Alpine Groves Park: A Mother & Her Three Daughters, Years Later

Some sessions feel like time folding softly in on itself.

Years ago, I photographed this mother and her three little girls in Japan. Back then, they were toddlers—tiny hands, quick steps, cheeks that still held that baby softness. This time, we met again at Alpine Groves Park in Northeast Florida, and I swear I could still see echoes of the first session… just with longer legs, calmer confidence, and a whole new kind of presence.

Now those toddlers are teens—beautiful, kind, smart young ladies with their own energy and quiet power. And their mom? She’s stepping into a new chapter, too, preparing to begin her own photography business here in North East Florida soon. Watching her with them—steady, proud, still playful—felt like witnessing a story that kept growing in the right direction.

This is one of the reasons I believe in returning to photos slowly, the Mira Lento way. Not rushing and not forcing a “perfect” moment, just letting time show itself.

Why Alpine Groves Park Is Perfect for Family Sessions?

Alpine Groves Park has that rare combination I’m always looking for: open shade, natural textures, and calm space to breathe. The trees feel old and grounding. The light is gentle. The path lines are clean—almost editorial—so the focus stays on connection.

For families with teens, it’s especially ideal. There’s space to walk, to talk, to laugh naturally without feeling “posed.” And when you give teenagers room to be themselves, the images become honest—soft, confident, real.

The Session: From Childhood to Now

This session wasn’t about recreating the past. It was about honoring the present.

We moved slowly—walking, pausing, letting moments happen. The girls gave their mom that teen kind of affection: subtle, sweet, sometimes hilarious, sometimes tender. And then there were the in-between seconds—glances, inside jokes, the way they naturally grouped like they’ve done their whole lives.

These are the images that matter most to me:

• the quiet closeness

• the almost-laughter moments

• the way a mother looks at the people she raised

Because you don’t realize how much has changed until you see it all in one frame.

Time Doesn’t Rush, So We Don’t Either

Mira Lento isn’t just a concept I write about—it’s how I photograph.

A family session doesn’t need to feel like a performance. It can feel like a slow walk, a deep breath, a small reset. We create images that feel editorial but lived-in—beautiful without trying too hard.

This is particularly impactful for families returning after years or entering a new phase, such as dealing with teens, transitions, moves, or reinvention. Your life already holds meaning; the session merely acts as a mirror.

Florida + Puerto Rico Sessions Available

If you’ve been wanting photos that feel calm, cinematic, and true, these sessions are available in:

• Northeast Florida (St. Johns County / Jacksonville area, including Alpine Groves Park)

• Puerto Rico (travel availability + destination sessions)

This experience is for:

• mothers with their kids (including teens)

• families wanting something relaxed and real

• travelers who want a story, not just a snapshot

• women stepping into a new season

Thinking About Your Own “Years Later” Session?

If it’s been years since your last family photos, that’s not something to feel behind on. It’s something to celebrate.

Because “years later” is where the story gets good.

If you’re ready, send an inquiry and tell me:

• Where (Florida or Puerto Rico)?

• Who will be photographed?

• What season of life are you in right now?

And we’ll create something slow, honest, and beautiful.