Cheers! TapNY Event Photography | Catskills, NY
When I saw a text come through that read “Hi, just got off the client call, are you free to photograph TapNY on the 28th of June?” I about burst into tears.
If you’re new here, I am a beer fanatic. And an event photography fanatic. And also a member of the Pink Boots Society. I was just hired for the photography gig of my dreams.
TapNY was held at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, NY, this year, in the heart of the Catskills. We thought it was going to rain, but the weather was FANTASTIC. The crowds were lively and energetic, and everyone was in great spirits.
Seeing so many breweries in one place was like a grown-up version of Disneyworld for me, even though I was working the event. And we even got to say hi to a few of our favorite brewers at Mean Max Brew Works, under the tent. We also saw Catskill Brewing, Mountain King Brewing, Aspire Brewing, Frog Alley Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing, Sloop Brewing Co, Tin Barn Brewing, Active Ingredient, Eckhart, Roscoe Beer Co, Upward Brewing Company, Soul Brewing Co, Big Ditch Brewing Company, Beer Tree Brewing, Upper Depot, Paradox (one of our long-time favorites!) and so many others.
This event was a thrill from start to finish, and we were so honored to be asked to photograph it.
Cheers to another year of TapNY!
Sunflower Photoshoot | The Wheeler Family
This session may just look like any other sunflower session, but the truth is, Kait and I had to work together closely in the months prior in order to make this happen.
See these sweet twins grow from their adoption session two years ago!
The sunflower crop this year was a bit unpredictable since it’s been so rainy, and we had to move our session date due to the crop not being ready yet. But we chose another weekend and powered through!
While it may have seemed easier for all of us to just cancel the session after so many roadblocks, it was a great reminder that when you book a session with me, I’ll do everything I can to make your hopes come true. Through the booking process, I stay in close touch to make sure we have all details nailed down, and I do a weather check-in the week before your session. If it’s looking unfavorable for any reason, we will talk it through and reschedule if you prefer. Or, if like this family, your date can’t be rescheduled, I come bearing clear umbrellas, ready for whatever the weather throws at us!
Lyra’s Cake Smash! | Lake George Photographer
I was so excited to photograph the Viola family again this year in Lake George, this time to celebrate Lyra turning ONE! Getting to see my families each year makes my heart so happy!
Our inspiration started with the Pinterest board below, and with a little imagination, we brought her dream to life!
It was 92 degrees, and my biggest worry was about Lyra and her sister, Marcella, getting too hot; and also the CAKE melting. But they all held up so well! We set up next to a tree that had some shade, so when we needed a break, we took one.
Lyra was an absolute doll, and it was so much fun seeing her from belly to baby! She absolutely demolished her cake made by A Spoonful of Sugar (and even body slammed it!)
Thank you so much to the Viola family for trusting me with their Teddy Bear Picnic theme! I can’t wait to photograph you all again next year when you come back to visit Lake George!
Finger Lakes Wellness Retreat Photography | Sandi Gaz Wellness, Lake Canandaigua, NY
We just returned from the third annual Sandi Gaz Wellness Retreat, and I can confidently say it was the best year yet! Selfishly, some of my favorite memories of these retreats are from our road trip to the Finger Lakes—it’s rare for us sisters to be able to be in the car together for a few hours, and we talk through all of the things we missed during the busy summer.
We pulled up to the house for this year, and were stunned. It sat on Lake Canadaigua, with the wraparound porch of my dreams. A sprawling lawn gave reflective views over morning coffee, with a family of deer that visited us as they walked through the morning dew in the sunrise.
I said to Sandi that her retreat is so much more than a girls’ weekend—it’s an immersive therapeutic experience. She ran an EFT tapping workshop, we did yoga with the amazing Melissa Golub, and we each had 60 minute massages. We talked about deep issues affecting us all, and each of us came home with some tools to help us manage anxiety and stress.
I am so deeply thankful to be able to attend and capture these retreats for my sister. She works so incredibly hard to put these together every year, and seeing her shine in her element is a gift to me. Thank you for all of your time and energy again this year, congratulations on year THREE! I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!
Ryan’s 3rd Birthday! From One to Three | Clifton Park, NY
Today, Ryan turns THREE! Happy birthday, sweet buddy.
Being able to photograph Ryan for the third year in a row is more than just a family photoshoot for me. I’ve known Marc and Amanda since I was in my twenties, and the fact that they trust me enough to capture these incredibly important moments for their family means the world to me. We all grew up together, were at each other’s weddings, and watched each other’s families grow. Our boys are collectively 3, 5, and 7, and seeing them all get so big gets me.
I teared up editing this gallery, especially when I sifted through the past three years. Watch him grow before your very eyes, below.
When you book a family session with me, you’re not just a number. For just a few minutes, your family feels like my own, and I treat your kiddos like I’d treat mine. Thank you all for trusting me through the years to capture your families. It is the greatest honor to document your legacy.
Glens Falls All Stars Baseball | Glens Falls, NY
We were ten minutes late; I had miscalculated how long it would take us to get there, and then someone had to go potty, and we needed snacks, and well. I don’t have to tell you what mom life is like.
So when we walked up to the game, chairs and cooler full of snacks in hand to keep my kids entertained, and heard the crowd chanting my nephew Jaxson’s name, I was stunned. He had made an incredible play, and though we missed it, I could feel the energy of the crowd and the players as we approached.
This team is special. There’s almost a magical energy surrounding the dugout. The kids are not only talented, but kind and respectful, too. And as a joyful 90s throwback bonus, the hype songs they chose when they went up to bat transported me to my college days and do a quiet little “ntz ntz ntz ntz” club dance from where I sat on the ground behind home plate. (Dr. Dre, anyone?)
The kids played an incredible game, but it wasn’t about the score. I’ve never been a sports fanatic, but as Hudson’s mom put it, I finally know what it feels like to have a favorite team. (And obviously a favorite player, though I’m a little biased.)
Is it time for fall ball yet?
Jumping into Summer | The Coffee Family | Lake George, NY
When Clark said to me at the end of their Lake George family photo session that they have a tradition of jumping into the lake afterward, I honestly thought he was kidding.
I literally said “you serious, Clark?”
He was.
And they did.
I still have goosebumps, and new family vacation goals.
Thank you to the incredible Coffee family for sharing their morning with me, and inviting me to come and photograph their sweet family at their Airbnb in Lake George! If you didn’t know this is an option, it is. I come to YOU so your family doesn’t have to leave the house (even if you’re not on the lake!)
It will be hard to top this session!
Our Family Vacation | Silver Lake, MI
After hours of driving, there is a place in the road where you turn a corner, and suddenly the dunes appear. It excited me as a child, and choked me up as an adult.
We drove out to spend the fourth of July with my Michigan family in Silver Lake, Michigan, where I grew up. It was the first time Kaiser and Kayden got to experience it (and meet so many of their cousins!) It was a soul-filling and deeply healing week for me.
I did just enough work to keep things moving, but truthfully, I took the time off. It was so deeply needed after such a busy June, and I actually felt refreshed when we got home (which is saying something, after a 14-hour drive!)
We spent the week on the Mac Woods Dune Rides, swimming in Silver Lake, hiking up the Sand Dunes, watching fireworks on my dad’s boat, drinking beer on the beach, making s’mores, and even greater memories. We even connected with Mal, Mike, June, Ian, Kristin, Andrew, and Emma; our Michigan friends who we haven’t gotten to see in a long time. It was a trip that I’ll never forget, thank you all for hosting us! It filled my soul (and my cooler with awesome Michigan beer from The Mitten Brewing Company!)
Adirondack Family Maternity Photography | The Tagley Family | Newcomb, NY
When Erica reached out to inquire whether I’d be willing to travel to Newcomb, NY to photograph her maternity session with extended family in the Adirondacks, I was over the moon.
The weather cleared up just in time for our session at Overlook Park, and Erica’s family arrived dressed to meet her bohemian theme. Her mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother joined her for this incredibly moving session, and it was an honor to be a part of it.
Erica, thank you so much for inviting me to be part of this special day for you. I’ll remember this Adirondack maternity session for years to come, and I’ll be thinking of you as you welcome your sweet baby to this world.
Business Retreat Photography | Kathy King Strategies | Lexington, MI
I landed in Michigan, checked my text messages, and saw that Emily was 15 minutes from the airport. I gathered my photography equipment and stood at the curb waiting to give my friend the biggest hug. We were headed to attend and photograph a business retreat in Lexington, Michigan, hosted by our business coach, Kathy King. We were so excited to meet other like-minded female entrepreneurs and spend the weekend working on the big picture of our businesses.
Emily, my best friend since seventh grade, and the owner of Whole Mama Michigan, introduced me to Kathy, who has helped guide us through entrepreneurship from the start. She has been such a guiding force, a quiet confidence behind the scenes.
I carried my camera to every session and captured photos throughout, simultaneously taking notes and documenting the entire retreat through photography. Corporate and wellness retreats like these are some of my favorite events to cover, from headshots to breakout sessions and mastermind walks on the beach.
The weekend was soul-filling, deeply informative, and left me teary-eyed and inspired on how to grow my business. (Stay tuned for exciting updates!) Thank you so much for hosting us and inviting me to photograph your first retreat, Kathy! I can’t wait for next year!
Catskills Waterfall Hiking Photography | Greene County Tourism | Workshop
When Joe, the creative director at Workshop, asked me to photograph a waterfall hiking editorial photoshoot in the Catskills for Greene County, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
The weather was overcast and drizzly, but our sweet models, Taegan and Scout, braved the trails and kept up the energy for us to capture sweet photos.
Our goal is to increase tourism traffic and increase awareness of the Catskills region through high-quality photos that help paint the picture of what it’s like to visit the area.
We were so excited to partner with Workshop and Greene County Tourism for these photoshoots (and our motorcycle, mountain biking, and golf photoshoots from earlier in the year, which I can’t wait to share!)
Graduation Photos | Granville High School Class of 2025
The rain JUST started to drizzle as I drove up to Granville High School to meet Nevaeh and her friends for their cap and gown graduation photos. And just as they arrived, the rain dissipated!
This was a first for all of us—their first graduation photoshoot, and my first GLITTER BLOWING photos! I was so excited when Nevaeh asked if we could try some. I did all of the research—how long do you blow? What are the best camera settings? What kind of glitter should we use? (Tips: we used biodegradable glitter that was the PERFECT size and shape, and we took a bunch of tries to see what the perfect amount of glitter was.) They nailed it!
Congratulations to Nevaeh, Jerry, Matt, Kandice, and Faith. You five were such fun to spend time with, and I can’t wait to see what your next life adventure brings!
Salem Prom 2025!
When Salem High School reached out and asked if I would be interested in taking photos to capture their 2025 prom, I had to resist the urge to pump my fists in the air and jump up and down. YES!
I watched the weather all week, and we had about nine days of rain in a row, so I was unsure what the day would bring. However, we didn’t need to worry—the sun made its arrival almost as brightly as each of the students in their gorgeous vehicles!
Salem’s prom is unlike any prom I’ve ever seen. The entire community was in attendance, cheering on their students. Each group of students arrived in a special vehicle, and each drew more “oohs and ahhs” than the last. My favorites were the fire truck and the horse trailer. One student even arrived in a boat! I was lucky enough to catch so many hugs, cheers, and a few happy tears, as well (including my own! It was an emotional day in so many ways!)
Salem, you absolutely made my day with your incredible energy. Thank you so much for inviting me to capture your prom this year—I can’t wait for next year!
Ribbon Cutting Event Photography | Hudson Headwaters Moreau Pharmacy
When Hudson Headwaters invited me to photograph the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Moreau pharmacy location, I was delighted. I’ve been so proud to partner with them on their provider headshots, and capturing this event was right up my alley.
We lucked out with the weather; it had rained the day before and after, but the sun came out just in time for the ribbon cutting!
Hudson Headwaters had an incredible turnout from so many members in the community and support from both the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Applause radiated from the audience as Dr. Tucker Slingerland cut the ribbon and the pharmacy was officially opened.
Congratulations to the entire Hudson Headwaters team on your ribbon cutting ceremony! It was an honor to be a part of the big day. Cheers!
Grand Opening Event Photography | Light and Lens Studios | Glens Falls NY
I was so honored to be invited to provide photography for the grand opening event of Light and Lens Studios in Glens Falls! Walking into the studio felt like coming home. Jess Keller, the owner, did SUCH a beautiful job pouring her heart and soul into this business and bringing our community together.
There was a steady stream of people coming in to support the business and I couldn’t keep track of all of the warm, loving hugs I saw!
We are all so excited for the studio to be open for business, and I can’t wait to book the studio for a client session! Cheers to Light and Lens Studios!
Lake George, NY Event Photography | Adirondack Brewery Barrelfest
We’ve been attending Adirondack Brewery’s Barrelfest event in Lake George, NY since the very first year. It’s one of the highlights of our year every year! To see incredible breweries like Mean Max Brew Works, Springbrook Distillery, Adirondack Brewery, Slyboro, Northway Brewing, Chatham Brewing, Tree Hugger Hard Cider, and so many more bring incredible beer to the table each year is deeply inspiring.
I even ran into one of my fellow Pink Boots Society members, Lily, from Bolton Landing Brewing!
Tops of Trees kept the energy up with great music to drink your beer to, and it was great to see so many smiling faces in the glow of the enormous fire. (A special thank you to Lake George Fire Department for keeping us all safe!)
I may or may not have spilled beer on my camera, but we field dressed the wound and the patient has made it through.
Thank you to John Carr and the Adirondack Brewery family for hosting another incredible event—we can’t wait for next year!
Light and Lens Studios | Branding Photography | Glens Falls NY
Jess Keller, owner of Light & Lens Studios in Glens Falls, NY
I walked into the door of the new Light and Lens Studios in Glens Falls and immediately felt like I had entered such a calming, collaborative space. The studio that Jess Keller has handcrafted, from the dark room to the rentable studio space and the community room and gallery adorned with photographs of other photographers and equipment for use just glows with the energy they have put into it.
There was another photographer in the studio when I arrived, Bill from Adirondack Alive Photography. I said hello, and the three of us chatted like old friends, though we had just met. It’s so special to encounter a place where photographers and artists can gather and help to lift each other up, not compete with each other. While standing in the darkroom, Bill and I talked about how there is plenty of work for everyone, and when we have a network of photographers that we have relationships with, we can refer clients to each other. This community is beautiful and uplifting, and to see the space that Jess has created to foster that sense of unity is truly beautiful.
I am so honored to have some of my landscape photography up in the gallery there, and I can’t wait to go back to rent the studio space, as well. If you haven’t been, keep up with them on Instagram at @LightandLensGF to follow along with their journey. Cheers to Jess and crafting a community of like-minded creatives!
Corporate Retreat Photography | Lake George, NY | Mannix Marketing
It was such an incredible honor to be invited back to capture Mannix Marketing’s corporate retreat at the Silver Bay YMCA in Lake George, NY for the second year in a row.
What a wonderful feeling it is to see familiar faces, be welcomed with hugs, and to capture the authentic affection this team clearly shares.
Capturing a corporate retreat may be different than a wedding, but it’s the same in many ways. You’re present to witness the special dynamic between people, to see how they interact together, and ultimately how they function as a whole team.
I got the chance to see the team explore kayaking, hand out awards to their grateful fellow team members, and even practice their archery skills!
Corporate retreats are one of my absolute favorite types of event to cover, and I am so thankful to be welcomed back! I can’t wait for next year!
Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day | Upstate NY Brewery Photography
Megan from Bound by Fate Brewing pitches in to brew our hazy pale ale.
Yesterday I had the honor of joining my fellow members of the Upstate NY chapter of the Pink Boots Society for Collaboration Brew Day at Unified Beerworks in Malta, NY, to brew a hazy pale ale to help raise funds for scholarships.
I’ve been a member of the Pink Boots Society for many years. I’m a huge beer geek, and I’m lucky to have worked with brewery clients such as Scotlander Brewing, Mean Max Brewing, Subversive Brewing, and others, providing photography and graphic design services.
Getting to walk past the taproom into the brewery area where the magic happens is always a special experience. I like to call it aromatherapy on brew day; the air is filled with the scent of brewing and if I could just stuff my face into a bag of hops and stay there all day, I would.
The women who gathered yesterday to brew “Think Pink, Drink Pink” were from many breweries including Active Ingredient Brewing Company, Bound by Fate Brewing, Hex and Hop Brewing, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery, and of course our host, Unified Beerworks! We laughed, we brewed, and we learned so much from Lynn, assistant brewer for Unified Beerworks.
Read more in this Times Union article!
Thank you all so much for a great brew day—I can’t wait for next year! Cheers!
2024 Granville Lighted Tractor Parade | Event Photography | Granville, NY
Each year that we are invited back to photograph the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade is better than the next. The energy of our beautiful small town coming together to put on such a wonderful event is palpable; I don’t know who is more excited each year—our kids or the adults!
The entries were extra creative this year, and it was such a joy to see Granville lit up with both lights and the energy of everyone in attendance.
Thank you to everyone who put on such a wonderful event again this year, it was such an honor to capture it again; your hard work brings joy to so many!
View and download photos here!
