Yearly Archives: 2017

Why do you take pictures?  I really want to know (insert your answer right here?!)  Gosh I wish you could!  I wish you could say it out loud and I could hear it!  I wish I could sit down with you and meet you for coffee and have this conversation with you!  A coke would work too and don’t get me wrong there are mornings where a coke works just as well… come on, I know those mom’s are out there too holla!!!

But seriously… why do you take pictures of your family?!  Is it because you just love taking pictures?!  Is it because you have a truly awesome and amazing camera?!  Is it because everyone else is doing it?!  Those might be some of the reasons (maybe just the first two) but I highly doubt those are the real reasons.

I think it’s because there is something inside you that is just screaming please stop this moment!  Please hold on to this one second and let me have it forever!  Please let me keep them this way just a little while longer before they are so grown up and independent and don’t need me the way that they do now.  Let them be little just a while longer!

I always say that children have a unique magic in them.  A magic that is completely and uniquely theirs.  They see the world in a fantastic way that isn’t bothered by fear or self consciousness.  When they look at the world it is a wonderful place of adventure and mystery ready to be taken on feet first at full speed as soon at the sun breaks the sky!  Everything is more vibrant and every sense is appreciated with a depth that is more intense:  treats are sweeter, colors are more vivid and the smallest detail is magnified and exciting!

We were like that once!  Can you remember?

brooke tucker photography child photographer orlando florida

I think as adults when we have our own children we are gifted in so many ways but living life again through the eyes of our children is the sweetest experience!  It is indescribable for me and that’s saying something.  I’m never at a loss for words but living life again through my son’s eyes, it’s a joy I can’t express.

Do you ever find yourself wanting to whip out your camera and click away at those moments of magic?!  Where the pool becomes an ocean of sharks and mermaids or the backyard is a jungle to explore and your kids become the wild things?!  Do you ever listen to your child play?  Do you ever want to just go there with them… become that super hero or that fairy princess?

Why do YOU take pictures of your children?

brooke tucker photography child photographer orlando florida

I’ll let you in on a little secret I’ve been keeping for years… I am NOT A FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER!  I am NOT A CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER!

I am just a mom like you who captures your magic!  I am a mom who truly believes that families have magic of their own and it’s that magic where the love lives.  I say I’m not a family photographer because I don’t just meet you in a random spot and take your picture.  NO WAY JOSE!  I could never do that!  I feel deeply!  That is what makes me the mom that I am.  When I am behind my camera I feel even more and I capture the love that exists between parent and child/brother and sister.

I pick up my camera for you because it is my dream that these moments where the love so strongly can be felt leaves its legacy in a tangible way… a photograph.  A photograph can be held on to long after we are gone.  It can be seen and felt and more importantly touched again and again by your son and your daughter and their sons and their daughters and their sons and their daughters.

That love that we show in our every day moments whether it’s a big belly laugh, a tickle fight, a sweet soft hug, or a hand in hand walk will, and should and needs to be held onto!  We don’t get to stay forever!  Our loved ones don’t get to stay forever.  But as a mom I know how important it is to say hey… this one story, this one tradition we have where we make pancakes and Linc is always in his underpants with a star wars gun shoved in the side… THAT DOES get to stay forever!  That gets paused!  That goes in a yearly album with my own written word so we can visit it any time we want.  Years from now when I am 80 and Linc is  50, I will place that album on my lap and with my wrinkled and hard worked hands,  we will rock on his front porch with my grandchildren and laugh about that story!

brooke tucker photography child photographer orlando florida

You see… I am not a family photographer because I am a mom just like you!  I want the same things that you do which is why I see your family, I truly see your family!  I don’t just capture family portraits for you.  NO that would be a shame.

I capture your true love that binds you together.  I capture your real moments that you will want to stay AFTER you have gone.  Moments that won’t just capture your family for now, moments that will leave your imprint and your legacy for generations to come!  Moments that capture your magic!  Your very own magic that no other family has but you!

I do this for you because this is what I want for myself!

So my friends, I still want to know… why do YOU take pictures?

brooke tucker photography child photographer orlando florida

Filed in:For Moms | Personal | PhotographyTagged in: | | | | | | | | | | | |
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  • August 16, 2017 - 1:39 pm

    brooketuckerphoto@gmail.com - Hey ya’ll…. let’s be BOLD and have a real conversation today! Leave me a comment and tell me FOR REAL why you pick up your camera! What sparks your interest enough to choose YES this right here is enough for me to click!ReplyCancel

By now, everyone who has been to Disney or hoping to bring their family to Disney knows one thing with absolute surety… Disney World has AMAZING FOOD!  Not only does Disney World have amazing treats and goodies inside the parks, but they also have some pretty darn incredible restaurants.  In fact, they have so many wonderful restaurants it can be tricky to figure out where you might want to spend a little extra money and dine!

We get asked all the time by family and friends coming in town what are some of our favorite places to eat.  The funny part about this is that when we came to Disney ourselves, we didn’t know that most of these places existed.  We were actually kind of clueless and now that we are blessed enough to live here… we’ve been able to experience some of the amazing dining experiences that we think you guys might like!

Here are our top 7 sit down restaurants in Disney RIGHT NOW.

  1. Yak n Yeti (Animal Kingdom):  This one takes first on our list because we stumbled upon it during our first trip to Disney when Linc was 3.  We were starving and wanting a break to just sit and relax.  I had sort of read about Yak n Yeti but couldn’t remember any of the details of the reviews.  I couldn’t remember if it was just a pop in and hang out restaurant or whether it was fancy.  We didn’t even have a reservation (which I do recommend) but we went on in anyway for an early lunch and boy am I glad we did!  Yak n Yeti is a gorgeous sit down restaurant with pan-asian flavors and culture!  The food is incredible and there is something for everyone to enjoy!  Even our little picky 3 year old chowed down on his lunch and special drink!  Hands down we think this is one of the best places to eat if you are enjoying Animal Kingdom.
  2. Jiko:  The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge): We stumbled upon Jiko one night on accident!  Our friends happened to be staying at animal kingdom and we spent the day with them enjoying the pool!  On our way out, Tuck and I thought it would be easier on Linc if we just fed him dinner at the resort than trying to get him home and whip something up.  We actually thought we were heading to the dining service area Boma, but we happened to make the wrong turn and ended up in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s fancy dress code required restaurant (without a reservation).  Jiko is a beautiful restaurant featuring African, Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine along side an open show kitchen and wood burning ovens!  I have to say, we were a little nervous at first since Linc was exhausted and in the phase of “I just want chicken and hummus for dinner”.  We were amazed at how delicious our meal was and even how wonderfully unique and delicious Linc’s pizza was!  There was no pizza left on the plate.  In fact, there was no food left on any plate.  We ended up deciding to splurge and ordered appetizers, entrees and desserts!  This is a great restaurant if you want to have a quiet fancy dinner where there is a bit of flavor for everyone!
  3. Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge):  This is a fantastic lunch spot for the whole family.  We first tried Sanaa with friends of ours on a somewhat rainy day.  The beauty of this restaurant is that you can spend some time hanging out and enjoying the animals at the Animal Kingdom lodge if you have some free time.  There is a beautiful little place right outside where you can see the animals roaming around!  We sat outside for a bit before the rain hit and enjoyed watching the Giraffes eat their lunch and counted the Zebras!  After, we popped right in to Sanaa and enjoyed a delicious and diverse lunch. We started with an amazing bread and dip appetizer of different types of Naan bread and dips!  Linc enjoyed pizza AND chicken and a special dessert where you could paint your own brownie.  Tuck and I both had the burger and I will tell you, it’s the best burger I’ve ever had in my entire life.  I still CRAVE that burger and the sauce on the bun!  If you have some downtime or want to just relax and enjoy a nice long lunch, Tuck and I definitely feel like this is the place for you!
  4. The Wave (Contemporary Resort):  Hands down friends this is our favorite place to eat for breakfast!  We’ve been there on several occasions:  before heading to the park with friends, for birthday breakfasts, Father’s day and we also took my parents here when they came to visit!  The breakfast buffet at The Wave is AHHMAZING!  I’am not a breakfast fan but anytime we have plans to eat at the Wave I can hardly contain myself.  I’m like a kid of Christmas morning!  They have all the breakfast favorites you can think of and of course it’s all you can eat.  I’m talking about Key Lime Eggs Benedict, Sweet Potato silver dollar pancakes, Mickey waffles, Lox, mini Quiche, hashbrowns that you just can’t ignore and of course GRITS!  The best grits I’ve ever eaten in my life and that’s saying something!  It’s the perfect breakfast place before heading off to the Magic Kingdom if you want something a little more formal.  When I say formal, I don’t mean dressing up.  I just mean if you want somewhere to sit and pig out with your family without being bombarded or rushed!  Oh my gosh you guys, now I want to go there this weekend for brunch!
  5. California Grill (Top of Contemporary Resort):  We saved this one for last because it’s just incredibly special!  There is no place on earth like the California Grill!  You will absolutely need reservations and it is super fancy.  This is a great place to celebrate an anniversary or birthday!  It’s just a great place for special occasions.  Located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, the entire side is nothing by windows overlooking the Magic Kingdom!  The food is amazing whether you choose just appetizers or an entire main course.  It’s fresh and seasonal and cooked to perfection.  But the best part about the California Grill?!!!  Try and go in the evening when the fireworks are going to go off.  They dim the lights and set the scene by playing the magical music throughout the restaurant that is timed to Magic Kingdom fireworks.  You truly get a front row sensational view that is unrivaled.  I was like a little kid with my forehead pressed against the window pane as we watched the firework show during our dinner!
  6. T-Rex (Disney Springs):  This is big time fun for dino lovers in the family!  When you walk in you are transported to a time where dinosaurs ruled!  It’s visually stunning and you get a show while you eat!  By show I mean the dinosaurs come to life, the weather patterns change and the restaurant comes alive.  We stepped in for lunch one day to take a break from the heat!  Linc loves dinosaurs so we thought hey, win/win!  We were super surprised when not only was it entertaining, it was delicious!  We all ate every bit of food on our tremendous plates (the portions are very generous).  After we went over to explore the Paleo Zone where you can get in and dig for dinosaur bones and pan for treasures.  Linc was in heaven!
  7. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Disney Springs):  If you are an Indian Jones fan you better RUN to Disney Springs to check out the very incredible and true to the movie 1940’s Hangar Bar!  They serve delicious drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (I LOVE Teddy’s Tea).  They have a small selection of appetizers that are delicious and leave you licking the plate!  It’s the perfect place to hang out and grab a drink!

So far these are the restaurants we have visited and LOVED here at Disney and I mean LOVED!  We still have many that we want to try:  Paddlefish, Flying Fish, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, and Sci-Fi Dine in Theater just to name a few!  And guys… these are just the sit down restaurants!  I can’t wait to share with you our favorite quick service restaurants and stop in treat shops!  There is just too many for us to name!!

One thing is for certain, don’t just be prepared for magic when you visit Disney, be prepared for amazing meals and bring your appetite!

If you’ve visited here, what are some of your favorite restaurants?!  Did we miss any that we should absolutely go and visit ASAP?!!!

our top sit down places to eat in Disney World!

 

Filed in:A Disney Life for Me | Disney SeriesTagged in: | | | | | | | | | |
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Lately I’ve been reading a lot of amazing books and those books have me reflecting on WHY no matter what is going on our lives, or how many times I say to heck with this photography as a business thing it’s just not “working out” , I seem to always find my way back to my camera.  It’s something that creeps into my heart and has a forever place.  No matter how many times I wonder out loud… why am I still doing this… in my heart I know exactly why.  It’s not for the masses.  It’s not for the instagram likes or followers.  It’s not to gain more notoriety or have others want to learn all my tricks.  It’s not for all the bookings or clients or e mail subscribers.

I continue to come back to my camera for him.  I continue to seek out all that I can learn because I know that one day he will need to see the magic he was born with!  I choose to pick up my camera because I want him to know how crazy beautiful he is and how crazy messy life can be!  I want him to see that there is magic in the moments that aren’t perfect!  I want him to know that his every day life was incredible just because his own light shines bright and he is in the world.

I want him to know that he mattered in every season of life and that no matter the ups or downs, there is beauty in every emotion.

I want him to understand how we love and man do we love with a raw grace and imperfection!

I continue to find my way to my camera so that one day, when he is grown up with his own family, he can remember the wild, crazy, adventurous little boy that stole many hearts!   I want him to be able to pick up one of our many family albums (with cracked leather and worn pages)  and find his way back to the boy with the big imagination and big dreams!

I take heart in knowing that one day when he is old and gray, he will be able to remember just how his little hands fit into mine!  He will remember how my hair was always in a tinkerbell bun and how my feet were always bare, with no shoes while we walked hand in hand!

He will look back on his childhood albums and hear my laughter in his memory!  He will see his father’s strength in his gentle playfulness!  He will see our weary smiles as we slept with him in the “big bed” and kept watch over him through the night.  I continue to capture images so that he might remember the little things like the romantic picnics in the middle of the living room floor or the tender moments where we nursed a cut or scrape.  I come back because I want him to feel every bear hug and ugga mugga!

I come back to my camera because every child deserves to see themselves in the love light that their parents hold them!

We get one chance as mothers and fathers and we pray every day that we are doing right by our children~!  We pray that we are sending them off into their adult lives with good hearts and with love and light.  I breathe in deeply and hold fast in my heart that when I pick up my camera, I am helping these mothers and fathers that bravely stand in front of my camera show their children that no matter what was going on in the world at that moment, they were loved so hard!  That they had adventurous journeys, they had fairies and pirates and lost boys.  That they had magic and whimsy and laughter!

At the end of the day the only thing that will ever matter is how we loved and were loved.  That’s the legacy we leave behind and I want my son (and all the son’s and daughter’s) to be able to SEE  and always FEEL that love.

I want them to pick up these images and remember the child they once were and more importantly remember their parents in those moments and be able to connect with them on a different level!  A level of understanding and appreciation.

I want my grown up son to be able to pick up an image of the little boy he used to be:  wild, silly, fiery, stubborn, imaginative and rambunctious and come back “home” to those traits with his own children.

I don’t take photos for just for me…I take them for us (all of us).

I take them so that we can all see the magic!  The magic in childhood, in loving each other and in the every day!

 

 

 

 

 

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