Sweet Baby Scarlett | 6 Month Lifestyle Photoshoot

Scarlett’s mom, Avery, and I connected through a local mom group, and bonded pretty quickly. She was so kind, and shared that she wanted to celebrate Scarlett’s 6 month birthday with a photoshoot for her.

We met in one of my favorite places to take photos—the Mettowee River Park in Granville, NY. It gives my heart an extra jolt of joy to share the beauty of my town with others, and I’ve been so excited to bring families to what I like to consider my secret spot!

It was a warm, late-Summer day, and Scarlett was the most adorable little model! She and her mama went with the flow, we took the bubble machine for a spin, and we captured her in all of her sweet baby squishiness!

Giving Back to Mamas

Motherhood is a transformative experience. I am not the same person I was four and a half years ago, before I had my babies. I doubt many of us are! I know how special and fleeting the pregnancy journey is, and how fast the time goes by while our littles are little. I wanted to give back to my fellow mamas and help make the journey a little more enjoyable for them, so I ran a maternity photoshoot giveaway! The entries were so moving that I decided to gift not one, but two mamas with free photoshoots.

I had the pleasure of meeting Christina, Benjamin, Eli, and his sweet baby sister-to-be and getting to photograph them. The weather started off cloudy as I pulled into the Mettowee River Park in Granville, NY, and JUST as they pulled into the parking lot, the sun peeked through the clouds and gave us the warmest early autumn welcome.

They are the sweetest family, and though the focus of the photoshoot was Christina and her sweet baby bump, Baby Eli stole the show! He was such a trooper sitting in the grass, and he loved the bubble machine (my secret tool to cheer up babies during photoshoots always works like a charm!)

And the bonus end to the shoot? Christina was open to being creative with me and got into the river with her gorgeous gown! The end image makes it all worth it!

Running a Small Business in a Small Town

The Telescope water tower is a skyline staple here in Granville.

We’re growing roots, I can feel it. Starting a small business and raising our children in this beautiful small town of Granville, NY. It’s the kind of place where you wave to people as you drive through town; the mayor lives two streets over, and we’re friends on Facebook.

I filed for my LLC a few weeks back, and our son, Kaiser, starts Pre-K next week. Those two things don’t feel coincidental—it’s the foundation of our family becoming ingrained in this community. And it feels like a piece of my heart is complete.

I’m so proud to partner with area businesses like Gables and Gardens, a gorgeous event venue where I’m listed as a trusted photography vendor. It feels amazing to build relationships and help our small town grow and thrive. Now, if we can just make it through the first week of school without any toddler meltdowns, we’ll ALL be thriving! Wish us luck!

Florida Family Beach Photoshoot: Behind the Scenes

While on vacation in Florida, we got to experience what it’s like to be on the other side of the lens. I have a whole new appreciation for the apprehension and stress my families must feel on shoot day! From picking out matching outfits, to choosing a time that will be the least likely to promote a toddler meltdown, to making sure they’re fed and as happy as they can be—it’s all quite a lot.

Our extended family beach photoshoot was with the lovely and talented Jessica Pittman Photography. She has two small kiddos of her own, and since I have a 2 and 4-year-old, I was looking for someone who would understand and be able to help me navigate a potential meltdown. It turns out my instincts were right, because halfway through our photoshoot, my children found the ocean irresistible and got themselves soaked while searching for sand fleas! Jessica handled everything like a pro, and helped me gather them up for a few more photos (confession: we utilized bribes, but they work when you need them!)

I learned that you can plan as much as possible, but the most wonderful shots come out of letting go of your plans and embracing the wild chaos of your beautiful, unpredictable life.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to walk in my clients’ shoes and experience what it’s like to be on the other side of the lens. Here’s what I learned and will give as advice to my next family photoshoot:

1. Bring a change of clothes, just in case your children run into the ocean and soak the carefully chosen matching outfits you spent weeks picking out.

2. Bring snacks! Even a baby pouch or a few crackers (or a box of tic tacs, as Jessica so wisely provided!) can help keep them smiling for just a few more photos.

3. Relax. The most beautiful photos come from those unstructured moments when your 4-year-old finds a sand flea in the ocean and gets so excited to show you!

4. Trust your photographer. I put my faith in Jessica, and let her do the posing, prompting, and arranging. I knew that she could see through her lens what I couldn’t, and because I trusted her, I was able to let go a bit and enjoy myself.

5. Meltdowns are okay! It’s fine to take a break when we need it, and if you have a sense of humor, those can make great photos too!

*These are photos I shot of my kiddos, but I’ll be sure to share Jessica’s photos when we get them!

The Covino Family

This photoshoot is the epitome of my “why.” My reason for being so passionate about capturing families—helping moms get back in their own photos, documenting their legacies, and capturing those gorgeous timeless moments for years to come.

Marny and I met purely by fate; I ended up in her chair at the dentist’s office, and I likely backed up the entire office schedule that day because we could not stop chatting. It was love at first teeth cleaning.

Many years (and babies!) later, we remain friends, and it has been an honor to be witness to the Covino family’s journey.

Our photoshoot day started with a text from Marny telling me that her 2-year-old had thrown up in the car, so upon arrival I greeted them with hugs and baby wipes. We merged our mom powers, cleaned her up, changed everyone into their sweet outfits, and continued on with the shoot, as only moms can.

The morning was hot, but we kept the kiddos entertained with some fun games and prompts to elicit those gorgeous natural smiles and giggles! Then, they turned it into a game of their own by walking over to pick some wildflowers and creating some beautiful memories.

It warmed my heart to be part of their family for even an hour and capture these special memories for them. I literally drove home crying happy tears from their beautiful energy, and could not WAIT to edit this gallery!

My Post-Covid Career Journey

Motherhood is an ever-evolving state of being. Just when you think you’ve hit your stride, something shifts inside of you.

Earlier this spring, in the middle of our whole family fighting Covid, I took a leap of faith to leave my full time job and go part time to have more time with my babies and fill my soul with more photography and design.

I was moving too fast, not present in any given moment, and my mental health was suffering. Everything in me was telling me to slow down and reassess what drives me and makes me the happiest—I’m thankful for Covid in that regard. I realized that it is spending time with my own babies, and getting the opportunity to capture precious memories and be a part of your family, even if just for a few minutes. Photographing people and their beautiful energy warms my entire being. The knowledge that the work I’m doing will outlive all of us and document your legacy is everything to me.

Today, I’m choosing to spend my time as deliberately as possible doing exactly what I love. I’m so thankful for new opportunities and the ability to stop time, just for a moment, through the lens of my camera.

Thank you all for your support, every time you like a post or book a shoot with me, you make me brave! If you’re looking for a sign to take a chance and follow your heart, this is it! We can do hard things.🌷💕📸

5 Tips for a DIY Family Photoshoot

DIY family photoshoot with our sweet helmet baby! We used a timer and continuous mode to be sure to capture the moments he was looking at the camera.

“You’re crazy! Won’t you lose clients?” Maybe. But with the tough financial times we’re all facing, if I can provide a few tips help, I’m happy to! And if there comes a time when you’re ready to invest with a professional photographer, I hope you’ll consider me.

I’ve been doing my own DIY family photoshoots for years. Truthfully, it’s a pain and takes some work, but it’s convenient and can help you save money.

Here are 5 tips to help make it a success!

1) Use a Tripod

Whether you’re shooting with an iPhone, DSLR, or Mirrorless camera; a tripod is essential to getting crisper shots while you’re trying to wrangle the little ones and fix your partner’s collar. You can get a fairly inexpensive one on Amazon, which is worth its weight in gold so you don’t have to balance your phone on the kitchen counter and hear your children repeat the littany of curse words escape your mouth when it inevitably crashes to the floor.

My own headshot taken in front of a window in my office

2) Face a Window

Gather your family and face a window in your home. This is the key to obtaining even natural light while shooting indoors. Bonus: your kids can watch the garbage truck go by, and you may even get some natural smiles! I took my own headshot with a camera balanced on a keg in my office, facing out of my window (the ultimate keg stand, some may say! Though I feel compelled to insist you don’t risk this with your own equipment.)

Group photo taken with a timer and continuous mode on our back deck. Not perfect, but it will do!

3) Use a Timer

Set a timer on your phone or camera so you have time to dash back and forth from the camera to grab a child and smile oh-so-naturally before the shutter clicks.

4) Use Continuous Mode

Maximize your photoshoot and set your camera to continuous mode to capture 10 images at a time. The odds are better that you’ll get more people in the group smiling, and you’ll capture those great candid moments in between clicks!

5) Have Patience

The key to a successful at-home DIY family photoshoot is to have patience with yourself and your family! You’ll be playing the role of both model and photographer, so be kind to yourself as you dash back and forth between the camera and your crew. The kids will get restless, and that’s ok! Some of the best smiles come from the in-between moments.

If you try any of these, I’d love to see your results! We all know nothing can replace the photo quality and experience a photographer can provide, but these tips may help in the meantime. When you’re ready to stop dashing and cursing, reach out to me so I can take at least the photographer role off of your plate!

Corporate Headshots | Headline Studio NYC

The truth is, everything about this shoot was a dream come true for me. The chance to travel to NYC and take headshots for this wonderful company at One World Trade Center took my breath away.

I’m from Michigan originally, now settled in Upstate NY with my husband and two kids. I followed a dream to get out here—interning at Cosmopolitan Magazine—and this shoot felt like my entire career has come full circle in the most beautiful way.

From the train ride down to NYC, to stopping outside One World Trade Center to look up, to getting to meet and photograph each of these amazing individuals was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

These were taken indoors, only using the stunning natural light streaming in through the windows. If you haven’t been to visit the building, it’s breathtaking. Combine that with the euphoria driven by enthusiastic, talented subjects to photograph, and you can imagine how spectacular this shoot was!

Pearsall Wealth Management | Friendly and Approachable Corporate Headshots

Corporate headshot team photo with an amazing group!

This corporate headshot photoshoot for Pearsall Wealth Management was professional and organic, with an outdoor location and beautiful natural light!

The chemistry and dynamic between this team was palpable; it was clear they have great respect for one another, and are talented at what they do, while still knowing how to have fun!

We chose an outdoor location for this shoot to add an element of nature and a bit of play to ensure the headshots were true to the essence of the team; keeping them professional and approachable.

The biggest challenge of the day was the pollen! The yellow clouds billowing from the trees covered everything, but we successfully navigated nature and got some gorgeous shots of this team!

Sandi + Bridget

The lightness and laughter of the friendship between these two beautiful ladies cut through the bitter cold of this fresh November morning. The best part about this meet? Sandi (my sister) and her friend Bridget had never actually met in person before! Though they have been friends for years. The chemistry was instant and palpable, and it was a privilege to behold.

They wanted some carefree, lifestyle shots—active poses, both together and individual. They were absolute champions and changed outfits in the parking lot of the park! Not awkward at all, right?

The giggles grew as they became more comfortable in front of the camera, and near the end, they absolutely glowed with excitement (or maybe it was the hypothermia.)

I was invigorated by their energy, and we all had such a good time on this shoot!

Hi, I’m Staci

Photo credit: Trampoline / Allison Valiquette

It’s nice to meet you! I’m a photographer and graphic designer practicing mindful design daily. I geek out over new typefaces and lenses at an equally embarrassing squeal. I have over 15 years of experience, which helps to shape the way I create.

I use the term “mindful design” because I’m passionate about living deliberately and promoting mental wellness. I treat every photography session like a yoga class, whether it be a corporate headshot or a family photoshoot. I like to bring a little "namaste” into everyone’s day!

I moonlight as the proud co-founder of the world’s most adorable toddler nudist colony. My babies are small, though getting bigger every day. My oldest son, Kaiser, just turned four; and my youngest, Kayden, was born on March 12th, 2020—the day the world shut down due to the pandemic. Parenting in a pandemic hasn’t been easy, but my beautifully sassy toddlers have taught me how to prioritize what is important. I bring that focus to every piece I design and every photo I take.