There are few things that you can say you can smell from memory…. that newborn scent is one of them!  So pure, light, hint of baby sweetness!!!  Unmistakeable that’s for sure!   I’m sure this new mom and dad have been spending some time taking in the wonderful essence of this one.  He truely is a gorgeous newborn baby.  They’re viewing their gallery this week, can not wait for them to see their collection!

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Boys Rule this house for sure!!! 

This makes boy number 3 for this wonderful family!  I really love when I get to work with families as they grow.  I’ve taken maternity pictures, family pictures, and newborn shots with them – so obviously I’ve gotten to see first hand how they’ve expanded!  It’s honestly so much fun for me to see the enormous changes that go on with little ones – and how much a new sibling can resemble an older one!  Can not wait for them to view their full gallery…

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Look at this belly!!!! Many of use have been there – and remember
what an amazing time being pregnant was. Question… Do you have portraits of your belly? Do you remember what you really looked like? I’m one of the guilty ones if you can believe it. I never photographed, or had my belly photographed with either of my pregnancies.
Such a mistake! Pregnancy is truly a miracle. A perfect stage to photograph….you’ll be happy you have the images to remember, and to show your little one when they’re older! The perfect
gift to give to an expecting mom.

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Just in time for this weekend, Holiday photo tips to save the day

PHOTO TIPS:

1.  Flash:  Not the easiest thing to work with – but sometimes just necessary!  If you’re at a gathering during the day…try to turn your flash off.  Set the ISO, which is basically the camera “film” speed, at least at 400.  Take a look around the room, and try to find natural light by the windows.  You’ll get beautiful soft filtered light, that makes for gorgeous photos!  At night, or in dark spaces, you will have to use a flash.  Keep in mind that your camera’s flash only really works up to about 6 ft. away.  So stay close!  Also, if you have an attached flash system – see if you have the capability to adjust the position.  On “shoe flashes” you should have a release button to adjust the angle and direction the flash is set up in.  If possible, extend the flash straight up, then slightly tip it to point behind you!  Ideal position would be if the flash is firing where the wall and ceiling meet directly behind you.  If you can’t tip it back, then position it straight up and down, bouncing off the ceiling!

2.  Composition:

A. The biggest mistake that people make taking photographs is being too far away!  Often I tell clients that the background isn’t all that important – especially when you’re in a house!   What you’re photographing are the people, not the bookshelf!  LOL   When you look through your viewfinder – take specific notice of how much background is in your frame.  Before you click your shutter – take a step, or a few steps closer to your subjects!  Don’t be worried about if the top of someone’s head is slightly cropped, you’ll be focusing on their faces and expressions!

B. Probably the second No-No people don’t realize is NOT TO CENTER THEIR PHOTOS!    Think of your viewfinder as a Tic-Tac-Toe grid.  You do not want the focal point of your photo to land in the center. It’s visually boring!  Where you do want to focus the attention is the corner points of that center square.  Those land 1/3 of the way into the frame.  So maybe start by centering the photo – then shift yourself so the person’s eyes are landing at either the top Left or top Right point of that center square.  Basically just shift a bit left, right, up or down…you’ll be much happier with the results!

3.  Candid Shots:

Looking for real smiles, and emotions?  Resist the urge to say “Say Cheese and Look at the Camera!”  When you see family or friends laughing and enjoying each others company – sneak over and fire off a few frames!  If they are looking at you, try to crack a joke, or remind them of a funny story that gets the giggles going again!

Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season – and Happy Photo taking!

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This is the second time I’ve worked with this adorable family – the first was shortly after their oldest son was born.  I was so excited to see them all again, and of course to meet the newest family member…so adorable!  As most sessions with a “toddler”    we move all over the place!  Mom’s and Dad’s honestly work as hard as I do to get their little munchkins to cooperate – and as I’ve said before — playing is the best secret!  This blonde curly haired cutie and I ran all over the yard – it’s just the way it goes.  Raisins were a big hit – and allowed a few quick shots of him sitting with Dad.   As I tell clients — it may feel hectic, but we always walk away with what we want – and like the others, this family had some great images to select from!

Although this wasn’t a “newborn” session – we were sure to try to build a bit of that in too…

cute hu???  don’t you just want to kiss those feet???

Ok – one last one —- and last tip…a flip upside down and tickle moment always swings right into postive energy!

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I had the honor of photographing this little sweetheart — isn’t she just gorgeous? My children aren’t that old yet, but it still amazes me how quickly you forget how tiny they really are when they make their way into this world. To say she was the perfect baby – doesn’t seem to accurately describe how easy she made it to photograph her! Slept quietly as we moved her around, changed and undress her. The only peep she made was when she got hungry, and right back to sleep she went. Anyone that’s had a child will tell you how tired you are in the beginning. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to get their heads around scheduling a newborn session so early. However, this is exactly why you want to do it within the first 2 weeks of their birth. THEY SLEEP! Any time families have waited – the baby is always more fussy – and the session is never as relaxed as this was. So a tip to tuck away — mentally plan that you will do them shortly after the birth —- I promise…you won’t be sorry!

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I’ve created books like this before – but this is a first one where I placed both the pregnancy images and newborn in the same book… I LOVE IT! It seems like such a natural way to display these images; and a great keepsake for both the parents and child. The albums I use have what they call hinged pages – which basically means that they lay perfectly flat when the book is open. You don’t lose any of the image in the binding! Since these are custom designed they do take a bit of time to create. I just placed the order for it, and can not wait to see how it came out. I’ll be sure to post some pictures once it does arrive – but in the meantime, here’s a sampling of some of the pages.

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I LOVE Maternity sessions – I know I’ve said it before, but the lines of a pregnant woman’s body are so beautiful! And although I do process in color sometimes too…the simplicity of Black and White just lets the belly stand on it’s own.

This will be baby number 2 for this gorgeous mommy. Not too far off now! Simply a stunning belly to photograph!>

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Why not???  Now don’t get me wrong…I love summer!  Actually could do without a speck of snow!!! LOL

During these tight times, I think many of us are looking to pinch our pockets here and there.  I know my clients value Custom Portraiture, and also know it is an investment.  So, whether this type of session fits your budget, or you just feel like having a few new shots to celebrate the summer season -  think of it as my way of saying Thank You…  I really do love the connection I’ve made with you and your family.  This event is open to you, and anyone you’d like to share it with.

Here are the details!

Where: Schenectady’s Central Park – Rose Garden Area

When: Satureday, July 11th

Times:  4-7 (30 minute increments/on the hr. and 1/2 hr.)

What: *Approximately a 20 minute outdoor session * Online viewing /ordering appointment

Cost: Your choice of either…

A) $200 – Session, plus any 2 digital files!

B.) 220 -  Session, plus (1) 11×14; (1) 8×10; (1) 5×7

RSVP by June 13th  Session times are first come first serve.

PLEASE NOTE:  A $100 deposit will be due upon booking

*** If you have a group of friends that you’d like to do this with..contact me and we’ll work it out !  Of course you get  a discount!

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