Home Family Portrait Session with two young boys

Any session that ends in a hug is a great session.

Three year old Cruz wasn't sure about me when I first walked in, but after playing in the puddles and running down the sidewalk, he was ready to be my photo assistant. 

He and brother Julian are all you'd expect out of 1 and 3 year old boys. They don't sit still (for any length of time) and love to play! Making play dough in the kitchen and cutting out shapes was a great family activity. It was also the easiest way to slow them down, if only temporarily. This authenticity is what I love about family photos - real, every day fun.

At the end, as I packed up and headed out to leave this Rochester, NY portrait session, Cruz came running across the house with a hug for me. The feeling is mutual little friend!

Hope to see you again soon!
-Lori

Three couples, Three Generations: Rochester NY Portraits

Three couples, three generations and three dogs! And I managed to leave without taking any of the pups home with me... that's an accomplishment!

A celebration of family... that's what this session was. What started 65 years ago between two people has brought this family together. What an incredibly friendly, easy-going group who made this session one of my favorites to date! They welcomed me into their home to document the life and memories that have been made inside those walls. And outside too! They enjoy the fire pit out back, and the custom built shed.

As the three ladies made meatballs together, I secretly wished I could be doing that with my grandmother. In a way, it was like she was there with me. (Love and miss you Grandma Dupe!)

Laura and family – Thank you for being a beautiful example of family. I hope you enjoy looking back on these memories for many years to come!

Cheers,
Lori

Corbett's Glen Family Portraits: Penfield NY

You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but at his latest session, this little man was tired. But Mommy and Daddy were patient, as they always are, and I pulled out as many of the tricks as I could think of that would make an 18 month old happy. Thankfully, even with the tougher moments we ended up getting smiles and laughs on the trail at Corbett's Glen.

Mommy and Daddy won't ever forget the tiredness brought on by sleepless nights. But Theo's great big smile and contagious laughs will be first and foremost in their minds as they reflect on these images in the years to come.

Love you to pieces little man (and mommy and daddy), can't wait to see you again soon!

~ Erin

College Graduation Portraits & Family Photos at the University of Rochester

I love being on campus in the Spring; the college is beautified for graduation, and there is a buzz in the air. 

Congratulations Stephanie, U of R class of 2017! 

You may recognize her. Because two years ago we were at RIT celebrating her brother, Alex's graduation. Thanks for coming back guys! I absolutely loved spending time with you, catching up, and having fun on campus. Stephanie and Alex enjoyed being goofy together, mom gave her a lei to wear, and even Dan, her boyfriend, made his guest appearance.

But really, how fun is this? I think everyone should celebrate earning their degree with some fun portraits around the place that helped shape their future. Don't you agree? 

Hats off to you Stephanie, hope to see you all again soon at the next milestone!

Cheers!
Lori

Mud, Bubbles & Outdoor Fun: Family Portraits

It didn't take long for these kiddos to get dirty... but what do you expect when you are at one of their favorite parks?

From chalk to bubbles, and just enjoying the stream that runs through Corbetts Glen, this session was non-stop from start to finish. We were celebrating Chris and Melissa's 10th Anniversary while the kids ran around and played. 

A little love, a little laughter, and maybe at the end... well, sometimes three year olds don't do what you ask. Did you know that?  :)

But the photos tell a great story, 10 years of marriage and two kids later, congrats Melissa and Chris!

-Lori

Spring Family Portraits in Victor, NY

Tammy and her family just moved into the Cobblestone area of Victor, NY. I'm so pleased to be able to create these photos for them at their new home. They have a nice fire pit to hang near in the backyard, and I just fell in love with the floor to ceiling windows (aka gorgeous light for portraits) in their living room.

With Bre in college and RJ heading into high school this Fall, they are certainly a busy bunch. Thanks so much for making time for some family portraits guys! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Lori

Backyard Family Portraits: Brighton, Rochester, NY

I didn't panic when mom warned me that her kids might be a little shy. That's not unusual for us, so I thought, 'okay, let's play first.'

And we did. We went to the backyard and played on the swing set.

It was the first nice day after nearly two weeks of May showers – it was so nice to be in the sun. The kids felt it, I felt it, even Daizy their English bulldog felt it! 

Part of the memory behind a particular photograph is actually having fun when it was being taken, and not just how you looked on a certain day. I hope this family, and every family we've photographed, enjoys thinking back about the fun day we spent together. The pictures are a vehicle back in time to those memories. 

And this memory? It was a beautiful spring day in the backyard. The kids played together and everyone was happy. What more can you ask for?

Enjoy, and hope to see you again soon!
-Lori

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

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.