Hamlin Beach Family Pictures: Fairport NY Photographers

If you have a favorite place in the Rochester NY area, you go there for your family pictures. Which is what we did with Kylie’s family to compliment her Class of 2022 senior pictures.

They have so many memories from Hamlin Beach. Camping, swimming and playing with cousins. I was lucky enough to join this family and take some family portraits for them in their happy place.

And, not only did the bring their dog, but they also wore matching Puppie Love Rescue shirts!

The golden hour sunset did not disappoint in these family pictures, These guys were so much fun! I’m really glad Kylie is the oldest daughter! See you again soon! -Lori

Penfield NY Senior Pictures: Class of 2022, Bella

Bella is a Class of 2022, Penfield High School Senior. It was my pleasure to capture her senior pictures last summer. Here’s the quick recap!

Before hitting Ellison Park for Bella’s casual, fun, senior portrait session, we made a stop at her old Elementary School, just around the corner.

This was a first for me, but I loved the intention behind it. Bella and her mother wanted to show the scope of schooling in her senior pictures, from the beginning in Kindergarten to now as she graduates. They brought along her Kindergarten photo and we took some sweet photos with in her old stomping grounds as a kid.

The sentimentality continued, when she wore a t-shirt honoring her late grandfather and his passion for restoring old cars. We had such a nice night finding natural spots to compliment Bella’s beauty. Stay tuned for part 2, when we got mom in on the fun!

Congrats Bella!

-Lori

Finger Lakes Family Pictures: Fairport NY Photographers

New rule: Vacations with the ones you love most should always include an updated extended family picture.

I mean, these Finger Lakes views and your family portraits together on the dock like this? We can’t even.

Our hope is that your kids will look back at these family pictures and remember the laughs you shared together on this trip. These are the moments you’ll cherish for years to come.

Personal Branding Mini Sessions: Rochester NY Brand Photography

Some of our favorite entrepreneurs just gained a fantastic collection of branding images.

All it took was saying “yes” to a 15 minute personal brand mini session.

We had some great female entrepreneurs show up from various occupations - SEO specialist, marketing strategy, college administrators and even a fellow branding photographer!

What’s great about this space, is that we were able to create great branding portraits and headshots for every person that came, because there are a variety of backgrounds that range from fun and funky to board room business.

In just 15 minutes, you could revamp the images on your whole website. For example - shortly after we delivered Kristi Mitchell’s images, we saw them on her website, and we have to say, the pictures fit her brand perfectly! (See what we mean below.)

Or, you could create a library of images you can use on social media to talk about your brand. The options for using brand photography are endless.

Check out more of our favorites from the branding mini sessions at Do or Dye Beauty and Barber Shop below!

Pittsford Mendon Senior Pictures: Class of 2022, Isabella

Pittsford Mendon High School Senior, Isabella, is an outdoorsy girl.

So climbing on a log barefoot in her senior pictures was totally normal for her.

I’m not sure if she was more at home by the water, or in the tree, but she was definitely a natural with her duck. She and Quackers the Therapy Duck donate their time to spread smiles. How awesome is that?

Thank you for such a fun and unique senior session Isabella, and congratulations Class of 2022! -Lori

Irondequoit High School Senior Portraits: Class of 2022, Claire

Irondequoit High School Senior, Claire definitely made my list of “top senior picture sessions.”

Not only did they choose one of my favorite hidden gems, Linear Park, but she wanted to get artsy with her senior portraits.

Jumping, walking, reading, photographing the natural world… it all just felt so relaxed. It felt like “her.”
And with that mega watt smile, just like her mom, we all had a great afternoon making senior pictures that they love.

Congrats Claire, I can’t wait to see what you do with that camera and beyond! -Lori

Fairport NY Senior Pictures: Nolan, Class of 2022

It was a true honor being asked to photograph Nolan’s senior pictures. He’s a Senior at Fairport High School, and I’ve been standing next to him on the line for years, practicing archery. So naturally, the range was one of our destinations for his senior session!

I also got to see a different side of Nolan when he demonstrated his drum skills. How unique are these senior pictures?

If you know him, you know that he is one of the nicest guys you will meet! I was lucky enough to photograph the rest of his family too at a separate family portrait session… so keep your eyes peeled for that post!

Congrats Nolan!
-Lori

Victory NY Senior Pictures: Rachel, Class of 2022

Victor High School Senior, Rachel, says her favorite quote is “Choose happy.”

So what is that choice for her senior pictures? Answer: The water. Rachel is also a swim instructor, though that takes place in a pool. We both agreed that the park would make a better backdrop, so we went to Irondequoit Creek.

Though Rachel is very involved in high school clubs and sports (she went to states with her softball team), she opted to keep her senior portrait session simple. So we focused on that gorgeous smile of hers, and had fun outdoors. I’m a big fan of how these senior pictures turned out.

Please help me to say congratulations to Rachel, Class of 2022!
-Lori

Mighty for Madison: Support Small Business (and a Family) in Your Community

I’ll never forget that first nice day of Spring in March, when it was 75 and windy. I spent it at the Golisano Children’s Hospital celebrating Maddie and her purple hair. She’s lost it by now.

Maddie is just about 6 years old, and recently diagnosed with Leukemia. She’s smart and fun, and she may be small, but she is mighty.

Her parents run the kid oriented business, Spotlight Performing Arts Studio, which is how we met several years ago. We’re all members of the local merchants association.

Maddie is already deep into treatment, and they expect to be in the hospital for the next 5-6 months. John and Kaitlyn also have a little boy, Jackson.

As parents, all of this is hard to fathom. We did what we felt we could, but there’s such a long road ahead and they could use all the support we as a community can give.

It’s been awhile since I shot this session for them, but their needs remain the same. Please join us in supporting these beautiful people while they go through the impossible.

Here are some ways you can help:

Sign up for the meal train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/40oeg7

Donate to their gofundme page: https://gofund.me/7839e43d or give directly on venmo @kaitlyn-barthelmes

Fairport Personal Brand Photography

Personal Branding for Podcasters

Last time we saw her, Maryellen wanted branding photography for her therapy business. At the time, the goal was to update her business website, but also show a real side of Maryellen that made you feel at ease.

We knew even then, that Maryellen had bigger goals than running a successful therapists’s office.

Fast forward 3 years and one pandemic later.

Introducing, the “Okay-ish” Podcast. It’s a space where Maryellen gets real about mental health, and gives listeners the unfiltered truths that help people understand that “it’s ok, to be just ok.” There’s a new website to brand, and new stories to tell.

So who is she speaking to:

People who want a different take on therapy, feel overwhelmed, or are realizing that perfection isn’t the goal - OK is. She talks about toxic positivity, imposter syndrome, and also gives behind the scenes information about life as a therapist. She wants to be seen as relatable in her branding photography.

How did we do that?

• We showed her real life, by taking branding pictures of Maryellen next to the laundry she’s been too busy and overwhelmed to fold.

• We photographed emotion. Yes, new headshots are important, but we also knew we needed to show a variety of emotions in order to connect to her audience. So we captured overwhelm and even anger, along side her new headshots.

Brand photography is about more than pretty headshots and sitting at a perfect, clean desk. What makes your brand stand out? What emotions do you want to help your audience with? Let’s go there, and capture THAT in your personal brand photographs.

Fairport NY Senior Pictures: Class of 2022, Alex

I can’t tell you how many times I have driven by this horse farm on Turk Hill Road, but Alex is the first high school senior to bring me there for her Fairport senior pictures.

The summer evening at golden hour could not have been more picturesque. We photographed Alex with her favorite horse, and her dog. She rocked a gorgeous dress, cowboy boots and even camo for her senior pictures!

I remember getting to the end of her senior portrait session and not wanting to leave! What’s one more shot when it’s a perfect summer evening?

It was so great getting to know you Alex, congrats!
Lori

Family Pictures in Rochester: Fairport NY Photographers

Okay, so if you saw Nolan’s senior portrait blog post, you know we met through archery. That’s also how I met the rest of his family!

So when it came time to book their Nolan’s senior pictures, it was a no-brainer to add-on family pictures too. Ellison Park set the stage for a wonderful fall evening. Angela and John were also celebrating a special anniversary, and look at those kids! I love the way he makes her laugh.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Cheers,
Lori