Branding Photography for American Oak Distillery | Bolton Landing, NY
Cheers to the opening of American Oak Distillery’s new production facility and taproom!
When owner Dave Smith reached out to inquire about interior and exterior photos to showcase the new facility, my wheels were already spinning. I knew he would have a need for detail and portraits for social media, the website, and other promotional uses, as well.
So I encouraged him to include those along with product photography.
He saw the vision, too, and we scheduled the photoshoot on one of the most beautiful days in August!
The new facility is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t wait to return for a recreational visit!
Thank you so much for inviting me, Dave!
Cheers!
Tri-County United Way | Kids With Packs Event | Queensbury NY
When I met Laura from Tri-County United Way at the ARCC Women’s Mixer in June, we instantly connected. Her charisma and authenticity shines in everything she does. She mentioned the Kids With Packs event, and asked if I would be interested in volunteering my photography services. I was thrilled to serve such a wonderful cause.
The energy at Nemer Ford this morning was palpable, with hugs and smiles all around as volunteers sorted and organized school supplies.
I spotted Mrs. Forbes, one of our favorite teachers at Mary J. Tanner school in Granville, where my kiddos go. She is just the brightest light, and it made my heart happy just seeing her there. She was there to pick up supplies to take back to MJT and our Granville community, and also to help volunteer.
Thank you so much for inviting me to photograph this incredible event, it was such an honor to be in the presence of such joy and generosity!
Sagamore Summer Sessions: The Ryan Family | Bolton Landing, NY
Kelly and I worked together during the planning process of their extended family session at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing to ensure we had a smooth shot list once our photoshoot day came!
She filled out the questionnaire so well, and as always, I did my homework and knew names, ages, and special needs ahead of our session.
Before every session, I review the questionnaire in detail, crafting a custom shot list for each family. Based on the ages of the kiddos and grandparents, and keeping in mind any special needs or mobility issues, I have a general idea of how much time I have to work with. I craft the shot list so I’m not making anyone stand around too long, and keep the attention of the kids as long as they have the energy. If anyone needs a snack or a break during a session, we take it!
Thank you so much to the Ryan family for trusting me to document their legacy!
Saratoga 9 and Wine Golf Tournament | Event Photography | The Wesley Community
This awesome group requested a “levitation” shot. They nailed it!
It was as if the universe had painted the perfect blue sky day for the 2026 Saratoga 9 and Wine golf tournament; a fundraiser to support the Wesley Community.
Everyone in attendance was in great spirits, and were such good sports as they approached us at hole #1 for a photo opportunity!
I was so thankful to be invited to capture this incredible event; the marketing team at the Wesley Foundation was wonderful to work with, and we had such a great time!
I also got the chance to meet Marin, a ninth grader with an interest in photojournalism. She shadowed me for the day, and I was happy to help with a few tips throughout the event. She did a great job!
Thank you so much for having me; I can’t wait for next year!
My Business Turns FOUR Today!
I can’t believe it, we’ve been in business for FOUR whole years today! It sneaks up on me every year, and makes me extra emotional.
Starting a small business is terrifying, exciting, and the bravest thing I’ve ever done. (And yes, I put terrifying first, because that’s exactly how I felt when I was laid off from my full-time agency job four years ago.
After graduating from Michigan State University, I moved to New York for an internship with Cosmopolitan Magazine. I worked in the art department, and got to see all of the magic behind the photoshoots in a magazine that I grew up idolizing as a young girl.
It was the summer of 2006, and Cosmo moved from their 57th street home to the Hearst Tower. I was charged with combing through the archives, and even got the chance to take some of these beauties home (including a 1997 issue featuring Mariah Carey, who will always be my baby!)
I spent that summer falling in love with magazines and photography, and for the next 20 years, I worked in-house as an art director, photographer, and managing director of design for both publications and advertising agencies.
I am so thankful for all of the teams I got to be a part of; I learned so much through my journey.
In 2022, I was laid off from my full-time NYC agency job, working as an art director. (The client had cut the budget for the magazine we produced, and my role went with it.)
I had two small children at home, and I had never been without a job. I was absolutely terrified.
My husband Karl and I sat down and talked about the options. The kids were still SO little. We were still in the middle of a pandemic, though things were getting better. Running a business was never part of my plan.
And then suddenly, it was my entire plan. I dove in head first, created an LLC, and took some business courses. I had that tingling feeling that I was on the right track, and my husband and my sister believed in me before I did.
Suddenly, I knew I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. Serving families, agencies, and businesses through photography.
Now, I am so proud to serve clients such as the Pink Boots Society, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Sidekick Creative, Workshop, Greene County Tourism, American Oak Distilling, Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce, and spend my summer evenings capturing families on vacation in Lake George, and my days with my kiddos (now 8 and 6).
My husband is now a licensed video drone pilot, and on the occasions we get to work together, it all feels like it was meant to be.
It’s not always perfect. (Like five minutes ago, when I was trying so hard to write this blog post, and my 6-year-old was having a meltdown; can anyone relate?!) But we’re doing the best we can, one day at a time. And somehow four years has gone by, and we’re growing stronger than ever (not without the occasional meltdown, of course.)
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to my husband and kiddos, my family for helping support me and watch the kids when I have photoshoots, my friends for lifting me up, and my clients, for believing in me and turning this business into something that will last. I can only do this because of all of you.
Cheers to many more years!
Bolton Landing Summer Family Session: The Kyle Family
We watched the weather all week, and even though Tuesday in Bolton Landing was cloudy, it was a bright spot in the otherwise rainy three days, which made for the BEST photos! I’m so glad we didn’t reschedule (though I always offer when the weather is questionable.)
The Kyle family had the beach to themselves, and we had the sweetest session exploring, throwing rocks, and watching wildlife. It was a magical morning.
At one point, Henry’s stuffie, “Cloudy”, an unpaid model for this session, was tossed into the water so he could go swimming. We all laughed from the bottom of our hearts, and Aunt Morgan bravely jumped off of the dock to save him.
Those bloopers are always my FAVORITE photos of the day, and I laughed right along with the whole family as the rescue mission occurred.
Thank you so much to the Kyle family for sharing the morning with me! Your Bolton Landing summer family session filled my heart!
Summer Family Session at the Sagamore: The Spellman Family
Summer family sessions at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing are some of my favorites!
This was my first Sagamore session of the season with the sweet Spellman family! Michael and Darlene were celebrating their 40th anniversary (and they shared with me that they met when they were twelve! Can you believe it?!)
Theo and Sabrina were SO sweet for the entire session, and even snuggled up for some bonus photos down on the lawn.
Thank you so much to the Spellman family for trusting me to capture your beautiful family!
Lake George Family Photography | The Worden Family
Nikki reached out back in November to book an extended Lake George family session as a gift to her parents for the holidays.
When I finally stepped into their Airbnb this week, we hugged like long lost friends! Her kiddos were the sweetest, and didn’t even need time to warm up to me.
By the end of our session, we were all splashing in Lake George together; the PERFECT way to end a summer session! I drove home with wet pants and sandals, but it was WORTH IT!
Thank you so much to the Worden/Jamin/Gent family for trusting me to capture your family vacation in Lake George!
Toni’s Wine Bar | Schenectady NY Editorial Photography
Walking into Toni’s Wine Bar felt like being welcomed into a friend’s home for the best glass of wine.
Leaning against the wall behind the bar is a sign that reads “Shit List: Mitch, Me.” And she told me that the neon sign was serendipitiously delivered just hours before opening. The walls are dark, and it has a speakeasy feel, with several different intimate nooks around the space for relaxing with friends.
Toni is a bright light and a force to be reckoned with. She opened in November, and has taken Schenectady’s night life to the next level. She opened up about how close-knit and supportive the community has been, and how she had several people come to help when the ice machine broke last week. I love a good story of entrepreneurs lifting each other up!
Thank you so much for inviting me into your space (and sharing your “breakfast wine” with me, Toni!
Summer Kickoff 2026 | Ballston Spa Event Photography
Today was the perfect day to celebrate the season at the family friendly Summer Kickoff event, hosted in Ballston Spa by Fit4Mom Upstate NY and Play Hollow!
I took my little photo assistant along to help for the day, and he was over the moon when he saw Bluey, faceprinting, sidewalk chalk, giant Connect Four, all of the goodies for sale, and especially the Kona Ice truck!
(You’re allowed to have a snow cone at 10am when you’re a busy photo assistant, right?! Sidenote: he fell asleep in the car on the way home, and I sat in the driveway waiting for him to wake up. IYKYK, right, toddler moms?)
Thank you so much to my beautiful friends at Fit4Mom Upstate NY and my new friends at Play Hollow for hosting such a lovely event, and inviting me to capture it! I can’t wait to see you all again soon!
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Event Photography | Wiawaka Lake George NY
Last night was my first time visiting Wiawaka in Lake George, and my first time photographing an event for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce! It was the perfect first event, and absolutely stunning venue. This was a collaborative event with the ARCC Women's Business Council (WBC), Lake George Women in Business (WIB), and the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce.
Wiawaka has an energy about it that is hard to describe. Walking up the drive, your shoulders drop a bit, you breathe in the fresh lake air, and you immediately feel a sense of community.
Upon arrival, I was immediately welcomed into the group, and introduced around warmly. As a bit of an introvert, it was so lovely to feel a sense of belonging!
Laughter and hugs were seen all around, and when the evening started to wind down, a group of women made their way down to the boathouse dock right on Lake George. I couldn’t help it—I dipped my toes into the lake, shoes, pants and all! It was so hot outside that the water felt incredibly refreshing.
Thank you so much to the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for the warm welcome and for hosting such an incredible event! I can’t wait to capture the next one!
Slate Valley Farmers Market | Granville, NY Event Photography
From the moment Heather Magee, owner of Slateville Farm, reached out to inquire whether I’d be willing to photograph this event, I knew it was meant to be.
She and all of the other vendors in attendance have poured so much love and energy into reviving the Slate Valley Farmers Market, and it shows.
In attendance were Slateville Farm, Maddie’s Market, Swezey View Farm, Evergreen Ridge Farm, Braeside Bread Co., Simply by Grace Homestead, The Granville TNR Project, Hebron Hills Blacksmithing, and Hide From The Bear Honey.
It is just the kind of event that our community needs, and the fact that I waved to three people who I knew while I was walking down the street from my home to the market told me I was in the right place.
As a bonus, my sweet kiddos, my husband, and my mother-in-law all came to visit, as well. (They loved the strawberries, the blueberry jam, the kettle corn, and ESPECIALLY the giant cookies!)
Thank you, Heather, for inviting me to capture this event, and bringing such a wonderful event to our community!
Acrobat: U2 Tribute Show at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY
Acrobat: U2 Tribute Band at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls
Part two of my doubleheader weekend was covering the Acrobat: U2 Tribute Band at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY. (The first was photographing the annual Granville Area Chamber of Commerce member dinner.)
It was a wonderful juxtaposition of networking and taking candid event photos in a gorgeous venue, then going underground to capture the energy and love of Acrobat, based in Toronto.
The energy that Acrobat pours into the crowd is palpable, and it was such a joy to be present and capture the action.
As a contributing photographer for Metroland Now, I cover events and concerts whenever I can, and it’s an awesome fuel for creativity!
Thank you to The Strand Theater, Acrobat, and Metroland Now for making the most incredible doubleheader of my photography career possible!
Granville Chamber of Commerce Member Dinner | Gables and Gardens
Pulling into Gables & Gardens in Granville, NY feels like arriving at a magical place. The grounds are sprawling, lush, and welcoming, which is no surprise, as it’s owned by Mandy’s Spring Nursery (also owners of Canopy in Saratoga.)
The Granville Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual member dinner there on Saturday, and it was as beautiful inside as it was on the outside.
The weather seemed to clear just in time for the event, and each member who came through the door had a smile on their face. Hugs and laughter were abundant, drinks were served by On The Rocks Pub, and the food was incredible, as well.
Thank you to the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to photograph this event at Gables & Gardens—I had such a wonderful time!
I wish I could have stayed for dinner, but this event was only part one of two for me that day! The second act was about to begin shortly after I headed to cover a concert for Metroland Now in Hudson Falls!
20 Years in New York
20 years ago, I made the bravest decision of my life. I graduated from Michigan State University, and applied for an internship at Cosmopolitan Magazine. I didn’t think I had a chance.
One month later, with no place to live and a mountain of student loan debt, I packed my bags and moved away from everything I knew and everyone I loved in Michigan to New York.
Thankfully, my aunt and uncle graciously allowed me to live with them for the duration of the internship. I commuted down to NYC from Poughkeepsie that summer, every day in awe when I stepped off that train and into a different world.
I fell in love with magazines and photography, and they wove their way into the fiber of my being.
I never got on the flight back home to Michigan.
After that, I worked for agencies and magazines, learning as I went, making connections that would turn out to be lifelong, and made my way in the world.
Now, I’ve lived in NY for almost half of my life.
I get to photograph concerts, motorcycles, conferences, doctors, events, families, and my own sweet kiddos.
Now I am living my dream, all because I missed a flight 20 years ago.
Lake George Engagement Photography | Jennie and Ari
Memorial Day weekend in Lake George feels like the official start to summer. When Jennie and Ari contacted me to schedule their Lake George engagement photoshoot on the Friday of the weekend, I was so excited!
Jennie and Ari have a sweet ease about them. It’s the subtle energy in how they interact and move about the world together. It was lovely to witness, even just for our session.
Avid readers, their proposal story had a sweet literary twist to it, and so I brought along a prop book to help tell their tale. (And I didn’t even notice Jennie’s sweet book tattoo until I began editing! It was serendipitous!)
Congratulations on your engagement, Jennie and Ari! Thank you for trusting me to capture a chapter of your love story!
Outdoor Headshot Sessions | Devin & Madison | Saratoga Springs, NY
We rescheduled Devin and Madison’s outdoor headshot sessions due to the May rain that hit last week. I always keep a close eye on the weather, and will reach out before your session to discuss whether you’d like to reschedule!
There are such a wide variety of possibilities for headshot sessions—in studio, in-office, and outdoor. Outdoor headshot sessions are some of my favorites, providing a natural, authentic, organic feel!
I come to each session with the location in mind, and for this session in Saratoga Springs NY, I had five different spots picked out in the park. We worked with the light (it was partly cloudy, so we had some shots that were in full sun, and some that were a bit more overcast, providing a nice variety of options for the clients.) We worked with the spots that I had pre-vetted, and also found a few new hidden gems of our own!
Devin, owner of Devin Leigh Marketing; and her husband, Madison, owner of Mastadon Strength Lab, have two very different visual brands. The variety provided with an outdoor session gave them both a nice array of options to choose from, and as a thank you, we even snuck in a few adorable couple shots for them! Thank you both for trusting me, I can’t wait to cover future events and the gym’s grand opening!
Lake George Family Photography at the Sagamore | The Cocozza Family
This session with the Cocozza family at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, NY was heartwarming and so memorable! Rachel reached out to book this session as a surprise for her father-in-law on his birthday weekend.
The wind was strong, but it didn’t stop us from capturing all of the beautiful moments and love this family shares.
We chased the light (and the littles!) and even got a few funny photos in for the blooper reel!
Thank you so much to this sweet family for trusting me to capture this beautiful family vacation memory for them!
Granville Chamber of Commerce Mixer | Event Photography
Amy Hoffer, Tourism & Economic Development Specialist, Washington County
Walking into a networking event alone can be a vulnerable thing. Who will be there? Will I know anyone?
Last night’s mixer event hosted by the Granville Chamber of Commerce at Slate Town Brewing in Granville was one of the best I’ve been to! The highlight was when I was introduced as “the one whose son wears suits to kindergarten every day!” I couldn’t help grinning from ear-to-ear.
Amy Hoffer, Tourism & Economic Development Specialist for Washington County made a super helpful presentation on social media best practices, and I alternated taking photos of her and the screen itself, so I could keep notes for later!
Thank you so much to the Granville Chamber of Commerce for a wonderful event!
Catskills Winter Editorial Photoshoot | Travel Photography
I’ve been loving the commercial and editorial photography sessions this year! We went back to the Catskills to work with Catskills Tourism and the team at Workshop to help promote their winter season. It turned out to be one of my favorite photoshoots that we’ve ever done.
We started at Bearpen Mountain Sports, and were immediately greeted by Stella, the gorgeous golden retriever who lives there. She was, of course, our favorite model from the day! Here our models tried curling, winter biking, and of course enjoyed some apres action at the beautiful lodge on the premises! (You know I love the beer portion of the shoots!)
We captured more at Hotel Vienna, including the sauna and indoor pool, and even photographed some late night fun at Slopes Bar & Restaurant.
Thank you to the Workshop team for another incredible travel photoshoot in the Catskills!
