Benjamin First Birthday Party in New Jersey

Time flies! That’s for sure! I’ve photographed Nikolle while she was pregnant of Benjamin. In my mind it was like yesterday—and I still remember her words about how powerful and beautiful she was feeling since beginning her pregnancy. Giving birth to a child is indeed something out of words.

When Nikolle contacted me to photograph Benjamin first party I was shocked! How come—I’ve make the maternity shots a few months ago! It’s so rewarding to re-encounter these mamas and having the opportunity to meet their little ones! <3

Nikolle and Ulas had in mind something outside NYC—some place where the kids could experience a bit of nature instead of being inside an indoor playground. Alstede Farms is about 60 miles from Manhattan—in New Jersey. It was such a pleasant and fun day! The farm rents tends for birthday parties and offers lots of activities for the kids—from planting strawberries to feed animals. You can take a drive into the field and appreciate the view and nature—a great scape from the tall buildings and noise in NYC.

Boy Birthday Party Photos by @DaniellePhotographySa

Family photos in Sao Paulo, Brazil

After over 6 years living abroad, photographing these marvellous people in Brazil made me emotional! We’ve met while living in Singapore, a fews years back. We became friends—family, actually. When they moved back to Brazil, Manuela was a few months pregnant of their first girl!

The hardest part of living abroad is exactly this: not being part of your family and friends’ routine. FaceTime is not the same as a hug, a long lunch making small talk or a bottle of wine mixed with laughs, confessions, people that you love! You are constantly split between longing and excitement.

It was amazing seeing this family growing and I’ve no words to say how grateful I am for this photoshoot! Thank you, Manu and Joao! Love you all! xx

Ballet at Oculus, in World Trace Center

Many years before becoming a photographer, I remember being obsessed and delighted with ballet and dance photography—although never had the posture and discipline for dancing. My first time in US, when I was only 15, I’ve visited a museum in Florida—I can’t remember which one, but still have in mind the photos of ballerinas dancing in black and white. I never pictured myself one day holding a camera and capturing such beautiful movements, but I must say It’s a dream coming to life.

If you want to shoot inside Oculus—World Trace Center in New York—you’ll need a permit from the Westfield World Trade Center office. Just email them and ask for a permission to take a few shots when it’s less crowded—avoid rushing hours at all cost!

A huge thanks for Ju and Bebel, these gorgeous ballerinas, for waking up so early and open a slot in their super tight schedule for these amazing photos!

Live proposal in New York! She said YES!

And… she said YES!!!! OMG! I’ve no words to describe this moment! I was soaked, but the pouring rain made everything even more romantic! While hiding behind the trees with a telephoto lens, I was counting the minutes for these two birds to have their lives changed forever! Sean picked the spot and we met a few minutes before to make sure we’re all ready—her family was waiting for them as well across the street—and guarantee the surprise for Megan!

Congratulations! Lots of love for both! xx

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Fashion in Greenwich Village for Colours of Coco

Finally the summer has arrived in NYC! Check this lovely outfits on @coloursofcoco (https://www.instagram.com/coloursofcoco/)

Family Photoshoot, New York City

Ballet in SoHo, New York

In my previous post I relied on my words on photography not being about perfection, but the moment. I guess I’ll contradict myself here. These photos are all about perfection. The perfection of the moment, the expression, the hands, the foot, the posture, the legs… it’s all about the second that the moment is frozen on absolutely perfection.

I photograph ballerinas just for fun! It’s my hobby moment—like an artist painting, I take ballet photos. I still have a long way towards the perfection of dance photography—as so marvellous photographers as Rachel Neville do it so beautifully—but for me it’s like chasing a perfection that exist only on that second and maybe, the camera will never caught it. Just your eyes.

Thank you, Camila and Alejandra! For challenging myself; for training my eyes for more perfection and for the fun afternoon while most New Yorkers were soaking in the pouring rain. And a HUGE thanks for Barrows, for allowing us to use this beautiful space on a Sunday! #FeelingBlessed

Family Photos in Greenwhich Village, New York

Photographing kids takes patience—lots of it and love. At the age of 2, they are impatient. They just want to explore the world around them, to run, to touch, to experience, to feel, to be free. They don’t allow boredom. And they grow up so fast—each moment of their childhood is priceless.

Being part of these moments is priceless. That’s the most valuable gift of being a photographer. Usually my sessions with family and kids take a bit longer—around 2 hours. But I let them feel free—to be themselves. I don’t pose, I don’t aim for the perfect background, the perfect posture, the perfect smile. I aim for the moment; for capturing the essence of each one of them. The singularity of each photo, each hug, each smile, each spontaneous moment—that’s priceless.

Specially in these days, we are continuously seeking perfection—the best make up, the straight hair, the best pose to slim the face, hips, tricks to hide singularities—we are constantly loosing the chance to be ourselves. For me, the role of photography is not capturing perfection, but the moment that is perfect on their heart.

Spring time! Maternity Photoshoot in Central Park!

Yes, I absolutely love photographing in Central Park! What else I could say—it’s always a stunning background!

What I most love about my work is connecting with people, with their stories—capturing such beautiful time of their lives. Yes, I’m Brazilian, meaning I’m emotional! I guess that’s why I related to photography my hole life! As I always say, they are not just clients, they are marvellous people that Universe gifted me.

It was such a pleasure meeting this couple from Jordan, expecting their first little one! Sending lots of love to you and wishing this little pumpkin all the happiness!

Maternity Photos in Central Park

I believe every person in New York was supper excited for the Spring, but the beginning of May was rainy, cloudy and cold—completely unpredictable weather! We had to reschedule the photoshoot twice and still, I was walking to the subway station when the drizzles started! But since everything about New York is a surprise, we had a wonderful time!

No matter which season, Central Park is alway stunning and you can discover different spots each time you go! I love taking maternity photos here—it’s always like a delight walk around the park!

Maternity Photos in Central Park by @DaniellePhotographySa