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!
Therapist Branding Photography Session | Angie Doty | Glens Falls, NY
Meet Angeline Doty, LMHC-D! She’s a thriving mental health therapist and fellow female small business owner running her own private practice in Glens Falls, NY.
As soon as she stepped into the studio with her mom (who graciously agreed to model with us!) I knew we were meant to meet. She has an air of confidence and charisma about her that is contagious.
Angie is currently working on her website with designer John Coleman, and reached out because she wanted to have headshots taken. When I learned what they were for and that she was building a website, I knew we had to do a branding session too. She was going to have a need for detail shots, close up photos, and a few of her interacting with a “client” (enter mom!) So I gently nudged her in that direction, knowing how valuable those photos would be for her.
The difference between a headshot session and a branding session is that headshots are purely just that—portrait photos from the waist up, used for your website, social media, your LinkedIn profile or any other materials. A branding session includes headshots, but offers more: detail photos (books, items with your logo on them, tools of your trade, candid photos of you in action—on a laptop, taking notes, interacting with a potential client, if it makes sense for your business.)
Branding photos offer what I like to call a custom stock library. You come away with a gallery of photos that you can use for whatever you like! Those detail photos are handy for sub-pages on your website, a generic social post, digital ads, or even a billboard, if you’re so inclined!
Thank you so much to Angie and her mom for coming into the studio for this branding session. I felt like the universe put us together for a reason, and I was so thrilled to serve you!
Adirondack Brewery Barrelfest | Event Photography | Lake George, NY
It felt like Christmas morning, driving up to Lake George for Adirondack Brewery’s Barrelfest event. It’s our favorite event every year, and we’ve been attending since the very first year they held it, fourteen years ago!
The weather is different every year—we’ve seen everything from glorious blizzard conditions to a full rain downpour. Luckily, this year was a bit chilly but dry and clear, perfect for celebrating!
It was great seeing all of our favorite breweries, and a few new ones, too! Thank you to Adirondack Brewery for another incredible year of Barrelfest; we can’t wait for next year! Cheers!
Pink Boots Society Collaboration Collective Brew Day | Chatham, NY
The drive down to Chatham Brewing was a long but gorgeous one—it snowed last night, but the sun was shining today!
We began our brew day early, with folks from Active Ingredient, Chatham Brewing, Yesfolk, and Lou from Freight Yard Brewing leading the charge.
Everyone pitched in (myself included, I couldn’t keep my hands out of the grain!) We also helped a bit with the canning line, though our own brew won’t be ready for canning for a few weeks.
Thank you so much to the Pink Boots Society Upstate NY chapter, Chatham Brewing, and Freight Yard Brewing for hosting another incredible Collaboration Collective Brew Day—I can’t wait to taste the beer! Cheers!
In-home Lifestyle Family Session | The Klein Family | Clifton Park, NY
We had a Taylor Swift dance party in the living room, baked cookies in the kitchen, and snuggled on the couch to read a book. This in-home lifestyle family session with the Klein family was filled with love, laughter, and so much energy.
When someone invites me into their home, I know I’m entering a sacred space. I come in respectfully and take a few minutes to talk to everyone about how they’re feeling. Unless we’ve had a session together before, I know the kiddos sometimes take a few minutes to warm up, so I show them my camera, ask them if they like having their photo taken, and if they want to show me their rooms. I’ve spent the last few years watching Briar and Ada grow at their family’s annual event the PSA5K, so they welcomed me with open arms immediately and couldn’t wait to show me their rooms, including the sweet 3D-printed hearts they had created for their classes as valentine gifts!
We moved through the session with ease, and I kind of sat back and let the family do their thing, documenting it from corners of the room and letting the energy wash over all of us. I have a sister, and we’re about the same ages as Briar and Ada. I couldn’t help but relive our own childhood, watching them dance, be silly, and love each other.
At the end of our session, the girls hugged me and told me they had a gift for me. They gave me the 3D-printed heart they had made. I was honestly SO touched, and tears welled up in my eyes. I will keep it close to my heart whenever I think of our session. Thank you so much to the Klein family for welcoming me into your home—it was a day I’ll cherish always!
Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby | Granville, NY
To the mama of the boy who came over to comfort Kayden while he was crying because his derby car didn’t win… thank you. He offered a hug and a high five, and in that moment, I realized why we’re all doing this. To build a sense of community and caring for each other.
This was our first year doing the pinewood derby race with Pack 44, and we had SUCH a fun time! The parents and leaders all did such a wonderful job putting it together, and the cars were so awesome!
I’m so proud of these kids and even prouder to be a part of this community. Thank you for welcoming us and helping us to teach our boys how to be kind and care for one another.
We can’t wait for next year!
Catskills Tourism | Touring Editorial Photoshoot | Catskills, NY
Our golf photo made the cover of the Greene County Destination Guide!
Behind the scenes:
In this era of AI, the story behind the photos enhances human connection and authenticity.
For this editorial photoshoot in the Catskills area, we were charged with showcasing the gorgeous new Catskills visitor center in Leeds, NY.
It was an incredible autumn day, and the first time Paul and I worked together. There’s always a fine dance photographers and videographers do to be courteous to each other and give each other the space to capture what’s needed. So for the visitor center photos, we took turns and had our models run through welcoming us into the center several different times (thank you for your patience, models! )
We captured authentic emotions and managed to showcase the beautiful center, both interior and exterior.
Love this team! I can’t wait for our next Catskills photoshoot!
Client: @yourwrkshp / Catskills Tourism
Objective: Editorial and commercial photo and video
Creative Director: @joeyarcuri
Account Executive: @k_bray_
Videographer: @frederickproductions
Photographer: @stacioswaldcreative
Princess Gert | In-home Angel Pet Portrait Photoshoot | Granville, NY
She passed just eight days after this session.
I don’t even normally deliver galleries that quickly, but something in my heart was telling me they needed them sooner.
Gert had a spirit all her own (just like her mama, one of my closest friends, Sarah.) When we found out that Gert was diagnosed with cancer, we knew we had to do an in-home end-of-life angel session for her.
We kept Gert comfortable at home and snuggled her up with her favorite people surrounding her, and captured some portraits that we’ll all remember for a lifetime.
She was a princess in her own right, and as royalty, deserved to wear the crown.
Thank you so much to the Sassaman family for letting me into your home and get to spend some quality time photographing your sweet girl in her final days. It is a session I will always keep in my heart.
The Top 4 Best Camera Bags: Kindly Camera Bags
Top: the XL Sling Bag; Bottom: The Jenessa
Can we talk about Kindly camera bags? I’ve tried many brands through the years, and I just bought my fifth camera bag through Kindly (including a second XL sling bag just so I have a backup!) These are by far my favorite camera bags.
If you’re on the fence, here are the bags I have and why I love them:
The Photographer’s Fanny Pack: this was the first bag I purchased, and it works well both as a fanny pack and as a crossbody bag, if you need it. Though, truthfully, as my equipment grew, I upgraded to the XL Sling Bag and that one is my go-to now, because it fits so much more!
The XL Sling Bag: I just bought a second one of these, because while I loved the Photographer’s Fanny Pack, this one just fits so much more. I can fit my 28-70 lens, my 70-200 lens, or my camera with my 85mm on it, along with a water bottle. It lets me leave my larger bag (The Jenessa) in the car so I don’t have to cart it everywhere I go.
The Jenessa: this is my biggest bag, and my main one that I’ve used to carry all of my equipment. It’s durable, spacious, and also has a backpack option which is key, since it gets heavy with all of my lenses in it.
The Courtney: honestly, I wasn’t sure if I needed this one, since I had my Jenessa and used it so much. But this one has been a great addition to the team. Slightly smaller than the Jenessa, with a top open instead of a side-open feature, I use this as my secondary bag and carry my laptop and secondary equipment in it. I’m glad I have both!
Clearly, I’m a bit obsessed. I’ve tried other brands and really love the warm brown color and the fact that my entire set matches, now!
BONUS: I designed and ordered custom Vistaprint luggage tags and put them on all of my bags just in case they are misplaced!
If you have any questions, or you’re on the fence about any of them, send me an email and I’ll show you photos or answer any questions to help you decide! Happy photographing!
Morgan and Nate | In-home Lifestyle Engagement Session | Granville, NY
It’s become a tradition each year, taking the Armstrong family’s annual holiday photos on their farm in Granville, NY. And their family has become a part of my own family tradition: Karl knows I have their session every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so he plays with our kiddos while I do it.
They have made me feel like part of their family, and it has been such an honor watching their family grow, as Morgan and Nate were engaged!
We can’t wait to capture their wedding later next year, and in the meantime, I had the opportunity to go and see their beautiful new home where they’ll start their family. (And I happen to live just five minutes away, in the same town, which makes it even more special!)
Congratulations, Morgan and Nate! I had so much fun with you all again this year!
Granville Lighted Tractor Parade 2025 | Event Photography
Our boys, ages 8 and 5, walked ahead of us over the lighted bridge on our way to downtown Granville. As we approached, I could hear laughter from the crowds as they gathered in groups with their children, bundled up in mittened hands and puffy snowsuits. The excitement in the air was palpable, and I smiled to myself, thinking how lucky we are to live in this community.
Each year, I am so honored to give back to our town by donating photography services to the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade event. It’s one small way I can give back, and I’m so happy to do so. My family loves the parade so much, and I’m so thankful to all of the volunteers who put so much time and energy into this event.
Thank you, Granville, for being the best small hometown we could ask for!
View the full gallery and download photos here: https://stacioswald.pixieset.com/2025granvillelightedtractorparade/
Glens Falls Ladies Night Event Photography at (g)row
Glens Falls Ladies Night is one of my favorite events of the year to photograph. I was so excited when Melanie and Hillary, owners of (g)row for kids, asked me to come back again this year!
Each year, I get to spend the evening with a different group of local vendors, but this year was extra special because I got to do it with my sister, Sandi, owner of Sandi Gaz Wellness, who was with her wellness journals! (Shameless plug—the journals are so well-developed, and I actually use them myself. They make great gifts!)
We arrived meeting two strangers, and left with tears in our eyes from laughing so hard, and two new friends—Rachel from Vintage Purrfect, and Kara from Hometown! We couldn’t have asked for two cooler ladies to spend the evening with, and I can’t WAIT to see them both thrive!
Thank you so much to (g)row for inviting us back again this year, it felt like coming home when we walked through the door, and we can’t wait for next year!
Lake Placid Fall Family Photography
When Jen reached out to ask if I take photos in the Lake Placid area, I had to stop myself from jumping up and down. YES! All of the yes! Lake Placid is one of my absolute favorite places, and I love any opportunity to visit.
They were staying at the Golden Arrow Resort for a week and were hoping for fall foliage, but weren’t sure if they were going to miss it.
Spoiler alert: they NAILED it!
This family was so sweet, and we even found a nice even spot on the beach to accommodate family members with mobility challenges to make sure everyone was safe. And four-year-old Mason got to check out the lake, too!
We had so much fun together, and we wound up with PERFECT weather. (As we all know, it’s dicey this time of year, and I’m currently staring out at a dismal cloudy sky.) I was prepared for any weather, however, and brought my beautiful clear umbrellas just in case, though we didn’t need them!
Thank you so much to the Giroux-Gandolfo family for inviting me to Lake Placid to photograph your beautiful family this fall. It was one of my FAVORITE days!
