Portrait of a Grandmother: Rochester NY Photographers
So many things about who I am have been cultivated by the women in my life. I'm ridiculously lucky to have had the chance to grow up knowing and loving them all. From my own mother to aunts and all the way to my great grandmother, who passed some years ago.
I'd like to think I follow in their footsteps, collecting each of their similar traits. We're all worriers and maybe a little neurotic. None of us have a green thumb or a penchant for cooking dinner. But we are also loving, hard working, independent and strong when we need to be.
So many of these traits are learned, taught and handed down. I've been so lucky to have grown up with not only a wonderful mother as an example, but my grandmother's example of love as well.
While she's now a great grandmother and grandmother - she's also still a mother. She has the same wishes for her own children that every mother everywhere has. She's still there as a mother to my parents, even when it's hard. Just like my mom is for me.
Because from what I've gathered, you don't stop being a mom when your kids have kids.
Recently my family celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday, so naturally my camera was at the ready. I took a few minutes to just capture a portrait of her alone. Looking at it now, I see more than just her likeness. I see the matriarch of the family, supportive and strong for us all. I see love, warmth, happiness, family, history.
I see all the other moms of the family in her.
I see me.
Hugs, love, and a Happy (Belated) Mother's Day to you all (especially to my own Momma),
Erin
A Plea for a Little More Self Love: Fairport NY Portrait Photography
Sweet Newborn Portraits: Buffalo NY Photographers
She's six adorable pounds of perfection. I'm not the only one who thinks so. Her village of family and friends think so too. And let's not forget Mommy and Daddy.
She's Stella Skye, and she's my newest niece. Eight years ago, her big brother Caleb was one of the first to ignite the spark that led me to where I am today, capturing relationships of all kinds. And now here's Stella, and I'm doing it all again.
Her newborn session began a little messy, but within minutes she was sound asleep. She stayed that way for hours...perfectly peaceful while we captured sleepy smiles all over the house. Her room was my favorite - everywhere you looked there was another handmade piece. Whether the mural or the drawings done by her own Mommy, the handmade blankets, or the signage lovingly made by family.
For now we'll cherish the smallness of her fitting into her Daddy's two hands or her Mommy's comforting arms as she sleeps. Because all too soon she'll wake, and those mountains she's going to move won't know what hit them.
xoxo,
Erin
A Bucket List trip to Iceland
It was probably two years ago that my sister first suggested a trip to Iceland. My sister, AKA "Lisa the Waterfall Hunter", has a self proclaimed passion for... wait for it...you guessed it, waterfalls! She loves them all - from giant Niagara Falls to small hidden falls in the Finger Lakes.
Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, is full of waterfalls. Really, they are everywhere! They have tall ones and wide ones, multi-tiered falls and waterfalls in caves. Not to mention the glaciers, volcanoes and northern lights!
So after many theoretical conversations about going to Iceland, it finally happened. And we convinced my parents to come along too! We rented a car and drove the Ring Road that circles the entire island. In one week, my dad and I drove 1300 miles while my mom and sister frequently yelled "Stop the car!" from the back seat.
We drove past a herd of reindeer and pastures of Icelandic horses. We walked on black sand beaches, lava fields, and glaciers. We hiked into canyons and saw more waterfalls than you could count. We swam in the Blue Lagoon and learned Icelandic history in the museums. We stayed in a variety of Air BNBs, once in the city, but mostly in the countryside.
And we made memories.
I saw my dad with a mud mask on, in a lagoon (he is not a swimmer.) Say the word "frump" to my mom and just see what happens. Lisa dressed up like the viking she longs to be, or with tears in her eyes at the base of a waterfall she has dreamt about. Unforgettable.
And with the video camera, two DSLRs and 4 iPhones... I think we managed to capture those memories.
Here's a little peek into our adventure!
-Lori
Artist Branding Portraits: Rochester NY Portraits
I stepped into their home, and was instantly struck by beauty all around me. Renee Mendler is an accomplished artist here in Rochester. If you haven't yet heard of her - a) you have now and b) you should really check out her work.
When she's not spending time with her two kids, Renee creates stunning pieces in her home studio. She is inspired by the world around her as a contemporary abstract artist. She paints on various media - everything from canvas to tiles for coffee tables.
To see more of Renee's work visit her website at: www.reneemendlerart.com or visit her work in person at Whitman Works Co. in Penfield NY or at Nosh Restaurant in downtown Rochester.
Why I'm a Photographer: Reason #937 and counting
It was almost three years ago when we set up his crib. I was still pregnant, so it didn't seem real yet. How could I possibly know at that point, what placing my baby in that crib would feel like?
But now, night after night he's slept (mostly) peacefully in that crib. I do know how it feels to rub his back as his eyes close, say good night, and tell him I love him.
You know the saying. All good things must... right?
This. Is. Why. I. Take. Pictures.
Because tomorrow we'll put him to bed in a "big boy bed" for the first time. I blinked a few dozen times and he again changed before my eyes.
No, I didn't miss any of it - I was there the whole time. But now, that particular feeling of him as "a baby" will begin to fade. As time passes, my pictures of him will remind me of that feeling. They will become even more invaluable.
Nothing in this life stays the same for long, right? I know more changes are on the horizon for us. I may not know exactly when, but when it does, I'll have this moment captured forever.
Change is inevitable, for you and for me. It's sometimes hard to accept, but it's a natural progression in life.
What changes are coming your way? What do you want to capture before it does?
This is why I take your pictures.
~ Erin
Award Winning Photographer: PPSNYS 2017
It's exciting to win ... anything really... but this is an award I am especially fond of. And it's all because of the subject matter. First I'll tell you a little about Liam, and then about the award.
"The Prodigy" | PPSNYS 2017 Judges Choice Award
About Liam
I have known Liam and his family for over five years now. They are very special to me. They are one of those families that start out as clients and end up becoming great friends. At their family portrait session last year, I remember playing with Liam and his siblings in the backyard. He ran around like a typical three year old.
But, when we went inside, that changed quickly. He got out his tiny violin and, with dad by his side, played for me. I was floored by how much talent this little boy has.
That wild three year old boy transformed. He was focused and proud with instrument in hand. I made many photographs of the moment, and many months later, decided to enter this one into a print competition.
About the Award
As part of the New York State Professional Photographers Society, Erin and I regularly attend the annual convention, which this year took place in Buffalo. Part of the convention includes an image competition, where photographers can test their skills against other professionals in several categories. Prizes are awarded based on overall scores, category wins and more. I entered four images into the competition, all of which were judged "Above Average".
After scoring, each of the judges then selected their favorite overall image from the 100+ entries. This image received the "Judges Choice Award". I was able to speak to the judge who selected my image. They loved the moment that it captured and also how the composition fit the rule of thirds in addition to the golden ratio.
Thank you
I want to thank Liam and his whole family for the honor of being your photographer. I love you guys!
I also want to thank the other members of PPSNYS who encouraged me to submit, helped me select my final images and provided guidance with editing and titling. Specifically John Aiken, Pat Luke, Deb Woodard, Erin Perrotta (of course) and so many more!
~ Lori
These images all received the white ribbon for above average.
Rainy Day Family Portraits in Victor NY
Today we are shining the spotlight on a wonderful, American/Canadian family in Victor!
Summer and Sienna play lacrosse, hockey and swim. They also love animals— particularly giraffes and panda's, which they fell in love with at the Toronto zoo.
Their dad, Scott, is the women's hockey coach at RIT, and originally from Canada. The whole family loves going to his games in the winter and seeing the Toronto Blue Jay's in the summer.
When not playing or coaching, they enjoy curling up on the couch and watching movies on the big screen. This family is easy going and a lot of fun, which you'll see in their photos! They weren't afraid to play in the rain, which ended the session in a fun and unique way.
Hope you enjoy these family portraits and say "Hey" when you see them out and about!
See you soon,
Lori
Maternity Portraits in Hilton NY
I had a grand total of five minutes to capture a few maternity portraits of these two. Why? Because we had to sneak out the back door of their shower to do it!
We were a little silly and had to move fast (because it was FREEZING out), but I could easily feel the love for their tiny miracle show through.
Full disclosure (if you didn't know already) - these two are my family. So I seriously can't WAIT to meet this new, sweet addition. She's already loved so much, by so many people.
But no one on Earth will love her more than these two already do.
~ Erin
Pool Party Fun by Fairport NY Photographers
Outside the weather was, gray and rainy, as most March days can be. But inside the Perinton Recreation Center the pool was cozy and warm. A perfect afternoon for the families of our membership program.
Even the littlest VIP's in our membership program had fun with their parents splashing in the pool. There's somewhere to play for every age. So if you've never visited this aquatics center - you definitely should!
Enjoy some of the moments from the event - and join us next month!
~ Erin
Baby's First Year: 6 month family portraits
Chubby little legs and cute baby rolls get me every time. This particular set of chubby little legs just turned six months old. Isn't Wyatt adorable?
He can leap tall buildings (or short duplo ones) in a single bound with assistance from Daddy. Or he can simply look adorable in his overalls and onesie. Or he's even cute in a tie, sitting in a rocking chair once used by his Mommy.
He perhaps wasn't as smiley as he normally is, but hey he's a baby, he's allowed to have those days occasionally. And that's when cuddling close to Mommy with a bottle is all that matters. It really didn't matter what we did, he was cute no matter what.
We can't wait to see him again!
~ Erin
