Cape Coral, Florida
- May 29, 2019
- 13 min read
Pretty late posting this, but back in late March, I was flown to Florida, by my dear friend Destiny, and hosted for a week, by her family, Bill & Jennifer. I was elated when asked if I could photograph Destiny's little sister, Desiree's, senior portraits. History has proven that every time Destiny re-enters my life, it's serendipitously timed and miracles happen. This trip couldn't have come at a more pertinent time, and I'm so grateful Destiny and her family are a part of my life.
I first met Desiree back in 2017, when I went to New Orleans for her 16th birthday. Back at that time, she wasn't too excited about constantly being photographed, but I was optimistic and eager to redeem her photographic experience this time around.
(For New Orleans blog, click here.)
The morning after I arrived in Florida, I was awoken by Destiny asking,
"Are you ready to go to the beach?"
She didn't have to ask me twice.
We packed up the car and drove to the Marco Island area - a little over an hour drive down the high way.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect, what we were doing, nor where we were going.
Eventually, our GPS led us to the entrance of a multi-million dollar mansion gated community,
"We're here!"
It was at that moment that I realized any expectation I had about this day, was completely surpassed by my current reality, and we were only at the gate.
As we snaked our way through the neighborhood, we couldn't help but gawk in awe. Our faces pressed against the windows, like tourists visiting a foreign country. What I appreciated about the houses in Florida, or at least the areas I visited, was the variety of personalities within their architecture. Each house we saw, was breathtaking and immaculate in its own unique way.
We met up with our intended party,
and followed their lead to the dock.
Reality hit me hard when I approached the clear blue water, and felt the sun's UV rays pierce through my soul.
Back in Texas, the weather was, disgustingly, still in the 30s, and any body of water near the vicinity of my hometown, enticed you with shades of murky brown.
I was truly in Florida,
and I was there to do what I love:
Take pictures.
Fairly certain
I received third degree burns on my feet in the short amount of time it took to walk down the dock to the boat.
My Vitamin D deficient skin was
no match
for the Floridian sun.
Reminder: Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the top of your feet.
Bodies of water refresh and calm my soul.
In Texas, I'm able to ease my anxieties when I sit at the lake's water edge. The overwhelming fact that I was on the ocean, with my camera in hand, really took the cake for me. I was completely in my element and wanted time to freeze to further savor each moment.
Dolphins followed our boat, and it was my first time to eye-witness nature like that.
Honestly,
it blew my freakin' mind. I was giddy like a child every time I caught a glimpse of their bodies peak out of the water.
I only wish I had brought my 75-300 mm
The novelty of what I had witnessed, combined with my passion at the forefront, enhanced an energy that embodied my spirit,
I was intoxicated with equanimity.
I took a moment away from photographing to close my eyes and focus my attention on the elements that encompassed me.
The scent of the salty ocean air tingled my nose, and the sun kissed my skin with an unforgiving sting.
In that moment,
I consciously appreciated my journey, in its entirety.
The mistakes I've made...the lessons I've learned, and the tribulations I've endured throughout the current chapter of life as a 27 year old.
Albeit fleeting, I felt alive and with purpose.
I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I was meant to do.
Preface:
Enlightenment
Growing up, I never really had the opportunity to interact with anyone significantly younger than me. I was the baby of my family. and knew of nothing else. I instinctually looked up to my older sisters for guidance.
For years, I was naive to what it was like to be an active and influential role model.
The moment I exercised my energy and attention as an aunt, my perspective changed in palpable ways.
I quickly became aware of the responsibilities associated with my new position in the hierarchy, and I felt my consciousness dilate. It was as if my brain 'leveled up,' and unlocked an expansion pack, that included more storage, and a new set of emotions for my personality to use.
My biological CPU was 'updated' to a more current version.
It was the culmination of my intellectual competence that allowed me to consciously assess my prior antiquated convictions, and cultivate them into a more profound and unbiased rationale.
I was enlightened.
Why explain any of that? Being an outside and 'older' influence, I felt the responsibility to be example, and had compassion for her being a little sister I divulged my personal testimony and give her the advice that I've learned through experience. Advice I wish I had received at her age.
I was intrigued by our 9 year age gap, and curious to learn of her philosophies.
The discourse we shared provided insight to the differences between our adolescent experiences.
Her stories reminded me of a past forgotten, and strongly affirmed that I was, indeed, almost 30.
Though, I've yet to reach 30, I'm already sympathetic to the expression,
"Back in my day..."
Undoubtedly, Desiree has and will continue to gracefully, and unapologetically, blossom into her own person.
Compared to our trip back in 2017, not only was she more comfortable in front of the camera, her unique confidence, illuminated the special quirks that augmented her personality.
With just enough sass and tenacity, her passion to write has the potential to make a significant impact in her life.
I'm excited to see where her journey takes her.
We anchored the boat at Dickman's Point and set up our chairs and towels for a hot day at the beach. Everything was perfect, until the boat began to drift, so the gentleman and his wife, who Captained the vessel, took it back out to re-dock. We were left on the island to our own devices.
Apparently, the motor wouldn't go down, and they were stranded for a good two hours. I facetiously thought about what we would do if we were to be truly stranded, and then opened another drink.
Don't ask me how long it took us to realize they had been stranded.
The motor issue was fixed, and we continued our stay in the sugar white sand.
When we got home from the beach, my feet were obesely water retained and swollen.
The heat of my skin glowed in the darkness of the living room like slow burning embers.
I didn't truly notice or acknowledge how badly they were burned, until Bill walked by and noticed the glow.
He exclaimed, "DANG! Your skin is BURNED!"
He even took a closer look, totally flabbergasted. "Dude! Those are like third degree burns!"
I laughed, and agreed in defeat, "Yeahhh."
He told me to hang on, and left the room.
When he came back, he held a large, definitely aged and worn, container.
He scooped up a slab of thick, white cream with his fingers, and gently applied it to the tops of my feet.
"Man, I've had this stuff since 1995." It looked like it, too.
Optimistic, I fell asleep with creamy, red, obesely swollen feet, that were sensitive to touch. I awoke to absorbed, slightly less red, normal sized feet, that were no longer in pain.
I. was. shook.
I stared at my feet in disbelief. They were not the same feet I fell asleep with. I've never had a sunburn heal so conveniently, and could not believe how dramatic the difference was.
Night and Day.
Definitely high-grade.
I couldn't thank him enough.
Each day spent was perfect.
The momentum of my creativity and passion quickly and steadily increased throughout the week. It got to the point where I couldn't wait to get home or inside so I could start editing.
It's funny, Jennifer, Destiny and Desiree's mother, even said, "Jaclyn, you're on vacation, you don't have to work all the time." I responded with, "This is my passion and I cannot wait to show you what I got."
My favorite aspect about photographing Desiree, was the comfort level. Many of her portraits were taken in the convenience of her own backyard.
This trip taught me a lot about my professional and personal life.
I've learned that I'm a bit unconventional, yet adaptable.
Though I don't have a studio, or fancy lighting equipment, I utilize every aspect of what I work with. I am inspired by my environment, colors, and available lighting.
Having the down time we did to relax, the flexibility and accessibility of locations, truly made this better than I could have ever anticipated.
These qualities, combined with open and willing minds,
allowed me to confidently produce my best work.
When we weren't photographing, we, as a family, relaxed by the pool, enjoyed food, drink and music.
Their house is conveniently located off a canal system, and I was invited to go on "legendary" evening kayaking trips with Bill and Destiny.
I soon learned what those entailed.
Our first trip was on April 1st. I remember this because I got April Fooled... twice.
The first prank wasn't necessarily an April Fool's prank, but I'll count it.
The first incident occurred when a wave hit my kayak and almost tipped me over. Bill, who kayaked behind me, hollered,
"Boy! You see that dorsal fin?! That bull shark nearly gotcha!"
I've seen my share of River Monsters to know we weren't alone in the canals, but despite the mild anxiety attack it caused, I laughed and realized he was
full of it,
The second, and real prank pulled on me, happened abruptly and unexpectedly.
The sun steadily lowered and painted the canal with gold, The ambience was still, and the water was placid.
Serenity.
No thoughts were in my mind other than the appreciation for the colors and beauty around me.
I was blissfully lost in my own oasis.
This illusion instantly shattered by the shouting of Bill's boisterous voice, and the aggressive splashing from his vigorous paddling toward me.
"Gator! Do you see that gator poppin' its head out?! Quick! Let's go check it out!"
Destiny unhesitatingly joined the villainous activity, and quickly paddled over, too.
She responded, "Yeah I see it! It's right there!"
I desperately tried to see what they saw, and when I couldn't, I immediately panicked.
Having already almost tipped over several times, and still emotionally traumatized by the 'bull shark' incident, the thought of imminent danger near me made me
NOPE
out of there.
I quickly and uncoordinatedly paddled backward in a frantic panic faster than I could process I was being April Fooled.
I'm sure my reaction was exactly what they hoped for.
This will haunt me for years to come.
Nonetheless, I now have testimony and appreciation, that any and every kayaking trip taken with Destiny and Bill, are surely to have a stories to tell after.
Thank ya'll.
You got me and reaffirmed my gullibility.
On our lengthy journey back to the concrete slab that was used to enter the canal, we heard an unusually large splash into the water next to us.
A fresh coconut fell from its tree, totally free for grabs.
Bill and I encouraged Destiny to retrieved it, and she readily paddled into action. The coconut comfortably nested on the deck of her kayak for the remainder of our trip. In fact, one could say, it was the main topic of conversation.
We were all excited. #thelittlethings
Having the fastest kayak, I was first to reach the slab. I quickly climbed out, and cleared space for Bill and Destiny.
As Destiny climbed out, she clumsily knocked the coconut into the water. I watched it happen in slow motion. Devastated.
We both stared at the coconut that floated in the water. The sight mocked us.
After a few moments, she looked me dead in the eyes, and said with conviction,
"It's gone."
I became facetiously emotional.
"After all that time you carried it, you're just going to let it float away?!"
We both laughed in defeated acceptance.
I didn't wait up for them finish getting out of the canal, My tiny bladder was about to burst, and I wasn't in the mood to find a discrete place to pop a squat, nor leave them to carry my load.
I channeled my anxiety of having to pee, into perseverance needed to make it home.
You want to know the worst part about carrying a kayak across a plot of land and a street?
Carrying a kayak across a plot of land and a street.
It was too heavy to actually carry, so rather, I painfully balanced the concentrated weight of the tip of the bow, on the tips of my fingers. I nearly gave up three times dragging it home.
When Bill and Destiny walked up to the side of the house, I noticed Bill carrying the lost coconut! Apparently, he jumped into the water to grab it after I left.
Hacked open with a machete, Bill poured the fresh juice in my frozen Pina Colada. A sweet surprise to conclude the night.
NIGHT VIBES
Typically, I never get to photograph my senior portrait sessions at night, so I wanted to make this opportunity that much more unique and fun.
What better way than to break out the glow sticks?
Instant success!
My boyfriend recently bought me a Canon 5D Mark IV, and I was more than eager to play with and see how well it did in the low light.
It didn't disappoint.
I love this one because it involved the whole family.
I balanced my camera on a table across the pool's length and shouted,
"Just keep going! Don't stop! You are doing great!"
We had to switch some family members around due to their inability to draw a number backward, and the amount of tries we had to do, made for a night full of laughter.
"Pretend I'm not here."
With a little heartfelt argument, I was able to convince Desiree to artistically trust me during vulnerable moments,
I wanted to capture true, raw, and candid behind-the-scenes portraits. Most seniors don't choose or have that option, like brides do at their weddings. I think it'll be neat for her to look back on.
I was even able to capture the moment she thought she owed the IRS money.
Adapt to change of direction.
We wanted to highlight Desiree's passion for writing, but struggled to find any library that didn't look like the inside of a depressing government building, or even an eclectic bookstore. Rather than wasting the day searching through uninspiring Google images, we adjusted our plan of action.
Bill suggested a nearby park.
When we arrived, we were a bit apprehensive due to how small it was, but I immediately sprang into action when I saw its potential.
I died after I captured this portrait, and continued to die throughout the session.
I was enchanted.
Among the three of us, we unanimously decided Bill won best location suggestion, for sure.
To preface this next set of portraits, I have to explain how amazing it was for me to sit in Destiny's backseat on the way to the park. I found an old vintage suitcase filled with random car tools.
I deemed it perfect for a prop because it complimented the colors she was wearing, and supported her traveling spirit.
We were about to leave, and I almost forgot about the suitcase, until I opened the car door. I immediately told her to stand in the parking lot with the deceptively heavy case. Needless to say, she rocked it.
ECO PARK:
Don't molest the Alligators.
The eco trail was mesmerizing to walk through.
The canopy tunneled you in a vibrance of green, until an explosion of blue welcomed you on the dock at the end.
I love to edit, and one question I've struggled to answer is:
"How many portraits are delivered?"
Honestly, I can't say. It varies, depending on how long we shoot, how many outfits are worn, and how many places we visit.
Most photographers, who are smart, set a limit to what they deliver. Not me.
My delivery approach has been a blessing and a curse.
Even if I have to spend over 100 hours on a session, I find joy in every minute spent color correcting and retouching, in order to deliver my version of perfection.
Some sessions, I've delivered over 200 portraits, whereas others, merely only 30.
I don't have a set amount, because I want to give the best and most diverse selection within the individuality of each session.
Truthfully, I have no life and can afford to sit diligently behind a computer and edit.
My last full day, before I flew back to DFW, I asked Destiny if we could spend one more day at the beach. I wanted it to be completely relaxed, so I left my camera at home.
On the drive down to Fort Meyers Beach, we learned that it was a 99% chance of rain.
We almost let that deter us, but we continued with our venture.
The sand on the beach at Fort Meyers wasn't as soft or white as the sand on Marco Island, however, I still relished the feeling of my feet sinking into the sand as the water washed over them.
We found an available spot to lay our towels and set up camp.
I didn't want the pressure of making sure sand didn't get into my camera, so I left it home, and relied on the camera on my phone.
We foolishly didn't pack any snacks or drinks, so Destiny and I eagerly awaited for it to turn 11 am, so we could check out the beach front restaurant.
Among the variety of drinks I ordered, I enjoyed a Bloody Mary and tried an appetizer of grilled grouper. I was pleasantly surprised with how tasty it was.
As I consumed my libations, I casually watched the people that surrounded me, and appreciated the experiences this week in Florida rewarded.
The takeaway from both trips taken with Destiny's family reminded me of my trip to Nantucket Island, where I shot a video for a wedding. I was able to comfortably be a part of the celebrations, as well as be a fly on the wall and capture natural and candid moments. The video produced then, as well as the portraits captured this trip are without a doubt my best work.
(For Nantucket video, click here.)
If you've ever travelled with me, you'd know how punctual and cautious I am. With the possibility of traffic delays, and the uncertainty of the length of security lines, I always prefer to arrive two hours early. My flight departure out of Tampa, was a 3 hour drive away, so needless to say, Destiny and I woke up pretty early to make the drive.
The conclusion of my trip was ill-timed. I wasn't ready to leave paradise and face my reality back home.
Ask me how salty I was.
My week in Florida made me re-evaluate what niche I can fit into within my photography career. What are my strengths? What makes me unique? What situations allow me to get my best work?
I'm still figuring out and polishing the first two questions, but I do know, without a doubt, how I'm able to get my best work. This trip exceeded my expectations.
My goal and inspiration from this is to try and brand myself as a lifestyle and destination photographer.
Take me with you!
Comments