From a home remodeling project to timeless family photos

It all started with a home remodeling project—and a simple question: Have you ever had black-and-white photos taken of your family?

The answer was no, and that led to the next question: Why not?

As part of the design plan, the interior designer envisioned a wall collage that blended serene nature scenes with cherished family portraits, creating a display both timeless and personal. The artwork and frames had already been chosen, perfectly curated for the design. But one final detail was missing—a portrait session for the family’s beloved Havanese dogs.

That’s how our paths first crossed.

On a picture perfect fall day, I had the pleasure of photographing Carlie, Roxie and their parents. The setting - their beautiful manicured yard with a sprawling golf course in the backyard, provided the perfect backdrop. As the sun dipped lower, the golden light cast a soft dreamy glow over the family.

 Carlie, the more outgoing of the two dogs, thrived in the spotlight. She loved every moment—running after tennis balls, chasing her owners around, and soaking in all the attention. Roxie, on the other hand, was more reserved. She took a little longer to warm up but, in her shy, graceful way, posed beautifully for the camera. She was content to watch Carlie run and play, and though she wasn't interested in treats, a squeaky toy was the key to getting her attention. Tossing it in the air kept her engaged and gave us some perfect shots.

 While the original wall collage was designed for a home in another state, the family enjoyed the experience so much that they decided to create a second, smaller display for their Florida home—this one in color. Since we were working with previously purchased artwork already adorning the walls, we worked together to make sure the images would complement the existing decor.

 With the bougainvillea in full bloom and a color palette of greens and purples, the wall collage came together seamlessly. The framed canvases turned out beautifully, and will always serve as a reminder of their time together.

If you’re thinking about creating a photo display for your own home, whether it’s one large statement piece or several smaller works, I’d love to help! Surrounding yourself with images of the ones you love is the perfect way to transform a house into a loving home.