The Value of a Portrait: Rochester NY Photographer

I want you to go find a photo - maybe it's you and your parents, or your parents wedding album, or you with you deceased grandmother.

Look at the people in it. What do you see? How does that photograph make you feel?

Now, imagine never having that image. Was it 5 years old? 10? Can it be retaken? Do you still have the story behind that image? Imagine how you would feel, if that photograph was taken away from you.

Or rather, try this scenario. Imagine holding that image after 40 years. Are the people in the image all still with us, or have you lost a loved one over the years? Does it mean more to you now that time has passed? My guess is, it does.

For all of these reasons - that's the value of a portrait. 

I can tell you from first hand experience that the photos of my son with his grandfather are some of my most valued possessions. You can have my tv, my computer, heck, you can even take my camera. But if I ever lost those photos, I'd be a wreck.

Those photographs are how I'm going to teach my son who his grandfather was. They're how I'm going to hold on to him when I need to hear his voice. They're part of our story, and serve as a reminder to our history.

But had they never been printed, or worse, never been taken at all, I would have only have the pictures in my ever fading memory to rely on.

Moral of the story - take pictures, and then also print them. Because to me they're one thousand times more valuable than any of the most expensive gifts you'll ever receive.

If you don't understand the feeling right now, trust me, someday you will.

~ Erin

Anniversary & Family Portraits in Penfield, NY

New to the area, this gaggle of girls and their parents love the outdoors. They are excited about the seasons, stomping in puddles and look forward to playing in the snow!

Chelsea and Steve are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, and coupled with their recent move from Florida, this was the perfect way to celebrate!

The girls are so full of energy, and each has their own personality. We enjoyed hopping and climbing, even roaring in the woods. Besides that - just look at those gorgeous fall colors! 

Thanks for inviting me along on the adventure, and welcome to Rochester! I look forward to seeing everyone again soon!
-Lori

Colorful Fall Family Portraits at Tinker Park Rochester, NY

I'd love to say it was the perfect day, but I gotta be honest. It was a really cold one! Sure looks like the perfect fall day though doesn't it?

Jed, Kate, Grace and Harper were troopers for this November session. Tinker Park in Henrietta was the perfect backdrop for some running and dancing. They ran not just because they're kids, but to keep warm! 

These two, young sisters are funny, sweet and full of energy. It was truly a pleasure to photograph them. I hope these photos help them remember the love they have for each other as they grow.

Enjoy,
Lori

Branding Photography for Artisans: Rochester NY Photographers

I never knew the building on Main Street as a firehouse. It was a food pantry when I moved to Fairport. But when Paul and Carolyn moved into it, they converted the space to house their woodworking business. What started as a hobby, became a passion that they now happily share with others.

Paul works with reclaimed wood, scraps and random pieces given to them. Carolyn takes extra tiles leftover from job sites, and other found materials to create her art. Together, they have created tables, decor and so much more. She can create something by request, working with your choice of colors, materials or theme. 

I have loved getting to know this wonderful, easy going couple through the course of creating some images to launch their website. The store has been open since June, and the website should be launching very soon.

Especially as Small Business Saturday approaches, we're grateful to work with local artists like these two. We hope you'll think about stopping by a local merchant as you carefully select your holiday gifts. In doing so, you know that each gift you give was thoughtfully and lovingly made - versus a quick trip to your local big box store.

If you like quality, handmade pieces of art, stop down and get to know these artisans! Their work is sure to impress you, and if nothing else you can enjoy all of the firehouse relics they have accumulated to decorate the space!

Enjoy this sneak peek into the shop, and feel free to say hello and welcome, either in the comments, or in person at 113 N Main St, Fairport!

-Lori

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday

I have to say it...

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Anybody with me? 

My sister-in-law's dog, Madigan, makes sure she is using proper technique to slice the turkey

Here's the thing... it's a little chaotic, involves a lot of driving, but in one day we get

• to spend time with my side of the family

• to spend time with his side of the family

• to eat two very good meals

• to play with our nieces and nephews

• to think about all the things we are grateful for, and say thank you

Thanksgiving is really a "lite" version of Christmas. It contains all the togetherness without having the stress and worry about giving gifts.

And that's why it is my favorite. We get to focus on each other, catching up and playing games with those we love, and don't get to see enough of throughout the year.

Of course, the mountains of food that will inevitably and consumed doesn't hurt either.

So this Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy time with your loved ones. Give them an extra hug, slow down and stay a few moments longer. Be thankful for everything from the shoes on your feet to the roof over your head.

And know that I am thankful for you. Family, friends, clients, and blog-stalkers, I am thankful for you! 

Happy thanksgiving.
-Lori

Photo Christmas Gift Ideas

You've already had photos taken this year, but you never did anything with them. Now it's holiday season, and you just realized you need Christmas cards and gifts! Lucky for you photos are the gift that are cherished forever. They are above and beyond, more valuable than any trinket you'll find at the mall.

So if you need a little inspiration, here are a few of our most popular products this time of year:

1. Ornaments! We offer metal and loft ornaments. They're a perfect small gift for anyone on your list. Put your favorite photo on one side, with the year and a message on the back. Boom, custom, easy and done!

2. Float Wraps! This item has a wow-factor. It's unique, ready to hang (no worrying about frames!) and easy to order in any size from 8x8 to 24x36.

3. Holiday Cards! Don't waste hours searching through, and fighting with online sites. Let us create exactly what you are looking for. We have a lot of customizable options to fit the color and wording choices exactly as you desire.

Need more ideas? You can browse our full catalog for inspiration!

Then call us and we'll make your holiday shopping personalized and thoughtful as well as easy, and most importantly, DONE!

Our deadline for holiday orders is December 6th. So please don't wait til the last minute!

Brighton NY Family PIctures

Hanging out at #fortdrumm was a blast. Charlie and Barrett got to run around the house, draw, pet the dog and even sell apple cider and donuts to the neighbors. 

Emilie likes to bake, so we created a fun portrait in the kitchen of the whole family. Complete with running kids and the dog just watching them go around and around.

Mom and dad run multiple businesses, and they are teaching the boys young. How fun is this cider and donut stand, with fortune telling too? Aren't these boys adorable? 

I look forward to seeing more of these guys! Welcome to our Lori & Erin family!

 -Lori :)

Candid Family Pictures at Wickham Farm

When we saw the forecast for the day, we definitely cringed a little bit. For our second year in a row now, we've had some soggy weather for our Halloween event at Wickham Farms in Penfield.

But the thing we've learned, is that a little rain won't slow down our awesome members. Especially when they have some pretty amazing Halloween costumes to show off.

Check out the little Frodo. Or the cutest lion or cat in town. We even had an appearance from Spider-Man and some Hogwarts students.

We essentially had the place to ourselves. So we made the best of the day and played in the rain! We're so grateful for all of our members. Memories were not only made, but also captured for them to hold onto years from now. It is such a treat (no tricks, sorry) for us to be the ones to capture it for them.

~ Erin

Backyard Family Portrait Session in Victor NY

I walked in the house to find the two boys pretending to be Ninja Turtles. That was my first clue that this was going to be a fun session!

Add to that an adorable baby sister and two awesome parents? Yeah, we had a good time. I really enjoyed getting to know this family as we made images all around the house. From the Halloween decorations in the front yard, to the waterfall in the backyard, and the stunning chandelier in the dining room too! 

But the biggest smiles came when dad picked up the boys by their ankles.  How can that not be the best shot of the day? 

I look forward to seeing these guys again soon! Hope you enjoy a glimpse into the session.
 -Lori

Corn Hill Family Portraits: Rochester NY

As as family in our portrait membership program, we've captured this family in all of their different stages from newborn to toddler.

At this, his two year session we played as much as we could. From his trains to showing off his playground skills - watching him grow into toddlerhood has brought happiness to our lives. He's got a big personality for such a little kid, and it's awesome to watch unfold as he grows.

Happy birthday Teddy!  We're so grateful we got to spend it with you!

~ Erin

First Communion Portraits: St. Louis Church, Pittsford

A few months ago, Owen celebrated his first communion at St. Louis Church in Pittsford. We went back to create some images to commemorate this important step in his young Catholic life. 

I'm not sure if Owen was more excited that he got to read at the pulpit, or bring along Burr, the family/classroom hedgehog for his session. He also seemed to enjoy lighting the candles at the church.

I just enjoyed being a part of the whole thing! I mean, seriously, with that suit and suspenders? This kiddo is cute, and he knows it! 

Congratulations Owen, see you again soon!
Lori

Erie Canal Family Portraits: Pittsford, NY

After three years photographing this little lady, (another one of our awesome portrait members) it's possible she's finally warming up to the idea of me being around with my camera. Or maybe it was the ducks on the canal. Ok fine, it was probably the ducks.

Whatever the reason, I had a fun evening with her, and her mom and dad, on the Erie Canal. They fed the ducks and the pigeons, played hide and seek and ran around barefoot (my kind of girl).

Laid back and relaxed, it's always better to let the three year old be a three year old at a portrait session, isn't it? 

What's better than watching your daughter's face light up as she feeds the ducks? Or running around minus her shoes? What more can you do but enjoy it? Because this is who she is, and I love it.

~ Erin