Tips for Senior Pictures: Fairport NY Senior Portraits

Senior pictures for the Class of 2024 are underway! So we thought it might help to share few tips for some great senior pictures in the Rochester NY area.

After all, these senior portraits will live on the pages of the high school yearbook and on your walls for years to come. The experience you have should be fun, memorable and unique! So here's a few tips to get you thinking...

1) Clothing

Do your best to avoid clothing with words, stripes and plaids. Solid colors tend to photograph much better, especially in a busy background like a park or among colorful flowers. Make sure you're comfortable in your choices, and that they are flattering to you. If there's a part of you that you're self-conscious about, like your arms - simple solution, wear sleeves! Be comfortable in your clothes, so that it shows in your photographs! Also, keep your jewelry simple so it doesn't distract from what we're really capturing - you!

If you have questions on what to wear, bring a variety of options - from dressy to casual! We can help you pick the right outfit for the right setting.

2) Makeup

Don't feel like this is an opportunity to layer on makeup. We want a natural you in your high school senior pictures, not someone that no one will recognize! Your makeup should only be slightly heavier than usual. And please...don't use sparkles, they only make you look shiny in all the wrong places. Don't worry too much about blemishes either, we have ways to help diminish those!

3) Shaving

Unless you're into a bearded look, shave prior to the session to avoid unwanted stubble. If your face gets irritated easily, leave enough time for it to return to normal before your senior pictures.

4) Props, pets and activities

Here's the fun part. What is it that makes you, you? Do you have a cat, dog or pet iguana to include in your senior portraits? We're game, just make sure you bring treats for motivation, and someone to keep watch over Fluffy the Lizard while he's not in the photographs.

We encourage you to bring items that reveal your personality and hobbies. For example, an instrument, sporting equipment, vehicle, collectible, or whatever it is you enjoy!

High School Senior Pictures Fairport NY

High School Senior Pictures Fairport NY

High School Senior Pictures Fairport NY

High School Senior Pictures Fairport NY

We're so excited, and really can't wait to work with each and every one of you. If you're planning or have questions - contact us today!

Lucas at 7 months old: rochester ny photographers

Most people have their infants photographed two, maybe three times in the first year of their lives. Not me. Thanks to my 365 project, and just generally being me, I have had more "sessions" with Lucas than I can count on both hands. The images I take of Lucas are beautiful to me, and I love taking them. However, I'm always the one behind the camera, and it was time to be a part of the action with my family. I cannot even begin to tell you how important it is to me to have photographs of not just Lucas - but Lucas with me and his daddy.

Enter, Lori. I'm so lucky to not only be able to work with her, but have her there to capture my family and our relationships as well. And because she knows me so well, she knew exactly what I was looking for with our last family session. She knew how I wanted to look, and how best to accomplish the task.

So here's my PSA for today:  Moms, be in the pictures. I don't care if you think you look fat, and I don't care if you think you have bags under your eyes.  These photographs are SO important. Find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, and knows what you want photographed. Don't stand behind the camera. Your kids will thank you someday. Please, just do it for them.

End PSA. Now back to your regularly scheduled cuteness.

It's no secret that I have one of the cutest babies on the planet... biased much? Yes, yes I am. Here's a glimpse into our session! Thank you, Lori, for being awesome!

Victor NY Family Portraits: Cinderella and family

When I walked in the house, Dad jokingly asked me if I knew about his illustrious modeling career with L.L. Bean. I knew right then that this family was going to be a lot of fun. Parents, grandparents, 3 great kids, and 2 dogs kept me laughing the entire session.

Lucy, the youngest in the family was the star of this show in her Cinderella dress - and why not? She fit the color palette perfectly, and got to show off her own personality at the same time!

What a fun session! I can’t wait to visit them again this summer for more great portraits! ~ Erin

Rochester NY newborn photography: Introducing L

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I truly love our clients. But really, they're not clients anymore. After five years, an engagement, wedding, and two children with multiple family sessions in between - they are friends, amazing ones at that. So photographing baby Lauren with her big sister Katie was a joy. We got to capture just a glimpse of them forming their early bonds as sisters. And I got to catch up with their amazing mommy as well.

I'll never cease to be grateful for the trust that this family gives us, and for continuing to allow us to be a part of their lives as more than just their photographers.

With that, I'm honored to introduce, and welcome Lauren to the world. ~ Erin

365 project in March : Rochester NY Photographer

I love compiling my images from each month for these posts. I get to see just how many things happened each month and how many great people are a part of my life. I also get to see just how much Lucas changes in just a few weeks. That alone makes me so glad I decided to take on a 365 project this year. I can't imagine not having these images to remember all of his milestones. Family, friends and fun was what March was all about. With Spring creeping in at a snail's pace, we were lucky to get outside a few times. We are also starting to see more sessions pop up on the calendar with our favorite clients. We even got away for a conference in Buffalo, where we got to learn new things to incorporate into the business and our shooting style.

So far so good, I'm still going strong. With our busiest months of the year yet to come, I'm looking forward to more friends and more fun images to share as a part of this project. 3 months down, 9 to go! ~ Erin

February in Pictures: Erin's 365

2 months down! Yes! I've been at my 365 project now for 2 months. It's obvious, that I've taken on a theme, a very "close to my heart" theme. My son is the inspiration for this project. I want to capture as much of this first year of his life as I can! He'll change so much this year - heck, he already has, and astonishes me.

So, naturally many of my pictures revolve around him and will continue to do so. This month, Lucas hit the "half" year mark. I'm trying to capture what he's learning, the funny and sometimes frustrating moments, and the relationships he's building with the world and people in his life. I want to remember all of these little daily milestones that are forming him into the person he's becoming.

Also this month, Nigel the Gnome returned! After Lori left on her trip, I started to feel lonely - so Nigel kept me company during my days. I'm looking forward to seeing where he ends up during my 365 project.

Valentine's Day was a part of this month's images and as we all know, the deep freeze of a winter we're having continued to tortured us.  So that had to be included somehow too!

Enjoy my recap in photos!

~ Erin

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Rochester NY Family Portraits: Welcome Baby N

First - there was M, she's a sweet, funny and beautiful little girl. Now, we welcome her little sister, Nora! Molly is so cute with her, giving her the sweetest kisses, and "helping" Mommy and Daddy with feedings and diaper changes. It's pretty darn adorable. I spent a little bit of time with them, not only capturing Nora in this first tiny stage of life, but updating Molly's portraits too. We're so excited to welcome her into the family. She's the perfect cherry on top of an already awesome ice cream sundae. Enjoy the sibling sweetness, and congratulations to M and family! ~ Erin

Erin's 365 Project begins : Rochester NY photography

As Lori finished up her year in photographs on December 31st 2014, mine began. Only 334 days to go, I'm just getting started. I was inspired to see so many of my photographer friends complete their project last year, and decided it was the right time to begin mine. So I guess I should warn you of three things as I embark on this photographic journey.

1) The overwhelming majority of this project will focus on my son, my family and my dog. These are the most important things in my life, and this is a milestone year for us. Lucas is going to change so much, so fast, and we're all going to change with him. So naturally, this is my inspiration for this endeavor. If you don't want to see cute pictures of babies or my dog, don't look.  :)

2) I'm not burdening myself with any rules. It's hard enough to complete a 365 project without adding rules in. Besides that I know me, I'll miss a day or two. Some days I'll use my iPhone instead of my DSLR. Some days might include an Instagram filter. Or, some might include two images. Again - it's my project, my rules, right?

3) Some of my images are probably going to be boring. I'm not sure that this can be avoided, but you can bet there will be a few days where nothing exciting happens. Not every day of a year is photographic gold.

So here we go folks, my 365 project begins. I'll need your help and encouragement to keep going. I know from watching others do it, that it's a big undertaking. I'm proud of myself for trying, and so far succeeding.

This month focused on Lucas, a fun family wedding in Chicago, and other random goodies. January is complete, bring it on February. Only 334 days to go.

In no particular order, here's January! ~ Erin

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Home for the Holidays: Family Portraits Rochester, NY

When a family comes together, it's always a special time. This big family was home for an early Thanksgiving gathering. We spent a few hours with them capturing everything from toddlers running around everywhere, to cute family moments. It was a bit crazy to keep the kids still for this big family photograph, but we got one before they scattered! What a fun challenge! We love catching all of these moments and times together at the holidays. Have a peek at the fun and a little bit of crazy that we enjoyed with this family! ~ Erin

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We Wish You a Merry Christmas: Rochester NY Photographers

I've always loved Christmas, it's a wonderful time of the year.  I'm the one who puts up the Christmas decorations as soon as Santa arrives at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My husband laughs at me, then plays along - because, if I only get to enjoy them for one month, he knows I want every possible second of that month. To me Christmas is family, friends and an overwhelming spirit of love. Now that Lucas is here, I get to share in a whole new kind of love. I'm so very blessed. I could go on to tell you all of the ways I'm blessed, but I've been told I keep making people cry with my blog posts. So for their sake, I'm going to keep things on the lighter side today.

At the ripe old age of four months, Lucas has been photographed by no less than 3 professional photographers - not including myself. I have more photographs of him in four months, than I have taken personally in an entire year. Poor kid, he has no idea who he's dealing with yet. There have been a few moments where he's told me subtly what he thinks of me, my ideas and my camera. For example, his expression with Santa for the first time was priceless, and then "accidentally" giving me the bird while I photographed a mini Christmas session in his adorable knit hat. Yep... that's my boy! Regardless, so far I'd say he's handling it quite nicely.

No Christmas card picture is perfect. We should know. It may have taken you 23 tries to get your 2 year old to stop picking his nose. Or maybe, when your daughter saw Santa, she had the most epic meltdown in the history of meltdowns.  But on Christmas Day in 20 years, you'll remember those moments and laugh, as you show your child's significant other "that time" when he gave the camera the middle finger. I know I sure will.

Merry Christmas to you and many blessings to all those you hold dear.

Peace, love, and joy - Erin  :)

Jameson: Rochester NY Newborn Session

George Eastman House,Maternity Session,Portrait Session,Rochester NY Family Portraits,

When we last saw them, Janel and Kevin were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little man. We took their last portraits as a family of two, and as we did I learned a secret. They shared with us their little guy's name via sign. It was adorable. I know it kept a lot of their friends in suspense too. Well, here it is - the big name reveal. :) If you haven't already met him, meet Jameson John. He's a 7 lb cutie, with the best little face and was absolutely perfect for us during his newborn session. With my own little guy growing so fast, it was a reminder of how small they start out!

Kevin and Janel, I have loved watching your journey from engaged to married to now parenthood. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be amazing parents, as you already are! Congratulations - I look foward to continuing to capture this chapter in your lives for you. ~ Erin

What I'm thankful for in 2014

It's been one heck of a ride for me this year. There have been many ups and downs, and everything in between. I decided to put it down on paper, and share some of the biggest things I'm thankful for this year. So, in no particular order, here they are.

1) Lori: This year has been an amazing year for business, and it would not have been possible without Lori. She picked up the pieces where I couldn't, and went above and beyond to keep us not only afloat, but moving forward. I could not be more thankful that I have her in my life, not only as a business partner - but as a most wonderful friend as well. I only hope that I can do my best to make 2015 as awesome as she made 2014.

2) My Son: Just thinking about what I've already learned by becoming a mother, makes me tear up. I won't lie, the past 3 months haven't been easy. I never expected the mixed bag of emotions I'd end up going through. It's utterly incredible, that my 5 lb peanut could alternately make me crazy one day, but bring me such peace and joy the next. But I'm thankful for him because he's taught me to love deeper. He makes me want to work harder, and be better for him. I want him to know what it's like to love and appreciate this life - and that it's possible to dream big, like his Mommy does.

3) My Husband: It should go without saying, but I'm still inspired by what he does for our family and for me. He supports my dreams, dreams with me, and still keeps me from eating a steady diet of cereal. ;)

4) My Struggles and My Community: For those who don't know, my father has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer.  Somehow, writing it down makes it even more of a reality. I won't dwell on the negative though, because that's not the point I'm trying to make. I guess, in a way I'm thankful for this struggle God's put in my family's path. It has made me remember what and who is most important in life.

I'm also thankful for the outpouring of support and love we've received from the community around us. It's immensely overwhelming at times. There are so many people out there, whose lives have interconnected with ours along life's journey. It's incredibly humbling because I know that everyone has their own daily battles to fight. I'm so thankful for each and every one of you who have taken the time to reach out with an arm of support for us. Some of you, I haven't seen in ages - yet you're there for me, and us still today. Wow.

This weekend, my family has put together a benefit in support of my father. If you're interested in attending, it will be a great time! Live music, raffle prizes, a photo booth and great people - there's information here on Facebook: KTK Benefit

It all comes down to this:

This year, I've never been more thankful for the help and support from others. I'm thankful for those who have taken the time to donate, or just to reach out after a lot of passed time and say hello. And I'm thankful for those keeping my head above water, for listening when I need a friend, and for helping me to be a better version of myself.

Today, and every day I'm thankful for all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving. ~ Erin

PS - This post would not be complete without some fun and cuteness...so, here it is!

Lori really rocked it this year!

Lucas at his newborn session, courtesy of Linda Hayes Photography

Love when Allie watches over Lucas.

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Even though I see this face a lot, he's loved.

Daddy and Lucas

My parents, with Lucas.