a mama, and her boys… (Orlando Family Photographer)
Last week I had some fun w/ a cool family visiting from California. A mama and her three boys..throw in some tin walls, a skateboard and the top of an old school bus..we had a good time. Thanks Shay…the rest will be ready soon.








Two boys and some old trucks… (Orlando Family Photographer)
Whoa. Step back…did it happen, really happen? Two blog posts in one night, I’m on fire tonight..and I like it. I shot these two about a week ago. The family was here to spend some time at Disney and wanted to squeeze in a little photo shoot as well..unfortunately for them, they arrived just in time for yet another arctic blast. It has been an exceptionally cold winter this year, day after day of cold, wet and gray. I am not a fan, so when it lowered to the mid 40’s again. ahhh.not happy! The kids were troopers though, they just kept smiling through the shivers, being from Wisconsin I’m sure they have dealt with much worse. Thanks Melanie for looking me up, and having me capture your boys. Your full gallery will be ready soon.





-
Megan, these are AWESOME!!! She is one lucky mom to have her boys captured by you. LOVE THEM!!!
-
Obviously your “models” take front stage, but I’m so inspired by your “settings” and props. Where do you find them? I want to get into photography and I’m looking in my neighborhood for inspiring backgrounds and all I’m drawn to is trees and a river. Any suggestions on finding settings?
-
You amaze me, you are one of my favorite photographers, when I grow up I want to be you. LOL These images are amazing and the location rocks. Your color is always so spot how..how do you do it…tips please?! Love everything about this. Great job girl.
-
Megan the boys love them too. Thanks again. Hope your weather has gotten a little warmer since
we left. We’re still frigid up here! -
I am the proud aunt of these two handsome devils. These pictures are AWESOME! I love them! Hope to see the full gallery! Great Job!
-
What a cool location! Great photos!!!
cowboy boots ‘n daisies… (orlando family photographer)
hello. hello. is this thing on… 6 weeks since my last blog post. unreal. I’m so sorry. I’ve been shooting, just not much blogging. I have to admit, I am not a big fan of the blog post, and at this point, I’m so behind, its just one of those to-do’s that never seems to get scratched off the list..but…how could I not jump on here and blog this fun family. I met them out at the barn last week. coke bottles. daisies. cowboy boots. three insanely cute kids. I know their mom is so anxious to see a little sneak. Hope you love them, and thank you for allowing me to capture a little moment for your family. More to come soon.




<
-
This looks like such a fun family. you have some amazing and beautiful captures.
-
Awesome! I love your style. I posted a link to your site on a local scrapbooking forum, I just this your pictures are so cool. I’ll keep practicing!
-
WOW! Amazing, every single one of them. Love the connection you captured, how on earth will they ever decide. I would need them all. BIG…
-
OMG? How did you manage to capture the magic light in every single one of these images? What a fun family shoot! You can just tell in these images that this family has that REAL love connection. great job mEgan… do you ever take a BAD picture?
xoS -
So glad to see a post (or 2:))) from you. I just LOVE this last picture with the shoes. Great locations and colors as always. Please post more often!:)
-
these are awesome!! looks like a fantastic family! i’m happy to see you bloggin’ again!
great work! -
These are wonderful! Love all the captures and their Americana theme is perfect!
-
So fun! Love the cowboy boots!!!
All you need is LOVE…. (Orlando Children’s Photographer)
Ok. first of all. I know. I know…long time no blog. I have excuses, really. lots of them…way.too.many to list…so, I won’t! I do have so.so.so much to share though. later. Right now, I’m just jumpin’ over lots of stuff to let you know about my FuN.FReSh.FunKy. Valentine mini-sessions coming up. I took my little ones out yesterday to give you all a little sneak peek. and..hmmm. this boy of mine. WOW. how he hates my camera. Moaning, groaning, wailing the entire time. It was cold, windy..and according to him, the worst day of his life. ever. really. You’ll notice that most of his images…no head. Yeah. that’s because his face was full of tears. true story. but I did manage to catch a few keepers of him. The Pip on the other hand..was working it..shaking, swinging…shouting…”Oh yeah,oh yeah…to the left..to the left…uh. uh. uh” So sassy. Really only has one look..the “let me pooch my lips for ya” look…she works it…Anyway…the scoop on the sessions….
WHEN:January 23rd and 24th
WHERE: Downtown Winter Garden ( just 10 minutes from Orlando)
WHAT: 30 minute mini-session, 5-10 images presented in an online gallery, (1) 8×10, (2) 5×7 and a set of 24 custom designed Valentine Cards
HOW MUCH: $150 ( must be paid in full at time of booking)

So, pretty cute huh? And, tell me…how super cool would it be to have your child flash their own customized Valentine to classmates/friends/family…diggin’ the idea of it…check them out..





Go ahead, say it…soooo cute right? So, go..grab the phone and give me a call. 407.455.1714…or shoot me an email at mcristello71@me.com Spaces are limited and will fill fast…make sure you book yours today!
-
SO adorable. Your ideas are just off the charts in the creativity department. Too bad DH would not approve of us Jetting down there for just one tiny session (trust me I would if I could!). Love your layouts did you do them yourself?
-
Super Duper cute!! You have such creative ideas!!
-
Love these! Your kiddos are darling and your creativity is always AMAZING!!!
-
Oh gosh…these are soooo cute!!! I might have the steal the lipstick on the cheek for my son’s preschool valentine’s…adorable!!!
-
megan! they are so stinkin’ adorable & you rocked this whole idea :o) i pop in to admire your work from time to time & feel bad for not commenting…it’s always fabulous!
-
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your photography. I am a total amateaur myself but was researching what was available for our family and I cannot tell you how much I love your photos. This Valentine mini sessions are an awesome idea. Keep up the fabulous work!
-
Megan another great photo shoot from you!!!! So wishing I was in Florida and not California right about now LOL.
-
VERY cute!!!! Love the pettiskirt and striped tights!!
-
Holy Moly these are CUTE!!
-
Megan
I love the pictures of the munchkins–they’re adorable. I would love for you to send me copies for me to keep on my desk at work. Love to you all. XXOO
-
crying?!?! with 3 LARGE bowls of candy? Food–ALWAYS a great prop!
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch… (Orlando Children’s Photogrpaher)
i know, i know…long time no blog. i have no excuse really, well..aside from the fact that i have been crazy busy…i have so much to share, but quite honestly the thought of blogging takes me to straight to the edge. i try to keep up with it..really i do, but night after night, i myself doing something, anything but blogging..chatting, you tubing, facebooking…sitting in front of the computer a zombie face, waiting to be unplugged…but tonight I popped together this storyboard of this insanely cute three year old and thought..a storyboard, that I can blog. wham.bam.quick…
Is this not the cutest thing ever, this little missy is the daughter of a friend of mine, a new friend who is amazing in every sort of way..I shot her family a few weeks ago, those images to come later…but for now..Miss Kaia, who at the moment is obsessed with the Grinch…according to her mama, she wants to BE the Grinch…
I have to just say that I adore these…these are the types of images that make my heart beat just a bit faster…images that capture that special something in a child’s life…it seems those moments pass away too quickly and we are left with only the memory of when..but now, next month, next week, or even tomorrow when the Grinch has gone..these images remain, keeping that little piece of her childhood love alive…a time when a little girl wanted to be twins with Mr. Grinch and for her heart to be too small and her shoes to be too tight..its there. forever.

-
There are simply adorable. I am always in awe of the vivid colors in your photos!
-
Geez, bring a tear to my eye with that why don’t you? Thank you so much for capturing Kaia so beautifully and artistically. And you know, you’re not to shabby of a chick yourself. Love you. xoxo
-
These are adorable — just love your visions. Truly wish I lived somewhere warm to execute some of them, may have to start thinking ahead.
-
I love this….sooo cute!!!
-
Just love these images…If I may ask…where did you find that gift box? I absolutely LOVE it! I love your work. It is always so inspiring. Thanks~!
-
Fantastic shots Mega! How creative!!
-
oops! I meant Megan.
-
LOVE those striped tights! Too cute!
-
Love these!!
Babytalk Casting Call…
Do you want to see your baby on the cover of a national magazine? Or in an adorable fashion spread? Babytalk Magazine is holding a quick, little casting call at Lulu Belle Baby Boutique in Baldwin Park. Bring your baby (age 3 - 18 months) out for a quick snapshot and to meet the team on December 19th from 10 a.m. - noon. Looking forward to seeing you there!

-
THANK YOU for posting this!! I will be in Orlando that same day with my 16mo old neice. I think it is meant to be
The woods, a couch, and a girl… ( Orlando Children’s Photographer)
So much to say, so little time. A list of to-do’s that must be done..so here I am, popping on, popping up and putting out a little 411 on this shoot..
- You may remember this little lady here
- To say the very least..it was a full on production.
- Total shoot time: 4 hours…yes, 4 hours.
- It was overcast, we started early…at noon. It was perfect. We set up the couch and the lanterns.
- The sun came out and decided to settle right on the couch. Not good.
- I shot in the shadows thinking the sun would move again. It didn’t.
- We found a shady spot, we moved the couch, the lanterns…we were ready.
- The sun shifted. Again.
- I flipped, ok I more than flipped..just keepin’ it G rated…
- I was a hot mess and thirsty. Craving carbonation of any kind.
- We moved the couch, the lanterns back to the original spot. We were ready..again.
- Two hobos came by on bikes. They got off of the bikes. We freaked just a little.
- Finally, the couch shots happened and lasted all of 10 minutes.
- We pack up. I was bagged. I get in car, Cobra Starship is playing. Love Cobra…
- I am super happy with the images. Well worth the four hours of effort. I think. Hope mama loves…












-
Wow!!!! These are truly amazing!! They were definitely worth the effort you put forth.
-
AMAZING!!!!! I love all of it!!! i’m so inspired by these shots!!! (glad you posted all the work it took, i thought those things only happened to me, lol)
-
STUNNING.
-
Oh WOW, I am in love with these images. I would say, well worth the effort and four hours.
-
Beautiful images — what a stunning girl!
-
fantastic Megan!!
-
WOW Megan, truly stunning! Beautiful girl, amazing location and props, love it all. You put your whole heart into your work and it shows. Four hours later … perfection! I know this little beauty and her mom must be ecstatic!
-
I see you found that grassy field!!! LOVE these. The couch with all those pillows and lanterns . . . SO great! She’s a beauty. Gorgeous eyes!
-
Sighs….love your creativity! Nice to come here and see you!
-
You are sooooo amazing! These totally rock!
-
These are so so beautiful. Your pictures are just so perfect !!
-
Love the couch shots…I want that furry red pillow for my couch!
-
These are simply beautiful! Great work as always.
-
Simply Amazing! I would so love to be with you on a shoot and watch you work your magic (I would even help with moving furniture into the woods LOL)! Love your work.
-
Beautiful images and girl!!! Well worth the time!!
-
These are fantastic! You are so talented!
-
WOW these are GORGEOUS!!! Just found you through Sabrina James’ Facebook page. Can’t wait to look through the rest of your blog and website!
-
Well, being a hot mess was definitely worth it, because these are absolutely stunning. Love every one.
-
THE PROPS ARE SOOOOO FANTASTIC! I want to MOVE IN to that little patch of woods! ha
my halloween crew… (orlando child family photographer)

Alright, lets begin with these costumes…its not what I wanted. I wanted to punk them out 80’s style..the girls all Cyndi Lauper-ish..and the boy, some rocker from a hair band…but, do you think they liked my idea?? Umm, no! They had their own ideas, they actually thought that this was supposed to be about THEM..really..news flash. I lost control this year, gave in…and we headed to the Halloween Superstore.
I told them to get in the car..all four of them. And as the words came out of my mouth..I was thinking, what did you just say, have you lost your mind. You see, I had a sinus infection…we are talking THE MOTHER of all sinus infections. The left side of my face was throbbing..from temple down to jaw, I had a headache that is indescribable, and to bend over, or even look down..well, just not possible. As we got down the road. traffic. bumper to bumper. ummm, hmm…5:00, great time to make a “quick” run to the store…our 10 minute drive turned into about 30 and I knew then, that this was going to go downhill fast.
We pulled up..I looked at them all and gave instructions. “Raygan, you’re with Adler. Sayler, you’ve got Piper. There will be no hooting..no hollering. We will do this calmly. orderly. quickly. Got it?” They all looked at me, fear in their eyes…and shook their heads “YES”..saying not a word. We walk to the entrance of the store and…BAM… Something came over every.single.one of them. something saying..run, grab stuff, try on masks and scream as loud as you can. What the?? They lost all ability to control themselves…and I was quickly losing my ability as well.
We start the search for “the perfect” costume. A hippie, a clown, a fairy princess…no, no, no. I’m still thinking..let’s go 80’s…they are still thinking. heck no. It’s getting wild. I’ve lost Raygan and Adler…Piper has on a rainbow colored clown wig..Sayler is starting to stress. My head is pounding…All of a sudden hear.. Mom, come look at Adler, we found it…I walked over, pulled open the curtain…and there he stood…in a penguin costume. A penguin made of foam, he was smiling and waddling. Hmm.. I’m just going to put it out there and say. I don’t do penguins..and I most definitely don’t do foam. So in my mind, hell no. He was not going to be sporting the penguin suit. I snapped a picture, sent it to my husband w/ a text that read. “your son wants to be a penguin. yes or no. a quick reply would be appreciated.” Within seconds, a text…”No. I will take him myself.” Perfect. Adler, take it off. You’ll go w/ Dad later. One down…three to go.
The girls decided that the superstore didn’t have the “good stuff” and they wanted to go to Party City..and why I said yes, still I don’t know…we head that way. traffic. headache. throbbing face. we arrive…we go to the wall of costumes, pictures on the wall w/ numbers beside them..Piper decided on 192. A ladybug. We go in, we try it on. She thinks she is cute. I am still thinking 80’s. I tell her she can get it. 2 down..2 to go. Raygan grabs a Sailor costume, which sent Sayler over the edge. She had decided earlier that she wanted to be a sailor…get it..sailor/sayler…but, we just couldn’t find on that she liked..either too young…or too old. Raygan puts it on, it fits..she gives her sister a sassy little smirk that only a sister can give..Sayler starts again. I tell Raygan, put it in the bag, get Piper and go walk around. three down, one to go…
Sayler. She tried on a Raggedy Anne. no. A poodle skirt girl. no I was pushing the hippie chick at her. no. and then it happens. she starts to melt down..going on and on about that sailor costume. I was about to flip. Actually, I did flip. We were in this little curtain stall, the size of a port-o-potty..I was sweating, on the verge of vomiting from the headache and at that moment. I lost it. I told her to get dressed. I found Raygan and the little ones. They had picked out some candy treats. tootsie rolls. I looked at them and said…we’re leaving. Put the stuff down..NOW! Piper bursts into full on tears…Raygan starts telling Sayler its all her fault. Adler is just looking at me like…whoa. and Sayler..I think, was about to cry. Piper proceeds to throw herself on the ground, screaming..i love my ladybug…my tootsie rolls. Raygan is still on and on….I think at this point I resembled something out of the Exorcist. I’m sure my head must have spun around a few times…I grabbed her up, whipped those tootsie rolls across the counter and drug her little self right out of that store. I can only imagine what on lookers must have been thinking..
We are in the car. Piper saying..you took that Ladybug from me for no reason. I think she said at least 20 times. We drove home..I was on a rampage telling them. No costumes, no trick or treat…that’s it. Piper continued to moan on and on. Adler interjects, “Im good, I didn’t cause any problems did I Mom and Dad is taking me later.” Yeah, yeah I tell him.. later.
We get home. It is two hours later. I take as much medication legally allowed. The costumes.. zero down. four to go…my husband comes home. I go to bed.
The next morning, I did sit them all down and apologize for my “episode”..and told them that we would go out and get the costumes. one at time. and we did…
They were happy. A ladybug, a pirate, a sailor, and a pink lady…not the most original. but them…but I’m telling ya, next year..we’re going 80’s…
As I finish this, I’m thinking, this is not what I sat down to write about..the costume episode, but I guess I’m just keeping it real. I’m sure you all have had some sort of ‘moment’ like that yourself…and what I think we can all take from my fall from motherhood is…Don’t take your children costume shopping when you are a walking sinus infection. A good lesson to learn.
Hope you all had a fabulous Halloween. We did.
<



-
I’m totally appreciating and relating to your whole story on the costume picking episode. I could FEEL your headache reading it. Despite it all, the costumes and pictures are amazing. Glad you had a good time.
-
I can relate to your story — most Mom’s can. I love your images. They are so fun and Fresh.
-
This post may not have been what you initially intended, and the costume shopping was not as you initially intended, and the outfits were not what you initially intended … but it was an honest real motherhood moment…. motherhood is not all June Clever moments. Beautiful children, delightful costumes - and Salyer can look forward to growing into the sailor outfit.
-
well.. I must say that i have been eagerly awaiting your Halloween post.. and it has not disappointed!.. can’t wait to show the boys when they return from school..
lol..those lips..pucker up baby!!! -
First of all, HOORAY for a Megan pic or two! You are HOT, girl!
Second of all, HOORAY for “keepin’ it real”… ’cause that is SO gonna be me when I have my four kids, and it is good to know even foxy, chill, amazing mamas like you can finally HAVE ENOUGH. Good for you for quitting right then and there and calling for a do-over. GOOD FOR YOU. And lastly— LOVE the pics. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Happy Holidays!!
-
they are still adorable! i feel your pain. whatever… next year my 80’s gym rat plan will happen… even if i have to bribe…
-
hahahaha total awesomeness! seriously you are ALL so adorable!
-
I feel your pain and I have been there LOL. With four girls I understand more than I’d like to admit. Glad it looks like everything turned out alright. Love your photo’s as always and nice to see you in one of them!
-
i have never laughed so hard, reading the behind-the-scene details about costume shopping! hilarious! and you’re not alone … i think all us mom’s have moments like that. i know i do

you all look gorgeous! the kids are all super adorable in their costumes … and awesome photos! -
Megan
It may not be what you wanted, but they sure do look cute!! You’ll have to let Sayler know I went as a pink lady w/ poodle skirt this year too. My students had no clue what it was so I think next year I have to try something else!! Halloween was fine here except not many trick or treaters. A lot of swince flu going on around here.
Hugs & Kisses to my darling nieces & nephews. I miss them so much.
Debbie
-
Pics came out great anyway. I am sure they had fun… at least you didnt take the time to hand sew them like I did and have it turned down for THE FOAM costume!!! RRRGGHHH! You can see it: itfliesby.blogspot.com
-
BEEN THERE, done that….same stuff…just different spot. Thanks for keeping it real. PICS are PROOF we moms don’t have to control it all to make things turn out perfectly—sometimes it happens with out our help at all. Imagine that!!???!
candy corn anyone?? (Orlando Child Photographer)

-
Loving your photo’s and the Pip is way too cute!!!
I love that lots of your photo’s have fun food in them Yum! -
What fun images love the perspectives you captured.
-
LOL! Too funny MC. Love it.
-
Love these…so fun!
-
These are absolutely fantastic and so fun
Love the color and composition of each one! -
How very fun!!!
-
Uh oh. Piper is growing up!! Love the images Megan.
-
I keep meaning to come back here and comment— your FOOD PHOTOS ROCK MY FACE OFF. I love these. Love your Pip.
:) -
Adorable!!!!!
Down on the Boardwalk… ( Orlando Family Photographer)
A couple of weeks ago I went out to Disney’s Boardwalk to spend some time w/ the Wollitz family. The mama of this fantastic group contacted me…umm, wow…seems like forever ago and told me that they would be vacationing here and wanted to have some photos taken. Perfect. I’m your girl. We spent some time deciding location..and spent a lot more time deciding on clothing…I think I had her ordering …and returning to way to many stores, Lucky Brand, Knuckleheads, Gap….taking snapshots…sending them over..I can only imagine what her husband thought..but anyway, it had to be right…vacation casual…but put together…we wanted orange…we wanted brown…and in the end, I think it came out perfect. We had a great time, the weather was right on..and those little ones…such sweetness.
Thanks so much for choosing me to capture your memories..and tell that little man of yours that I miss him too. xo
Just popping up one…and thought I’d share the slideshow with you all…just click the arrow…and I know, some of you…so impatient…just wait, it will come..

-
Beautiful Megan! They look like they had so much fun!
-
OMG!! Megan these are fantastic. What a fun and loving family. You captured them perfectly! Absolutley LOVE the slideshow… and the music is perfect for it!
-
Megan these are fantastic! You have captured them so well. Still makes me wish it had worked out for us!
-
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! I wanna go to the Boardwalk and have you follow me….wait, a minute…I may get into trouble…better not! HaHa. But seriously, I adore this session. For those of you out there who are thinking about using Megan, you are making a MEMORY, not just pictures. She makes it fun and easy. Clothing is not an issue, just make something work and GO FOR IT! You can be crazy, and just maybe, enjoy the process of having your pictures taken! SO, book and don’t look back! Much love, Karin
-
Wonderful images - I agree you got things just right!
-
Wow Megan, you truly captured the essence of the Wollitz family! absolutely amazing
-
I have so dreamed of doing sessions there! AWESOME location,fun, colorful, and full of life!
-
these are fantastic!! what a great, great session!! LOVE!
-
I’m so jealous you live so close to Disney!! I know who I’m calling next time we vacation there! What amazing images and wonderful memories you captured for this beautiful family; they will cherish these forever!! You’re an amazing photogrpher, and inspiration!
-
Oh wow Megan! These are truly FABULOUS!!!!!
-
Hi Megan, I just found your site and think your work is adorable! It reminds me of mine…fun, happy and colorful.
Beautiful family and your captures of them are amazing and fun.
oh my! how fun are these? looks like you really captured this family’s awesome dynamic! adorable!
what a cool family!! LOVE the skateboard shots. fantastic work once again!!
Another great Megan C. shoot!!! I love this family’s style!! Mom is precious and so are her boys.
Seriously, you have the coolest locations! These are so fun - just love them!
Another amazing shoot and fun family! Love!