2024 Granville Lighted Tractor Parade | Event Photography | Granville, NY
Each year that we are invited back to photograph the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade is better than the next. The energy of our beautiful small town coming together to put on such a wonderful event is palpable; I don’t know who is more excited each year—our kids or the adults!
The entries were extra creative this year, and it was such a joy to see Granville lit up with both lights and the energy of everyone in attendance.
Thank you to everyone who put on such a wonderful event again this year, it was such an honor to capture it again; your hard work brings joy to so many!
View and download photos here!
Mason’s Winter Vermont Senior Photoshoot | Pawlet, VT
As I pulled into my favorite little secret spot in Pawlet, Vermont for Mason’s winter senior photoshoot, I was so excited to see his sister, Makayla, whose cosmetology-themed senior photos I took last year, and their dog, Dixon.
Mason, a class of 2025 senior at Poultney High School, was super laid back and we were able to get some sweet photos with his pup and the wintery Vermont landscape.
I had so much fun with this family. It is the highest honor when a family comes back to me for another sibling’s senior photos. I love celebrating these kids and watching them succeed after graduation!
Granville NY 2024 Tree Lighting | Event Photography
I received the call that I lost my job on the Monday after Thanksgiving two years ago. On Wednesday of that week, I had a message from Mayor Labas asking me to photograph Granville’s tree lighting event. He had no idea what had just happened to me, and how much hope this event now held for me. When he reads this, he will find out for the first time.
I’ve been booked solid with branding photography, events, and families ever since. My husband and I have always loved this event (even before we had kids, we would walk up from our home to enjoy it!) and now it means so much more. Thank you to this incredible community for lifting our family and this business up from the very start. It’s my pleasure to give back and continue to photograph this and the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade each year that I'm able to.
A Country Christmas Family Photoshoot | The Armstrong Family | Granville, NY
This blog post wrote itself. The Armstrong family kindly invited me back this year to capture their dear family at their farm in Granville, NY, which also happens to be my town!
We had our first snowfall on Thanksgiving this year, and I watched the window all day hoping it would stay. It DID.
If you’ve had a photoshoot with me before, you know that I send out a questionnaire to each of my families with a few questions to help me customize your session (personalities of each person, if there are any special needs I can be sensitive to, if anyone is shy in front of the camera, etc.) When Morgan filled hers out this year, I learned that a lot had changed for the Armstrong family.
Sweet Thyme, my first ever cow model, passed away in April. I was heartbroken to read this, but also so happy that her cousin Trixie, who was born 6 weeks prior, was able to join us for the session, along with Butter and Brownie (ducks), Mc, Molly, and Ginger (the pups). We had a full house, and everyone had such a wonderful energy about them! I also learned that Morgan and Nate had gotten ENGAGED since we last saw each other! I wanted to run-and-jump hug her when I saw her, but I tried to keep my wits about me.
I just love this family, y’all. From Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Rich to Allison and Rich, Morgan, Nate, and Thomas—they all welcome me with open arms every year. As I was leaving this year, Nancy said to me a few words that I can’t stop thinking about. She asked how old my boys are, and I told her 6 and 4. She nodded with kind eyes and said, it goes fast. There are two important things we can give our children: roots and wings. Giving them wings is the hardest. I cried at my client’s house for the first time that day. Thank you all SO much for inviting me into your home and your family. You made my heart so full.
5 Tips for a Snowy Winter Family Tree Farm Photoshoot | Argyle, NY
I call these “snuggle sessions” for a reason. Winter family photoshoots in Upstate NY may bring a bit more chill, but they can be so much fun! Here are 5 tips for a fun winter session!
Bring a blanket. If you have little ones, bring a blanket to snuggle them up! Cuddling up as a family can give you the sweetest photos.
Have a snowball fight! It makes the kids giggle, and you can do this with kids of all ages! (Teens included! Let them have some fun and get mom and dad!)
Wear layers. It may be cold outside, and if you happen to get warm while you’re cuddling up, you can peel them off as you go. (Vests and fleece sweaters are GREAT for this!)
Park close by (if possible). This way, we can let the kids warm up in between photos, and even sneak in some sweet mom and dad photos while they watch from nearby!
Have fun! Winter sessions can be some of the most fun. And if you happen to have them at a tree farm, like these sessions at Scotlander Brewing in Argyle, NY; you can add some extra holiday cheer!
How to Give Back as a Small Business
It’s giving season, and it makes my heart so happy to be able to give back. Building a business in a small town is a beautiful thing: the community has rallied around us, from hiring me to cover event photography for the Granville Lighted Tractor Parade to countless referrals, both personal and commercial.
I once saw a post looking for a photographer, and within 15 minutes I had eight different people mention and refer me. It was a powerful moment in which I realized I am not alone in building this business. We are building it together, as a community.
One of the ways I’ve chosen to give back is donating gift certificates to basket raffle parties in our community, for the Granville Penrhyn Fire Company, the FFA, and other organizations in our area. I love serving families that I see each day when dropping my kiddos off at school.
So when Allison reached out as a winner of one of the gift certificates, I was so excited to meet her beautiful family (especially sweet Cooper—can you even with those two little teefs?!)
We had a gorgeous day for their fall family photoshoot at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, NY; the weather was perfect, and it wasn’t too chilly! It’s days like these that make me so thankful to be a photographer. Thank you so much for bringing your crew to spend the day with me, Cooper!
Girls’ Trip | Sedona, Arizona
We met in second grade in Livonia, Michigan. Bound by fate, a group of five girls who joined the group one by one. Through the years, we bonded in twos and threes, each individual relationship grown through the teenage years, then college (Go Michigan State!), then adulthood.
We have held each other’s hands through high school sports, college parties, marriage, motherhood, and more. We now live in four different states (Mal and Em in Michigan, Sarah in Montana, Steph in Maryland, and me in New York.) We have nine children between all of us (eight boys and one beautiful girl!)
We made a vow to try and get together once per year for our annual girls trip, and this year—the year we all turn 40—we chose Sedona, Arizona!
It was honestly a miracle that we all arrived by plan—all flights came in on time, and I received the most Instagram-worthy airport hugs. Sarah came from Montana and rented a car to pick us all up at the Phoenix airport. We all piled in and got on the road—a two hour drive to Sedona. And though there were changes—the car was fancier than Sarah’s high school Explorer—we were transported back in time, riding in Sarah’s back seat while the songs from our high school days played in the background.
We settled in as if nothing has changed in twenty years, and I heard myself laugh in the deep, gutteral chuckles of sixteen-year-old Staci.
There are some memories that you can feel adhere themselves to your brain as they’re happening. Some people that were placed into your life that cement themselves as part of the foundation of who you are. We might have families and fancy jobs now, but I was sixteen again this weekend. I can’t wait for next time!
See more past trips below:
• Maine (the one where some of our kids met!) https://www.stacioswald.com/blog/sandy-toddler-toes-maine-beach-vacation-family-photos-biddeford-me
• Charleston https://www.stacioswald.com/blog/20-years-of-friendship
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!
