blue-Steel-Light-Duty-All-Purpose-Anchor-with-Screws/1000103123. I also had to purchase small D-ring hangers because the shelves had none: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-Pack-D-Ring-Small-Picture-Hangers/3029191. D rings needed to be placed in the corners of the top hexagons.

Installing Shelves


Time to figure out how I wanted the shelves to be hung on the wall, It was time to add my personality to it. I did something that made it easier. I placed all in the floor and rearrange all shelves. This way I could have an idea of the final look on the wall. With that in mind, I also had to be mindful of space between shelves, that was the hardest part! You definitely need a level: https://www.lowes.com/pd/KAPRO-9-in-Magnetic-Torpedo-Level/1000179331.
Finally! I was ready to hang the honeycomb shelves!

… the last and more fun part of the project, adding the plants!!!

I just love to sit at my living room and enjoy the peacefulness now… These shelves are amazing and I would recommend it. It definitely ties the room together, and gives it a more “homey” look. I just wish it came with the D rings already attached to it. If you would like to purchased these shelves here is the Etsy link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/603330760/set-of-5-large-55-deep-hexagon-shelves?ref=user_profile&frs=1

My advice to other photographers is to stay positive! The pandemic has been tough on business, but I started to see an uptick in bookings for events and that is awesome!!!


How about you? What have you done to keep busy and mentally stable? Comment below, I would LOVE to know how you are doing :)