A Winter Family Session at the Holidays

What a joy it is to spend the holidays with your family. When you've got folks living in three different states, together in the same room, it's really something special. And it was my pleasure to document the gathering of this really fun family.

There wasn't a dull moment as they packed in the memory making. After making a few portraits, things turned to a more documentary style of photography as Lily wrapped presents with grandma, and read books with her grandpa and uncle. We even got outside with the snowmen and left some treats out for the local deer. 

It felt like I had known everyone for years. What was captured in less than two hours, will now be tangible memories to take back to their homes, hundreds of miles apart.

To Kirsten and the whole gang, thank you for choosing me to capture this moment in your family's lives. Enjoy the photos, and I look forward to seeing you again next year!

Cheers,
Lori

Cobblestone Portraits: Victor NY Family Session

This beautiful Cobblestone neighborhood family is fun, smart and very active! The kids (though they're more like adults) are crazy athletic. They are in everything from baseball to basketball to gymnastics.

Mom's idea of a perfect Saturday is one where they don't have the chaos of activity, and they can spend rare time together at home. So at their home, we recently made a few portraits of the family for the Cobblestone magazine - where they all actually had the chance to be home at the same time!

Besides that, anytime we get to meet and include the family pup as well is a good time for us.

If you see them in the neighborhood, say hi! 

~ Lori

Winter Family Portraits: Rochester NY Photography

First there was Dana and Michel. Then came Emry and Olivier. And now, their newest puzzle piece, beautiful little Leona. 

This session was about celebrating Leona and them as a family of five, in all its beauty and craziness. Around the house and in the freshly fallen Rochester snow we played.

One day, these three kids are going to go through a box of these photographs - laughing at their childhood smiles and at how young their parents looked "back then." They might not know our names as the photographers who took them, and that's ok with me. What matters is that they have them at all - because Dana and Michel continued to trust us to capture them.

All along the way, from wedding day to three kids later - we've been a part small but important part of their lives. It was seven years ago, that they trusted me enough to give me a start down this path. They were among the very first, and I'll forever be grateful to them for that.

As always, thank you, Dana and Michel for letting us play this role for you.

~ Erin

An Extended Family Portrait Session: The O'Connor Family

Grandparents, parents, kids, grandkids, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews - all in one place, at one time. For some families that's a near miracle.

We've photographed Rosanne and her family before, but this time was different. Because it's a rare occurrence for them all to be together, and for this family it was a privilege to photograph for them.

So they gathered at The Century Club in downtown Rochester, and we captured the whole family together. They're so kind and fun, and one of the easiest large group portraits we've ever had the opportunity to photograph.

Here's a few of the images that we were happy to capture of this great family. Enjoy!

~ Erin

Family and Christmas: Rochester NY Photographers

For a million reasons (and I won't go into them all), I'm ready to say goodbye to 2016. One in particular is that over the past month I'm pretty sure we've had a grand total of three cold/virus free days among us. Every time I think we're out of the woods, a fresh new daycare germ finds its grubby way into our house.

Recently in fact, we had family come into town and stay with us. And while it was great to have them here, I'm guessing they didn't count on taking care of our son while both my husband and I were in bed with yet another stomach bug.

But then, isn't that what family is for? They could have left, gotten a hotel room and let us fend off this one ourselves. But they stuck it out, and not only took care of Lucas when we couldn't, but then cleaned and disinfected the whole house in an effort to avoid catching it themselves.

They were only here for three days. They deserved better than what we gave them. And I hope they know how very grateful we are. For their compassion, for their support, for all of it.

So what does this have to do with Christmas? Everything.

No amount of gifts under the tree could ever replace the amazing family members and friends we're lucky enough to call our own. They are the people who support our dreams, lift us up and then occasionally catch us when we fall.

Christmastime is about being together with these people, as best we can, wherever we can.

So in short, whether you're having a banner year or ready to kick it to the curb - be grateful for the gift of family who love you, in good times and bad.

Because they're truly the best gifts we could ever have. Merry Christmas to you and your families - may it be healthy, fun and full of love.

~ Erin

Holiday Family Portraits: George Eastman Museum

When I showed up to this session wearing a cream sweater, Seana joked that I could be a part of their family photo. It may have been in jest, but this crew certainly knows how to make you feel like part of the family.

The kids were probably all a foot shorter the first time we met, and I last saw Jack when he was a senior at McQuaid. Perhaps the best part of this session was catching up and seeing what everyone is up to these days.

Or perhaps it was encouraging the parents to sneak a kiss in the library while the kids looked on. (Seana was a librarian when she met Brett.)

Or perhaps it was the snowball fight in the gardens at the Eastman Museum.

Or perhaps it was grabbing a hot chocolate in the cafe after the session.

Oh well, I can't decide. But I do know that it is always a pleasure and honor to capture your family story! Thank you for being the amazing people you are.

Sincerely,
Lori

Fall Family Session in the Eastman Gardens

The Eastman Museum is gorgeous all year round, but the colors of autumn cannot be beat. This family of four and I enjoyed the afternoon exploring the gardens.

As with most of our sessions, you'll find a great mixture of portraits and play. And play we did!

Enjoy these cuties and the Fall colors!

Until next time,
Lori

Three Kids at Home: Fall Family Portraits

My favorite type of photographs to make are documentary. I love to let kids be kids and find ways to make interesting photos out of it. 

This family has been with me since the beginning, and always lets me have free reign. There might be a plan or a goal, but when naps or tantrums get in the way, we roll with it. Honestly, I believe that is when we make the best photographs. 

They are real, honest and often silly. Or sometimes quiet and focused, like when three year old Liam played his violin with his dad. (That kid has more talent in his pinky finger than I do in my whole body!)

But really, the point of this session was to celebrate the arrival of baby Cormac, and to honor the angels in Heaven that came before him.

In Alicia's words, "I miscarried once after Stella and three times after Liam. For me, the suffering that I endured was more redemptive than anything else. I now have a stronger faith and a greater appreciation for what God has given us."

The picture below sums it up for me. The smile on the babies face while the family hangs out in front of their home on a sunny Fall day.

Love. Family. What more do you need?

Tom, Alicia... thank you again, for reminding me how blessed each of us are. Thank you for opening your home and sharing your story. You are two of the strongest people I know.

Love,
Lori

Central NY Family Pictures

Fall is the most popular season for family portraits, and I think it is easy to see why. The colors, the clothes, the weather... it's a great time to be outdoors! 

This was certainly not my first time photographing any of these folks, but it was the first time we got all 8 of them in one photo! These are some of my relatives in Syracuse and they chose Green Lakes State Park for their session. Both families also recently moved into new homes, so we got a few images to showcase their houses too. 

The best part about photographing my own family? The snuggles in between takes.

And when Landon asked if he could take a photo with ME?? :) He sure knows how to get extra Christmas presents...

Enjoy!
-Aunt Lori

November Family Portrait: Mendon Ponds Park

Let's throwback a little bit. First all the way back to the day we met Natalie and Dan. They were quiet but peaceful and perfect together. And so sweet and so kind.

Then, shortly after their wedding, we met Sarah, their spunky but a little shy firstborn. We've been there as they watch her grow, into a smart, curious and independent toddler.

And now, meet Amelia. Their littlest perfect addition to the family. She's only two months new and already lighting up the world with her sweet little smile. 

All of these beautiful moments couldn't make me happier to know Natalie and Dan if they tried. I love, that in the midst of the craziness of adjusting to two littles - they always take the time to ask about us, about our families and how we are doing with genuine care and concern.

What I love about them most, is how much they love and care about everyone in their lives. Thank you, Natalie and Dan for being you, and for creating your little piece of beautiful for the world to love with you.

Here's a little bit from our time together at Mendon Ponds. Enjoy!

~ Erin

Three Generations, Extended Family Session

And one year old, Theo makes FOUR. Grandsons that is! Grandma and Grandpa are so lucky! There's all boys on this side of the family. Thankfully, the women married in. :) 

I loved spending time with this crew a few weeks ago. The sun was still warm in the sky, leaves still on the trees. The boys showed me their scooters and loved playing with their littlest cousin. It won't be long until they will be teaching him how to scooter all by himself. He just started walking, so it's not a big jump from feet to scooter, right?

I don't think that dog gets any love, do you? ;)

Til next time,
Lori