365 Project in November: Rochester NY Photographer

November or rather for me, I'm renaming this month "Thanksgiving." Why? Well, because nearly every weekend in November, I had a Thanksgiving gathering of some kind.

In total, I had 6 different "Thanksgivings" - yes, 6. Yes, that's a lot of eating. Yes, it was delicious. and yes, I need bigger jeans. However, just because it was labeled "Thanksgiving" doesn't mean we ate 6 different turkeys. We had turkey, pork roast, pasta, lasagna, leftovers, pie, more pie, cake, wine...you name it.

What matters more, was the who I spent 6 Thanksgivings with. Each event was a different set of people. Some repeats are among the mix for various reasons. But whether friend or family they all hold a very important place in my heart.

At this time of year, I'm even more grateful for all of these people. Honestly, words don't do it justice. Here's a look back on the 365 project from November, including my 6 Thanksgiving dinners! Only one more month to go! ~ Erin

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Five years together: Our Anniversary Portraits

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Nearly 11 years ago, John and I first met inside one of these brick buildings. RIT played such a huge roll in our dating lives, in fact all of our dating. It was just days after I graduated that John proposed and we became "fiancés". Now that we've been married for 5 years, I wanted to celebrate where we are now as a family, with 2 fur babies, at the place where it all started. 

My favorite from this set of images, captured by who other than the amazing Erin Perrotta, is the first one below-left. That's us, our little family, in front of our freshman year dorms. The session was so much fun. Walking around with two dogs on campus, we had some students come pet Molley and Mouse and say how much they missed their dogs. If only we could have had pets in the dorms... 

We hit up a few spots on the residential side of campus, and ended at the field house. How nice of them to paint "We ❤︎ our Alumni" just for us! After Erin left, we continued walking and exploring the academic side of campus. John hadn't been back in years, so we reminisced over what was the same, and oogled at all the new buildings. We especially love the Global Village area with all of the new restaurants and outdoor seating. 

We ended the night watching Mouse try to drink from one of the pulsing fountains. That's a mental picture I won't soon forget!

In the end, it's a really lovely memory: walking campus with the man I love and my two furry loves. And thanks to Erin, we have photos to remember it by. Happy anniversary love, here's to the next 5 years!

-Lori

Sunday - The day of Rest

Sunday: the day I actively pursue... not working. 

Usually I sleep in. Then the day starts with chocolate chip pancakes. Afterwards, some combination of the following: hammocking, church, hiking, gardening, reading, or working on home improvement projects with my husband.

But more importantly, it gives me a chance to see my friends and family. People with normal Monday through Friday jobs, tend to get together on weekends. Crazy, right? 

In addition to seeing my family more, other good things have happened since I began taking Sundays off as well. I’ve found that some of my best thinking happens in the hammock. New ideas, inspiration and solutions tend to come to light when I am least looking for them. I also find my Mondays to be more productive, because I can sort out what’s really important and place my emphasis on those projects.

It’s not a perfect system, and there are still occasional exceptions to the rule. However, I think it's worth the effort, and I encourage you to take a day each week to pursue not working as well!

So there you have it... my motivational speech to do less. Stop being busy and just be. Make time for real life and those who are important to you. It may be just one day a week, but I have found that this one day helps shape the rest of my week, and life. Maybe, it will help you too!

Perhaps God was on to something when he took that day of rest...

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the lake with friends! 

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the lake with friends! 

October's 365 Project: Rochester NY Photographer

October! I can ALMOST see the light at the end of this 365 tunnel! Honestly, I never thought I'd make to April, let alone October with this project. I can now say that I've completed over 300 days of this year in pictures. Yes, I've missed on or two, but I always try to make up for it when I do.

With Lucas now more mobile, it's fun to capture some of his every day routines. They're entertaining, and will someday fit nicely in a book for him. Things like playing in his toy box or crawling on his tip toes, or picking out a pumpkin that's bigger than his whole body.

Other than that, October was a month of kids - from newborns to babies to big kids in my photos. Not only did I take pictures of my own kiddo, I had some great family sessions and a few remaining weddings to complete as well. I even got in a few senior portraits too. And then there was a "big kid" session, with Lori and John to celebrate their five year anniversary at RIT.

Whew, what a crazy month! Here come the holidays. I know I'll be able to finish out this project strong with those on the way! Until next month! ~ Erin

Another month in the 365 project! Rochester NY Photographer

The reality that is Fall is finally settling in. I won't lie, I'm not prepared for the chilly nights. September was another month filled with beautiful wedding days, and fun filled times with family and friends. I'm extremely lucky to get to see as many people as I do in one month.

Lucas continues to grow in personality and in size. The toddling around is beginning as of this month. We've been watching him learn to walk, and it is filled with nervous moments and laughter at the same time.

I think that some of my favorite pictures of Lucas to date, were taken this month. For example, his smile on the swings, and splashing in the kiddie pool were two great memories we made this month. He also enjoyed his first of many fried cakes at Schutts, and boy did he enjoy that thoroughly.

Now that Fall is here, it's time to look forward to all the fun that comes along with it. Pumpkins, hayrides, Halloween... oh my, what fun indeed! ~ Erin


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Lucas turns One! Family Session in Fairport

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I now have a one year old. When did that happen? Wasn't I just yesterday wondering if and when he'd ever roll over on his own? And now he's crawling, standing, and starting to talk? Ummm, no.

Now more than ever before, I realize how important my photographs are. After I put Lucas to bed the night before his birthday, I flipped through an album I'd made of images from the past year. I already don't remember what he felt like as a 5 lb newborn, and how tiny he really was as a preemie in my arms. I looked at pictures of his first Halloween, his first Christmas, and the first time he held his own bottle and reminisced on the past year of our lives. Those pictures mean everything to me now.

I'll be honest, I thought the session would be easy. But in true toddler style at a portrait session, Lucas proved me wrong - at first. He was cranky, he didn't want to play in the grass, and he wouldn't smile. So if you think your kids are the only ones who have meltdowns at portrait sessions - think again. Yes, even a photographer's baby has a bad day. 

In the end, Lori worked her miracles and Lucas started to have a little more fun. I'm so grateful for her patience. And I love the smiles that eventually came out of my little man, but really, even his "serious" face is adorable. As he grows faster and faster, this one year session taken by Lori will be added to those memories in the ever growing album, and his moments of crankiness will all be forgotten.

Here's the results of our latest family session! ~ Erin

August's 365 Project: Rochester NY Photography

Wait, did I blink and miss August? It's a good thing for this project, because I barely remember the beginning of last month. We've been busy with sessions, great weddings, and some awesome milestone's for my little man, Lucas.

This month, I traveled to Boston for a wedding. I also spent some time in the woods and "off the grid" camping with my family. It was Lucas's first camping trip, and it was great to spend some time with my family. 

But the biggest memories of this month have to come from Lucas. One year ago, he entered our lives and forever changed my world. He celebrated his birthday month by learning not only how to crawl, but how to stand up on his own, say some of his first words. On top of that, he turned one and confirmed that he's definitely my child by diving into a few cupcakes face first.

Yes, the year did go by fast and it was amazing. But there's more amazing still to come, so I'm excited to see what he learns next.

Catch up with my 365 with these fun photos! I can't believe I'm still going strong! ~ Erin

Dear John...

No, this isn't THAT kind of Dear John!! In fact, it is the opposite.

There is one person who is part of our team who doesn't get a whole lot of credit. 

We had two weddings this weekend. And as I ran about the house, charging batteries, cleaning lenses, reviewing notes and answering emails, my husband was making me an omelet and filling my water bottle. He knew I'd need a good hearty breakfast because I'd be on my feet all day, and wouldn't be getting dinner until late.

Then while I was out photographing the weddings, he was cleaning the house and walking the dogs.

When I got home, he carried in my heavy camera case and poured me a drink.  Then, while I'm stretching in the middle of the floor, he listened as I relayed the highlights of the day, even though he was in the middle of a good movie.

So as another successful wedding weekend concludes, I am thankful for the support and love of my husband. I am able to do this job that I love because of you. I stay hydrated and sane because of you.

You are more than I deserve and I appreciate you. I don't know how else to say this, but I love you and am eternally grateful for all you do.

John, you are mine forever.  Happy belated 5th Anniversary! Love, Lori

The 365 project travels: Rochester NY Photographer

The middle of summer has come and gone. In a flash, I'm taking this 365 project into another new month. I was lucky this month - there was no lack of things happening.

From weddings to travels to Colorado to just ordinary every day adventures in gardening, this was a whirlwind month. But definitely a fun one.

I was in another wedding as the Maid of honor / photographer. And I traveled across the country to photograph a beautiful Colorado wedding also. Lucas in turn, got his first plane ride (and maybe his last), saw real mountains for the first time, and even saw an elk on one of our hikes through the Rocky Mountains.

In less than a month, we'll be singing Lucas Happy Birthday while he dives into a cupcake. Wow. He's now 11 months old, and suddenly looks so much bigger. It's hard to believe that he started out as a 5 lb peanut in my arms.

Well, here's to another month down, five more to go! ~ Erin


The 365 Project in June: Rochester NY Photographer

Ok guys, I'm not going to lie, this project is starting to get harder. Seems a little backwards with all of the sessions, weddings, and fun summertime things going on right?

It's not getting harder to find a photo of the day, but it is getting harder to remember to take them, and share them. With the busy season in front of us, time is a bit more limited! However, it's still happening, and I'm very glad for that.

I love seeing how far Lucas has come in 6 months time. This motivates me to keep shooting. He's learning sooooo many new things (at his own pace of course). I love watching the light bulb go off in his head when he understands something new. Years down the road, I won't remember when he started eating with his own two hands, or the first time he really made an effort to roll over. So that's my main motivation. I'm capturing my family's history, one day at a time. Plus, he's just plain cute. So if you're sick of seeing his little face, I'm not sorry. 

I've also been enjoying photographing my backyard, specifically, the flowers that are popping up everywhere. I didn't plant them, but I'm glad someone did, so that I can enjoy them!

Here's this months' photo recap, enjoy! Only 6 more months to go! ~ Erin

Father's Day for a new Dad, from a new Mom

Most of the time, my little munchkin is a laid back and calm kid. Honestly, he's almost a little TOO laid back. So far, he has no real interest in crawling, let alone rolling over. He's happy to sit back and enjoy life, and let Mommy and Daddy do everything for him.

I joke, that his procrastination in learning these things is the one trait he's clearly gotten from his Daddy. Daddy doesn't deny this trait in himself or in Lucas; and sometimes it makes Mommy crazy. However, I'm learning that things will be learned, or get done, when my boys are ready to do them.

This weekend, is my husbands first Father's Day. I'm a terrible wife, because even as I write this, I still haven't gotten him a gift. I suppose I could cook something. I honestly think that would shock him the most - but let's be realistic here.

Over the past year, I've watched my husband transform from, "husband" into "daddy." I have a photograph (that yes, I took from my hospital bed) where I can see the moment on the day Lucas was born, when the transformation began. Ten months later, it's still a beautiful thing to watch. I love watching his face light up when he gets a full belly laugh out of the baby. Or how proud he is over the smallest accomplishments, like when Lucas first managed to feed himself a puff.

We have no idea who our little man will take after the most, it's definitely still a toss-up in the personality department. But there's no question, he's his Father's son - and I couldn't be happier about that. Because his Daddy is a loving, giving, hard-working man, and I'm so lucky that he's mine.

Happy Father's Day to "New" Dads, and all Dads (including my own!) - here's to you!

~ Erin



The 365 project in May: Rochester Family Photography

The nice days are here, the flowers are in bloom, and my 365 project keeps on truckin'. I'm loving being able to get my family outside to enjoy the sunshine. It adds so many new activities for us to experience as a family, and to watch as Lucas experiences for the first time.

He's growing and learning, but not too fast. He's definitely taking things at his own pace, so when he finally figures something out - it's monumental. I never thought, I'd be so excited to watch a baby learn how to pick up his own food.

A lot of outdoor fun has also been had this month, including festivals, gardening, and getting back on the softball field.

But let's not forget, wedding season's just beginning and we're getting busier by the minute! Not only are our clients getting engaged and married, but our families are as well. Along with that comes family gatherings of all kinds as the preparations continue!

I'm thrilled that I've made it this far in the project. At this point, it feels like it has become a routine to find that photo of the day. When I find it, I feel accomplished and ready to find the next one. I can do this!

So enjoy the recap of my photos from May! Bring it on June! ~ Erin