I didn’t mean to direct a superhero movie.

It started out like any other Halloween. My son picked out a costume. Spider-Man, obviously. Because Spider-Man isn’t just a costume to him. It’s his thing. His vibe. His hero. His everything.

And listen. Trick-or-treating? The crowds, the noise, the overstimulation? That’s a no from him.

So, like any uncool mom with a camera and a whole lot of feelings, I turned it into a full-blown Spider-Man shoot.

But let’s be real: he was the director.

I was just the camera crew.

The Setup: One Kid, One Camera, and a Whole Family of Fans

We had Spider-Man. We had Venom (his idea, not mine).

We had golden hour light and a little edge of downtown that looked kind of epic.

And we had the whole family ,my husband, our four other kids, all there, cheering him on like we were waiting in line at a meet-and-greet. I was half expecting him to start handing out autographs. We were that proud.

He crawled. He posed. He stared down his villain. He gave full Marvel Cinematic Universe energy.

Was his mask way too big? Yep.

Did I Photoshop it to fit better? Obviously.

Did I also add the NYC skyline in the background because, duh, Spider-Man lives there? Of course I did.

The Result: Movie Poster Vibes + Pure Joy

This wasn’t just a costume moment. This was him stepping into who he already knows he is.

And I got to watch him light up from the inside out.

The poses? All him.

The story? His.

I was just there to capture it.

He gave me five minutes of pure superhero brilliance…

…and then, like any good five-year-old, he ripped off the mask and shouted, “I’m hot!”

Florida doesn’t care if you’re saving the city.

She will steam you in a Spidey suit.

Cue the Sappy Part (You Knew It Was Coming)

I didn’t know this shoot would mean so much.

But looking back on those photos? It’s a core memory for me.

Because here’s what I’ve learned as a mom:

We don’t have to do things like everyone else.

We don’t have to wait in lines, or knock on doors, or follow traditions that don’t serve our kids.

We don’t have to force joy to look a certain way.

We get to create our own moments.

Maybe Halloween looks like a private photo shoot in a quiet alley.

Maybe Christmas means opening presents early because the waiting is too much.

Maybe milestones feel different for every family… and that’s okay.

And maybe, just maybe, putting on a costume isn’t pretending.

It’s becoming.

It’s shining.

It’s saying, “This is me.”

And I can’t wait to print these photos and put them in his room.

Not just because he looks adorable (he does), or heroic (he is), but because I want him to remember this moment:

You were Spider-Man.
Because deep down, you always have been.

Want to See the Spot Where the Magic Happened?

We did it all in Downtown Winter Garden, the same place I use for senior sessions. Brick textures, floral backdrops, mural walls, and yes, even a rooftop that’s just waiting for its next superhero moment. 

Want a Session That Feels Like You?

Just like I wanted my son to feel seen, celebrated, and so cool in his Spider-Man moment, that’s what I want for every senior who steps in front of my camera. You don’t have to show up knowing how to pose. You don’t have to be confident or outgoing or know what to do with your hands. You can come in awkward, shy, unsure, and we’ll still create something a little epic.

Maybe even Marvel-level epic.

And hey, if you want to wear a costume? I’m down. Let’s do it.
Because I’m here for whatever helps you feel like the boldest, truest version of you.

Click here to reach out so we can start planning your session! →

Want to find out more about my favorite locations? I’ve got a whole series about the best locations for senior photos near Orlando. Follow along here.

Still here? Check out him in action. One cool kid, if I do say so myself.