Granville Lighted Tractor Parade | Granville, NY
Walking through the streets of our sweet hometown, Granville NY, last night, you could feel the magical energy in the air. We pulled our kiddos in wagons across the footbridge, under the twinkling snowflake lights to get to main street, where the annual Granville Lighted Tractor Parade was about to begin.
We were so thrilled to be asked to capture this event again this year! My husband, Karl, took some drone video, and I captured still photos. It’s an incredibly special event for us as a family—our kiddos loved this event long before we started capturing it—and we are so happy to support and uplift our town.
There were a record 75 tractors registered this year, and as they took off from Telescope Casual Furniture parking lot, each family beamed with happy energy, kids and adults alike.
Every year, I find myself tearing up at the smiles of the children and the warm, inviting atmosphere. (You all know how emotional I am, and this event is no exception!)
Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and participants who made this event a beautiful success. From the bottom of our hearts, and the hearts of our sweet kiddos, you made our holiday season brighter. We can’t wait for next year!
Ladies Night Event | (g)row for kids | Glens Falls, NY
I was so honored to capture the Ladies Night event in Glens Falls last night at (g)row for kids, one of the sweetest children’s stores in the area!
To be honest, with two kids ages 6 and 3, I don’t get out much. And I REALLY don’t get out much during the week, after dark. So when the ladies at (g)row asked me to join them for this event, I was over the moon in more ways than one!
What a treat to get to see the twinkling lights that adorn downtown Glens Falls this holiday season. You could feel the energy of all of the people strolling downtown, happy laughter floating on the sparse snowflakes that fell gently from the sky.
The energy inside of (g)row and many of the other businesses was electric. Women gathering to support each other and catch up over a glass of champagne or a Common Roots beer (I was lucky enough to be set up across from Lindsey at the Common Roots booth, and she so kindly handed out samples. My beer-lover heart was in pure bliss—taking photos and drinking some Good Fortune IPA. What could be better?!
I was so thrilled to see a few friends, meet new ones (like Emily from ADKDoula and Emily from The Upstate OT) and give out free hugs!) This event was truly one-of-a-kind; I can’t wait for next year!
Tips and Posing Prompts for Families with Older Kids | Argyle, NY
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Sarah, Ryan, Hudson and Neva for a little over a year, and was so thrilled to photograph them for the second year in a row. Not only are they the sweetest family; they have two kids who are at the age where they could roll their eyes at the silly things I make them do. But you know what my favorite thing is? Now that we’re all getting to know each other, the kids know me and my sassy personality, and I know theirs. So I started the session telling Neva: “you know I’m going to make you do silly things to make you laugh!” And she was such a doll that she went along with it all lightheartedly. By the end, we were all doubled over with laughter! Here are a few tips for my families with older kids:
Tips and Posing Prompts for Families with Older Kids
We start the session by building camaraderie. Kids appreciate when you’re straightforward with them! So I try to say “Okay, you guys. I know photoshoots might not be your favorite thing, but bear with me, and we’ll get it done as quickly as we can!”
Then, we actually get it done quickly. Stay true to my word helps build rapport and trust with them, and they’ll be more inclined to keep their energy through the session. I study ahead of time and have a strong workflow, so you can get the same number of photos in a short period of time that you would with a longer session.
“Hug your brother like you love him!” Though it might start out with wrestling and giggles, the sweet candid hug happens in the middle of the beautiful laughter!
“Do you guys want to see how these are turning out? Come behind my camera and let’s take a photo of mom and dad.” The kids can step out of the frame for a breather, and they get to see how good they’re looking. Bonus: we get some photos of just mom and dad, and the kids feel involved!
When you book your session, I send a questionnaire and we talk ahead of time. I ask what jokes or questions might make them giggle. (I’m not ashamed to admit that at my own recent session, we yelled “POOP!” Like, a lot.)
Sessions with older kids are some of my favorites! It helps when I’m fortunate enough to build a relationship with a family through the years, and the kids get to know me (like the sweet Sassamans!) When we’re able to get to know each other’s personalities, everyone is more comfortable, and the session is the most enjoyable for all!
Tips for a Relaxing Photoshoot with Your AMAZING High Energy Kids | Clifton Park, NY
This session in Clifton Park, NY with Cindy and her sweet son Jack was soul-filling! We chased crunchy leaves, spotted huge bulldozers, and even had a tickle fight! I left feeling so thankful to this family for spending the morning with me.
I am a photographer specializing in high energy kids and their families! With two energetic kids of my own, ages 5 and 3, I know just how it feels to spend hours choosing the right outfits, stress out the morning of, trying to get everyone dressed and in the car (where are your shoes we just bought?! Everybody go potty! Stop hitting your brother!) Truth be told, I choose our own photographers based equally on their work and their ability to calm my own family during our session. (By the end of our beach session, Jessica’s relaxed and encouraging energy had us all dashing into the ocean playfully!)
It wasn’t until after a recent session with one of my favorite families that the mama turned to me and sighed, and as we both watched her son happily bouncing off into the field, told me how relaxed she felt during our session, and that every other session she’s had left her feeling frazzled and stressed. She said that my calming presence and patience helped her to actually ENJOY her session! It was the most remarkable feedback I could have received. Here are a few tips I’ve learned being both behind the camera and in front of it to bring some namaste to your session.
Tips for a relaxing session with your high energy kiddos:
Bring layers. (whether your session is hot or cold, you can add or remove outer shirts for your kiddos to help them be most comfortable! Bonus: if they get dirty, you have a backup!)
Trust your photographer. We’ll chat beforehand, and I’ll ask you what your hopes are for the session. The more information you share with me about your kiddos’ personalities, the better prepared I am to jump in and play games with them! (Are they Team Chase, or Team Rubble?) I build a shotlist for every session, and come prepared to help guide you through your session. You’ll feel confident knowing I have it handled, and you can relax and enjoy your session.
Embrace the chaos! It may feel like craziness to you as the mama, but know that all of the magical candid photos that occur during your session are happening in the middle of all of that. I just need a few seconds to capture that heartmelting smile!
Cindy and Jack embraced all of these, and came into our session with the most open minds and hearts—I had the most incredible morning with them, and left feeling so thankful that this is my job. Thank you so much, Cindy and Jack!
At Home Backyard Fall Photos | The Gazdecki Family | Glens Falls, NY
I’m often asked whether photos can be taken at your home. YES! Your photoshoot can be at a location of your choosing! There are popular locations that I often capture sessions at: Crandall Park in Glens Falls, NY; Mettowee Park in Granville, NY; Dana Thompson Memorial Park in Vermont. And one of the MOST favorite location requests is your home! We can do your session right in your own backyard! This option is great if you have small kiddos and want the convenience of not having to travel, or a family pet that you want to include but don’t want to pack into the car.
Worried that your backyard isn’t picture perfect? Don’t stress, mine isn’t either! We’ll work around those strewn about monster trucks and rogue hoses.
We can even take your session right inside your home! These sessions are great for new babies, so your pets and kiddos are comfortable in their own space. And again, you don’t have to worry if everything isn’t straight out of a Martha Stewart spread. That’s what careful cropping and placement is for!
When you book your session, we’ll choose together what works for you and your family!
How to Involve Your Kids in Your Maternity Photoshoot | Williston, VT
The weather for this mid-October family session in Williston VT was one of the most unpredictable days this season! On the (gorgeous) drive to Vermont, it went from full sun to pouring rain, and everything in between. I came prepared with umbrellas, as I always do, just in case! And though the weather fluctuated, the sky cleared up JUST as we began our session!
There are many ways to include your children in your maternity photoshoot. We played a few games, and asked them where the baby is and told them to point to mama’s belly! They hugged mama and even gave her belly a kiss.
Sara’s sweet family was heart-meltingly adorable, including their pup, Finley, and her two sweet babies who are so excited to welcome their new sibling soon!
The Best Time of Year For Your Upstate NY Family Photoshoot | The Chapman Family | Glens Falls, NY
When is the best time of year to do your family photoshoot in Upstate NY? I’m asked this quite often, and the answer is: it depends on your preferences!
I’ve been lucky enough to have several sessions with one of my favorite families: The Chapman Family! They’ve experienced the hottest temperatures in the summer for their graduation session, and the absolute coldest in the winter with their tree farm session, and they absolutely rocked them all!
What season should you choose for your session?
1) Fall
Fall is one of the busiest and most popular seasons to choose from for a reason! If you’re in Upstate NY like we are, or somewhere similar, you get the beautiful colors of the foliage, and you can wear your sweetest fall outfits without the temperature being too cold. Aim for late September / early October for the best chance at catching those leaves before they… fall. (See what I did there?!)
2) Spring/Summer
If you’re looking to come out of hibernation and wear your cutest summer dress that you ordered on Amazon but never got the chance to wear, schedule your session for spring or summer. In Upstate NY, the flowers are just starting to bloom in late May, early June. (Bonus: my favorite flowers, peonies, are in bloom by mid-June, usually!) It gets pretty hot mid July to late August, but early morning and late afternoon is more enjoyable for you and your kiddos! See more photos from Julianne’s summer graduation session here!
3) Winter
Another super popular season is winter for holiday tree farm sessions! Pro tip: if the temperatures are chilly and you have young kiddos, have your photographer choose a location where you can park the car nearby to warm up in the middle of your session if you need to! We did this for Julianne’s tree farm session: warm up in the car, pop out for a few photos, and then hop back in! See more from their tree farm session here!
The truth is, any time of year is great for photos. It just depends on what you’re looking for, what you’ll use your photos for in the end, and how adventurous you’re feeling. My favorite family relationships are the ones that have us gathered to capture your photos several times per year, so we build a relationship and your kiddos know and recognize me when we see each other, and I get the honor of watching them grow, alongside my own.
What to Wear for Your Extended Family Session | The Armstrong Family | Glens Falls NY
I’m asked quite often “what should we wear to our extended family session?” We recently had our own session done, and I admit—it feels like pressure, trying to style the entire family! Well, if I could, I’d just copy and paste the Armstrong Family’s style! (Christie, of Learn and Play Strong, was even kind enough to share where she got clothes for the boys, and if they made the shirts in larger than a 5T, I’d have chosen them for my own kiddos!)
Neutral colors always look stunning in photos. The reason is that the outfits take a back seat to the real stars of the photoshoot: those beautiful models!
I provide all clients with a photoshoot tip sheet, and advise that colors like beige, cream, sage, denim, white, blue, grey always look great in photos. If you can, try to avoid logos or strong, distracting patterns. They can tend to appear to vibrate in photos, believe it or not!
Matching the kiddos is always honestly one of my favorites! You can also color coordinate them in styles that are similar but not exact.
Did you know? I offer each client a complimentary styling consultation. This can be as simple as you sending me photos of two outfits on your bed that you’re waffling between, and I can help guide you! You can also check out Pinterest for ideas, or seek the help of a styling service such as Styled In The Wild!
The most important thing to note? Dress comfortably. If you and the kids are comfortable, you’ll enjoy your session so much more and it will show!
Thank you to the Christie and the Armstrong Family for one of the best extended family sessions I’ve had this season! They were so wonderful, and we got all three kiddos looking at the camera in one photo! No small feat, as all mamas of littles know!
Fall Family Photos: The Bureau Family | Glens Falls, NY
Do you ever have a feeling that you were meant to connect with certain people? Well, I have that feeling about this family.
Beth is the owner of Fit4Mom Queensbury-Saratoga, and if you haven’t been to a class, she is warm, engaging, and makes it feel like you’re not even working out! (And trust me, I am no fitness connoisseur!) We first met when she reached out to ask if I would capture the grand opening class back in June.
I was deeply thrilled that she asked, and I let her know that while I’d love to do it, school would just be getting out, and I’d have my five-year-old son, Kaiser, with me. Not only did she invite Kaiser to come along, she offered to let him ride in her own stroller with her son, Parker. It brought tears to my eyes, and for the first time, I felt like my dream of balancing work and taking care of my babies was becoming a reality.
So when she reached back out to schedule her own family session, I was over the moon! The best part was that her sweet kiddos had met me before, which always helps them be more comfortable with me. I transform from the stranger lady with a camera into “Kaiser’s mom”. It’s why I am so passionate about building relationships with my clients, year after year.
The session was one of my absolute favorites, and we caught all of the sweet moments that come with life with two small kiddos. Thank you Beth and Dan, for trusting me to capture your sweet family!
Photobooth at the Autumn Leaves Car Show | Granville NY
It’s a vulnerable feeling, to put yourself out there and let your community know you’re in business. The kids, Karl and I shlepped the booth items to the fairgrounds for the Autumn Leaves Car Show in Granville and were immediately greeted by the kind folks running it, who offered (several) hands to help us set up. Already, I could feel the warmth of our neighbors, helping to support us.
I had a front row seat to the car show, a wonderful bonus for our first year setting this up. I watched the smiles on the faces of the car owners and the other vendors as they gathered in small groups of three or four, catching up and sipping coffee as they reminisced. This is the beauty of small town living.
I wondered if anyone would show up—with it being our first year, would anyone know about it, or care? An hour went by with a few smiles and friendly chatter, before Kaiser’s friend Sebastian, his sweet new baby brother, and his family walked up. I was overjoyed to see familiar faces, and we got great photos! The momentum built, and before I knew it, I had a line of giddy kiddos behind me.
My eyes filled with gratitude; it’s an incredible feeling to have your community come out to support you, and to have the opportunity to serve your neighbors who lift you up in regular life every day. Here are just a few of the families who came to support us; we can’t wait to see who comes out next year!
Rachel & Todd’s Fall Vermont Wedding | Wells, VT
Two days before their big day, I messaged Rachel that theirs was a dream wedding, in more ways than one. I woke up twice that week after dreams of bouquets and fall golden hour in a vast Vermont field. My dreams weren’t far off.
The brisk, softly cloudy September day brew soft fall breezes to rustle dresses and billow wisps of hair. As I walked Rachel across the grassy field on the way to do her first look with Todd, I asked her if she was nervous. “No, I’m just excited to get this done!” She was the most relaxed bride (even as our timeline grew short, she kept her cool.)
The look on Todd’s face when she tapped him on the shoulder was something I’ll never forget. The deep love and affection they share can be felt from across the room. Theirs is a love story like no other, and though they’ve been through ups and downs in both of their lives, they have risen like a phoenix and created the most beautiful life together.
It was a true honor to be present for their deeply moving wedding day, on the most perfect fall day in Vermont. It was the first wedding my husband joined me as second photographer, and at times, it didn’t even feel like we were working—we caught ourselves shaking our booties to the music, smiling at each other across the dance floor. (Truth be told, we both expected to be more stressed, with me snapping orders at him. Rachel and Todd’s energy must have been contagious, because I’m proud to say I didn’t snap once! HA!) Congratulations, Rachel and Todd!
Run for a Cause: PSA5K Event Photography | Clifton Park, NY
The energy of this event was palpable. I arrived at Yankee Distillers, where it was hosted, a bit nervous as I didn’t know anyone (I was covering this event for my friend Andrew Elder over at Best Frame Forward). I left with tears in my eyes, hugging Kristy and her family, who partnered with Burn Bootcamp to create this event in honor of Nicholas Green.
I knew nothing about Poland Syndrome before this day, but I researched as much as I could and I know more now. (You can find more information at this site.)
The crowd was warm: parents with young children, family members, and groups of friends, all hugging and laughing. Kids played cornhole and dogs tried to eat the cornhole bags, as everyone stretched and prepared for the run.
The kiddos went first, then stole the hearts of everyone in attendance as they handed out medals at the end of the adult race. (And I was even handled an honorary medal, which I still have hanging in my office as a special reminder of this day.)
I stood on the sidelines near the finish line to capture people throwing their hands up in victory, and as each person finished, I teared up. It was deeply emotional watching this group of people come together in order to build awareness of Poland Syndrome.
Event photography in general is one of my favorite aspects of photography, but this one touched my heart. I arrived knowing not a soul, and left with tears streaming down my cheeks as I hugged new friends and left feeling lighter than I had when I arrived.
PS: we even made the Times Union!
Sandy Toddler Toes | Maine Beach Vacation Family Photos | Biddeford, ME
We’ve been friends for decades. Seven of nine kids got to meet last week for the first time on the beach in Biddeford, ME (we were missing two this trip!)
The weather was perfect, and though having seven boys under the age of eleven was loud and chaotic at times, they got along with each other SO well and we were able to sit with a drink in our hands, watching our babies bond.
I realized, as I watched Sarah open a Capri Sun, that she and I met around the same age our kids are now: second grade. She and I would drink those same drinks, never knowing we’d be watching our children play together decades later.
We returned home with our hearts so full, and missing our Maine beach terribly! We’re so thankful to our gracious hosts. Maine will live in our hearts forever.
Namaste: Capturing a Wellness Retreat | Finger Lakes, NY
From the moment we all arrived, the energy was warm and welcoming. We were all there with a common purpose: to take a moment out of our busy lives to help better ourselves. I was there to capture the retreat, and it was an honor to meet and befriend each of the incredible women in attendance.
I had watched my sister, Sandi, dream up this retreat and put in all of the hard work to make it a reality over the last year. To see her face as she watched this dream come true brought tears to my eyes.
We spent time at the most incredible retreat house in Penn Yan, NY in the Finger Lakes Region. We laughed, we cried, and we all came away with a deep sense of gratitude and joy.
We welcomed Erica Keays from Spa Studio Adirondacks for an aromatherapy workshop and chair massages (she was WONDERFUL and SO knowledgable!) And Melissa Golub joined us for restorative yoga flow and an embodiment and self-compassion workshop. Sandi herself ran a presentation on food and how it affects your mood, which was SO educational. And in between, we shared meals, laughs, and a renewed sense of friendship with a group of women who started off as strangers.
Capturing wellness retreats is one of my FAVORITE aspects of event photography; I always come away feeling so honored to bear witness to the team’s energy and love. I can’t wait to capture another retreat for later this month at Silver Bay YMCA in Lake George, NY!
Baby Ryan's First Birthday Baseball Photoshoot | Clifton Park / Halfmoon, NY
Ryan’s first birthday photoshoot at Halfmoon Town Park was one of the most heartwarming sessions I’ve had the pleasure of capturing this year!
Amanda and Marc put so much careful thought and love into their idea for the session, and it was deeply moving to witness the love that they have for each other and their sweet baby.
When Amanda reached out and asked if we could do a baseball themed photoshoot, I was OVER THE MOON! When she sent me a Pinterest board with ideas, I was fist pumping. I love when clients put so much love into their session!
It was one of the hottest sessions yet this summer, but they were so patient and we got amazing photos! I can’t wait to watch sweet Ryan grow! Happy birthday to my newest little buddy!
Champagne Dreams: WE DID IT! One Year in Business!
I honestly can’t believe it! We are celebrating one WHOLE YEAR in business! And I use “we” because it’s not just me. This is truly a team effort and would never have been possible without all of YOU, my incredible clients, for trusting and booking with me; and my husband and babies for helping with gear prep and research, and managing the bubble machine!
Though it started off with being laid off from my day job, this has truly been a dream come true. We started building this business after I was laid off from my day job (I was designing a magazine for an agency, and due to budget cuts, it stopped printing.) My husband and I sat down, talked through our fears, and decided ultimately to give this fledgling business a chance to flourish. And flourish it has.
At the beginning of the year, I had no idea what kind of goals to set. I first set a goal of 23 photoshoots for the entire year. With the support of all of my clients, we quickly surpassed that goal in only 6 months!
When I did the Just Off Glen podcast, the host, Christy asked me what success would look like for me. I said I wasn’t sure, and I would be happy just to be able to pay the bills.
As word of mouth began to spread, more graphic design and photography bookings came my way, and when the first check arrived, I had to sit down because I had tears in my eyes. It was working.
Building a business has taken every ounce of my soul and energy, in a beautiful way. Often, my husband and I sit up and talk through photoshoots and logistics after the kids have gone to bed. We are truly all in this together.
As the one year mark hits, I am overwhelmed with emotion—humbled and deeply thankful. I am now so busy I am booking months ahead, and I couldn’t be more grateful! Cheers to the first year in business, and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds!
Julianne & Joseph | Mother and Son Graduation Session, Glens Falls NY
This was an incredibly special session to celebrate the graduation of mother and son! Julianne completed Graduate School and Joseph graduated from Preschool; they wanted to celebrate together!
My own son, Kaiser, is the same age as Joseph, so it was so much fun running around and giving him fun running ninja prompts! His sweet energy made the whole session so much fun!
This is a family of champions, as our last tree farm session together was absolutely freezing, and this one was hotter than Hades! But we had so much fun at both, and I can’t wait to capture them again in the fall!
Scotlander: Brewery Branding Session with Team Headshots | Argyle, NY
This brewery branding session with team headshots at Scotlander Brewing in Argyle, NY was something of a dream for me. If we’ve just met, there’s nothing I love more than beer and photos (in that order!) Okay, and my kids and husband, too.
Having the chance to combine those loves and serve a team as awesome and kind-hearted as “The Sarahs” at Scotlander made for a session that I’ve been dreaming about since I started my business.
We aimed for an early evening golden hour session, just before the sun set. I instructed them to bring a pint each of their most colorful offering for a rainbow cheers—they didn’t disappoint!
Truth be told, we ran this session like a rookie fraternity hazing when I would instruct everyone to cheers and chug. They were dutiful and it made for one of the most fun sessions this year to date!
Thank you, Scotlander, for making my beer and photo dreams come true! I can’t wait to come back in a few months for fall family session of Photos and Pints! Stay tuned for more details!
Granville Block Party
We walked the stroller down the street past Slate Town Brewing and On The Rocks to the sound of music in the air. The kids felt it, and the energy grew as we drew closer.
Living in this beautiful small town has a special energy about it—you run into people and catch up in the middle of the street as you go about your life. It wasn’t always this way for us; though we’ve lived in Granville since 2010, we’re new compared to the families who have grown their roots here for generations. We’re so proud to be raising our two babies here, and so thankful for all of the connections we’ve made since we’ve been here.
The sun began to set on the party as the children ran about and danced with reckless abandon in a way that us adults wish we could bottle up and reproduce for ourselves. Families gathered to catch up and small businesses joined together to build each other up.
It was an incredible summer day in the town of Granville, and we’re so thankful to Brenda Ross and everyone who put so much energy into this special event! We’re so proud to live in our sweet town!
Surprise Prospect Mountain Proposal! | Lake George, NY
It’s rare that Karl and I escape for a date night, but thanks to Grandma and Grandpa we made it to Lake George on Saturday! We started the day off location scouting and taking a few promo photos for each other (by the way, if anyone ever asks me what my idea of a perfect date is—this is IT! Followed by a few craft beers at Adirondack Brewery, of course.)
We made it to the top of Prospect Mountain, and I stood posing awkwardly in front of the epic view, when I heard “oh look! Someone’s getting engaged!”
Luckily, I had JUST purchased my 70-200 lens which captures distant moments intimately! My heart started racing excitedly, and I whirled like a photography ninja to catch the couple, surrounded by their friends, embracing after she said yes!
I tried to give them some private space, but I knew I’d regret it if I left and didn’t offer to take a few photos for them! We captured just a few, and then I left them to enjoy their day. We left for lunch and a few beers, exhilarated at the beautiful moment we just witnessed. To my delight, the new bride-to-be found me through my website and emailed to ask if she could purchase the images. I responded that I was SO happy she found me, and I was delighted to send her everything I had at no charge.
What an incredible day! I doubt we’ll ever top a Lake George date night with a magic surprise proposal on top of Prospect Mountain! Congratulations to the newly engaged couple! We are OVER THE MOON for you!
