John’s Spring School Photos | Glens Falls NY
The day before had POURED, so when I arrived in Glens Falls for John’s school photo portrait session to a cloudy sky, the first thing I did was check for rain. (We lucked out—it started to sprinkle RIGHT after our session!)
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Erica and her family for many years, and had the honor of capturing her business headshots last year, and we even attended last year’s wellness retreat together!
John was such a sweetheart, and such a trooper to go along with all of my silly session prompts. (If you’ve had a session with me, you know that we try to loosen up with some relaxing yoga-type poses and exercises, which elicits a more comfortable experience.)
I LOVE when clients bring an extra outfit, and you should have seen his face light up when he put that Tupper Lake hockey jersey on! I told him next time we’ll have to bring his hockey stick and whole outfit!
We walked around Hovey Pond Park and tried out several of the areas I’ve been wanting to photograph in—it was an awesome experience! We even snuck in a few mama-and-son photos. (Even if you come to a session feeling like you want the focus to be on your child and not be in them, you will be so thankful if you choose to.) Thank you so much, Erica and John, for trusting me to capture your school photos! I can’t wait to see you again soon!
Girls Weekend: Wine Tasting in the Finger Lakes, NY
My sister and I ran away for the weekend to go wine tasting in the Finger Lakes region in NY. As an event photographer, it was every bit as stunning as you’d imagine, and I was drooling to capture everything! As a sister and fellow wine enthusiast, it was EVERYTHING.
The four and a half hour drive from Glens Falls went by in a flash, as we caught up on everything that has recently been going on in our lives. Between us, we have three boys—ages 7, 6, and 4. (Special shoutout to our husbands who so lovingly encouraged us to go while they watched the kids!)
We stayed at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, which was every bit as breathtaking as we pictured. It had a gorgeous view of Seneca Lake, and was walkable to all of the sweet downtown shops and restaurants, including one of my personal favorites, Upstate Brewing (you all know I love good beer!)
Sandi booked us a wine tour at Experience Finger Lakes for Saturday, and we absolutely loved it! Our tour guide, Liz, was so knowledgable and made our experience all the sweeter. We visited Buttonwood Grove Winery, Silver Thread Winery, and Damiani (where we had a personalized wine and chocolate pairing! I mean, does it get any better than that?!)
We had the best time, and though we of course wished it was longer, I can’t wait to come back to the Finger Lakes, both as a tourist and a photographer! (Not-so-subtle hint: please, invite us back—we’ll capture your girls weekend, bachelorette, or family reunion and even join you on the wine tour (twist my arm!)—we’d be THRILLED for a reason to return!)
Awkward Family Photoshoot | Hudson Falls, NY
From the moment we stepped into the studio in Hudson Falls, NY for our awkward family photoshoot, my sister and I could NOT stop laughing.
For awkward outfits, she found matching white turtlenecks at Peter Harris on sale for $2. They were PERFECT. To add to the hilarity, we had decided to photograph it ourselves, on a tripod. (Always a comedy of errors!)
We created a Pinterest board for awkward photos, and decided to try to keep it simple with three poses: the uncomfortably close, over-the-shoulder pose; the lay on the floor pose; and the wheelbarrow pose.
Every time I set the interval timer, it took 20 photos in a row. The first 5 are spent capturing me running into the frame, the second 10 are the two of us dying laughing, and the last 5 are actual photos. Ha!
We had SO much fun doing this photoshoot, and we can’t wait to print and frame it for our parents! If you want to die laughing and come up with a creative gift for your family, I can’t recommend an awkward family photoshoot enough!
Upstate NY Event Photography | Common Roots Brewing | South Glens Falls, NY
Walking into the new Bierhall space at Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls was like taking a breath of fresh air. And being invited as the event photographer for this incredibly special occasion was a deep honor.
You can feel the love of this family with every person who came through the door. The younger kids bounced in with excitement, and the adults carried with them the same energy. Hugs were abundant, and the joyful smiles that came with each conversation were palpable.
We photographed Robin and Bert’s family members first, including seven kiddos under the age of four—the newest addition at 8 weeks! They were all SO sweet and bursting with party energy, and it took everything in me to focus on photographing them and not snuggling those sweet cheeks! (I was so excited to see Oliver and Archer again after our first session last Spring!)
It was a deep honor to capture this event, and the warmth, love, and laughter we were witness to that evening will stay in my heart. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your event and your sweet family, Robin and Bert!
WorkSmart Galentines Day Event | Glens Falls, NY
Serena, the owner of Hot Yoga Queensbury, running a yoga class
From the moment I stepped into the lobby at WorkSmart in Glens Falls for the Galentines Day Event, it felt like arriving to see old friends. I was welcomed into the spacious building with warmth and hugs, and we spent most of the day catching up and sharing stories of business and friendship.
I was so thrilled to meet Serena, the owner of Hot Yoga Queensbury, who graciously shared her energy with us for a midday yoga session. As I always do with yoga classes, I asked permission to take photos and snapped a few at the beginning of class and then put my camera away so I didn’t disturb the rest of the practice. I know how precious yoga time is (for me, too!)
Allison, the owner of Allison Giam Creative, ran a workshop on social media pain points and I came home with a notebook full of fresh ideas and new accounts to follow to help streamline my social media presence (admittedly NOT my strong suit!)
I came away from this event with my soul filled, buzzing with the energy I received from everyone who attended. I am so thankful to WorkSmart for another wonderful event, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Behind the Scenes: My 40th Birthday Photoshoot! Hudson Falls, NY
This balloon garland kept falling off the mirror, but I managed to get some photos in between trying to tape it!
Cheers to 40 years! I decided to celebrate with a 40th birthday photoshoot this year at The Suite in Hudson Falls, NY.
To be honest, I thought I’d feel apprehensive—gasp! Over the hill! But to my surprise, 40 feels like slipping into the most comfortable sweatshirt that fits me just right. I am embracing my toddler mom era, and I can’t help but mother everyone around me to try and care for and protect them—fellow business owners included! I’m so thankful to everyone in my life for helping me get this far. Here are some fun behind the scenes moments from this session!
Behind the scenes:
This photoshoot was so special, and it DEFINITELY had its challenges! I decided to take the photos myself, and let me tell you—I should have practiced what I preach and hired a photographer for this one! There were many bloopers, which had me cackling in the studio all by myself.
To start, I created the balloon garland myself (with lots of helpful assistance from my 3-year-old, Kayden!) While carrying it into the studio and trying to unlock the door, I popped a balloon and scared the bejezus out of myself!
I carried the cake in on a solo trip, trying desperately not to trip on my way in. It was a work of art created by A Spoonful of Sugar Bakery, and as clumsy as I am (remember how I tripped over the flags during the PSA 5K photoshoot?! HA!) Luckily, it made it unharmed!
I had big dreams for the balloon throw photos, but it turns out that it’s really hard to set the camera timer, run in front of the camera, AND throw balloons in the air! I managed to get about five small balloons in my hands, and they just wouldn’t fall the way I wanted to! I was sweating running back and forth from behind the camera to the front, but I had a blast!
40 is already turning out to be so much fun. My word for 2024 is “play”, and that’s exactly what I did for this photoshoot. I can’t wait to have more fun this year and really live in the moment as much as I can.
Do you or a friend have a big birthday coming up? Let’s celebrate together with a session like this one! I’d LOVE to hear about your dream birthday photoshoot!
Makayla’s Cosmetology-inspired Vermont Senior Photoshoot | Pawlet VT
Like an oasis in the middle of this rainy fall and winter weather we’ve had, Makayla’s senior session glowed with the sunlight I’ve been missing for weeks.
She derived inspiration from her cosmetology practice, and we did some fun photos with her shears, based on the Pinterest board we created together. (I joked that this could be the cover art for one of the murder podcasts I love so much.)
We also found some fun ways to include her dog in her senior session!
And like the sun shone, so did she. Her beautiful energy radiated from her with the hope and promise that only a senior can possess. She was confident, calm, and NAILED it.
Makayla, I just know big things are ahead of you. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with me!
How to Include Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos | Argyle, NY
This tree farm engagement photo session was a SPECIAL one, because Vinny booked me before he popped the question! We scheduled his engagement session with Ty before it was even official, and I was BURSTING to know how everything went!
Vinny and Ty reached out shortly before their session to see if it would be okay to bring their dog, Sunny. I had to check with the venue, and Scotlander Brewing happily replied that they love well-behaved pups on leashes, so off we went!
Our session was to be about 30 minutes, so we split it half and half: we left Sunny tucked safely in the warm car while we took a few of the happy couple alone, and then we let him out to roam the tree farm and celebrate with his mom and dad!
We let him sniff around and get some of his wiggles out, giving him time to acclimate to his surroundings. Once he was comfortable, he sat like such a good boy for his photos!
Fur babies (like human babies) just need to settle in and feel comfortable in order for your session to be the most enjoyable for all of you! So we take our time, and go at their pace. Just like my toddlers, if they need a break or a snack, we’ll take it! And we’ll make sure to snap everything in between!
Congratulations to Vinny, Ty, and Sunny! And best wishes for the happiest life together as a family!
An Upstate NY Family Farmhouse Holiday Session | The Armstrong Family | Granville NY
This is a story about how I fell in love with a cow.
When Morgan reached out to schedule her family holiday session, I was SO excited to visit their home and capture them while they were all together over Thanksgiving. And I’m a cat person, but when she asked if they could include their sweet cow named Thyme, I had to resist speeding over that instant to meet her.
The Armstrong family welcomed me into their home with a warmth I’ve only experienced with my own family. They offered me warm drinks (and a beer), and I almost took them up on it. I could have sat and visited with them all day; they were so authentically kind.
When Morgan walked up with Thyme on a leash, I practically swooned. YOU GUYS. THIS COW is now my one true love. (Sorry to my kids and husband.)
We took photos around their farm in a few different locations, and Thyme followed us the entire session. She was truly the star of the show: our cattle centerfold.
I am so thankful to have met the Armstrong family and get to know them this year. They are such a lovely family with incredibly warm hearts. And dare I say our session was… wait for it… deeply moooooo-ving.
Come on, I had to.
Granville Lighted Tractor Parade | Granville, NY
Walking through the streets of our sweet hometown, Granville NY, last night, you could feel the magical energy in the air. We pulled our kiddos in wagons across the footbridge, under the twinkling snowflake lights to get to main street, where the annual Granville Lighted Tractor Parade was about to begin.
We were so thrilled to be asked to capture this event again this year! My husband, Karl, took some drone video, and I captured still photos. It’s an incredibly special event for us as a family—our kiddos loved this event long before we started capturing it—and we are so happy to support and uplift our town.
There were a record 75 tractors registered this year, and as they took off from Telescope Casual Furniture parking lot, each family beamed with happy energy, kids and adults alike.
Every year, I find myself tearing up at the smiles of the children and the warm, inviting atmosphere. (You all know how emotional I am, and this event is no exception!)
Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and participants who made this event a beautiful success. From the bottom of our hearts, and the hearts of our sweet kiddos, you made our holiday season brighter. We can’t wait for next year!
Ladies Night Event | (g)row for kids | Glens Falls, NY
I was so honored to capture the Ladies Night event in Glens Falls last night at (g)row for kids, one of the sweetest children’s stores in the area!
To be honest, with two kids ages 6 and 3, I don’t get out much. And I REALLY don’t get out much during the week, after dark. So when the ladies at (g)row asked me to join them for this event, I was over the moon in more ways than one!
What a treat to get to see the twinkling lights that adorn downtown Glens Falls this holiday season. You could feel the energy of all of the people strolling downtown, happy laughter floating on the sparse snowflakes that fell gently from the sky.
The energy inside of (g)row and many of the other businesses was electric. Women gathering to support each other and catch up over a glass of champagne or a Common Roots beer (I was lucky enough to be set up across from Lindsey at the Common Roots booth, and she so kindly handed out samples. My beer-lover heart was in pure bliss—taking photos and drinking some Good Fortune IPA. What could be better?!
I was so thrilled to see a few friends, meet new ones (like Emily from ADKDoula and Emily from The Upstate OT) and give out free hugs!) This event was truly one-of-a-kind; I can’t wait for next year!
Tips and Posing Prompts for Families with Older Kids | Argyle, NY
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Sarah, Ryan, Hudson and Neva for a little over a year, and was so thrilled to photograph them for the second year in a row. Not only are they the sweetest family; they have two kids who are at the age where they could roll their eyes at the silly things I make them do. But you know what my favorite thing is? Now that we’re all getting to know each other, the kids know me and my sassy personality, and I know theirs. So I started the session telling Neva: “you know I’m going to make you do silly things to make you laugh!” And she was such a doll that she went along with it all lightheartedly. By the end, we were all doubled over with laughter! Here are a few tips for my families with older kids:
Tips and Posing Prompts for Families with Older Kids
We start the session by building camaraderie. Kids appreciate when you’re straightforward with them! So I try to say “Okay, you guys. I know photoshoots might not be your favorite thing, but bear with me, and we’ll get it done as quickly as we can!”
Then, we actually get it done quickly. Stay true to my word helps build rapport and trust with them, and they’ll be more inclined to keep their energy through the session. I study ahead of time and have a strong workflow, so you can get the same number of photos in a short period of time that you would with a longer session.
“Hug your brother like you love him!” Though it might start out with wrestling and giggles, the sweet candid hug happens in the middle of the beautiful laughter!
“Do you guys want to see how these are turning out? Come behind my camera and let’s take a photo of mom and dad.” The kids can step out of the frame for a breather, and they get to see how good they’re looking. Bonus: we get some photos of just mom and dad, and the kids feel involved!
When you book your session, I send a questionnaire and we talk ahead of time. I ask what jokes or questions might make them giggle. (I’m not ashamed to admit that at my own recent session, we yelled “POOP!” Like, a lot.)
Sessions with older kids are some of my favorites! It helps when I’m fortunate enough to build a relationship with a family through the years, and the kids get to know me (like the sweet Sassamans!) When we’re able to get to know each other’s personalities, everyone is more comfortable, and the session is the most enjoyable for all!
Tips for a Relaxing Photoshoot with Your AMAZING High Energy Kids | Clifton Park, NY
This session in Clifton Park, NY with Cindy and her sweet son Jack was soul-filling! We chased crunchy leaves, spotted huge bulldozers, and even had a tickle fight! I left feeling so thankful to this family for spending the morning with me.
I am a photographer specializing in high energy kids and their families! With two energetic kids of my own, ages 5 and 3, I know just how it feels to spend hours choosing the right outfits, stress out the morning of, trying to get everyone dressed and in the car (where are your shoes we just bought?! Everybody go potty! Stop hitting your brother!) Truth be told, I choose our own photographers based equally on their work and their ability to calm my own family during our session. (By the end of our beach session, Jessica’s relaxed and encouraging energy had us all dashing into the ocean playfully!)
It wasn’t until after a recent session with one of my favorite families that the mama turned to me and sighed, and as we both watched her son happily bouncing off into the field, told me how relaxed she felt during our session, and that every other session she’s had left her feeling frazzled and stressed. She said that my calming presence and patience helped her to actually ENJOY her session! It was the most remarkable feedback I could have received. Here are a few tips I’ve learned being both behind the camera and in front of it to bring some namaste to your session.
Tips for a relaxing session with your high energy kiddos:
Bring layers. (whether your session is hot or cold, you can add or remove outer shirts for your kiddos to help them be most comfortable! Bonus: if they get dirty, you have a backup!)
Trust your photographer. We’ll chat beforehand, and I’ll ask you what your hopes are for the session. The more information you share with me about your kiddos’ personalities, the better prepared I am to jump in and play games with them! (Are they Team Chase, or Team Rubble?) I build a shotlist for every session, and come prepared to help guide you through your session. You’ll feel confident knowing I have it handled, and you can relax and enjoy your session.
Embrace the chaos! It may feel like craziness to you as the mama, but know that all of the magical candid photos that occur during your session are happening in the middle of all of that. I just need a few seconds to capture that heartmelting smile!
Cindy and Jack embraced all of these, and came into our session with the most open minds and hearts—I had the most incredible morning with them, and left feeling so thankful that this is my job. Thank you so much, Cindy and Jack!
At Home Backyard Fall Photos | The Gazdecki Family | Glens Falls, NY
I’m often asked whether photos can be taken at your home. YES! Your photoshoot can be at a location of your choosing! There are popular locations that I often capture sessions at: Crandall Park in Glens Falls, NY; Mettowee Park in Granville, NY; Dana Thompson Memorial Park in Vermont. And one of the MOST favorite location requests is your home! We can do your session right in your own backyard! This option is great if you have small kiddos and want the convenience of not having to travel, or a family pet that you want to include but don’t want to pack into the car.
Worried that your backyard isn’t picture perfect? Don’t stress, mine isn’t either! We’ll work around those strewn about monster trucks and rogue hoses.
We can even take your session right inside your home! These sessions are great for new babies, so your pets and kiddos are comfortable in their own space. And again, you don’t have to worry if everything isn’t straight out of a Martha Stewart spread. That’s what careful cropping and placement is for!
When you book your session, we’ll choose together what works for you and your family!
How to Involve Your Kids in Your Maternity Photoshoot | Williston, VT
The weather for this mid-October family session in Williston VT was one of the most unpredictable days this season! On the (gorgeous) drive to Vermont, it went from full sun to pouring rain, and everything in between. I came prepared with umbrellas, as I always do, just in case! And though the weather fluctuated, the sky cleared up JUST as we began our session!
There are many ways to include your children in your maternity photoshoot. We played a few games, and asked them where the baby is and told them to point to mama’s belly! They hugged mama and even gave her belly a kiss.
Sara’s sweet family was heart-meltingly adorable, including their pup, Finley, and her two sweet babies who are so excited to welcome their new sibling soon!
The Best Time of Year For Your Upstate NY Family Photoshoot | The Chapman Family | Glens Falls, NY
When is the best time of year to do your family photoshoot in Upstate NY? I’m asked this quite often, and the answer is: it depends on your preferences!
I’ve been lucky enough to have several sessions with one of my favorite families: The Chapman Family! They’ve experienced the hottest temperatures in the summer for their graduation session, and the absolute coldest in the winter with their tree farm session, and they absolutely rocked them all!
What season should you choose for your session?
1) Fall
Fall is one of the busiest and most popular seasons to choose from for a reason! If you’re in Upstate NY like we are, or somewhere similar, you get the beautiful colors of the foliage, and you can wear your sweetest fall outfits without the temperature being too cold. Aim for late September / early October for the best chance at catching those leaves before they… fall. (See what I did there?!)
2) Spring/Summer
If you’re looking to come out of hibernation and wear your cutest summer dress that you ordered on Amazon but never got the chance to wear, schedule your session for spring or summer. In Upstate NY, the flowers are just starting to bloom in late May, early June. (Bonus: my favorite flowers, peonies, are in bloom by mid-June, usually!) It gets pretty hot mid July to late August, but early morning and late afternoon is more enjoyable for you and your kiddos! See more photos from Julianne’s summer graduation session here!
3) Winter
Another super popular season is winter for holiday tree farm sessions! Pro tip: if the temperatures are chilly and you have young kiddos, have your photographer choose a location where you can park the car nearby to warm up in the middle of your session if you need to! We did this for Julianne’s tree farm session: warm up in the car, pop out for a few photos, and then hop back in! See more from their tree farm session here!
The truth is, any time of year is great for photos. It just depends on what you’re looking for, what you’ll use your photos for in the end, and how adventurous you’re feeling. My favorite family relationships are the ones that have us gathered to capture your photos several times per year, so we build a relationship and your kiddos know and recognize me when we see each other, and I get the honor of watching them grow, alongside my own.
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!
