Branding Photography for Artisans: Rochester NY Photographers

I never knew the building on Main Street as a firehouse. It was a food pantry when I moved to Fairport. But when Paul and Carolyn moved into it, they converted the space to house their woodworking business. What started as a hobby, became a passion that they now happily share with others.

Paul works with reclaimed wood, scraps and random pieces given to them. Carolyn takes extra tiles leftover from job sites, and other found materials to create her art. Together, they have created tables, decor and so much more. She can create something by request, working with your choice of colors, materials or theme. 

I have loved getting to know this wonderful, easy going couple through the course of creating some images to launch their website. The store has been open since June, and the website should be launching very soon.

Especially as Small Business Saturday approaches, we're grateful to work with local artists like these two. We hope you'll think about stopping by a local merchant as you carefully select your holiday gifts. In doing so, you know that each gift you give was thoughtfully and lovingly made - versus a quick trip to your local big box store.

If you like quality, handmade pieces of art, stop down and get to know these artisans! Their work is sure to impress you, and if nothing else you can enjoy all of the firehouse relics they have accumulated to decorate the space!

Enjoy this sneak peek into the shop, and feel free to say hello and welcome, either in the comments, or in person at 113 N Main St, Fairport!

-Lori

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday

I have to say it...

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Anybody with me? 

My sister-in-law's dog, Madigan, makes sure she is using proper technique to slice the turkey

Here's the thing... it's a little chaotic, involves a lot of driving, but in one day we get

• to spend time with my side of the family

• to spend time with his side of the family

• to eat two very good meals

• to play with our nieces and nephews

• to think about all the things we are grateful for, and say thank you

Thanksgiving is really a "lite" version of Christmas. It contains all the togetherness without having the stress and worry about giving gifts.

And that's why it is my favorite. We get to focus on each other, catching up and playing games with those we love, and don't get to see enough of throughout the year.

Of course, the mountains of food that will inevitably and consumed doesn't hurt either.

So this Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy time with your loved ones. Give them an extra hug, slow down and stay a few moments longer. Be thankful for everything from the shoes on your feet to the roof over your head.

And know that I am thankful for you. Family, friends, clients, and blog-stalkers, I am thankful for you! 

Happy thanksgiving.
-Lori

Photo Christmas Gift Ideas

You've already had photos taken this year, but you never did anything with them. Now it's holiday season, and you just realized you need Christmas cards and gifts! Lucky for you photos are the gift that are cherished forever. They are above and beyond, more valuable than any trinket you'll find at the mall.

So if you need a little inspiration, here are a few of our most popular products this time of year:

1. Ornaments! We offer metal and loft ornaments. They're a perfect small gift for anyone on your list. Put your favorite photo on one side, with the year and a message on the back. Boom, custom, easy and done!

2. Float Wraps! This item has a wow-factor. It's unique, ready to hang (no worrying about frames!) and easy to order in any size from 8x8 to 24x36.

3. Holiday Cards! Don't waste hours searching through, and fighting with online sites. Let us create exactly what you are looking for. We have a lot of customizable options to fit the color and wording choices exactly as you desire.

Need more ideas? You can browse our full catalog for inspiration!

Then call us and we'll make your holiday shopping personalized and thoughtful as well as easy, and most importantly, DONE!

Our deadline for holiday orders is December 6th. So please don't wait til the last minute!

Brighton NY Family PIctures

Hanging out at #fortdrumm was a blast. Charlie and Barrett got to run around the house, draw, pet the dog and even sell apple cider and donuts to the neighbors. 

Emilie likes to bake, so we created a fun portrait in the kitchen of the whole family. Complete with running kids and the dog just watching them go around and around.

Mom and dad run multiple businesses, and they are teaching the boys young. How fun is this cider and donut stand, with fortune telling too? Aren't these boys adorable? 

I look forward to seeing more of these guys! Welcome to our Lori & Erin family!

 -Lori :)

Candid Family Pictures at Wickham Farm

When we saw the forecast for the day, we definitely cringed a little bit. For our second year in a row now, we've had some soggy weather for our Halloween event at Wickham Farms in Penfield.

But the thing we've learned, is that a little rain won't slow down our awesome members. Especially when they have some pretty amazing Halloween costumes to show off.

Check out the little Frodo. Or the cutest lion or cat in town. We even had an appearance from Spider-Man and some Hogwarts students.

We essentially had the place to ourselves. So we made the best of the day and played in the rain! We're so grateful for all of our members. Memories were not only made, but also captured for them to hold onto years from now. It is such a treat (no tricks, sorry) for us to be the ones to capture it for them.

~ Erin

Backyard Family Portrait Session in Victor NY

I walked in the house to find the two boys pretending to be Ninja Turtles. That was my first clue that this was going to be a fun session!

Add to that an adorable baby sister and two awesome parents? Yeah, we had a good time. I really enjoyed getting to know this family as we made images all around the house. From the Halloween decorations in the front yard, to the waterfall in the backyard, and the stunning chandelier in the dining room too! 

But the biggest smiles came when dad picked up the boys by their ankles.  How can that not be the best shot of the day? 

I look forward to seeing these guys again soon! Hope you enjoy a glimpse into the session.
 -Lori

Corn Hill Family Portraits: Rochester NY

As as family in our portrait membership program, we've captured this family in all of their different stages from newborn to toddler.

At this, his two year session we played as much as we could. From his trains to showing off his playground skills - watching him grow into toddlerhood has brought happiness to our lives. He's got a big personality for such a little kid, and it's awesome to watch unfold as he grows.

Happy birthday Teddy!  We're so grateful we got to spend it with you!

~ Erin

First Communion Portraits: St. Louis Church, Pittsford

A few months ago, Owen celebrated his first communion at St. Louis Church in Pittsford. We went back to create some images to commemorate this important step in his young Catholic life. 

I'm not sure if Owen was more excited that he got to read at the pulpit, or bring along Burr, the family/classroom hedgehog for his session. He also seemed to enjoy lighting the candles at the church.

I just enjoyed being a part of the whole thing! I mean, seriously, with that suit and suspenders? This kiddo is cute, and he knows it! 

Congratulations Owen, see you again soon!
Lori

Erie Canal Family Portraits: Pittsford, NY

After three years photographing this little lady, (another one of our awesome portrait members) it's possible she's finally warming up to the idea of me being around with my camera. Or maybe it was the ducks on the canal. Ok fine, it was probably the ducks.

Whatever the reason, I had a fun evening with her, and her mom and dad, on the Erie Canal. They fed the ducks and the pigeons, played hide and seek and ran around barefoot (my kind of girl).

Laid back and relaxed, it's always better to let the three year old be a three year old at a portrait session, isn't it? 

What's better than watching your daughter's face light up as she feeds the ducks? Or running around minus her shoes? What more can you do but enjoy it? Because this is who she is, and I love it.

~ Erin

Family Session at the Butterfly Trail in Macedon, NY

We are having such a beautiful Autumn, and this morning was gorgeous. It was my pleasure to walk the butterfly trail with this awesome family of four.

It's hard for us to believe that Mom and Dad are celebrating their 5th anniversary this year. We've been photographing weddings for that long? 

And their two beautiful kids keep them on their toes!

As challenging as toddlers can be, I hope you remember how they only wanted mom to hold them. These memories of throwing rocks in the water (endless entertainment for toddlers) are small, but beautiful. How sweet and loving those kids are, and how dirty they ended up at the end there. :-D

Happy anniversary you two, and thanks for letting us witness your love and share in your joy all of these years later.
-Lori

McQuaid Senior Portraits: Rochester NY Senior Pictures

Okay I just have to tell you how much I love this family. It was about 5 years ago I first photographed them, and I just adore spending time with them.

Evan is no exception, and we wandered around Genesee Valley Park for his senior portrait session. This took place just a few days before the McQuaid invitational overran the park with thousands of runners. 

When not running, Evan plans to study astrophysics. Check out that tie! How perfect.

Mom and little brother, Owen, tagged along on his session, you'll see them below. Thanks for putting up with me, Evan! You did great :)

-Lori

PS: Want more? See older brother Jack's senior session, and last year's family session at the Eastman Museum!

Jennejahn Park Extended Family Portrait Session: Hilton, NY

It was my first time at Jennejahn Park in Hilton, but I would love to go back! A neat little spot tucked behind a school, with a stream and trails. It worked perfectly to celebrate this family. 

Everyone was in one place for a birthday party, so why not have some fun together? The kids played, the adults chased, there were bubbles and laughs.

They (the children) don't get smaller, that's for sure. And these kiddos had their cuteness on overload. See what I mean below, and say hi!

-Lori