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There are few things that compare to the joy of capturing pure, unfiltered moments of life behind the lens of a camera. 
One such day unfolded when I had the delightful opportunity to photograph Jenn, her husband Chance, her son Rawling, as well as her two new horses, Kicks and Tornado, one of which was an adorable, yet slightly mischievous colt. 
The experience was nothing short of amazing, serving as a vibrant canvas of emotions, laughter, and the bonds of family and companionship.

Fall brought with it a sense of change, a transition that was welcomed with open arms. 
Jenn and her family found joy in the simple things - a new beginning with their two new horses, the golden hour, and the comfortable coolness of the fall weather. 
It was a season of togetherness, of new experiences, and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. 
And in the heart of it all was Jenn, her family, and their two new horses, forming a bond that would last a lifetime.

The family gathered around, their faces glowing in the soft, diffused light, creating a perfect photo. 
As I clicked away, the camera captured the bond of Jenn, her horses, the joyous laughter of her family, and the wild pranks of the little colt. 
Each shutter click encapsulated the essence of the life between them, the love, the trust, the happiness.

The weather complemented the shoot perfectly. The cool, crisp fall air carried the scent of the horses and the sweet fragrance of the hay. 
It was the perfect sensory symphony that added to the charm of the day.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows and bathing everything in a warm, mellow glow, I realized that the day was not just about taking photographs. 
It was about capturing the simplicity and beauty of life, the joy of family and the intimate bond between humans and animals. 
It was about freezing moments that Jenn and her family could look back on, years down the line, with a soft sigh of nostalgia. 
It was a gentle reminder of how beautiful life could be, on a farm, with a family and two lovely horses, during the golden hour on a crisp fall day.

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

blue and orange

In the sunny, rural town of Plant City, Florida, there I am, not a model by any stretch of the imagination, yet I am on a poignant journey of self-love and acceptance. This journey doesn't involve any major travel or profound revelations, but rather, it's taking place right at home, in front of my camera lens. It's golden hour, that magical time before sunset when the world is bathed in a soft, warm glow. It's the perfect setting for a bit of introspection and self-expression. For me, the act of taking self-portraits has become a therapeutic exercise in self-love and acceptance. I have always been a bit camera shy, preferring to stay behind the scenes rather than finding myself in the spotlight. But I have come to realize that my reluctance to be photographed stems from a deeper insecurity - a discomfort with my own skin. So, I have made it a point to step in front of the lens, to confront my insecurities head-on. I am no professional model, sure, but that's not the point. My self-portraits are not about vanity or narcissism. They're about acceptance - about learning to love the man staring back at him from the mirror. Each click of the shutter is a step towards self-love, each photograph a tangible piece of my journey. I experiment with angles and lighting, capturing my image in different moods and moments. But regardless of the mood, there's an undeniable honesty in these self-portraits. They're raw, unfiltered glimpses of who I truly am, and I am learning to love every bit of it. Taking self-portraits for male self-love is not a common narrative, but it's a powerful one. It's a reminder that self-love and acceptance are not gender-specific. They're universal feelings that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, deserves to experience. So, here in the golden hour, in the rustic charm of Plant City, Florida, I continue my journey - one self-portrait at a time. As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows and painting the town in shades of amber and gold, I click the shutter one more time, capturing another piece of my evolving self-love story. Camera shy? Perhaps. But I am learning. I am growing. I am becoming comfortable in my own skin. And with each click of the camera, I am embracing myself, just as I am.

"Self-Portraits For Self Love"

As a photographer, one of the most frequent questions I get from clients is, "What should I wear for the shoot?" It's a valid question. After all, your outfit can make or break the final outcome of your photos. Whether it's a family portrait, a corporate headshot, or a maternity shoot, your clothes play a significant role in setting the mood and tone of your pictures. Let's dive into some guidelines on what clients should consider when dressing for their photoshoot. 1. Comfort First - No matter the type of shoot, comfort should be your top priority. If you're uncomfortable in your outfit, it will show in your photos. Choose clothes that you feel good in and can move around easily. This doesn't mean you have to compromise style for comfort &mdash; it's all about finding the right balance. 2. Coordinate, Don't Match - For family or group photos, aim for complimentary colors and styles, but avoid everyone wearing identical outfits. This brings an element of individuality, while still presenting a unified look. 3. Avoid Busy Patterns - While some patterns can add a touch of personality to your photos, avoid excessively busy or bold prints. They can be distracting and take the focus away from you. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns. 4. Consider the Shoot's Location - Your location will play a significant role in what you should wear. If your shoot is outdoors, choose colors that compliment the environment. For example, for a beach shoot, light, airy colors work well. For an urban setting, darker colors or neutrals may be a better choice. 5. Accessories are your Friend - Accessories can add depth and character to your photos. Whether it's a statement necklace, a funky tie, or a simple hat, accessories can add that extra touch of style to your outfits. Remember, though, less is more. Don't overdo it and let the accessories overpower you. 6. Professional vs. Casual - If you're going for a corporate headshot, stick to professional attire. For women, a blouse or dress with a blazer is a good choice. For men, a suit or a shirt with a tie works well. However, if it's a casual shoot, you can be more adventurous with your outfit choices. 7. Think About Your Audience - Who will be seeing these photos? If it's for a job application, choose more conservative and professional attire. If it's for a personal blog or social media, show off your personal style. 8. Timeless Over Trendy - Trends come and go, but your photos are forever. While it's tempting to wear the latest fashion, consider choosing more timeless pieces for your shoot. This will ensure your photos won't look dated in a few years. Remember, these are just guidelines. The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable. Your photoshoot is about capturing the real you, and your outfit should reflect that. As your photographer, I'm here to guide you through the process and make sure you're comfortable every step of the way. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or bring a few outfit options to your shoot. Together, we can create stunning photos that you'll cherish forever.

"Style Guide: What Clients Should Wear to their Photoshoot"

On a day when the weather was a perfect blend of overcast hues, I found myself headed towards Beer Can Island, a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This day was already shaping up to be extraordinary, and the cherry on top? I was set to work with the stunning model, Hope Dotson. As I navigated through the terrain of Beer Can Island, the atmosphere was surreal. The sun, although hidden behind a layer of clouds, generously spilled soft, diffused light over the landscape. The absence of harsh shadows created an ambiance that photographers dream of, a canvas that was just waiting to be painted with the hues of creativity. Hope Dotson, the model I was fortunate to work with that day, was a breath of fresh air. With her striking features and an attitude that radiated positivity, she effortlessly embodied the essence of our surroundings. She seemed to blend seamlessly into the beachscape, her confidence shining as brightly as the soft sunlight that filtered through the overcast day. Hope was extremely easy to work with, her professional approach was coupled with a relaxed demeanor, making our collaboration feel more like a fun day out than an intense photoshoot. She moved with an innate grace that made capturing her elegance in front of the lens an absolute delight. Her photogenic nature was undeniable, as each frame I captured seemed to outdo the last. As Hope posed against the unique tableau of Beer Can Island, every angle and every shot seemed to tell a story. The wind carried the salty air across the island and through Hope's hair, creating beautiful, natural movements that were simply magical to capture. The combination of the perfect lighting, the mesmerizing backdrop of Beer Can Island, and Hope's effortless charm made for an unforgettable experience. Each moment of that day was a testament to the beauty of photography and the power it has in capturing not just an image but an emotion, a story. It was indeed an amazing day, one that I will look back on with a fond smile and a heart full of gratitude.

A Day with Jenn, her family and Her Horses

December 18th, 2025

more from the blog

Click on what you'd like to learn more about.

"Self-Portraits For Self Love"

"Style Guide: What Clients Should Wear to their Photoshoot"

Beer Can Island Photoshoot With Hope Dotson.