A Plea for a Little More Self Love: Fairport NY Portrait Photography

Every day I hear the phrase "I hate the way I look in pictures." I hear -  "I hate my nose." or "I'm too fat."or "Can you photoshop my wrinkles?"

I'm here to say "Please, for the love of everything  - STOP IT."

Sweet Newborn Portraits: Buffalo NY Photographers

She's six adorable pounds of perfection. I'm not the only one who thinks so. Her village of family and friends think so too. And let's not forget Mommy and Daddy.

She's Stella Skye, and she's my newest niece. Eight years ago, her big brother Caleb was one of the first to ignite the spark that led me to where I am today, capturing relationships of all kinds. And now here's Stella, and I'm doing it all again.

Her newborn session began a little messy, but within minutes she was sound asleep. She stayed that way for hours...perfectly peaceful while we captured sleepy smiles all over the house. Her room was my favorite - everywhere you looked there was another handmade piece. Whether the mural or the drawings done by her own Mommy, the handmade blankets, or the signage lovingly made by family.

For now we'll cherish the smallness of her fitting into her Daddy's two hands or her Mommy's comforting arms as she sleeps. Because all too soon she'll wake, and those mountains she's going to move won't know what hit them.

xoxo,
Erin

Artist Branding Portraits: Rochester NY Portraits

I stepped into their home, and was instantly struck by beauty all around me. Renee Mendler is an accomplished artist here in Rochester. If you haven't yet heard of her - a) you have now and b) you should really check out her work.

When she's not spending time with her two kids, Renee creates stunning pieces in her home studio. She is inspired by the world around her as a contemporary abstract artist. She paints on various media - everything from canvas to tiles for coffee tables.

To see more of Renee's work visit her website at: www.reneemendlerart.com or visit her work in person at Whitman Works Co. in Penfield NY or at Nosh Restaurant in downtown Rochester.

Award Winning Photographer: PPSNYS 2017

It's exciting to win ... anything really... but this is an award I am especially fond of. And it's all because of the subject matter. First I'll tell you a little about Liam, and then about the award.

"The Prodigy" | PPSNYS 2017 Judges Choice Award

"The Prodigy" | PPSNYS 2017 Judges Choice Award

About Liam

I have known Liam and his family for over five years now. They are very special to me. They are one of those families that start out as clients and end up becoming great friends. At their family portrait session last year, I remember playing with Liam and his siblings in the backyard. He ran around like a typical three year old.

But, when we went inside, that changed quickly. He got out his tiny violin and, with dad by his side, played for me. I was floored by how much talent this little boy has. 

That wild three year old boy transformed. He was focused and proud with instrument in hand. I made many photographs of the moment, and many months later, decided to enter this one into a print competition.

About the Award

As part of the New York State Professional Photographers Society, Erin and I regularly attend the annual convention, which this year took place in Buffalo. Part of the convention includes an image competition, where photographers can test their skills against other professionals in several categories. Prizes are awarded based on overall scores, category wins and more. I entered four images into the competition, all of which were judged "Above Average".

After scoring, each of the judges then selected their favorite overall image from the 100+ entries. This image received the "Judges Choice Award". I was able to speak to the judge who selected my image. They loved the moment that it captured and also how the composition fit the rule of thirds in addition to the golden ratio.

Thank you

I want to thank Liam and his whole family for the honor of being your photographer. I love you guys!

I also want to thank the other members of PPSNYS who encouraged me to submit, helped me select my final images and provided guidance with editing and titling. Specifically John Aiken, Pat Luke, Deb Woodard, Erin Perrotta (of course) and so many more!

~ Lori

These images all received the white ribbon for above average.

These images all received the white ribbon for above average.

Rainy Day Family Portraits in Victor NY

Today we are shining the spotlight on a wonderful, American/Canadian family in Victor! 

Summer and Sienna play lacrosse, hockey and swim. They also love animals— particularly giraffes and panda's, which they fell in love with at the Toronto zoo.

Their dad, Scott, is the women's hockey coach at RIT, and originally from Canada. The whole family loves going to his games in the winter and seeing the Toronto Blue Jay's in the summer.

When not playing or coaching, they enjoy curling up on the couch and watching movies on the big screen. This family is easy going and a lot of fun, which you'll see in their photos! They weren't afraid to play in the rain, which ended the session in a fun and unique way.

Hope you enjoy these family portraits and say "Hey" when you see them out and about! 

See you soon,
Lori

Maternity Portraits in Hilton NY

I had a grand total of five minutes to capture a few maternity portraits of these two. Why? Because we had to sneak out the back door of their shower to do it!

We were a little silly and had to move fast (because it was FREEZING out), but I could easily feel the love for their tiny miracle show through.

Full disclosure (if you didn't know already) - these two are my family. So I seriously can't WAIT to meet this new, sweet addition. She's already loved so much, by so many people.

But no one on Earth will love her more than these two already do.

~ Erin

Baby's First Year: 6 month family portraits

Chubby little legs and cute baby rolls get me every time. This particular set of chubby little legs just turned six months old. Isn't Wyatt adorable?

He can leap tall buildings (or short duplo ones) in a single bound with assistance from Daddy. Or he can simply look adorable in his overalls and onesie. Or he's even cute in a tie, sitting in a rocking chair once used by his Mommy.

He perhaps wasn't as smiley as he normally is, but hey he's a baby, he's allowed to have those days occasionally. And that's when cuddling close to Mommy with a bottle is all that matters. It really didn't matter what we did, he was cute no matter what.

We can't wait to see him again!

~ Erin

Fairport Family Pictures with 6 month olds

This little girl is such a light. She's got two parents, two dogs and a cat that love her (not to mention everyone she meets!).

We've had the pleasure of knowing her family for a few years now, and we get to see her pretty regularly with the membership program. This visit was special, as it marked her 1/2 way point to a year old. I absolutely loved how she was blowing bubbles by the end of her session!

When her hands aren't in her mouth, they are folded in her lap like a little lady. Or up dad's nose... that's fun too! (See the blooper at the bottom!)

We just love watching you grow Chloe, see you soon!
Lori

Embracing the Storm: Rochester NY Photography

Embracing the Storm: Rochester NY Photography

As exhausting as it was in the midst of it, I tried very hard to embrace our time together. It's easy to forget sometimes that these are the moments I'll miss when he's grown. I love the memories we made together this week as mommy and son. I'm doubly lucky to be able to capture it in pictures, to keep for myself as he grows.

Toni and Ken: Portraits of Grandparents

Toni and Ken are a lovely couple living in Victor. They enjoy spending time with their seven grand children, traveling and personalizing their beautiful home.

Ken has done much of the work himself, including designing a custom bookshelf (which cleverly hides the TV), and adding the deck with gazebo all by himself. Toni enjoys arranging and decorating the home, and I have to say, she has an amazing eye for it!

I think that I could have spent all afternoon swapping travel stories with these lovely folks! If you meet them, give them a friendly hello for me.

Here's a sneak peek of a few favorites!
-Lori

Hamburg Family: Victor NY Family Portraits

This little family is so cute. They're the next family in the Cobblestone Living series. It made so me happy to capture their portraits, even if their littlest, Alex was a little tired as we did.

One of my favorite moments was when we captured big sister, Audrey, reading prayers to her little brother on her bed. Little siblings together are so sweet and adorable.

Here's a few portraits from our session together - just look at these cuties and their parents too!

Three Generations Family Pictures: Victor Portrait Sessions

These four! From the second I walked in the door, I felt welcomed. Which is impressive, considering we hadn't yet spoken in person - only through emails and text messages.

Kaya and Kiko were more than happy to show off their toy room and reading skills... even their gymnastics skills were on display! But most of all, these girls like to have fun and laugh. That is my perfect kind of family portrait session!

Beautiful and kind and all around wonderful people. Meet Sayuko of Premium Mortgage/Cobblestone Living and her family.
-Lori