The “S” Family of Three | Costa Rica Lifestyle Photographer

This sweet mama was one of the first friends I made when we moved to Santa Ana, Costa Rica, last year. We immediately clicked because were both from the United States and also had little girls around the same age.  We soon learned of each other’s obsession with Lilly Pulitzer and the rest is history.

We had been trying to schedule some family photography for a few months, but our schedules weren’t meshing. You can imagine my excitement when she snagged the spot for my last Family Play session of 2016 in Costa Rica.

Mom had a perfect spot in Belen with an amazing view that she selected for her session. When I saw it in person, I was SO excited. While the location was stunning, it was her adorable one-year-old daughter that stole the show. From her quirky personality, adorable expressions and the outfit – my goodness – perfection.

I absolutely love photographing children at this age. All of us had fun and played hard at this Family Play session, and I got some amazing images so this family can remember these moments forever. Here are just a few of my favorites.

If you’re interested in some custom family photography in Costa Rica, I’d love to hear from you! CONTACT ME today to learn more about how I can document some memories for your family.  

Baby Boy's First Photos | Orlando Newborn Photographer

What a blessing it was to be able to take photos of this sweet baby boy while I was in Florida visiting Orlando!  Newborn and Fresh 48 photography are two of my favorite genres to shoot, so you can imagine my excitement when I realized my trip home coordinated perfectly with this baby’s due date. Not only was I able to get some beautiful maternity photos of Mom and her family while she was still pregnant at the beginning of my trip, I managed to go on a week-long cruise and still make it back to Orlando in time for his birth and hospital session (thanks for hanging in there until past 40 weeks, buddy!). The stars definitely aligned!

Birth photography is something I’ve loved since I captured my nephew’s arrival last year, and I’ve been eager to explore this genre more. I was so happy that Mom was just as thrilled with the idea of me documenting her baby’s birth as I was.  It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am really looking forward to offering this type of service to future clients.

This sweet baby boy (surprise!) arrived healthy and adorable as ever earlier this week.  About four hours after he was born, mom, dad, and big brother celebrated his birth day by singing happy birthday complete with a cupcake and candle.

Here are just a few of my favorites from his in-hospital Fresh 48 session.

Are you expecting? CONTACT ME today to learn more about my hospital, newborn and family/maternity sessions. 

Waiting for Baby B | Orlando Lifestyle Family Photographer

How beautiful is this expecting mama and her sweet bump and precious family?

I've known Lauren since high school. While our friendship started in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it continued when we both traveled north to Orlando for college at the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!). We both became pregnant in 2014, and welcomed our first children, hers a baby boy, within a few months of each other. We had many of your typical first-time-mom conversations from the basics of breastfeeding to what to do with that first terrifying middle of the night fever. Thankfully, Lauren works in the medical field and she was always able to ease my paranoid mind. 

I remember sitting at a little sushi restaurant in Oviedo after a play date with the big kids when she shared her exciting news with me! Hunter was going to be a big brother! Of course, I was thrilled with the news, and just as excited when she asked me to take her maternity photos when I was visiting Oviedo. 

When I pulled into this little field in Central Florida, I was all smiles because the evening was SO perfect. We had SO much fun during this Family Play session, with a maternity focus. I was so bummed when the sun finally set, because it meant I had to stop taking pictures. 

While we of course got that traditional family portrait, my favorite images from this session are from all the crazy play that took place. We ran around in circles, made silly faces, and the topic of poop came up more than once. I love these fun, easy-going family sessions. Everyone has fun, and I capture some timeless images that are full of true joy. 

I can not wait to hear if Hunter is going to have a little brother or sister! And, I hope to make it in time for some incredible birth photography! 

Here are just a few of my favorites from their Family Play session!

Orlando and Costa Rica Lifestyle Photographer | 2017 Goals - Back to Business

Five of My Photography Goals for 2017

and how these goals will benefit my future clients

On December 28, my 366 project ended. While it was a huge undertaking, I am so glad I stuck with it. I was able to capture a tremendous amount of documentary and lifestyle images of my children, and even a few portraits too!  I took a week or so off from my daily shooting, but January 1 quickly rolled around and I felt like I HAD to start another photography project – or at least have something to focus on in 2017 – but I just didn’t know what to do. And then, after much thought, it finally came to me. I am going to make my own rules this year.

I’ve thought long and hard about my photography goals for 2017, and I want to share five of them today, so you get a better idea of what to expect from Ashley Rogers Photography.

1) Shoot When I Want. I am NOT going to do another personal daily shooting project this year. I am going to shoot for me when I want to shoot, not because I have to shoot. Chances are, I will be shooting my little girls daily, but I am not going to force myself on the days I want a break. We all need breaks, and I really don’t want to get burned out because I’m turning the focus to my clients for 2017.

2) Shoot What I Want. Two thousand and sixteen was the year of personal and artistic growth for me. I still sometimes stop and pinch myself when I realize all that I accomplished in just 366 days. Not only did photography skills greatly improve, I was accepted into a network of some of the most talented photographers in the business, I documented the heck out of our amazing first year in Costa Rica, but, most importantly, I learned what I want to focus on when I start taking on more clients in the coming year!

Nothing makes me happier than capturing real connections between family members, that’s why I am going to focus on offering unforgettable, quality fresh 48, lifestyle newborn, and lifestyle/documentary family photography -- either in your home or outdoor family play. 

3) Make It Easy.  My clients mean the world to me, so I’ll be working on putting together everything my clients need to make sessions easy and stress-free. This includes welcome guides that outline what to expect before, during and after a session (including a what to wear guide!) new package offerings to meet my clients’ needs and client referral programs!

4) Out With The Old, In With The New.  Change can be scary, but it can also be really, really good.  I’m going to change up many things this year, with the end goal to have a more cohesive brand. To start, a new logo is in the works and I’m also working on updating my website. I can’t wait to share it with you all when it’s done!  I’m also going to be blogging a lot more than I did last year, but the content will be different than what you are used to seeing. I’ll still post photos of the kids and share some of our exciting adventures in Costa Rica, but I’ll also be blogging client sessions, sharing photography tips and tricks, and writing short and easy-to-read posts that will benefit my future clients. I can’t wait to get started!

5) Share the Knowledge. Last year, I stepped out of my comfort zone a little and offered a trial run of an entry-level course on photography. This four-week course covers all the basics, from how to shoot in manual mode, tips to nail focus, guidance on light and key rules for composition. The trial run was such a hit, and I plan to offer a second run in February.  The course is available in-person in Santa Ana, Costa Rica (will be capped at 8 participants) or can be taken online for any of my followers in Orlando, Florida, or any other location.  Go ahead and fill out this form if you would like more information about this opportunity.

As of now, the plan is for us to move back to Orlando in August. I’ll be sad to leave Costa Rica, but am also anxious to move back “home” and hit the ground running with my business. I’ll be booking clients in the Santa Ana, Costa Rica area through summer 2017 and then I’ll be offering sessions in the Orlando, Florida, area beginning in the fall. If you’re interested in one of these sessions, I’d love for you to contact me to learn more about how I can capture memories for your family!

Playa Hermosa

Just another weekend in paradise! 

Thankful – A Post Heavy on the Words Written With a Heart Full of Happy!

This blog has been neglected for more than a month. The truth is, I’ve been putting this task on the back burner, intentionally. I have been focusing my efforts and energy on a few other projects, in addition to keeping up with my 366. I thought about blogging mid-way through my secret little venture but I didn’t want to post a half-ass update, and I certainly didn’t want to jinx myself in the process. 

You guys, yesterday, as I was rocking my sweet baby to sleep, my once far-fetched dream became a reality. “Why are you sad, Mommy? Kenzie asked, as I held back tears of joy. “I’m not sad, honey. Mommy is happy. Really, really, happy. I did it, Kenz! I worked REALLY hard, and I did it!” You see, I have been checking my email every 15 minutes for about a week straight. Waiting, “patiently” (or not) to read these words: “Dear Ashley, Congratulations! We LOVE your work and are so EXCITED to welcome you to ClickPro!” As I type this, goosebumps are coming out. It’s still so surreal to me.

I’m well aware that many of you have no idea what I am talking about. You may even be disappointed in the “big reveal” here – sorry for that. But to many photographers, ClickPro is a goal, and it’s a huge milestone for me. A two second background on what it is before I go more into explaining what it means to me. ClickPro is an exclusive network of professional photographers under the Clickin Moms umbrella. In order to become a ClickPro, you need to put together a portfolio of 150 of your strongest images, and they are meticulously judged by some of the most talented photographers around. Your portfolio is evaluated in the following categories, and within each you are given a score of 1-6. A score of 32 is needed to be accepted, and it certainly is not an easy feat to achieve such a high score. I freaking did it!!!

• Exposure Triangle
• Color and White Balance
• Use of Light
• Composition and Posing
• Processing Cohesion and Polish
• Technical Basics (focus, DOF)
• Creativity, Expression and Intention

Now, I am going to get really raw and elaborate on why this means so much to me.  You guys, I really struggle with confidence in my art. It’s really, really hard for me to accept it when I hear people tell me I am a really talented photographer. I don’t know why, I just never think I am good enough. I always find little things in my work I wish I could change, or that I would have done differently.  But, today, and going forward, that is changing. This whole process has given me the confidence I needed for a really, really long time. I am good. I am talented. I love what I do and I don’t want to stop anytime soon. I can do this. I can make this a profitable successful business. This is my calling. I am worth it!

And, you guys, ClickPro isn’t the only amazing thing that has happened for me this month! It has been about four weeks of non-stop good over here! I’m just floored!

I got accepted as a contributing artist for OFFSET by Shutterstock, a premier stock photography company! I was invited to be a guest storyteller over at Art of Storytelling ! Seven amazing ladies have invested in me and are trusting me to teach a beginners photography class. We are meeting weekly in-person and, in addition, I am providing online support and I am having a BLAST doing this! And, finally, I am completely booked up for client work until after the holidays.

My heart is SO happy and full right now. Three years ago, I found myself searching the ClickPro directory when I was looking for a newborn photographer for Kenzie. I knew I would find the best of the best if I went that route (and I did!). I never would have imagined that some day, my name would make it on that list.  But, with a lot of hard work, which included investing in education and investing a lot of time, I did it! And you know what? I am so incredibly proud of myself.

(And, You can see the collection of photos that have made me so proud by clicking the image below!)

Laying Low at Home and Adventures in Uvita

Vacations are great, but it’s always nice to be back in our own space after being away. There is also something about being reunited with your favorite window in the house. In my case, this is the second floor east-facing window with the most perfect white shade to filter the light that I so adore! (Yes, I have a favorite window in my house. I swear, if we ever purchase another home, I will be making my selections based on windows and light. I promise you that.) You can imagine my excitement when both girls decided to plop down on their PBK chairs and brush their teeth next to my favorite window during my favorite time of the day. It was like a “welcome home” gift to me. Thank you, sweeties. I always have a hard time debating between a color or black and white edit. I ended up going with the color version for this one, but I still LOVE the black and white. Which do you prefer? 

The next couple of days were pretty laid back. We played at home a lot and got back into our normal routine. Here are a few of my favs. 

Costa Rica celebrates its Independence Day  in September, so Maddie’s awesome little school had a celebration and asked the kids to dress up in traditional Costa Rican attire. Luckily for us, I didn’t have to spend 20 mil colones (about $40) on an outfit — our sweet neighbor let us borrow one that her daughter outgrew. It was a little big, but it did the trick. My little blondie ALMOST looked like an authentic Costa Rican. Almost… 

School was closed on Thursday and Friday because of Independence Day, and we were invited to a friend’s birthday party on Thursday. Maddie and her friends had SO much fun — so much that she actually took a nap that afternoon. This NEVER happens. It must have been a really good party! I’m glad she was able to rest, because she had a fun weekend ahead of her. We were heading to Uvtia for vacation with the Bloomers! 

I have to say, I’ve enjoyed many of my vacations here in Costa Rica, but Uvita was by far my favorite! We stayed with our friends who have two little boys, Caleb (5) and Jacob (3) that Maddie and Kenzie equally adore. For Maddie, life is about the “Bloomer Boys.” “When are the Bloomer Boys coming over?” “Can we go to the Bloomer Boys’ house?” “Can the Bloomer Boys sleep in my bed?” <—— Umm, I wasn’t prepared for this so soon! Lisa, mom to said Bloomer Boys, coordinated everything for this trip and it was out of this world. We stayed at this beautiful property called Manoas. If you ever go to Costa Rica, please do yourself a favor and say there. The property is pretty much in the jungle, for real though. There is a river in your backyard, monkeys on the property, the landscaping is just amazing. My pictures are better than my words, so I will just show you.

The first night, we took a short trip to Playa Hermosa just because we were craving some beach time. The water was way too rough to swim in, and the beach was kind of rocky, so it wasn’t my favorite but it sure was beautiful! 

Day two started out as kind of a bust, but it worked out for the better in the end. Lisa coordinated a whale watching tour for the entire group (more friends came with us on the trip, they just stayed at a different place). We got up early, eager to see some whales but it was raining and really choppy. When I went to pay the guy, he saw how young Mackenzie was and recommended that we not go on the morning boat. So we went back to the house and swam and played, wondering what we were missing. Well, apparently not too much because 5 hours later our friends arrived home and informed us they spent most of the trip with their heads in their lap trying not to throw up. Thank you, kind man, for warning me beforehand! That evening, we walked down the path of the property to the river. Maddie was a little scared, since the massive amount of rain they had a day prior to our arrival caused the river to be raging. She held on to my hand for dear life, and I sort of loved it. (Although, it’s quite challenging to take a photograph using back button focus with one hand.)

Day three, our last day of vacation, was amazing. We went to the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. It was low tide, so we decided to take the long walk to see the whale tail at the very end of the beach. It was a long walk and it was very very hot, but it was by far my favorite beach I have been to in Costa Rica. So breathtaking. 

After the beach, we went back to the house and packed up to head for home — little did we know the Turrialba volcano would be going off and would ruin the rest of our week. In more ways than one. For starters, the ash really gets to Maddie, so we have to pull the inhaler out and limit outside play, but Scott was supposed to fly to the USA on Tuesday and the airport closed and delayed tons of flights. Scott was sitting on the plane when they cancelled the flight, spent hours trying to re-book his flight, ended up having to get up at 2:45 the following morning to catch a flight to Panama and then a connection to Orlando. He ended up making it there safe, but it was quite the journey. Thankfully, he had no issues coming home, because we all missed him. 

OK, this post is getting way too heavy on the words, so I’ll close with just a few more pictures. We played, picked berries in the rain, Maddie started gymnastics, Kenzie started swimming and I tried (and failed) at some macro photography. 

Ahhh, I’m caught up on blogging. I feel amazing!!!!! 

Good Times With Friends and Family -- Fiesta(s) for Madison plus Our Short Trip Home

I figured a picture of delicious coffee was a great way to start this blog post, because goodness I need some coffee right now to help me edit the month (plus) worth of photos I have. Each time I sit down to tackle this blog, I try to remind myself that I will appreciate having this all documented once this crazy adventure is over. It's hard to see that right now though, because I'd much rather take a short nap during baby's nap time than do this. Anyway, here it goes (with coffee in hand, of course.)

After Maddie turned four, we stayed around for a couple of days before heading to the USA. There were some big things that we needed to take care of, including breakfast at KB's favorite place, Picnic. 

Of course, we also had to dress up in our finest ballerina outfits and play "I'm so stinking adorable" for mom. Kenzie REALLY loves that game, probably because she's so darn good at it!

Kenzie isn't the only adorable ballerina around here. Maddie decided to do a sunset cruise on her little red tricycle. Of course, I took my camera. We have some killer sunsets here. 

My friend KaraBeth and I went shopping to buy food and decor for the upcoming Fiesta for Maddie, Grady (her son) and Jacob (another friend's son.) I couldn't leave without buying this doll bathtub for Kenzie (along with a bunch of other crap I don't need.) I was a big fan of Pequeno Mundo initially, but I don't think I'll go back because every toy I purchased there has since been broken. 

I'm trying to work on my macro photography. Goodness, it is SO much harder than it looks. Remember initially I vowed to do one macro shot per week? Haha, yeah, that worked out well. I really should start to attempt that again. I'm at the point where I feel like my images are getting stale in my 366, same thing, different day. Its so difficult to get 366 unique images in a year. I will continue attempting macro. I will continue attempting macro. I will continue attempting macro. 

We had a little birthday party for Maddie and her friends Grady and Jacob. Jacob turned three, Maddie four and Grady six. The kids (and adults) had a blast. 

The day after the party was a rainy one, so we spent most of the day inside, snuggled in bed. Not too horrible, huh? I also spent some time packing, because we were heading to the USA the next day! Wahoo!

These two were SO good on the plane and in the airport. Yes, I gave them tablets. Judge away. 

We landed safe and sound, spent one night at my parents' house in Fort Lauderdale and woke up early to drive to Orlando so Scott could get to work in the Orlando office. The girls and I played at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It took them no time at all to get into all of their toys and mess up their room. I can't complain though, because they were playing so nicely! At least the pictures make it seem that way. I really don't remember. 

More random shots from Grandma and Grandpa's house. Isn't my new bracelet beautiful? Such a thoughtful gift from my mother-in-law, Rhonda. 

There were some other important things on the agenda while we were in Orlando. Madison had her four year checkup, and she checked out just fine, of course. Many of you don't know this, but I was a nervous wreck because about 4 months ago Scott and I noticed a small lump on Maddie's head. It's been growing so my mommy nerves were sky high, but the doctor assured us it's just a cyst and nothing to worry about. We will monitor it, but I'm so thankful I can stop worrying. 

We also swung by Grandma Luella's place (Scott's grandma) for a visit. <3 <3 

The next day, it was back to South Florida to spend time with Aunt Jessica, Uncle Donald, Mason and Everett! Jessica picked an amazing little children's museum for the kids to play. It was adorable and perfect. The girls LOVED spending time with their cousins. Apparently, I mostly took pictures of Mackenzie only, but I got one group shot of the brothers and their kids. A photo to cherish forever. 

And just like that, it was time for Maddie's third fourth birthday party (spoiled, huh?). Actually, this was another joint party for Grayson (turned one) Mason (turned two) and Maddie. Everyone had fun up until the last second of the party, when lightning struck and the thunder was so loud that all the guests darted out within one minute. 

Even though I was sad that the trip was coming to an end, I couldn't have picked a better place to spend my last day: on the boat and beach with friends and family. In addition to my mom and dad, Kristen, Gary and Grayson came along, and so did my friend Meghan and her son Colin. After the beach, the kiddos played in Maddie's room. The kids had so much fun -- the proof is in the pictures. 

And just like that, our short trip back home was over. Back to Costa Rica we went. Kenzie snoozed in daddy's arms, and the girls immediately demanded their two favorite places as soon as we walked in the door: their playroom and the park. We obliged. 

Originally, I planned to blog until I was up to date, but Kenzie just woke up, so I will pause here and pick back up next time. 

Adios! 

Back to the Pura Vida - Home Sweet Home

We've been back for a month and I'm ready to blog! Let's start by talking about our AWESOME week with Grammy. Yes, I'm about a month late on this post since Grammy visited in July -- but that's a pointless detail. We did some park, some pool, puddle jumping, a volcano, a zoo and the best thing ever, the monkey lady! 

Our first night home, the kids had to head to their favorite place -- our neighborhood park. We even hijacked a sweet Mercedes. 

Nothing makes my kids happier, or more angry, than a trampoline. You see, they each love it so much, but we have a "one at a time rule" in our house, and that doesn't always go over so well. As you can see from these pictures. 

Happy girl, in morning light. 

And, when it rains, we HAVE to jump in the muddy puddles!

More jumping...

My sweet baby loves water. Even if it's mixed with dirt. 

We took a day trip to Poas Volcano and had a blast. It was Grammy's first visit there. 

After Poas we hit up an amazing little restaurant with a beautiful garden. Of course, my camera came out. 

And this one was surprisingly cooperative. 

If you ever make your way to Costa Rica, I highly recommend paying this lady a visit. She has several monkeys on her property, and for a small fee you can really get up close and personal with these creatures. 

We also did a day trip to Zoo Ave. Maddie was in one of her special moods, so she didn't really enjoy it too much, until it was time for Ice Cream. Then, she turned her attitude around and declared that she would begin to act grateful again.  

Kenzie having fun at one of our new favorite places, Picnic. 

No Grammy visit is complete without bedtime stories. We've missed her a lot!

So, back to Florida Grammy went, and it was just the four of us again. Here are a few random shots from the month. 

Nothing better than a happy baby after a long afternoon nap. 

Reading on the sofa

This is my life, by the way. I workout every morning and I have the "best" workout buddy. Clearly.... 

Oh, and I also took a selfie. 

And Kenzie and I had a few post-workout dance parties. Gosh, this girl is sweet. Most of the time... :)

We went on a ferris wheel at the mall. For some reason they kept telling me to put my camera away. I wonder why... 

In my house, screen time has been happening a lot more frequently than it should. But when we were about to end our day and I still didn't have a decent 366 image, I went with it (and i'm glad I did). 

We also learned that Madison really, really likes face paint. 

Disclaimer: I generally dislike taking these posed images with props. I just don't think it's my forte and I prefer a more natural approach to images. But, there is something about this setup that I can tolerate -- especially when Maddie actually cooperates for photos. As you can see, the cooperation didn't last as long as I would have liked, but at least I got a few keepers. 

Cake decorating! Our lovely neighbor brought this project over for Madison's birthday. Maddie had SO MUCH FUN decorating this beauty, goldfish and all. 

Who doesn't love Starbucks, puppies and a splash pad? 

Another HUGE milestone happened a few weeks ago. Maddie had her last day at Discovery. We LOVED that school, but this big girl graduated. They had a sweet Mother's Day celebration (we celebrate Mother's Day in Costa Rica in August), and it happened to take place on her last day.  That is the reason for the cowgirl outfit. We don't always dress like this :). 

If you follow my Facebook or Instagram, you know that I also received some sad news about a close friend of mine -- her cancer is back. I know she will beat this again, but, in my opinion, prayers are ALWAYS helpful. So, I bought her these flowers and say a prayer every time I see them. If you're the praying type, send one for her and her family. I know she will come out of this stronger than ever -- she's just that type of person that amazes you daily -- whether it be her mothering skills, the work she does, her STUNNING images, her amazing advice, etc. I also know that I am not very good at macro photography. 

Big milestone 2 - Maddie started at her big girl school! We LOVE it so much. After her first day, we hit the pool and I couldn't help but snap a pic of her pruney little toes. 

This baby NEVER stays this still. I'm shocked that I was able to capture this!

I've been REALLY inspired lately to pull out my tripod and remote. Can't you tell? I also found a new perfect spot in my house for these photos with a blacked out background :)

On Friday, Maddie celebrated her birthday at school with her new friends. I walked in JUST as she was blowing out her candle. 

Maddie's last day as a three year old -- I painted her nails and she let me take her picture. Win!

Sort of... but still adorable as ever!

And then it happened. She woke up four. My goodness, it was a difficult day yesterday, but words cannot express how much I love this child.  Speaking of this child, it's time for me to go get her from school! Adios!