One Year Session: Fall Family Portraits

He's always on the move, and he kept me on my toes for his entire session. I loved chasing him around in the fallen leaves of the backyard. Watching him become a toddler throughout the year has been a lot of fun.

My favorite part of this session was the cake smash. An empty dining room gave us plenty of space for the big, sugary mess of cake Jameson left behind in his footprints. Parents who are willing to let their baby get gooey and cakey right in their own house - LOVE it. The pictures are totally worth the chocolate handprints left behind.

We look forward to watching you continue to grow Jameson! ~ Erin

Penfield High School Senior Portrait: Anna

This was my first time photographing Anna, but second time with the family dog, Cinnamon. Does he look familiar? If so, it's because you saw him last year on the blog, with Anna's brother, Vinnie. It's always a pleasure to work with repeat clients, and I just love this family.

For Anna's session, we explored the park surrounding the Town Hall in Penfield. The connection for Anna is that she has played on the stage there as part of the high school band, but it was also a beautiful and secluded landscape - which made for excellent for photos! Now that's a win-win!

Anna, you are gorgeous. Go on, rock your senior year, I can't wait to see what you do next! 

-Lori

Family Portraits in Spencerport NY

Last time I photographed this family, they were a family of four. Now - they're a complete family of six. And as hard as I try, I can't imagine anything more beautiful.

But first, you have to imagine me with my camera, Lori, and Mom and Dad each wrangling in a child for their family portrait. I'm sure that anyone nearby watching had a good laugh at our expense. And I'm also pretty sure we were laughing right along with them. Thank goodness for the man to man defense at this session! It was crazy, but it was fun too!

When they found out they were having twins, after already having two handsome boys - scared didn't begin to cover what they were feeling. But seriously, look at these faces. The twins are now one year old, and while they may be hard to slow down - they're also pretty adorable together.

I've been blessed to be able to photograph each one of these kiddos through the years, and every time it gets better and better. I'm so lucky to have them as part of my family! ~ Erin

Fall Family Portraits in Pittsford NY

As always it's an honor to be asked to photograph a family portrait for another photographer. I love being able to capture beautiful images for someone who rarely gets the time to be in front of the lens. 

However, beautiful family portraits are sometimes hard work to get. As most of you with children know, your babies aren't always camera ready. Erica of Erica Lowenguth Photography, knows what I mean. Again, even a photographer's baby can have a bad day.

Even though her little one wanted nothing to do with me, Erica persevered. She didn't get angry about it. She knew that by doing that, it would only hurt the situation. She was patient and loving, and she hugged them tightly until finally we saw some smiles towards the end. I could learn a lot about being a better Mom from her!

It was hard work, but this Momma's worth it, and deserves to have beautiful images of herself with her babies. Thankfully, I believe we were able to achieve that goal! ~ Erin

Senior Photos in Fairport, NY: George

George is a quiet boy who likes nature and water. For him, a walk along the boardwalk and canal was the perfect fit for his senior pictures. He rocked that pink button down, and those eyes sure can tell a story! They don't come much sweeter than this. I really enjoyed photographing George. 

Thanks for choosing Lori and Erin Photography, enjoy your senior year! 

Best, 

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! 

McQuaid High School Senior Portrait: Spencer

What are two of Spencer's favorite things?

Crew and their dog Cocoa, and we included them both in his session! Spencer rows for McQuaid crew, so we hit up the boat house at GVP for his session. Cocoa tagged along, and while not a huge fan of the dock, she did really well! She even showed me all of her tricks while Spencer switched outfits. 

Don't you just love enjoying the sunset over the river with your four legged pals? Not much beats that. Have an amazing year Spencer, can't wait to see what you do next!

-Lori

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

Chelsea and Steve: Inn on the Lake, Canandaigua Wedding Photography

This wedding was brought to us by the word "relaxed."  From my very first conversation with Chelsea, I knew that what she wanted was a relaxed and fun, but still beautiful wedding day. She knew the reason for the day wasn't about the tiny details but it was about her and Steve, getting married and having all of the people they love together in one place for one day.

I truly believe that everything about their wedding was perfect. We had a perfect setting, on Canandaigua Lake for not only a relaxing atmosphere, but a beautiful one as well. There was never a rushed moment, as we perfectly planned amount of time for everything. And to top it off, Chelsea and Steve themselves, are perfect together.

They compliment each other perfectly. From the first look to the last dance, their smiles never once faded. They were just so excited to finally be married to each other. They took their time, and soaked in every last moment of the day. Their perfect day.

It was the kind of day that didn't feel like we were working. Rather, we felt like we'd become part of their family, and they'd become part of ours as well. I just love it when that happens.

So I guess maybe, the word of the day should have been "perfect" instead. Steve, Chelsea, thank you for taking us in and making us part of your family on your wedding day. Thank you for being yourselves with us, and for letting us be ourselves with you. We are so grateful for you and your love for each other. Here's to a lifetime of beautiful sunsets together! ~ Erin

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These wonderful vendors made this day perfect!
Hair & Makeup: Icon Salon

Venue: Inn on the Lake, Canandaigua NY

Officiant: Reverand Kris Miller

Florist: Stella's Flowers

Ceremony Music: Bagpipes by John Cartus

Reception DJ: Showcase Sounds

Penfield High School Senior: Morgan

Morgan is just so darn cute and easy going! Her high school senior session started at the University of Rochester because of their amazing architecture. As we arrived, didn't it start to sprinkle? Doesn't matter, we played in the rain!

The rain didn't last long though, so we popped over to Genesee Valley Park for the remainder of the session. It was a fitting spot, being surrounded by the waters Morgan rows in.

Oh, did I mention how sweet she is? For the last shot of her session, she donned her grandfathers sweater and hat in his memory.  I love this idea, and enjoyed swapping stories about our grandfathers as we walked together.

Thanks for a great session Morgan, and have a wonderful year! 

-Lori

Adrian and Eric's Anniversary Session | Rochester NY Photography

When Adrian said "Hey, my five year anniversary is coming up. Can we set up a surprise session for Eric?  Oh, and I'd like to include all of my dogs."  

A surprise session, AND dogs? We say yes, always. Because dogs are always welcome. After all, they're family too.

The look on Eric's face when he saw us pop out from behind some bushes, was one of confusion - but happy nonetheless to see people he knew at Hamlin Beach State Park. It wasn't until Adrian told him why we were there, that it really clicked.

They've never had a portrait session done before. Adrian, a photographer himself, finally decided it was time to get out from behind the camera. We are so glad that he did. It's always an honor when another photographer chooses us to capture a moment in their lives for them.

We're so grateful to have such amazing friends in our lives - especially if they have dogs! Happy Anniversary Eric and Adrian! 

Victor High School Senior Session: Laura

Laura is a very talented girl. She is able to play both the guitar and ukelele. Not only can she play, but she's also self taught! We enjoyed the privacy and beautiful scenery of one of Victor's hidden gems: Boughton Hill Park. She did a little slap guitar for me, and serenaded us and the trees during her session. We also got a few shots around her house and neighborhood to round out the session.

Beauty, brains and musically gifted, what more could you ask for? Thanks Laura, and have a wonderful year! 

-Lori