Personal Brand Photography for Elections: Rochester NY Photography

Most of the time, when we pick up our camera to shoot, it's to capture relationships, whether at a family session or wedding (which is how we first met the Wilt Family). We don't often dabble in current events and politics.

However, we were recently retained to provide headshots and some documentary style photography for Robin Wilt. She is one of the recently announced candidates running for New York's 25th Congressional District, which was formerly Louise Slaughter's position.

Robin Wilt goes from Brighton Town Council to Congress hopeful

Documentary photography is fast moving - you have to get the shot quickly. Often with this type of work, the client is really only in need of that ONE photo that shows the necessary story.

This is different from a family portrait session, where the whole set of images tells a family's story.

Robin at an event with Cynthia Nixon, candidate for NY Governor

Robin Wilt announces her candidacy at the 1872 Cafe

Documentary work keeps us on our toes, and actually helps us react faster to catch the perfect moment at our weddings and portrait sessions. So while these events were not the norm for us, it was interesting to do something different.

~ Erin

My Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Last month, my family gathered at my childhood home to spend one last day in the woods behind it. There's a long muddy trail, that leads back to a creek where a space was cleared years ago for just this type of gathering. Family, friends, a campfire and togetherness. 

It was the one of the last times, I would walk (or four wheel) that trail. It was bittersweet. But wow, was it fulfilling to watch my son play in the place I grew up. We watched him swing on the rope swing, laughing his head off with every push he was given. He got muddy, he played by the water, and we cherished the day as a family.

Soon, a new family will grow up there. They'll swim in the creek, and they'll have their own campfires. I can only hope they enjoy it half as much as we did.

At the end of the day, I sat with my son by the edge of the water, to tell him why this place was special to me. That's when I was given my Mother's Day present.

My aunt, and then my husband picked up my camera and took our picture while we talked. Was I muddy? Yes. Was my hair a mess. You bet. Were either of them professionals? Nope. None of that mattered to me one bit. They saw a moment, and took my picture. I don't know if they realized in that moment what a gift that was to me.

As a photographer, and a mom, I'm rarely ever in the pictures. Moms everywhere - you get me right? You're the one typically setting up the photos, capturing the candidness, and then taking selfies to prove you were there. I know this, because I am too.

Don't get me wrong, I have beautiful photos of my family and I together. But they often have to be posed or selfies. It's very rare, that I'm in a candid photograph with them. (For the record, once I realized I was being photographed, I did ask for one of both of us looking at the camera. Because honestly, it was hard not to notice.)

But on this day, in the place where I grew up, I have a few images (that thankfully include me) to show that despite our hardships of the past year, love carried on in this place. And hopefully, it always will.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms of all kinds!

~ Erin

Photos below taken by: Donnalynn Sullivan and Matthew Perrotta

Headshots for a Judge in Fairport NY

First, I'd like to say congratulations to Judge Bender on his retirement!

We were asked to create a portrait that could hang in the courthouse with the other past judges of Seneca County. This will be the first one in color, and we were honored to be the photographers to create it.

It was a pleasure photographing the judge, and as always, there is always a bit of laughter involved in our sessions! Though that didn't fit to hang on the courtroom wall, I do love it as a portrait.

Below is the final version, as well as a few other shots I enjoyed from the session.

Enjoy your retirement!
-Lori

Branding Portraits in Fairport NY: Next Level Strength & Conditioning

Like us, Next Level Strength and Conditioning is celebrating their fifth anniversary this year. Located on Lyndon Road and very active in the Fairport Community, we have enjoyed getting to know them over the last few years.

We're also super excited to be partnering with them for an upcoming member event in June! 

So since we're doing that, we thought it'd be fun to ask 5 questions to help them celebrate this business milestone.

Without further ado, meet Coach Nate, the Founder and Owner of Next Level Strength & Conditioning!

Nate VanKouwenberg, Owner of Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Fairport

What makes Next Level a unique place to train?
There are several unique qualities that make NL (Next Level) a special place to train, from offering the latest in scientifically proven training methods, our state of the art 5,000 square foot facility and a wide range of comprehensive services, including Physical Therapy and Sports Massage. Despite all of these factors that make us very proud, Next Level would be nothing without the people. We have the most amazing staff, athletes and general fitness members! Our team of Strength Coaches have a wide range of certifications and degrees, but most importantly they are amazing people. They truly care about the well being of our members both inside and outside of the gym. We take pride in the family like culture we've developed here.

The team at Next Level Strength and Conditioning

Who are your main clients?
We work with a wide range of athletes and general fitness members, including youth athletes (athletic development FUNdamentals), Middle School athletes (introduction to sports performance) and High School, College and Pro athletes (advanced sports performance). Our adult general fitness members range from recent college graduates to people that are enjoying retirement. The benefits from quality functional strength training reach all ages and skill levels!

What about non-athletes, do they need a fitness program too?
Absolutely, everyone deserves a quality program that holds them accountable and gets them feeling and moving better. We have many HS students who are in our sport performance groups despite not playing a sport! These students absolutely crush it!

We also offer an Adult Functional Fitness group program called Roots (getting back to the Roots of functional fitness without the BS). Our Roots members are a tight knit family that creates a supportive environment, regardless of skill level. Each workout consists of mobility, functional strength training and metabolic conditioning. "Everything you need, nothing you don't." Our team of qualified coaches can modify workouts to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. We offer a free roots session to anyone that wants to give it a shot!

What fitness goal are you most proud of accomplishing?
We take pride in helping our athletes and general fitness members achieve their goals, regardless of how big or small they are. Whether it's helping an athlete improve their performance, or someone reach an ideal weight, this is why we do what we do and love every minute!

Tell us a little about your path, Nate:
I grew up playing hockey and loving sports! After my Freshman year playing hockey at SUNY Brockport, I realized that everything I was doing to prepare off the ice was wrong. I decided to major in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science. It was mind blowing to me what a huge difference quality training could make in my on ice performance. This is where I fell in love with what I do today.

After Brockport I started teaching PE in Victor and training HS athletes on the side at local gyms. Each year my following grew and I realized what a huge impact I could have on people if I focused on Strength & Conditioning more than school breaks. In March of 2013, we opened our current facility connected to the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport. I could not be more proud of the culture we've built at Next Level and how many people we've helped achieve their goals! I am also the Strength Coach for the RIT Men's hockey team, so I've been able to stay in the game and get the best of both worlds! I could not be living out my dream without the support of my wife, kids and amazing team of coaches and managers!

Want to learn more? Go visit, or find them here:

Website  / Facebook  / Instagram  / Twitter  

Exterior of Next Level Strength and Conditioning, next to the Rochester Ice Center on Lyndon Road

Cobblestone Living Family Portraits

I met them at their brand new home - so brand new, that they'd just signed the paperwork as I arrived to photograph them! It made finding areas to shoot within their home pretty easy without furniture to fight with lighting!

These three are adorable. Especially Jack, Heidi and Mike's "almost" 1 year old. Whether out for a walk, or enjoying a drink together on the patio, they love to be together as a family - whether breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Honestly, at this stage in their family life, that's what it's all about. They don't want to miss these moments together as a family of three. With cuteness like this, I can't say that I blame them.

Together is their favorite place to be - and I'm loving it.

Lori

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Husband and Wife Portrait in Allens Creek, Rochester NY

Wow, have these two got the story you just won't believe. Within days of showing me their home filled with stunning art and MacKenzie-Child's influences, their home was sold. It was never even meant to be on the market!

Susan admitted they hadn't really given thought to moving. But there was an interested buyer, the families met and instantly hit it off, and then suddenly they sold their home. Susan and Michael will be moving, and starting a new life down south. If that's not taking a cue from the universe and rolling with it, I don't know what is!

So what started as portraits of the couple in their home, quickly became a treasured memento for them to take with them. They'll use them to remember the many years of happy memories they made here.

Susan and Michael - it was a pleasure working with you both. I wish you much happiness in your new endeavors!

Cheers,
Lori

Candid Family Mini Sessions: Easter Egg Hunts

Three minutes of egg searching craziness. That's how long an egg hunt takes a child.

It takes at least two of those minutes to find and set your phone, then another minute to catch up to your child and attempt to snap a photo of them trying to carry eight eggs in two hands. By that time, you might have missed the moment.

Being present is something we all struggle with, right? You want to enjoy, but you also don't want to forget their smiling faces in this moment. I am that mom, every day.

This is the reason we created this membership. So you can be there, enjoying "right now." Because we're taking care of the rest.

Catch up with us and the fun of the egg hunt event below! Then join us on April 6th to find out how you can start enjoying "right now" with us.

~ Erin

Brighton Family Portraits at Home

A family with three kids under 8 is always on the move. Running, playing, and goofing around were all a part of their family portrait session at their home in Brighton.

We pulled out all the stops to get everyone in one location at the right time. There was silliness and a lot of gummies to go around. 

Their perfect Saturday sounds pretty amazing. They like to have a big family breakfast in the morning, then take an adventure together. At the end of the day they come home for a family movie night.

Where do we sign up? Because we want in on all of it.

~ Erin

Active Winter Family Portraits: Victor NY Photography

Jocelyn, a physical trainer, and her family of boys are certainly active!

Whether skiing/snowboarding in the winter, or swimming in the summer, they are always up to something that keeps them on the move.

I loved goofing around with these guys (check out the monkey faces!) and playing in the snow with Teddy, their most adorable little pooch!

If you can't tell, they're a pretty fun family! Say hi down below!
-Lori

Celebrating 5 Years: Radio Social Anniversary Party

Oh my goodness, I think we're still processing it all.

It was almost like a wedding and a reunion mixed together. Lori and I couldn't stop smiling as we talked to everyone that joined us for our big five year anniversary bash at Radio Social.

We bowled, we played, we ate great food and amazing cake. Stepping back and taking it all in, we really have so much to be grateful for when it comes to this two person operation we've got going on.

After reflecting on the party, I realized something pretty big. This is wayyyy more than a two person operation.

It's taken a village, our tribe of amazing people who have supported us every step of the way. From clients and other photographer friends, to family members, amazing friends and our ultra patient spouses – we're never without someone to push us further, or pick us up when we need it most.

Thank you to those who came to celebrate with us. We have to especially thank Heather McKay of McKay's Photography (her's are the rounded corner photos below) for photographing the event for us, and Michelle Crawford of Shell's Sweets for the delicious cake!

And thank you to all those who have supported us - whether from close to home or afar. It's your referrals and your kind words that have allowed us to do what we love for five wonderful years.

Here's to the next chapter!

~ Erin (and Lori)

Photo by: McKay's Photography

Family and Pizza: Victor NY Family Portraits

What a treat it is to work with fellow entreprenurial families. In this case, it's no exaggeration to say that the whole family is all hands on deck when it comes to their pizzeria - DeTomaso's Pizzeria in Victor NY.

They're also a lot of fun to photograph. We laughed a lot at each other during their portrait session both at their home and at the pizzeria. Siblings tend to have that effect on each other sometimes.

I enjoyed their playfulness and skills - even when nearly ate snow because I made the mistake of asking an eight year old to flip snow at me with her hockey stick. Lessons learned!

If you want to meet the fam, stop on in to the shop and grab a slice of pizza. Say hello and enjoy!

~ Erin

Valentine's Day is For Everyone: Fairport NY Photographers

Valentine's Day. Whether your totally for it or tend to call it "amateur hour," it's a holiday that as photographers, we do not ignore. It doesn't come in one shape or size, but it does fit everyone.

We stand for love. And while yes, the traditional holiday is meant for romantic gestures between loves - it's also so much more. Romantic love isn't the only game in town.

Yes, love is a first kiss and a first dance.

But it's also a 60th wedding anniversary dance.

Love is cuddling your kids.

Love is cherishing time with grandparents.

Love is having everyone in the same place, because it's rare.

Love is sisters and brothers.

Love is an adorable pet.

Love is your girl squad.

Love is reminiscing over first dates together.

Love is holding hands through the hard stuff.

Love is enjoying the silly things.

Love, is whatever you want it to be. It's whatever moment means the most to you, with those you truly treasure.

Valentine's Day is for everyone, because love is everything.

Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Erin