One year old winter family portraits: rochester ny

This session was the last of her first year series. We danced along to Jack Johnson, read a story, and did a little snowboarding. Yes, you read that right, snowboarding. When she was born, her Daddy wanted a few newborn photos to include his snowboard. So a year later, when we found ourselves with actual snow on the ground - we got the board out again! Getting to capture her growth throughout her first year has been an honor. Each time we visited, we saw her personality emerge a little bit more. And wow, her smiles light up the room. So much fun to be had - we would have played all day... but we need nap time sometimes too.  :)

rochester ny winter portraits, family session, one year old

rochester ny winter portraits, family session

rochester ny winter portraits, family session, one year old

rochester ny winter portraits, family session, one year old

rochester ny winter portraits, family session, one year old

Meet the Family

Amy & Steve | Married 2 1/2 years | Love the classic dinner and movie on a Saturday night. Pretty rare these days though... Katie | 1 year | Loves  feeding Winnie puffs.  Wow...this is a hard one because there is so much she likes to do and it changes all the time! Favorite way to celebrate life together: Spending time with our friends and family. We especially love taking Winnie and Katie on hikes. What makes a good portrait: Photos that are candid and natural. Anything else: We look forward to Lori and Erin capturing many more beautiful photos of our family in years to come.

Cookies, cookbooks and wedding albums: Rochester NY wedding photography

I have this Betty Crocker cookbook that my grandma gave me. When she gave it to me I was in college. Back then, the extent of my cooking skills included cereal, easy mac, ramen noodles and the occasional trip to Boston Market with my roommate. I laughed, unsure of why she thought I'd ever need it. On certain occasions, I even tried giving it back to her – unsuccessfully of course. I also have some handwritten cookie recipes. I have sampled many cut out cookies, and my favorite has always come from a 3x5 handwritten index card that my mother gave me. Years ago, I copied that card into my own book of recipes. Somewhere along the line, it was handed down to her.

Yesterday, with my hands full of cookie dough and that cookbook open in front of me,  I realized how much that cookbook and 3x5 index card now meant to me. Leave it to me to find symbolism in a cookbook, right?

In a nutshell, I've been given a history to keep. That cut out cookie recipe contains a lot of great memories of my childhood. If that 3x5 card hadn't been written for her, I'd probably never have those memories of baking with my mom. Someday, I hope it contains memories for my own kids to cherish.

So if a recipe can hold so much meaning, imagine what my wedding album means to me. It's literally my family history. The story told within the pages is beautiful. Honestly, no disc of images can replace that album. It's tangible, photographic proof of my family's origins.

Back in the film days, my parents had to put their wedding photographs into an album, or they wouldn't have seen them at all. There were no iPads to view those images on. I'm glad for that because if they hadn't taken the time to have an album made, I wouldn't get to see that history. Someday, I'll be the keeper of those photographs, much like the handed down recipes. 50 years from now, I want my children to be the keeper of my albums and books – not useless unreadable discs or out dated thumb drives.

Trust me, we get that you want all of the digital files. We both did too. Post them all over Facebook, tweet them, load them to your tablet, that's all fine with us. But if you're in the market for wedding photography, we hope you'll consider an album or book.

A wedding album might be something you don't think you need right now. And yeah, that's a little bit true  –  you don't need it right now. Right now, you're a newlywed, or soon-to-be newlywed. Those memories are still so fresh in your mind, you can recall the tiniest details of the day. But when your kids ask about your wedding day, what will you show them? What will you hand down to them from your family's story? We want you to have an actual book of your history, to give your children, who in turn, may give it to their children also.

While you're at it, give them an old Betty Crocker cook book too. Someday, they'll thank you.

The cookbook in question, and my disastrous kitchen on cookie making day.

Books, Rochester NY weddings

Cookie-4

Rochester NY Wedding, Wedding Albums

Rochester NY Wedding, Wedding Albums

Our newest album (right) is a fun new size for us.

Rochester NY Photography, Christmas Cookies

If you're looking to add an album to your collection, contact us - whether you're a past or present wedding couple...it's never too late!

At home family portraits | Rochester NY

family hanging out by the door

peek a boo

Tom and Alicia are awesome parents. Seriously, I should have been taking notes during this session. With two young kids, they were both calm and patient through it all. Stella came out of her shell and was this energetic, spunky little girl (as compared to the quiet, shy girl I see in church). And Liam, well he is just a happy little boy that was along for the ride. I loved spending time with these guys, as its always a fun adventure. From hide and seek to looking at albums, reading and petting the cat, and even a little jumping in our Christmas outfits, it was real. And it was fun! Check out some of the photos, and learn a little more about this amazing family below.

boy in patriots jersey

little girl reading

boy and cat meet

girl bw on rocking horse

playing on the couch

girl laughing

outside family portrait in the fall

Fall Family Mini Session | The Duck Pond, Syracuse NY

To be honest, this was one of those sessions that didn't go as planned. It was originally scheduled for the spring of 2013, but due to illness got postponed, then rescheduled, and finally ended up happening in October. Mom and the twins were ready to go so we started with them, while Dad and the oldest son joined us later.

Yes, there were some obstacles - but we got some amazing photos with these awesome kids. Mom had a great "let's do this" attitude, and it allowed the kids to be completely themselves. The Duck Pond park was a wonderful backdrop where the kids could play and explore.

The perfect day, the perfect time, the perfect outfit, the perfect weather… it doesn't always happen the way we want it to. But you know what?  As long as your family is together, none of that matters. Celebrate today, celebrate the everyday. Celebrate real life, because that is worth capturing.

duck pong, manlius ny portraits

throwing leaves mother and son

twin brothers in stripes

boy talking into hand

family looking away

Celebrate with us today! Get in touch for me details about your session!

Keuka Lake : Family Vacation Portraits

Growing up in the Finger Lakes, it was easy to take them for granted. I thought everyone had easy access to beautiful views, waterfalls, and wineries on the lakes. Over the last few years, tourism in the Finger Lakes has grown by leaps and bounds, and so has my appreciation for what we are so lucky to have nearby. I mention this because this summer we had the privilege to work with some families from all over the states that came here on vacation. This family was one of them, and it was so much fun! Three siblings, their kids and their parents were all in one place. The two little girls, Claire and Jane are pretty adorable cousins, and everyone was so easy to work with. They had rented a beautiful house on Keuka Lake and thought it would be a great idea to get some photographs taken while everyone was together.

extended family

cousins in pink

bw girl

two cousins

sibling families

family on rocky beach

Erin and I enjoyed the drive down to the lake and hanging out while the sun set over the water. Ahh, I can still feel that warm sun now. So if you are vacationing here, whether at the ski resort or the lake, give us a call! We'd love to capture your Finger Lakes vacation photos.

Senior Pictures at High Acres Nature Area, Fairport NY

If you want to feel like an under achiever, you should read Nate's resume. Seriously, between sports, school activities and being an eagle scout, I'm not sure how he balances it all. Nate loves the outdoors, hiking and being adventurous. When I asked him to climb in to the overgrown brush just off the trail, he didn't even flinch. It turned out to be one of my favorite shots. We also went over to the baseball field and had Nate put on his football jersey. Yup, you read that right! Haha. Nate's eagle scout project was creating cubbies and bat racks at the little league fields, so it made sense to incorporate those as well.

fairport senior outdoors

High School Senior pictures in Fairport NY

Eagle Scout Senior Pictures in Fairport NY

High School Senior Portrait, Fairport NY

senior boy with mom

Trying to get that intimidating look was hard work, and there was some serious laughter going on in between takes. Sometimes those are the best moments. Nate was awesome to work with, I hope he had as much fun at this session as we did!

Happy senior year!

Fall Family Portraits : Rochester, NY

Addison was dressed perfectly. Her yellow coat matched the falling leaves, and with her gloves on, we just ignored the frost that remained on the ground. After the deer fled, we hiked up the hill behind the house and enjoyed the beautiful sunlight streaming through the trees. It was one of those glorious fall days, and we got to play in it! Thanks Addison and family for letting me hang out with you on such a great day!

catching leaves

fall family photos

fall bw portrait

girl in pink playing soccer

fall family photo

family catching leaves

fall walk

papillon dog

girl with reflector

It may have been a chilly day, but that doesn't mean we had to stay inside. I love days like this, enjoy!

Family portraits in Pittsford NY

girl on tire swing

upside down portrait

mom and daughter on playground

girl climbing

mom with kids

girl on playground

3 kids

Best part of my job? Getting to goof around with kids. Second best? Watching those kids grow. We worked with the J's: James, Julia and Jenna, last year so it was our pleasure to return and capture their playful spirits once again. In just a year, each one of them has grown in their own way. James is playing football now. Julia is well on her way to becoming a model with all the poses she was showing me, and Jenna – well she is just an energetic almost two year old. From the playground to the living room, this was definitely a fun session! Thanks for having us back for another glimpse into your lives!

Need to update your family portraits? Call us today!

One Year Portraits : Family Portraits, Rochester NY

What better way to celebrate your first birthday than with an at home family portrait session? Ok, maybe with some cake and ice cream. But beyond that, a portrait session! Lily is an easy going girl who just loves to play, climb stairs and read. We hung out around the house, read some books and played with her favorite toys. I loved how proud she was of herself when she climbed the stairs! Don't worry, mom was a step away ready to catch her. What a cutie!

Enjoy the sneak peek into this day in the life of a one year old!

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

One year old portrait session, rochester ny

Happy Birthday Lily!

Anna and Family | Syracuse NY Family Portraits

family portraits with dog

family reading time

bw baby girl

baby with mom

baby with dad

outdoor family portrait

It was a special honor to meet and photograph this little one. After spending several weeks in the NICU, Anna is home and surrounded by the love of her parents, and the family dog, Charlie. So far, her days involve playing on her play mat, reading and exploring the local parks with Mom and Dad. Here are a few of my favorites from this sweet little time with Anna.

Looking for a fall family portrait? Call us today before the leaves are gone!