“How did you get started in photography?” is a question I frequently hear. My typical response is that I’ve always kind of been obsessed with cameras and taking photos. It started out as just a sunset obsession. SO MANY SUNSETS. And let’s think about this for a minute. I’m 13 years old, I’m taking 10+ photos of the same sunset each night. Do you remember FILM? {What did she say??} Yeah, my parents had to take that film to the store down the road, fill out an envelope, drop the film cup in, seal it, drop it in the big box and.....wait....wait.... several days. Then they had to go pick it up, and PAY for it! Then we got to see if anything actually turned out! Is this ringing a bell with anyone?  My parents always thought the pictures all looked the same; let's be honest, they kind of did. So we ended up with hundreds of pictures of what they thought were all the same sunsets. 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️ But I LOVED them. They spoke to me. At that point in my life, that’s the closest I felt to God; when I was soaking in a sunset. {I hadn’t made it to the Rockies or the Tetons just yet 🥰 🏔}. But I digress. You can see the issue. All the film, all the developing, all the “waste”. So my parents decided to make me work for it. I earned picture taking by completing chores. I guess you could call that my allowance😆. I’m pretty sure I also got an actual allowance, but I also had to earn pictures. Pretty smart! You did the dishes? You get 2 pictures tonight! It made me be more selective about when I took the photos. Sunsets get better with time. Wait for the good stuff. 

So let’s continue down the timeline a little bit. We have a BIG extended family and we like to get together several times a year.  I started to love documenting those gatherings. The name “paparazzi” started getting thrown around a bit🙃. Whatever. They liked the pictures 😘 {love y’all} Several times, my family and friends would say things like “I love your pictures, you could be a photographer!”  I blew it off for a while. Sometimes it’s hard to see the magic in your own work. Even harder when you really don’t “know” what you’re doing. So I just kept right on snapping hundreds and thousands of pictures at our gatherings and with friends. Then I got married. The obsession continued. One day I mentioned to my husband, Bo, that maybe I could possibly, try to see if I might could potentially be good enough to make Photography a business. (See how wishy washy I was about it?) I was afraid of failure. I didn’t want to be embarrassed if people didn’t like my work. I didn’t know much about fancy cameras or lenses. Hadn’t taken any classes. I was kind of clueless. And I was scared.

At Christmas in 2012, Bo surprised me with my very own Canon T4i camera! What!? Then my in-laws surprised me with some camera classes! Naturally, I did what anyone would do - jumped on YouTube and started digging into what all these settings mean, how I change them and then what do I do with the photos?! Let the fun begin....

Fast forward to February. I've been playing with my new toys for a couple months, and it was time. The moment of truth. Poop or get off the pot. Yes, I said it🤣💩. I advertised $20 sessions letting people know that I was just getting started. I figured if I was terrible, people couldn’t get too mad about wasting $20 🤷🏼‍♀️. And if they liked the photos, then I could be building my client base! Win-win, right? Well, here we are, a full 6 years later. I'm still kind of in shock about it.  Early on, people would ask if I was a professional photographer.  It was hard for me to answer. I would literally respond, "Well, people pay me?" I was oozing with confidence.  Now I'm a lot more comfortable saying that I am a professional photographer.  It still feels kind of weird if I'm perfectly honest.  Then I remind myself of the many families I've been able to serve, and how I've provided them with memories they will cherish for years to come.  That's my job, yes, people pay me for it and most of them keep coming back.  And it means the WORLD to me y'all!  These last 6 years would not have been possible without my amazing clients. A huge thanks to all of you; I quite literally would not be where I am today without you and all of your referrals!

Beyond that, let's talk about the sacrifices my family and friends have made for me to build and run my business.  All the babysitting requests when Bo isn't home, Bo having to rush home from work in the evenings, the missed birthday parties and outings, missed vacations, and even vacations without me there, all that baby pack-n-play time (ugh), sometimes too much TV so Mommy could work without babies hanging on, the extra anxiety I get on a regular basis that Bo handles like a pro - all of these are sacrifices, plus some, my family and friends have made for my business to operate and be successful. 

As I reflect back, I'm grateful and humbled.  Staying home with kids was never something that crossed my mind.  Several random things happened that made this my reality.  To say God knows what we need more than we do is the understatement of the century.  I could not imagine my life any other way.  Sometimes people ask if I "have" to do photography.  Well, it doesn't "have" to be photography, but I do have to work.  I do help support our family (though it is minor compared to Bo).  I "get" to do photography.  It's a blessing to be able to run my own business doing something that brings me joy.  Let's be honest, it also brings me stress and anxiety and worry - but that's on me.  This is my thing and I can't imagine doing any other "thing".  So THANK YOU to everyone - clients and otherwise - who have helped me build and maintain this little photography business that started out as just a "maybe by chance possibility".

Having said ALL OF THAT - phew! - it's time to announce my contest!  In the month of February, the anniversary of launching my business, I'll be giving away a FREE FULL SESSION including ALL IMAGES!  That's a $195 value!  So how can you win?  This is for any of my past clients to show how much I appreciate you (and there will be a bonus for one new client as well!).  My facebook page is sooooo close to ONE THOUSAND likes, so let's get it there and give away a session! Here are the details for the contest:

1) Post one photo that I've take of you and/or your family.
2) You MUST tag my business page or I won't know you did it!
3) Tell your friends to like my page AND like your photo!
4) At the end of the month, if my page is up to 1,000 likes, I'll tally up all the photo likes and the most likes wins a FREE FULL SESSION with ALL IMAGES - $195 value!
5) BONUS: The winner picks a friend to receive a $75 Gift Certificate toward any Full Session!

Again, I appreciate y'all more than you know.  Thank you for supporting me in this adventure!

Gratefully,

Casie Dring, Owner/Photographer

Typical session with kids :)No worries! Just go with it! Keep smiling! Read my 10 tips for Successful Photos With Kids!

Over the past 4.5 years, I have photographed families with kids hundreds of times.  Throughout those sessions, I have mentally stored away little hints and tricks I felt would help make these sessions more successful.  I usually remember to share some of these with families before -typically during- their sessions, but these tips have been growing and growing and are now hard to keep up with in my #mommybrain. So I decided to make a list! What’s more “mom” than a good ole’ list, right? (Truth be told, I’ve always loved lists! My lists have lists....) I truly hope these tips bring you into your sessions with a calm confidence that results in highly successful Photos with Kiddos!

First, there are several things you can do before you even show up to your session that will help steer you toward success.

1) MAKE IT FUN. Talk to your kiddos about your upcoming session for several days/weeks prior to your appointment.  Be excited about it and talk about how much fun it will be! Even if you don't think it will be lol (People tell me I'm pretty fun, just sayin'....)
2) PRACTICE. Have them practice their smile; make it fun!  What word or phrase will you use to help them during your session? Do they have a favorite song that makes them smile every time?
3) FEED THEM. Eat before your session so the kiddos aren't "hangry". Let's be honest, you would be too! (Or is that just me??)

Then there are things you can do during your session to help keep you on track.

4) BRIBERY. Bring snacks and/or treats to your session. I am not a huge advocate of bribery, but during photos, you don't have much of a choice.  While older kids may understand some reasoning about a later reward, toddlers and younger kids tend to respond more to an "immediate gratification" treat.  But let's not just give it away, they still have to earn it!

5) BREATHE & RELAX. Your kiddos will feed off of your energy.  I promise your kids aren't frustrating me, so don't let them frustrate you and don't worry about how it's affecting me.  They're kids and they're being forced to take photos; it happens and I'm used to it.  Refer back to #1 - make it FUN. Just keep smiling, just keep smiling....

6) **IMPORTANT** LOOK at the camera and don't talk.  While I'm aiming my camera at you, please do not talk to your kids; that will only make them look at YOU.  Once we are set and ready to take some shots, your job is to paint on a continuous smile and look at my lens, while my job is to get your kids to look at me and smile.  If I do manage to get them to do so while you were talking..... you get the idea.  I get it, it's tough, you want to help them do the right thing, but we have a much higher chance of success if you smile and let me talk to them, make weird faces and strange noises, dance around looking like an idiot and do my best to get them to smile :)  Heaven forbid they smile and parents have "talk face". Wah wah wah....

7) COMPROMISE. I don't necessarily promote this as your everyday discipline habit; however, it can very much come in handy during photos!  If your child wants to be silly, let's let him/her do one silly photo in exchange for one normal one.  Yes, this actually works.

Compromise - Silly for Serious.Compromise can work! Compromise - Silly for Serious.It works!

8) RESET. Sometimes kids just need a good reset.

Reset Snuggles are the best!Let's just reset.... Reset with a good spin!Let's just reset....
The best method? I have found that snuggles
work wonders. Did I mention that it's also a
super sweet photo opp??

Also, if your child loves spinning/flying,
this can also be a great reset choice!

Just Go With ItSomestimes kids make their own beautiful poses. Just Go With It.Let your kids play a little; play witih them and reap the dividends!
9) In the end, JUST GO WITH IT.  Candid shots can be your best friend! Don't be afraid to just let your little ones run around for a bit to get some of that restless energy out. Kids aren't designed to sit still for long periods of time so let's not make them. Honestly, some of the cutest photos are of little ones just being themselves <3. Either let them walk/run around by themselves while your photographer takes some shots of just them, or you can play with them and love on them for some beautiful shots of y'all together!  Every pose doesn't have to be "posed".

10) IT'LL BE OK. I can't tell you how many parents have left their sessions discouraged and wondering if they even got one good shot only to receive their album link a few days later to find MANY photos they absolutely love.  The session is going better than you think it is!  AND - If all else fails, I can try to move faces! Seriously? Yes, yes I can; most of the time.  That's why I take a gazillion shots in each pose.  Especially in families with multiple kids, it's unlikely that all the kids and parents will have the perfect expression or smile in the same photo.  So, let's mix and match those faces to make it right!  (Keep in mind that I said MOST of the time as it's not a guarantee, but it is an option!)

*Keep in mind that these are tips for the best chance of success, nothing is a guarantee with kids; they're kids and by definition, unpredictable ;-p.  Thanks for reading; I sincerely hope you've enjoyed these tips!  Feel free to come back anytime to check them out again.  

Comment below if you enjoyed this post!! Pretty please, I'd love to know you were here and that it made a difference for you :)

Please like & follow me! www.facebook.com/momentstomemoriesphotos

Have you ever heard of LifeCare Network? If so, don't you LOVE them!? If not, you should check them out.  For the last two years, I've had the honor of being invited to their annual LifeCare Gala in Tampa (thanks Fallon!).  I cannot begin to express the impact this organization has had on me.  So many amazing, heartwarming stories of love, courage and LIFE.   When I say "I cannot express", I mean it.  It would literally be a thesis-type blog.  Toooo much to convey in a tiny little photo blog!  It gets in your heart folks; deep in your heart.  I could go on for days...  So now you're wondering what the heck LifeCare Network is...  Well, the short version is that they are a community of people serving at Choices Women's Centers in Brandon & Southshore who care deeply for women and men (yes, men too!) experiencing a crisis pregnancy AND those needing abortion recovery. This organization runs on volunteers y'all.  These people CARE.  For those experiencing these challenges, LifeCare Network offers complete education about ALL of their choices and they offer grace and love throughout the journey (from pregnancy through baby's first year).  They offer resources, counseling, real education and a shoulder to lean on.  Why am I talking about them??  (hah - so many reasons!)  The main reason is that I met this special Mamma through the last gala I attended.  I actually knew her prior to the gala, but I didn't know her story.  Funny thing - she actually assisted me at a small beach wedding not even a year before the gala! #smallworld  Thank you LifeCare for enabling me to hear her story.

LifeCareNetwork

Moving on...  Her story.  Ashten experienced a crisis pregnancy.  Still pregnant, she was brave enough to share her story at the LifeCare Network Gala along with the support of her Mom who stood right beside her.  Tears, tears, tears.  I can't imagine what she went through finding out she was pregnant when that was the last thing on her mind.  Fear, shame, panic?  I don't know all the inner workings of how it all played out, but I know her Mom LOVED her and her Pastor LOVED her.  Through their guidance, the church LOVED on her. And through that, Ashten CHOSE LIFE.  Would we have all loved her if she hadn't? Of course.  But what we wouldn't have loved is the pain that Ashten would have lived with.  Please, don't anyone take this blog as a judgement or directive.  I'm in no position to judge ANYONE for ANYTHING.  I am imperfect. But, y'all, my heart leaps when I hear people choosing life.  I know people who haven't, and they hurt.  They hurt for a long time; maybe forever.  The situation is tough, the options are tough, the choice is tough. I get it.  Personally, I am so proud of and excited for Ashten's choice for LIFE.  I'm pretty sure she is too!!  During the LifeCare Gala, I chose to honor her choice for life. Just a few days after precious little Amelia made her arrival in this beautiful world, we did just that.  I sure hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed capturing these amazing, miraculous moments of these two courageous ladies.

Newborn Newborn

Newborn

Newborn

Newborn Smile

Newborn

Newborn Love

Do you know someone experiencing a crisis pregnancy?  I would encourage you to direct them to Choices Women's Center in Brandon or Southshore.  They will be loved, encouraged and educated by people who genuinely care for them as people.  They aren't just numbers.  They aren't just another procedure waiting.  They are human beings who need comfort and encouragement and education to make the right decision for them. They will have an actual relationship with someone who wants to help them.  Again, I cannot say enough about LifeCare. And I cannot say enough how proud I am of Ashten's choice for LIFE!!

I didn't want to make the call, but I knew I had to.  This family of 8 adults and 3 children were mostly from out of town.  There is no opportunity to reschedule.  So I called my client not knowing what to expect.  Y'all.  GRACE is all I can say.  The matriarch of this 8-member family PLUS 3 children 2 years and under was FULL of GRACE.  She basically said, "no worries, we'll take our time getting there".  As I kept driving, I had to make the call again.  Remember?  My GPS just kept telling me a later and later arrival time?  Yeah, DID NOT want to make that call.  Again - GRACE.  Let's keep in mind that we were aiming for a sunset session on the beach; 95% of all of my sessions are 30-45 minutes prior to sunset.  So, when the sun is gone, the light is gone.  No more picture time.  I was literally looking at a 13-minute window before sunset.  I was in full PANIC mode.  My client, magically, was not!  {Grateful, party of one!}  

I finally got there.  Everyone was SO nice; especially considering I was a full 40 minutes late! WHAT!?  Let me tell you, I prayed on my way there.  "God, if there is any way, please let this work out. Let us get SOMETHING that this family can cherish forever.  Lord, please. (And, on a sidenote, Lord, please help my bladder hold.)"  And boy, did He deliver!! He delivered grace, he delivered an amazing sunset, and he delivered just enough light for us to get every photo op they wanted (and then some I think!).  

Yursik Blog 02

So incredibly thankful for the smiles on these faces!  They weren't faking it folks; we laughed the whole time!  So kind and fun.

Yursik Blog 03 Yursik Blog 13 Yursik Blog 05

And the reason it all got started.... All because two people fell in love (can you hear Brad singing it now??)

                                        Yursik Blog 06 Yursik Blog 07

And look at this little cutie!!  She was such a little ham and I absolutely adore her!
Hard to have a bad night when you're looking at that face!

Yursik Blog 01

We can't forget a little impromptu play time!  She very much enjoyed flying as well!  
These are some of my favorite shots (like, ever)!  Is it just me or are they pretty cool?!

Yursik Blog 11 Yursik Blog 12

I am such a sucker for silhouette shots....

Yursik Blog 08 Yursik Blog 09

What a fabulous way to end the evening!
I will forever be grateful for this family.  On an evening that could have taken a terrible turn for me as a business owner,
they extended grace and kindness. A shining example, and a wonderful family!

Yursik Blog 10

What better way to start fresh in the New Year than with a precious newborn baby?!  Seriously, is there a better start?  Look at this sweet thing!

New Baby Freshness

Strangely enough, it didn't hit me until after this Newborn Session that it was my first of 2017.  Things get crazy around the holidays and everything starts to run together; especially working from home with two toddlers and Baby 3 on the way!  This was such a sweet reminder to slow down and take it all in.  As I began to reflect, it dawned on me what a parallel moment this was for this family and my business. 
All of this newness for 2017.  New blessings, new joys, new opportunities and new life!

Just look at all this JOY!

Newborn Photography Newborn Photography

And those boys - full of life and energy!  They are IN LOVE with their baby sister! And did I mention the energy??

Newborn Photography Newborn Photography

Newborn Photo Sessions are, needless to say, some of my favorites.  They are hard work (sweaty, hard work lol), but the payoff is priceless.   I am honored and humbled each time a family chooses me to have the privilege of capturing these amazing moments with their brand new babies.  My hope every single time is that each family will cherish these memories for a lifetime!

Check out more of my Newborn Photos in my Newborn Portfolio here.

Newborn Photography

We've all been there!  It doesn't even have to be a party!  In this technology era, with cameras sliding into our back pockets, we are obsessed with photos.  EVERY. SECOND. OF. THE. DAY.  Here's the thing, are you really allowing yourself to live in and enjoy the moment you're trying to capture?  Sadly, probably not....  Every once in a while, on a special occasion, how about allowing someone from the outside to capture those moments and allowing yourself to be in those moments.  

Get this - then you'll be IN the moment, IN the photo and actually ENJOYING the moment!  

Here's one such {adorable} example.

I LOVE that the entire family got in on the fun at the end.  You can see the joy on their faces (along with the cake)!  
Happy 1st Birthday Stella J!

The Ternahan Clan

So - new beginnings.  The Ternahans have had several of those, right? But it's not just the kiddos I'm talking about.  These parents are Christ-focused and have their ears tuned to His leading.  They have stepped out in faith and purchased land to start a brave and impactful journey.  They closed on that land just a week before we scheduled their photos and they knew that's where we had to go!  We were able to document a radical new beginning for them and our SouthShore community.  Not only do they have a precious newborn baby (#6!), but also this first step in bringing the Florida Oasis Project into fruition.  

The Florida Oasis Project:
"The Oasis Project is a dream that was put on our hearts to bring the community together
by providing an oasis of calm at the center of the city."
Being able to capture these beautiful first images at the early stages of their journey was so special!

Now, let's dig into this adorable family!  SIX kiddos!?  They're crazy, right? Nope.  Well, maybe a little - hah!  They're faithful.  And it all started with these two.  I tell ya, I don't know how they do it, but I'm sure glad they do it together.  They're a fantastic team!
Ternahan Blog 04 Ternahan Blog 15

Let's document those kiddos from oldest to youngest and immerse ourselves in a cuteness overload along the way!

Ternahan Blog 16

Ternahan Blog 17

How beautiful is this?  The oldest cradling the youngest. And Mamma just can't get enough!  We even got some smirks out of baby boy!

Ternahan Blog 03

Have no fear, there are some girls in here!  Did I mention how fun and precious they are!?  Thank goodness
for some estrogen in this group! The fellas have them a little outnumbered, but they can
definitely hold their own! Such a sweet bond they have with their Mom.
Ternahan Blog 08 Ternahan Blog 09

Ternahan Blog 06

These girls also take joy in hanging out with
their little bro.  Such little Mommies.  Good
thing, because this Mamma will take all
the help she can get!

Ternahan Blog 11 Ternahan Blog 13

And now, more boys!
These boys and their Dad.  Wow, look at these cuties!

And last, but certainly not least, the newest beginning for the Ternahan family. I can't even.  Can you see that mohawk??

Ternahan Blog 01 Ternahan Blog 10

I feel so blessed to have had the pleasure of transforming these fleeting moments into a lifetime of memories!
Thank you Ternahans!

Family Photos - Muscle Car Style

Mini me's, muscle cars, cowboy boots, and......tutus?

Can I say just how much I LOVE how these seemingly unfitting elements blend perfectly together!?  
I had such a blast capturing these sweet moments with this adorable family!
 

How stinkin' cute is this little tutu princess? I love how the masculinity of the car contrasts the femininity of the tutu, and yet they're perfectly in sync.  
It's absolutely precious!  Daddy's little girl.  Need I say more?

Mendez Blog 01 Mendez Blog 11

Speaking of Daddy's little girl....

collage Mendez Blog 10

Can't you just see how smitten these parents are with their precious little girl?  LOVE.

Mendez Blog 04 Mendez Blog 06 Mendez Blog 05

Mendez Blog 07
It's hard for me to even say this, but this has got to be one of my favorite photos of all time. I have lots of favorites, but y'all, come on.  I am such a sucker for Daddy-daughter moments; especially girly girl crossed with macho. How adorable!

Mendez Blog 02

I am so thankful to the Mendez family for trusting me with capturing these precious, fleeting moments.  It's truly an honor every time I get the opportunity to transform someone's moments into memories!

Hammin' it up!Capturing the personality of every precious kiddo.

Are. You. Serious.  I can't even....  
Look at this HAM!

I LOVE taking photos of kiddos.  I mean, is it a lot of work?  Sure.  But look at the pay off!  This precious bundle of personality kept me on my toes the entire session, and I loved every second of it.  

Fall Family PhotosThis little ham is eating up the camera during her family photo session.

Mom and Dad didn't seem to mind either! They have a wonderful go-with-the-flow mentality that made this session such a pleasure.  Rule #21 for photographing families with kids: All the adults stare at me and smile the whole time; let me worry about the kids.  (I'm not sure about the numbering, but those rules can add up quickly! hah)  It works, right?!  Seriously, how cute is this??

Remember that other rule from my last blog post?  Always let the kiddos get some of that energy out! (And a secret, if everyone's facing the other way, it doesn't matter if anyone (eh-hem, kids) are upset! Not that this little ham was though.)  Kids need to move around.  They will NOT sit still and pose for 45 minutes straight.  Let them be kids; capture their personalities. #LOVE

Let the kids run!One of the keys to photographing kids is to let them get some of that energy out! Simmons Blog 23

Simmons Blog 19 Simmons Blog 21

We can't forget the individual shots; always some of my favorites. Parents and kiddos loving on each other.  Mommy-daughter and Daddy-daughter moments are the best!

Y'all, this is why I do what I do.  I can't express to you how I feel when a family tells me they can't choose which photos they want because they love them all.  And no, it's really not about the money.  If you know me well, you'll know that's the truth.  I don't do this for the money.  I do this for the joy I feel when a family is so elated with the photos I have captured for them. Every session is a new opportunity for joy through transforming your moments into memories. I truly believe that.

Simmons Blog 20 Simmons Blog 22

Family Beach PhotosFamily poses for photos in the grasses at the Apollo Beach Preserve
 

This family has been trusting me with their family photos (starting with a family reunion!) for several years now, and I am so thankful for the honor.  Not only do they trust me, but they also refer their friends to me.  For that I am VERY thankful.  A referral, or word of mouth, is the most effective method of marketing for my small business.  To show my gratitude, I offer a Referral Program - refer 3, get a session 50% off.  Y'all, that's $50 off!  The Rutherfords are my referral aces!  This session was 50% for them!  The price is discounted, not the quality or service.  

Kiddos on the RocksThree brothers hanging out on the rocks at Apollo Beach Preserve.

We had such a fun time hanging out at the new beach at the Apollo Beach Preserve!  One of the keys of photographing kids is to let them get some of their energy out; they aren't fans of posing for 45 minutes straight.... who knew!?  I try my best to capture the personality of every kiddo I get the pleasure of photographing.  We have fun, we laugh, sometimes they fuss, and we get it done.  Moments into memories...

Sunset at Apollo Beach Preserve Mommy daughter loveThere's nothing like the bond of a Mother and her only daughter! Love capturing these special moments! Sunset at Apollo Beach Preserve

I always tell this couple that they are my Barbie & Ken subjects.  I don't think I'm the only one that calls them Barbie & Ken ;-).  Again, they make my job easy.  And that sunset though!  Love, love, love capturing the love!  

Sunset couple photosLove is in the air at sunset at Apollo Beach Preserve! Love love love everything about this photo!Love is in the air at sunset at Apollo Beach Preserve!

Let's face it, family photo sessions can be stressful, and you always hope you get at least one or two you can use.  My hope is that I can make the session FUN and way more rewarding than just a couple of useful photographs.  Your photographs should represent your family, your personalities, your enjoyment of each other....these are your memories.  They should count.