Serenity | Lifestyle Newborn Session | Hudson Falls, NY
I had the opportunity to spend Wednesday with this sweet family, who has now grown by one! We celebrated their maternity session in Lake George this summer, and now their lifestyle newborn session with sweet baby Serenity!
Our session was calm, full of love, and we were joined by Mia’s sister who was the best aunt! We took our time, took breaks when we needed to, and had the sweetest and most loving newborn session.
If you’re wondering what is different about a lifestyle newborn session, it’s this: it’s authentic, not posed, and includes all of the snuggles! Mom and Dad snuggle up in their element (or in this case, in-studio!) They do the outfit changes and snuggle with baby while I capture their sweet family. With a traditional posed newborn session, the photographer will swaddle baby and generally includes set-up and props. I love a lifestyle session because it lets you all be your authentic selves, and is more documentary style. They can be done in your home or in-studio, and both are super relaxed! If you choose, you can include nursing photos, as well.
Thank you so much, Mia and Eric! It was so wonderful getting to meet your sweet baby girl for your lifestyle newborn session!
The Williams Family | Saratoga Springs Fall Family Session at Golden Hour
I’m going to tell you a little secret: I do my best, but I’m no meteorologist. Every season, as the light starts to fade earlier and earlier and the leaves drop off of the trees, I chase that golden hour light as closely as I can and plan the timing of each session accordingly, but I’m not always right.
We scheduled this late October Saratoga session months ago, with the hope that we would capture peak color and that golden light. And y’all, we cut this one close! The tree that I photographed just last Tuesday had already lost all of its leaves, so I pivoted to the next tree (thank you for hanging on!)
Thankfully, Angela and her incredible family arrived early and despite the weather forecast calling for clouds, we wound up with the most GORGEOUS golden light and got our session done before the sun set! Her sweet kiddos were picture perfect models and went along with all of my silly prompts (cue: walk in slow motion! Laugh at that tree. Ha!)
I am absolutely in love with this session, and I am so thankful to close out October with this sweet crew. Thank you, Angela and Eric, for trusting me to capture your family! I can’t wait for next fall!
Best Tree Farms for a Photoshoot in Upstate NY
Tree Farm season is upon us! I’m often asked by clients and fellow photographers alike where are the best tree farms to photograph in Upstate NY, and I’m going to share my two favorites with you!
Scotlander Brewing | Argyle, NY
Even though I’d love to keep this INCREDIBLE location my little secret, I can’t help but scream it from the rooftops. If you haven’t been to Scotlander Brewing in Argyle NY, you must. Not only is the landscape breathtaking (and it may seem obvious, but yes! They have a tree farm, too!) but the beer is delicious. (My husband and I are homebrewers and huge beer geeks!) If you missed it, I captured a branding session for Scotlander in their hop yard this summer, which was a dream come true! The best part about tree farm sessions at Scotlander? You can stop in for a pint afterwards, and as parents of young kiddos themselves, they are super kid-friendly! Babies and well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome! Take a peek at these three Scotlander sessions, below!
Mandy’s Spring Nursery | Granville, NY
I happen to live in a sweet small town in Upstate NY, and one of my favorites is just up the road: Mandy’s Spring Nursery in Granville, NY. Mandy’s is great to visit all year round; their main patio space that houses their offerings is beautiful in itself! But my favorite time of year to visit is winter, when we can drive up a small gravel road behind the building up to their tree farm. (Bonus: did you know that they also have an event barn called Gables & Gardens where they hold STUNNING weddings? I captured one there this summer, and it was one of the highlights of the year! ) This tree farm session with the Chapman family showcases all that Mandy’s has to offer!
Kalyn, Evan, Macklin, & Covey | Glens Falls Fall Family Photoshoot
When Kalyn and Evan arrived for their session, I was so excited to see Macklin and Covey’s sweet little faces pop out of their car seats! I was lucky enough to meet them at Common Roots for her father’s birthday party celebration, and so thrilled when they came back and asked me to take their fall family photos in Glens Falls!
If you know me, I absolutely LOVE photographing toddlers. Their sweet active energy always makes for a joyful session, which is what I strive to capture the most.
We play games and let them run about—I just love a child-led session where we’re able to let them be themselves and show their true personalities!
Kalyn and Evan, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your sweet family!
Fall Family Mini Session School Fundraiser | Saratoga Springs, NY
This year’s fall family mini sessions in Saratoga were extra special—I was so proud to partner with BeTa Community Programs to offer these as a school fundraiser.
My families were all so sweet, and it was such a pleasure to get to see the love they all shared. We had such a gorgeous fall this year, and we were so lucky to capture the gorgeous colors in Congress Park!
A portion of the proceeds went back to each family’s individual school in Saratoga as a fundraiser, which made them even sweeter.
Thank you to all of my beautiful families who joined this year, and thank you to BeTa Community Programs for inviting me to partner with them—I can’t wait to see you all again next year!
The Sterrett Family | Fall Family Photoshoot | Glens Falls, NY
The love that the Sterrett girls have for each other is palpable, even at this young age. Their joyful, loving energy is pure magic, and it was such an honor to witness. Their fall family photoshoot in Glens Falls was one of my favorites this season!
This “snuggle session” was full of giggles, laughter, and play. It was the first chilly session of the season, and the girls stuck through it so well! We cuddled in the blanket in between photos and they hugged each other to keep warm.
It was such a pleasure getting to spend time with this sweet family! Thank you all for trusting me to capture your special memories.
Fall Family Photoshoot | Mettowee River Park Granville, NY
This early Fall family session with Angela, Daniel, Payton, Landon, Callie (and of course Gracie and Elsie with their dog whisperer uncle Ben!) was magical with the beginning of color kissing the leaves. Mettowee River Park in Granville is one of my absolute favorite places to capture families, especially because it is right in my wonderful small town community.
Thank you all so much for trusting me to capture your incredible family! It was so beautiful to see how close you all are!
2024 PSA5K | Event Photography | Clifton Park, NY
Event photography is some of my absolute favorite work, and I was so honored to be invited to capture the 2nd annual PSA5K in Clifton Park to raise awareness for Poland Syndrome. While I knew noone last year, this year I arrived to big hugs from Kristy and Debbie, and they made me feel so welcome and part of the group!
My family came with me this year, (though we were having a toddler meltdown day, so Karl really did more work than I did, keeping the kids happy and occupied while I took photos!)
This year’s event was so warm and full of celebration, and the runners and walkers worked extra hard due to the surprise 80+ degree September day we had!
If you see yourself and want a high res version of your photo, please feel free to reach out! I’ll send you a link.
Jocelyn’s Senior Photoshoot | South Glens Falls, NY
Jocelyn and her sweet mom, Jodi, were referred to me for Jocelyn’s senior photoshoot by our mutual friend and wonderful human, Erica, owner of The Spa Studio in Queensbury, (whose team headshots we covered last year!)
I absolutely love when a client has a favorite spot near and dear to their hearts, so when Jodi suggested the Betar Byway in South Glens Falls, I was over the moon! It’s now one of my new favorite locations for photoshoots, and I can’t wait to go back!
Jocelyn was such a bright light with amazing energy, and she brought her A-game to this session! I told her that I always know right away when a session will be one of my favorites, and I knew three photos in that hers was one of them!
Jocelyn is a class of 2025 senior at South Glens Falls High, and she is going to do amazing things with her future. Thank you so much to Jodi and Jocelyn for trusting me to capture her senior photos!
Mia, Eric, & Elijah | Lake George, NY Maternity Photoshoot
When Eric, Mia, and Elijah arrived for their family maternity session in Lake George, we had rescheduled due to the weather, and ended up on the Friday of Labor Day weekend. We didn’t realize how busy it would be, but their session was intimate and so special.
Elijah has a smile that lights up the atmosphere all around him, and I carried it with me long after our session. He and his parents were absolute naturals, and his sweet smile made me remember how much I LOVE that age! He is going to be the best big brother to his new baby sister!
If you’ve had a session with me before, you know I ask you to do some silly things that feel ridiculous in the moment, but produce the sweetest, most authentic results. One of my favorite poses includes dad tugging mom along, which I formerly called the “follow” pose. That is, until Eric rebranded it: he joked “this is what it feels like for a husband to pull their wife out of Target!” And I will forever be calling this pose the “Target” pose!
Congratulations to this incredible family, I can’t WAIT for your lifestyle newborn session when your sweet baby girl arrives!
Best Location for a Sunflower Photoshoot | Herrington’s Pumpkins | Buskirk, NY
We bribed them with candy, whatever gets the job done!
I’ve never offered sunflower photoshoots before. But this year, I heard so many great things about Herrington’s Pumpkins in Buskirk, NY, that my husband and I decided to do a little location scouting with the kids. And despite a few days of weather closures, we made it there on the very last day they were open for the season!
First of all, the owners at Herrington’s are so kind and welcoming to photographers, which made us so happy to support another local business. Their fields are gorgeous, and they have props set up that anyone can use in their photos: a tractor, a gorgeous truck, and hay bales perfect for a model lean!
We arrived at 5:30pm, just in time for that golden hour light. And there were many other photographers there, but everyone was kind and respectful of each other, and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. We loved meeting fellow photographers and seeing their photos afterward!
The kids had SUCH a great time, and wanted to stay on that tractor all evening. They ran up and down the sunflower field paths, and loved being able to cut a few stems of their own. (The $5 entry fee comes with three stems to take home!)
So while I’ve not offered sunflower sessions in the past, I’m seriously considering it for next year! What do you think—would you do a sunflower photoshoot if I offered them?
Sandi Gaz Wellness Retreat 2024 | Event Photography | Finger Lakes, NY
Photographing this annual wellness retreat is a double level of happiness for me. First, event photography is some of my absolute FAVORITE. Second, getting the chance to share in a safe space with these incredible women each year fills my soul.
I’ve watched my sister build this retreat from the ground up. As a life-long mental health professional, she pours her heart and soul into the planning and customizing intricate details of every part of the weekend. We’ve learned so much, and each year the retreat grows and shapes into something new and beautiful. (See more from last year here.)
We began the weekend with yoga and meditation every day, a luxury in itself (who makes the time?! I am currently editing and typing this blog post at 5:53am hoping to get it done before the kids wake up.)
We experienced massages, an art therapy session, a spa night, personalized headshot sessions for each attendee, progressive muscle relaxation, and concluded the weekend with some Finger Lakes local wine around the bonfire (my personal favorite!)
I think what I love the most about the headshot sessions is that we chose to do them on the second to last day. At this point, the women are all pretty comfortable with me (we’ve gotten to know each other over shared experiences all weekend, and our relationship is strong.) Even if they aren’t the most comfortable in front of the camera, they absolutely GLOW. Headshots are so much more than just snapping a photo. They capture the soul and energy of a person, and when you’re able to establish a relationship first, what comes out of it is GOLD.
Thank you so much to my sister for hosting another incredible, soul-filling retreat. It’s one of my favorite events every year, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for the next one!
6 Tips for a Fun Family Beach Photoshoot | Lake George, NY
1) Bring a towel. You may want to remove sand after the session if you’re heading out to dinner afterwards!
2) Wear shoes you don’t mind getting sandy. (If you’re comfortable removing them altogether and going barefoot, it makes for such a fun and lighthearted session!)
3) Minimize what you bring. Before your session, your photographer will look for you to remove hair ties, watches, phones from pockets, and purses. We’ll place them on the sand or grass nearby so they’ll always be in your line of sight, but it’s nice to not have to worry about them showing up in photos!
4) Evening and sunrise sessions are golden! If you have young kids like I do, the session with the most beautiful light will likely be right around dinner time. Feel free to bring snacks or feed them in the car on the way.
5) Embrace the laughter if the kids beeline for the lake! I speak from experience with my own kids at our extended family session. My kiddos were 4 and 2 at the time, and they just wanted to play! JUST as we started to take photos, all my kids wanted to do was run into the water. I took a deep breath and tried to embrace it, and honestly it was the MOST fun, and they had a ball! I walked away with a wonderful memory along with my photos.
6) Choose a rain date. If you’re on vacation, it’s always good to work with your photographer to plan a rain date, since your vacation time is limited!
Nevaeh’s Senior Photoshoot | Granville, NY
Our relationship started last year with a Facebook message from Rachel saying that she’d seen my photos from the Granville Tractor Parade, and asked if we’d photograph her wedding. Though we were only taking a limited number of weddings, we captured Rachel and Todd’s gorgeous Vermont wedding last fall, and now Rachel’s daughter, Nevaeh, will be a senior at Granville High School this year! When they reached out inquiring about a senior photoshoot session for Nevaeh, I was over the moon! It is so soul-filling when we’re able to build relationships that last through the years, and I get to watch your kids grow.
Nevaeh and Rachel were so laid back, funny, and kind, and though we felt a few sprinkles, we had the most fun at her session! Thank you both for trusting me to capture your senior photos! (Bonus: Nevaeh is going to be studying forensic investigation, which makes her the coolest senior ever.) Nevaeh, I just know you’re going to do amazing things after graduation!
Beach Maternity Photoshoot | The Viola Family | Lake George, NY
Though they traveled from New Jersey, Gina and her sweet family have generations of roots in Lake George. And she also happens to be 8 months pregnant with her fourth sweet baby. So when she reached out to ask me to photograph their family while on vacation in Lake George, I was over the moon.
If you’ve had a session with me before, you know I keep a close eye on the weather and will reach out the morning of your session if it looks unfavorable. This day looked GORGEOUS, until about 20 minutes from Lake George, I saw a big bolt of lightning cross my path! (Gina and I had been in close contact and we had a rain date set, so we had our bases covered. I also always carry beautiful clear umbrellas JUST in case.)
When I arrived, I sat in the car to see what the weather would do. And my photographer spidey senses were telling me it would blow over. (Okay, maybe a little of it was wishful thinking.) But wouldn’t you know it, IT DID! As soon as the Viola family arrived, the skies cleared and the sun peeked through the clouds for a GORGEOUS golden hour family maternity session.
Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your sweet family as they are right now, before your new baby arrives! I can’t wait to see you next year with ten new little toes to play in that sand!
6 Things To Do with Kids on a Rainy Day | Lake George, NY
My kids at SkyZone. Yes, it pains me to post a low-quality cell phone image with highlighter yellow shirts and mismatched pants, but Dad dressed them this day and they look so happy!
As a Lake George/Upstate NY local and mama to two boys, ages 6 and 4, I am CONSTANTLY looking for new things to do with my kiddos to keep them entertained on rainy days.
Some of these are within 20 minutes from Lake George, and some are a bit longer of a day trip. (But if you’re like me, my car is my sanctuary, and I feel zen when my kids are strapped in safely for a short road trip while I drive and enjoy my coffee!)
SkyZone Trampoline Park, Queensbury NY
(We fly here so frequently that we snag the annual pass when it goes on sale for Black Friday!) This trampoline park has foam pits, basketball hoops, and separate areas that feel nice and safe for all ages (my boys are 6 and 4), they have toddler jump (“Little Leapers”) in the morning, and older kids can jump in the afternoon/evening. Hours change throughout the year, so feel free to check the website or call before you arrive.The Fun Spot, Queensbury NY
I mean, what does this place not have? We’ve been for a few birthday parties, and the kids love it! Ninja Challenge, Arcade, Go Karts, Golf, Laser Tag, Playground, and Rollerskating. Need I say more?Lake George Lanes and Games
With bowling alleys, an indoor playground area, laser tag, and an arcade, Lake George Lanes and Games will keep your kiddos entertained for hours. (We have had Kaiser’s birthday party here, and all of the kids loved it!) It’s loud, but anyone with multiple kids is used to that already. Did I mention they have a bar? Beer is nice.Wiggleworms at the Wilton Mall in Saratoga Springs, NY
My son, Kayden, calls it “Giggleworms” so I retyped this headline three times. Honestly I wasn’t sure if my boys would be too old for this at 6 and 4, but I can tell you we went last week and were there for three hours! There is a play area for little ones with all kinds of dollhouses, play kitchens, dress up things, trucks, ride-on toys, balls, and more. They also have indoor playground and bounce house (though the way the pricing is structured, the bounce house is an add-on, just to let you know.) There is an area outside the play space with tables and chairs where you can leave strollers, etc., and you can bring your own food as long as it stays out on the tables. (This was key to the length of time we were able to stay!)McDonald’s Playplace in Saratoga Springs, NY
Can I be honest? The McDonald’s Playplace has been the unsung hero of our summer. It kept my kids occupied for hours, and we had to get lunch anyways. I can’t fit through the tiny toddler holes, so I can sit and get some work done on my phone while they play, without feeling guilty. Also, it’s free. What’s not to love.Wonderfeet in Rutland, VT
It’s an indoor hands-on children’s museum with a big open room and many exhibits that are great for all ages. (Again, I wondered if my 6 year old would feel too old for it. Spoiler alert: he LOVES it. I looked across the room and saw him donning a train conductor costume while pretending to drive the train.) It’s awesome there. And they update the exhibits pretty frequently! Between when we went a few weeks ago and last week, they had two new exhibits. There is also a craft area that looks super cool (though I can’t seem to tear my boys away from the giant garbage truck long enough to sit and color.)
This one will be a bit of a day trip (it’s about an hour from Lake George.) But honestly it’s one of our absolute favorite places to take the kids, and Rutland is a super cute town. If you need lunch or dinner, Hop N’ Moose Brewery has great food (and beer. Did I mention the beer? We’re in the mug club. Bonus points if you take a picture of our names on the wall.) There’s also a Walmart there if you need supplies.
I could go on for days about the things I do to help keep my kids entertained during rainy days. And I’m always open to new ideas if you all have any! Feel free to message me anytime with questions!
Lake George Family Vacation Photoshoot | Lake George, NY
We couldn’t have asked for better lighting for this Lake George family beach vacation photoshoot with Stephanie and her sweet family!
This session included nine children under the age of 7, and they were SO much fun to photograph! There is just nothing like that sweet toddler energy.
If you’ve had a session with me before, you know we start every session with beautiful traditional portraits, to capture everyone at their maximum energy level. From there, we move on to individual family units, and my most favorite—the fun candid photos! These are especially fun at the beach, and the little ones want to dip their toes in the water. (I can attest to this, as my own sons make a beeline for the lake anytime we’re trying to get a nice family photo. Ha!)
Pro tip: bring a towel to remove sand when we’re done, in case you’re going to dinner afterwards.
Thank you so much to Stephanie and her family for such a wonderfully fun photo session! I can’t wait to see you again next year when you return to Lake George!
My Business Turns TWO!
It snuck up on me, to be honest, the second anniversary of my business. I suppose that’s the way it’s supposed to happen—I’ve been so caught up in running the business on a daily basis that I forgot to take a moment to realize how far I’ve come.
Two whole years since I lost my job and embarked on this journey to go out on my own full time. Last year, we celebrated with a champagne photoshoot (read more about my career story and see the photos here!)
This year, I am so excited to announce that I am launching a new facet of this business: Lake George family vacation photography! I’ve had so many requests from visiting families that I’ve decided to open up the summer calendar for evening beach sessions all through the summer!
I’ve also had the honor of being asked to capture more commercial work—and though I can’t share the photos at the request of the client; it’s been a TON of fun! I had the opportunity to do more work to help promote tourism for the Catskills area, including mountain biking and motorcycle photoshoots where we rode in the back of a truck (I felt 20 instead of 40 for a day—it was exhilarating!)
Cheers to year 3, and more commercial and Lake George family sessions! I am so deeply thankful for your ongoing support and encouragement. This business couldn’t run without you all!
Ryan’s 2nd Birthday Photoshoot | Clifton Park, NY
When I sent Ryan’s 2nd birthday photos to his mom, I told Amanda that my favorite part of this job is watching the kids grow from year to year. We’ve all been friends for years, and getting the opportunity to see my friends become the best parents honestly makes me misty.
We met in Clifton Park for Ryan’s 2nd birthday photoshoot (do you remember his epic 1st birthday baseball session? I can’t even!) Getting to see him one year older was deeply moving for me.
I’ll be completely honest—one of the things I love most is when the parents and I share a mutual love for the bloopers in our sessions! (Spoiler alert: I’ll always provide the bloopers! I mean, if we can’t all laugh about the emotional rollercoaster of toddlerhood, are we really even parents? We’re all in the same boat!) Scroll to the end of the gallery for the sweetest two tears you’ve ever seen.
Ryan, I am SO thankful to have had the chance to capture you again! Happy birthday, my sweet buddy!
Fit4Mom Class | West Mountain | Event Photography Glens Falls, NY
To be honest, summer has been full of days where I wake up a bit panicked and think to myself: what am I going to do with the kids today?!
Today we decided to join the pop-up Fit4Mom class at West Mountain in Glens Falls, and I am SO glad we did!
I decided to only take Kaiser, because I wasn’t sure how Kayden would feel about the chairlift. Now that we’ve done it, I think he would have been fine. But it was so special getting to ride it up the mountain with just Kaiser and I.
He ran right up to his friend Parker, and they held hands for most of our hike (cue the mom tears!) I love that one email from Beth inviting me to capture her grand opening class turned into such a wonderful friendship for both she and I, and our kiddos.
We figured out how to get on the chairlift, rode it to the top of the mountain, and successfully got off. We hiked as a group to a scenic overlook, and I had a moment where I stood silently and watched the beautiful activity, so thankful for this experience with Kaiser and the other moms. I am SO glad we went, and I can’t wait for the next class!
