Year in review

It's been a full year since Megan Soto Photography was officially launched. In the same way it feels with children - I can't believe it's already been a full year and at the same time it has ONLY been one year!

This year was certainly one for growth. I had no idea how much I had to learn when I started this journey. And while I've learned so so so much - I haven't even scraped the surface.  There have been plenty of bumps in the road a long the way - but there have also been several opportunities I would have never even dreamed of. I've met some awesome people and had the pleasure of photographing friends and family. Here are my top 5 memories of my first year in business - in random order - because they are all unique and special in their own right!

1.) Having my image selected by Evoking You for their image of the week challenge  - see it here

2.) Booking a session with a family traveling from out of state. You can see their session here

3.) Traveling to California to photograph the Sacred Beginnings retreat. See more from the retreat here

4.) Joining the Public Breastfeeding awareness project and watching the project go completely viral from Huffington Post, to midwifery today and more . See my images from the project here.

See the work of all the talented photographers who participated in 2014 here. 
Keep an eye out for even bigger and better things with the project coming in 2015!

5.) Watching my St. Patty's day session from 2014 - my first ever official mini session series - go Pintrest crazy! With over 800 pins and this picture even making it to the first image in the search of St. Patrick's day pictures it was awesome to watch! You can pin the session here

To everyone who has made this past year what it has been - I cannot thank you enough! You're all amazing and I am so excited to continue to grow in this journey and be trusted with your memories!

CHEERS!

Asheville

A few months ago I went through one of my typical “I want to run away and join a commune” episodes.  Something inside me wanted to go to North Carolina- which is especially ironic because the towns I’ve previously visited in North Carolina left much to be desired. I mentioned this to a girlfriend who recommended we check out Hot Springs, NC - a tiny town about an hour outside of Asheville. I looked into it and it was exactly what I was needing. We booked a cabin and stared at the calendar.

A few days before we were supposed to leave I was on the phone with my childhood best friend. Labor day plans came up and on a whim she decided to hop in her car with her family and head to NC the next night.

Two unplanned last minute nights in a tent  with a baby, an almost 4 year old and a Pomeranian made me nervous to say the least. But it was absolutely amazing. The kids played so well. They slept so well. They weren’t scared to get dirty and they were fascinated by all of the critters. It was like my eyes were opened to a whole different side to these little people and it was so beautiful. Our non-stereotypical mountain dog was an excellent watch dog always alerting us when someone was approaching our camp site. Our lives are so full all the time that we forget how to just be. Unlike the kids - it took the first 24 hours for my husband and I to remember how to relax. No set agenda. No set activities. No cell reception within 20 minutes of camp. Swimming under waterfalls by day and cooking dinner over an open fire every night. Take. Me. Back. Now.

The last two days we set out to Asheville. Oh how I love this town. So funky and full of art and diversity. Even though it’s a city it felt like there was room to breathe, the people weren’t rushed and angry but so friendly. . . and who could complain about the backdrop of mountains?? There was a farmers market of sorts with free food (fresh produce and cooked meals) for the homeless and people in need. And even more inspiring is it wasn't run by a religious organization - it was just people taking care of people. And it was beautiful. We need more of it in our lives

There is something about this place that is pulling me back. I love it. It felt like home. After planning our trip I learned that my parents were living in Asheville when I was made. Maybe that is why I felt such a strong connection. I am not sure. All I know is I will be going back ASAP. And my faith in humanity is restored.

Megan Soto Photography is a natural light photographer in St. Augustine, Florida and surrounding areas; specializing in Maternity, Babies, Children and family portraits. For more information or to book a  session please email MeganSotoPhotography@gmail.com

Family Vacation

This family of 9 traveled to our oldest city from all across the East Coast! With families so often spread out these days I think it's so important to capture the moments you have together as a group. I love the handful of photographs I have from my childhood where the whole family is together. Comparing them from year to year - watching our family grow and change - they are such a treasure! I was very thankful this family chose me to capture their time together! Check out the highlights from their sunset beach session!

Megan Soto Photography is a natural light photographer in St. Augustine, Florida and surrounding areas specializing in Maternity, Babies, Children and family portriats. For more information or to book a session please email MeganSotoPhotography@gmail.com