Lucas P turns 3: Family Moments Rochester NY

In his second year, I watched as he went from baby to suddenly being a kid - personality and all. Looking back, it's amazing how many little "big" moments made up the year. From his first real understanding of Halloween, to toddler beds, camping, and even the beginning of potty training.  It was a year for a great many new things and (as he likes to call them) "abentures." 

Believe it or not, despite the inevitable tantrums of a "threenager," I actually love this age. I love watching him explore and learn.

For the most part he's outgoing, playful and silly. He isn't afraid to wear one stormtrooper sock and one Thomas the train sock at the same time. He wears superhero capes on hikes, much to the delight of every single person walking past us. I love that he's not afraid to be himself.

Until him, I had little interest in my husband's nerd life. Sure, it's entertaining, but it wasn't part of my own life, let alone my wardrobe. Now I find myself buying my own Star Wars/Wonder Woman t-shirts. Heck, last week, I very nearly bought my own set of Star Wars socks.

Why? Because I want to be like him. I want to be part of his world, while he'll still let me.

So for now, you bet I'll I wear a superhero cape when he wants to play. I'll gladly wield a light saber when under attack from the Empire, or the Joker, or sometimes even a shark.

I'll also take every hug, kiss, cuddle and "I love you" that I can get.

Because just as the last year did, his next year will go as fast, if not faster. And these beautiful little moments will someday become the past.

Happy 3rd birthday to my smart, silly, sweet, and often stubborn little super hero, Lucas P!

XOXO,
Mommy (aka Princess Leia)

Cobblestone Creek Country Club Portraits: Victor NY

If your first thought upon seeing these images is, "man she looks like a beauty queen!" You would be correct.

Diane is former Mrs. Arizona, Mrs. America and Mrs. World and currently works for the Mrs. New York America Pageant. Roy was lucky enough to meet her in an airport bar and the two have settled in Victor with the cutest little Maltese Shitzu, Sadie.

Roy loves his Audi and is classically trained pianist. He is also a golf fanatic, and everyone at the Cobblestone Creek Country Club knew his name when we stopped by. It was a fun afternoon with these three, at home and on the golf course.

See for yourself!
-Lori

Candid Mini Sessions at Tinker Park

The first time my husband and I took Lucas to Tinker Park, I knew it would be a great place for one of our Portrait Membership events. There are so many opportunities for cute portraits and play everywhere. There's the fairy houses, and an educational nature trail, and even a playground.

We set up these events, not only so that we can create portraits for our families, but also so that they'll have time to be together.

I know that I want to be on the trail with my child encountering frogs and deer. (We saw both!) I want to knock on the fairy house doors to see if they're home. I want to watch them run down the trail, their little legs going as fast as they can exploring and adventuring.

At the end of the day, we hope that you feel there's so much more to our Portrait Membership than just the pictures.

Living life and being together. Because isn't that where the memories are really made?

Thanks to the few families who joined us on this fun little adventure! We hope you'll join us for our next member event in September - apple picking!

~ Erin

Family Portraits in Webster NY

Mom and Dad with three beautiful girls. One in middle school, one in high school and one entering college! How do they do it? And with two wonderful dogs too!

Of course, all the girls are a little different and into their own activities, but one thing they share is a love of volleyball. They are so lucky to have a beach court practically in their back yard. So of course, we had to take advantage! 

It was such a pleasure hanging out with this wonderful family. Good luck with the next phase of life - three girls in college!

Hope to see you all again soon,
Lori

A Wedding and Family Portrait Combo: Fairport NY

Andrea and Kevin recently got married in Georgia. Unfortunately, her grandparents here in Fairport were unable to make the trip South for the big day. So, what do you do when you really want those portraits with your grandparents?

Obviously, we couldn't recreate their wedding day for them. But no one says you can't get back into your wedding dress (hooray for wearing it twice!) and take some portraits with the loved ones who weren't there.

We're thrilled that Andrea had the foresight to know she would want these images, and honored that she came back to us to have them captured.

We even had time for a family tradition of making pizzelles together. (Yum!) We love these candid moments, together as a family. We're so lucky to have families like Andrea and Kevin's in our lives that also cherish them as well.

~ Lori

Family Pictures with One Year olds

Alaina is a happy one year old. She loves being outside (as do I) so playing with bubbles, blocks and swinging was a great start to the session. But the way it ended was fantastic... her parents gifted her this water table! Watching her play and splash around, you could tell she was in her happy place.

Her family is part of our VIP membership program. We've been honored to see Alaina go from newborn to almost a toddler over the past year. We can't wait to see her grow as the next year goes by!

If the pig tails don't get you, that smile will! Happy Birthday Alaina!

-Lori

Extended Family Portraits by the Erie Canal

What better way to celebrate your 50th anniversary than surrounded by the people you created (and their families)? Richard and Lori's children honored them with this photo session and a weekend of fun events together. It's not often you get all 18 people in one place, and we were honored to help them capture this milestone.

Getting all 4 kids and 8 grandkids in one place was no small feat and took months of planning. But it was all worth it, and we had a gorgeous summer day. Being by the water was important to them, so when they sun came out, everyone (i.e. - anyone taller than Erin) was helpful in making sure we got the shot! 

Thanks to all of our extra assistants that day! (see the outtake below) The diffuser and umbrella allowed us to shoot in the sunny areas by the Erie Canal.

Happy 50th Anniversary, here is to the next 50 years!

-Lori and Erin

Baby's First Year: Family Portraits with One Year Olds

Turning one is so much fun! I got to play with this little guy and his family on birthday number one. Adrian enjoyed his new tricycle, balloons, and of course, trying cake!

We had a great time playing in his backyard! All in all, it was a great session - which we knew was session was over when he crawled through the cake. 😂

Is he cute or what? See you next time!
-Lori

Family Pictures at Onondaga Park

These two are best friends. They are outgoing and sweet; their energy is infectious. They also happen to be cute enough to bring me to Syracuse to spend time hanging out in the park! :)

Running around the playground, playing with worms, watching the geese and avoiding the rain drops. Oh and racing, cause that is always fun too!

I just can't get enough of Jack and Taylor. Thanks for the fun day at Onondaga Lake Park!

Love,
Lori

Lifestyle Family Portraits: Candid Family Photography

When you've got 3 kids, all with birthdays within a month of each other, having one birthday party just makes sense! Family and friends gathered for a backyard BBQ with games in honor of Stella, Liam and Cormac turning 6, 4 and 1.

Real life happens during playtime, family parties, & birthday cakes. This was a real day, and it was a lot of fun to photograph.

We even snuck in a three generations portrait – with Liam throwing the ball in the air. Perfection in the imperfect portrait. 

Watching Liam watch the cupcakes... waiting for the song to be over so he could dive in... priceless. And it was love at first taste for Cormac!

Happy birthday, and thanks for letting me document this day for you!
-Lori

Egypt Park: Fairport NY Photographers

Every year we take a night to say "thank you" to our clients with a picnic. We love sitting down to a meal with you and spending time with you outside of your portrait sessions.

It's our favorite way to say thank you, and it was a beautiful night to do so.

Thank you to all of the engaged couples who let us capture their biggest day. Thank you to the couples who are still with us, as families now six years after their wedding day. To each graduating senior who shared their world with us. And to the families we've photographed, as well as to our members who we are so grateful to see and photograph regularly.

We are so grateful for each and every one. Here's a glimpse of the fun!

~ Erin

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