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!

Move It, Mama: Fit4Mom Queensbury/Saratoga Grand Opening Class!

I try to keep it together during photoshoots, but this one felt particularly special. Beth originally reached out and asked me to capture the grand opening class of Fit4Mom Queensbury/Saratoga, and I immediately felt a connection with her. Her babies are similar in age to mine, and it feels like our objectives align with one another. When I realized that Kaiser would be out of school during this time, I reached out to Beth to ask if she’d mind that I bring him. Her enthusiastic response made me tear up: she said he was absolutely welcome, and that he could ride in her double stroller with her own son! What a deeply kind thing to do, from one mama business owner to another. It felt so meant to be that we connected and acted as a true village today, helping each other take care of the kiddos while she conducted her grand opening class for Fit4Mom Queensbury/Saratoga, and I captured it for her.

The weather was questionable, as it always is, and we lucked out to arrive to Hovey Pond Park in Queensbury, NY to lightly cloudy skies that burst with sunlight sporadically throughout the class. Kaiser hit it off with Parker, Beth’s son, immediately, and they bonded over their joint love of firetrucks while Beth’s mom so kindly strolled him through the class.

You could feel the beautiful mama energy as everyone greeted each other warmly, helped open pouches for other kiddos, and high fived each other as they went through the class itself. It literally brought tears to my eyes; there is something deeply special about mama camaraderie that happens when we join together to become a village and support each other. The entire reason I started this business was to build a better work/life balance for my kiddos, and today, with the help of Beth and her mom, I felt that dream become a reality.

If you haven’t checked Fit4Mom out, the class itself was so much fun! They’ll be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30. I can’t wait to go back and join as a participant next time!

Eli & Emersyn | Summer Family Photoshoot in Granville, NY

This photoshoot was nothing short of magical for all of the reasons! It was supposed to thunderstorm, but it managed to hold off for a few hours and we had beautiful, late-morning sunlight in Granville. It was the first of the summer, and my sweet bubble assistant, Kaiser, joined me to help entertain the babies—he did a great job!

Almost most importantly, I had the chance to capture Eli and his new baby sister almost exactly one year after their maternity shoot! Honestly, to get the chance to watch your babies grow is one of the biggest reasons I love what I do. (Scroll to the end of the gallery to see the side-by-side of sweet Eli, one year apart!) Building a relationship with my clients also helps us all get to know one another, and we all look forward to seeing each other year after year! It also helps us all feel comfortable because we know each other! And if the kiddos have high energy and want to run around, you know I’m easy breezy and we go at their pace! I love more than anything the opportunity to grow in my relationship with my clients and their kiddos. Eli and Emersyn, I can’t wait to see you again next year!

Photoshoot #23! Spa Studio Team Headshots | Glens Falls, NY

It felt meant to be that the 23rd shoot of 2023 was a set of team headshots for my dear friends at the Spa Studio Adirondacks. We have been loyal clients of theirs for years; they are deeply talented and just all around wonderful humans!

We opted for an outdoor style with natural lighting and the introduction of a bit of nature to accent their style.

Erica, Sharon, and the rest of the team were wonderful to work with—following my gentle prompts with laughter and love, which shows in the photos!

They’ll be attending the wellness retreat I’ll be photographing later this summer, and I can’t wait to capture them again!

Sandi & John’s Wedding | Gables & Gardens | Granville, NY

This one is special, folks. I woke up the morning of Sandi and John’s wedding vow renewal at Gables & Gardens teary-eyed and emotional. 10 years ago, I was an equally hot mess as I watched my sister walk down the aisle. I’ve been privileged to witness their love grow and evolve through the years: through loss, through moving to a new state, through having a baby. It has been such a wonderful journey, and I am so honored to have been able to have them in our lives all of these years.

These two purely radiate love. You can feel it in the air when they’re around each other, through the way they laugh and snuggle, and act like complete goofballs when I tried to give them a serious prompt (just wait for that blooper reel! It’s coming!)

Watching them renew their devotion to each other was deeply inspiring for me, and since it was a private ceremony, I am so honored to have snuck in under the guise of being a photographer in order to spy on this sweet ceremony.

Sandi and John, it is truly an honor to witness your deep love for one another. Thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible day! Cheers to so many more years together! I love you both to the moon and back.

WE DID IT! Photography Business Goals: 23 Photoshoots in 2023!

WE DID IT! When I was laid off in January, and my husband and I sat down to discuss making my photography and design business my full time job, I had no idea what this year would look like. I set a goal of photographing 23 photoshoots in 2023, and I honestly had no idea how long it would take to get to that point. I bought this bottle of champagne and told myself that I would pop it when we reached our goal.

My friends, we are in June—halfway through the year—and I am SO thrilled to say that we just hit 23 photoshoots!

Our twenty-third session was meant to be: team headshots for one of our favorite fellow women-owned businesses (and dear friends of ours who we have known for years!) Erica, Sharon, and the rest of the team at Spa Studio Adirondacks. (Sidenote: if you are looking for professional spa services, you must go see them! They are wonderful and talented humans.)

For most of the year, I didn’t know who would be lucky number 23, and when I realized it would be Spa Studio, it felt deeply meant to be. I’m so thrilled to have gotten the chance to celebrate with them!

This goal would never have been reachable without all of your support. Thank you for the public and private messages of encouragement, the friendship and mentorship of my fellow photographers, and those of you who held my hand and believed I could do this from the beginning—even when I wasn’t sure myself. WE DID IT! And I do mean “we”.

What’s next? I turn 40 in February, and now we’re going for 40 photoshoots before 40! Who’s with me? Let’s do this!

Toddlers are in-tents: Camping in Quechee, VT

Every year, we take our first camping trip for Karl’s birthday in Quechee, Vermont. Looking back, I’m impressed that we were so brave: we first took Kaiser camping when he was 6 months old! Now, the kids are 5 and 3, and for the first time I was able to appreciate the small ways that things were a bit easier this year.

It was our first trip with everyone in big boy undies, and let’s just say I’m sure the neighbors got quite a show, with everyone dropping their pants in the forest. (Hey, we’re in survival mode these days, and we’re doing the best we can! Insert facepalm here.)

Despite the challenges that potty training two kids on a camping trip brings, they got along better than expected, they enjoyed their first smores (a rite of passage!) and the nature and fresh air did us all a world of good. We came home refreshed and excited for our next camping trip!

Scarlett’s Spring First Birthday Session | Granville, NY

When a friend once described her longstanding relationship with their family photographer, it was like that scene from the Notebook where Martha tells Noah that now she has something to look forward to after seeing he and Allie together. I knew that’s what I wanted to build with my own clients.

My dream is to serve families year after year, getting the chance to watch them grow, maybe even frequently enough that the kiddos remember me.

I was so fortunate to capture Scarlett at six months, and again yesterday just after her first birthday! Our spring session was full of sweet baby snuggles and giggles that reverberated through Granville. I can’t wait to see this sweet girl and her beautiful mama again!