Birthday Photos with Batavia, N.Y. Photographer

Happy 3rd birthday, Stephen!

I met Stephen and his family 2 years ago when he was about 9 or 10 months old. He always gives me a run for my money, but he’s the most fun! He loves Peppa Pig and his mommy and daddy- but he’s definitely a mama’s boy! He’s the sweetest, happiest little guy I have ever met. He’s easy to temper but when he’s happy HE’S OH, SO HAPPY, and has a smile that is so infectious.

Over the years working with Stephen I have learned that when he finds something that soothes him, you just go with it. As you can see here he is holding his Mom’s cell phone in one image and a water bottle in the other. The shot with the cell phone was when mom and dad were in the studio with them, but I wasn’t able to connect with Stephen on a personal level while his parents were in sight, so I kicked them out-along with the cell phone, LOL! He did fuss for a minute but, then, found a nearby water bottle that calmed him right down. I decided that I was just going to photograph him with these items because 1- he was able to control his emotions with them and 2- it shows who he is at this stage of life. Is it ideal? No, but I will do whatever I need to do to get the shot, and “the shot” here is him smiling and engaging with me.

I usually tell parents that showing a child their favorite cartoon on their phone over my head is not ideal because it makes them zone-out. In turn they look like a zombie for their photos. It also doesn’t allow me to get that connection that every parent wants from their photos. However, I make an exception for Stephen because the phone actually helps calm and center him, but I can still get that connection and keep him in the area of the studio I need him in. I rarely get eye contact from him but when I do it’s magical. His sweet little face, big brown eyes, and adorable smile make all the work worth it when I can capture it.

Portrait photography is not always about getting the most perfectly posed shot. It’s about meeting people where they’re at and photographing them as they are. It’s about pulling out their personality and showing it to the world. You’re a storyteller.

4 Tips on How to Manage Fussy Children During Portrait Session

Fussy children during your photo session can be stressful. I have 3 children of my own; I get it! And, they’re all boys- which seems to be more difficult to convince them that family photos are important. Now, I must admit that these are not fool proof tips and there are some children that are unbreakable, but they do work most of the time and are always worth a try.

Tip #1

• Be Empathetic: Some children start the session with strong emotions, and that’s okay. You have protected your children and taught them stranger danger since they were born and now you expect them to perform for a stranger. As your Batavia, N.Y. photographer, I try to put myself in the shoes of your little ones. I read their body language and develop a plan based on the energy they are giving me. Maybe they are hugging your leg and hiding. This shows me they are a little shy and probably a little nervous. Maybe they are clutching you and crying. This tells me that I am not to be trusted just yet and must earn it. I must show them that I am not here to cause them any harm. These two things tell me that bringing out the camera right away is not the best idea if I want to win them over. They need time. They need time to assess the situation and get comfortable with their surroundings. Never push if your children are not ready. Be patient and they will come around. If you know your child requires extra time, make that known to your photographer so that they can give you ample time. This is also why I tell parents to never let their child(ren) fall asleep in the car on the way to a session. Could you imagine falling asleep in one place and waking up in another, meeting a new person in a location you’ve never been, AND you are expected to put on your best face?! That’s going to be a negative for me.

Tip #2

• Give them a break: Your children have feelings just like you and me. The only difference is they haven’t been afforded the full experience on how to manage those emotions just yet. Maybe they started off their session strong but about 15 minutes in they just aren’t having it anymore- Give them a moment. Allow them to have a snack or a little drink. Give them some time to gather their emotions and bring them back when they’re ready. A good family photographer will also be able to pick-up on these cues and should be able to change it up to create a set-up that will be more appealing to your little one: This might be throwing them in the air, giving them some tickles, standing and walking, allowing your child to run or jump, etc. Kids are unpredictable and we need to be able to adapt to their needs.

  Tip #3

• Positive words: I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the amount of times I’ve told parents that yelling at your children will not work to correct their behavior during a session. In fact, I’ve physically seen a child get worse because of it. Why? Your child is having a moment and needs that time to process it. Yelling at them actually shuts them down and makes them even more upset. Not to mention, it embarrasses them in front of a new person. If you have ever worked with me, you have probably heard me tell your children that they are doing a great job and how amazing they are, and that I appreciate them for doing a job well done. I always tell parents that if your child is not harming anyone or themselves, all play and silliness is okay with me! I get inspired by your children. Do I like children who follow directions well? Of course! But I also love those free-spirited children who force me to get creative.

  I remember becoming a parent for the 1st time. I loved seeing the world through his eyes. It’s a perspective I’ve seen before but was lost in my growth. Give me that with your children, too.

  Tip #4

• Embrace it: Sometimes kids just have bad days- Adults do, too! They just don’t know how to, as my SIL is told often, “fix their face”. In this situation I just say to embrace it. This stage of their life won’t last forever, so it’s important we document who they are in that moment, and if that means RBF, then that’s what we get. Another option is to literally embrace them! Hold them close with their face away from the camera and just give them all the love. Even though you can’t see their face, your love will still shine through by a simple snuggle. These offer a more emotive style session and can leave you feeling excited to share this sweet moment with the world just as much as an image with their smiling face.

And that concludes my list. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any other tips that you have used and work well, I’d love to hear from you!

Baltz Family | Batavia Children's Photographers

Meet the Baltz Family

Mom contacted me about having her family photographed and mentioned that she had not had any professional photos done since her oldest was 7; he is now 16.  Of course as a family photographer I was sad, but as a mom, I understood.  Life happens, and as your children get older they are more active in sports and extra curricular activities that just surviving the day is a victory in itself.  Upon mom's inquiry I investigated a little further about her children; names, ages, etc. When she mentioned that she had teenagers I was nervous.  A majority of the families I work with have younger children usually ranging from newborn to about 10.  I was nervous because teenagers, generally speaking, 'have it all figured out'.  They don't usually enjoy being photographed, and when I say they I mean boys, and they DEFINITELY don't like to be photographed with their siblings, and even more-so........{gasp} TOUCHING! 

These kids were the exception to the rule. They seemed to really enjoy each others company and totally went with anything I asked them to do.  Mom was so very awesome during the whole process and you could definitely see how much she loves her children.  She was so kind to them and had fun cracking silly jokes with them. You could tell that they have a wonderful bond. 

Mom drove all the way out from Henrietta, N.Y. to have these portraits done with me; a photographer in Batavia, N.Y. and I am so grateful that she trusted me to capture some really genuine and beautiful portraits of her children.  Have a look at a few of the images she hand selected to share and display in her home. {psst....my personal fave is the last one.}

The Baltz Family

Mager Family | Batavia Family Photographers

Check out the Mager Family!

They couldn't be any cuter!  Mom contacted me awhile back for photos and since this weather has been everything but cooperative it took awhile to complete their session.  Needless to say after nearly 3 months since her inquiry, 3 (or maybe 4) reschedules, we finally meet!  Their 2 little girls were ready to go straight away and oh how fun they are. The oldest was a little reserved, sweet and quite, but had just the right amount of spunk to keep up with her wild and crazy little sister.  It's amazing how multiple children from the same parents could have polar opposite personalities, but they do.  I have 3 of my own and the 2 oldest couldn't be any more different.  

Mom hand selected their dresses from the beloved dress boutique here in Batavia, N.Y. Pollyanna & Dot.  I love how simple and timeless these dresses are and they can be "dressed up" with nearly any accessory. Mom chose to pair them up with a simple white cardigan and cute ballet flats.  

At the end of their session they wanted to add one more family member, and boy did she spice it up a bit.  Dad was my designated wrangler if you will. He did great! Have a look at a few of their images from their session below. 

Ranlett Family | Batavia Family Photographers

Meet The Ranlett Family

I had the pleasure of photographing the Ranlett Family, and I am so excited to share a few images they chose from their gallery.  Mom did a great job picking out their wardrobe for their family portrait session. I mean, it's  not really hard when you have such a beautiful family to begin with. Am I right!?  Their little girl is the same age as my son and her personality is totally opposite of his. My son would've given the photographer a scowl for probably the entire session......not her! She was so happy to be there and gave me so many smiles. She was non-stop hi's from the moment I met her. Mom and dad did a great job wrangling her to get some really gorgeous family photos.

I would like to also give a shout out to dad for such a selfless act. He just got his hair cut just prior to their session. He grew it out and donated it. It took him 2 YEARS! His haircut was done at Jagged Edges Salon here in Batavia, N.Y. My son is doing the same thing and once I heard dad had done this, I decided to share his story with my son.  My son is 9 years old and sometimes worries that he'll be made fun of if he has long hair. Showing him that other "boys" are doing it, gives him a little more motivation to push forward with his goals. Thanks dad for being the motivation that my son needed.

Scroll down to see a few of their family photos. *Disclaimer* The last image I posted just because. It's totally out of focus, but dad tossed baby up in the air so high that mom, myself, and baby were terrified. Meanwhile, dad was totally having fun. You can see it in her face. I re-live that moment every time I look at the photo, hahaha!

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McLaughlin Family | Batavia Family Photographers

Meet the McLaughlin Family

Amy, mom, is the owner and groomer of Amy's Fluffy Friends here in Batavia, N.Y. She's a hard worker, loving mom and wife, active community member and one of the strongest woman I know.  This family has been through a lot in the past year and I am just so happy to see these beautiful, genuine smiles on their faces. They face the grind every single day and every single time they're in front of my camera their love and devotion for each other radiates.  They're so fun to work with and they go along with pretty much any crazy ideas I have. Dad is so on board with having their photos done, that is makes for a smooth session and you can just see how happy he is to be a part of this little family. 

I should also make note at how beautiful mom looks in her floral dress and yellow Cardigan. Her wardrobe is by Pollyanna & Dot; a local dress shop located here in Batavia, N.Y. You can find more info about her shop HERE.   The dress shop is owed by Ashley Bateman and she has been dressing Batavia and surrounding areas for over a year now. Amy loves her shop and she looks fabulous in her dresses!

Take a look at a few images from their gallery below. Enjoy!

Pollock Family | Batavia Family Photographers

Meet the Pollock Family

When I started photography I was so afraid to photograph families.  Now, I LOVE IT! Especially when you get that family that just "knows" what to do. This family was amazing to work with and so fun! Let's not forget to mention how adorable their little guy is.  Take a look at a few images from their gallery. 

Metzler Family | Batavia family/Newborn Photographers

This family is AMAZING!!

They are so laid back, easy to work with, and fun! Mom contacted me a while back about doing maternity/newborn photos. I expressed to her that I only offer lifestyle newborn photos. She was totally on board and I have to say, I'm in love with all of their images.  Big sister was so sweet to her baby sister. She loved giving her sweet kisses and "attempted" to hold her as best she could.  

Also, can we give mom a big shout out at how amazing she looks?!  She's really pulling off this mom of a newborn way better than I did. 

Lifestyle photography is so beautiful and raw. As a newborn lifestyle photographer in Batavia NY, I love how much more comfortable my families are in their own home; especially the children. Another great thing about lifestyle photography is that should the family move to another home, they have these images to share with their little ones as they get older and can show them where they came home from the hospital, what their nursery looked like as a baby, their bedrooms as they became a toddler and so on.  I love looking back on old photos from when I was a kid and seeing the different homes we lived in as we grew up. It's really cool to see and memories come flooding back from that time in my life.  

Thank you, Metzler family, for sharing this amazing time in your life with me. I am so honored to have been chosen to be your newborn lifestyle photographer in Batavia, N.Y. Check out a few hand selected images from their gallery below. 

CLICK HERE to book your newborn lifestyle photography session today! 

Cora says, thanks for checking out our family photos!

Mommy & Me Portrait Special | Batavia Family Photographers

Mom, you are special.

You might not feel that way when your little is puking all over you, the bags under your eyes have swelled due to lack of sleep, you're in your sweatpants for the 3rd day in a row because what's the point?! But I assure you, your place as a mother is one of the most (if not is) important roles you'll ever play.   

As a Batavia, NY Family photographer I feel as though it's important to be IN photos with your kids, and so my goal this year, is to be in more photos with my boys because I am THAT mom that I just mentioned above.  My hair is in a constant state of flyaways, leggings are my favorite "pants", and while spit up is no longer an issue; my sweat from wrangling 3 boys and 3 dogs is! I don't ever feel as though I'm 'photo ready.'  When I look at photos of my mom, her being 'photo ready' is the last thing on my mind.  I'm thinking how great these images are to look back on from when we were little. The memories that were captured. And when she is gone, I will cherish ANY photo I have of her because I won't be able to see her face any longer.

Remember that when you book your Mommy & Me Portrait Session with your Batavia, NY family photographer.  These keepsake photos that you get to hand down to your children when they're grown and starting their own families. I am also offering a FREE GIFT when you pamper yourself at Pollyanna & Dot or Jagged Edges Salon in Batavia, NY.  This is a great Mother's Day gift to yourself or your mom!

These are available for the entire month of May. Space is limited so CLICK HERE to schedule your Mommy & Me session today.

Batavia, NY, Family Photographer Quits!

I'm tired.

This photography business is TOUGH!  It's a grind every. single. day!  

I started photography because I loved it, and because I wanted to have great photos for my kids to look back on one day.  Since starting, photography has been an uphill battle. This industry is loaded with SOOOOOO many amazingly talented people that it's easy to doubt yourself. I am in constant wonder what do I need to do to stand out from the crowd? I am starting to lose my why. Why I started photography in the first place. I seldom grab my camera to document a moment these days, rather, to market it, or to find away to make the image relate-able to my fan base.   It's no longer fun; it's work!  Now, don't get me wrong, I never thought this was going to be easy, and I definitely knew that work is work no matter the field, but if you get to choose what you want to do, you should enjoy it. 

This passion and business will always be here, my family will as well, but they're in a constant state of change. My kids will NEVER be this little again, and it's time to savor it; savor their youth; savor their innocence.   It's time to throw up the white flag, and step down; for my family. 

So if you're reading this, thank you! Thank you for your support. Thank you for your commitment. And most of all, thank you for making it all the way to the end because here you will find out that today's April 1st, and you know what that means......

I LOVE the hell out of this business, and my kids get plenty of mom time, and if any of you know me, you know that I document everything! What I stated above about my kids is absolutely true, and they will never be this little again, so that is my why and I will never lose that.

-Happy April Fools Day!-

Batavia, N.Y. Family Photographer | Bateman girls

Meet Ashley,

She is the owner of Pollyanna and Dot; a quaint little dress boutique on Main st here in Batavia, N.Y. She offers unique, high end quality clothing, from baby to momma. And if you're not in the market for a dress. No problem! This shop has partnered up with The Hidden Door  to create 2 amazing shops in one! Who doesn't need home decor, right!?

I am so in love with this shop, it's not even funny! One of my favorite things about Ashley's dresses is that they're so universal, and might I add, comfortable! I've worn the same dress to shoot an event, and to plant flowers in my garden. Where else can you get that?!

When I am visiting Ashley's shop, I seriously have a problem not touching all of her dresses. The fabric quality IS ON POINT!

We're teaming up to offer something really cool for Mother's Day. Be on the lookout!Here are a couple of dresses that she currently offers in her shop. THEY'RE ADORABLE! 

Western, NY Lifestyle Session | Norstrand Family

I met mom for coffee (big surprise there, I kinda LOVE coffee) and we chatted about her family.

She was interested in having a lifestyle session done. She spoke about how she is a dog breeder and that she had puppies she would like to incorporate into her session. I mean, how could you say no to puppies?  I asked if she felt she had a decent amount of natural light in her home because let's face it, living in Western NY, there are A LOT of overcast days, especially in the winter months.  She said they had okay natural light, BUT had another house that was on the market to be sold that we could use.  As a Western, NY lifestyle photographer I feel my job is to tell your story. So I had to find out the story with this house because I would much rather shoot in okay light and have a story, than a house with beautiful natural light and no story, but that's just me.

Apparently her daughter LOVES this house. This is the house she was brought home to after she was born, the house she started her 1st years of life in, and I was then sold on having their session there.  I have photos of every place that was my boys' 1st home and every single time I look at the photos, I am flooded with emotions and memories. Why wouldn't you want something so special as a keepsake?

Little A was a tad excited about being there and probably a little distracted to do any of the activities mom had planned, but let's face it, she was happy to be home.

Have a look at their session and if you're looking for a puppy, check her out here!

Western NY Lifestyle Photographer | Family

This is my 3rd time photographing this family and I love seeing them every time! I do have to say though that this time was different.  This time they were 100% ready to be photographed and you can tell in all of these images I captured of them. 

I have said it before and will say it again, if you're nervous about how your kids will respond to having their photos done in an unfamiliar setting, LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY is the way to go! 

Scroll down and have a look for yourself. I will warn you though, CUTENESS OVERLOAD! Just saying.......

Western NY Lifestyle Photographer | Fisher Family

I have just recently started to delve into lifestyle photography. I wasn't too sure how I would feel about them. The uncertainty of them, the unplanned concept of them, the trying to remain true to the definition of real photojournalism and create lasting memories, but alas, I am in LOVE with everything about them! I LOVE to raw emotion that is delivered from them, I LOVE the comfortableness of being in ones home, I LOVE that the location starts out with story already, and I LOVE that each session is unique to the family itself.

This family was still a little unsure when I arrived the morning of and so I suggested what other families have done in the past to get started. They baked, they danced, they read, etc.  mom instantly said "We don't bake" hahaha! But to be really honest, THAT is really the cool thing about these sessions. I am there to capture what YOU do together as a family and I think that's what makes them extra special and unique.

I am pretty excited to share these images. You can just see the love this family has for each other. Have a look! 

Also take note of the special cat that HAD to partake as well. I love including the family pet because one day they will no longer be and it's always nice to have a little something to remember them by. 

Western NY Lifestyle Photographer|Why I LOVE it!

My heart is so full just looking at these images. This family is just perfect! I was greeted immediately by mom and her 2 small children; smiles from cheek to cheek.  This is not always the case when I do on-location shooting. Little ones can typically be a little reserved and shy, but not on this day!  That is one of the benefits to doing a lifestyle session. The kids start out way more relaxed.  Another benefit now that we are starting to roll into the colder months here in Western NY, is that we get to stay nice and cozy inside.  Dad was even prepping a nice toasty fire.  

I don't really need to speak more about why I love being a Western NY lifestyle photographer because I feel these image will do that for me. Scroll down and have a look.

If you would like to BOOK YOUR LIFESTYLE session, click here!

Western NY Lifestyle photographer

Today I am headed out to a lifestyle session.  The thing I LOVE about being a Western NY lifestyle photographer is getting to capture a family in the place they spend a lot of their time together.  Where they have had many laughs, many tears, many family meals, and many adventures.  I get to bundle all of that up and showcase them in photographs. Photographs they'll look back on and remember that couch that had the stain on the underside of the cushion from the time they shared sundaes as a family.  The kitchen they prepared holiday meals together in.  The bed they shed tears together in and most important; the rooms they brought their brand new babies home to.

When I look at photographs from when I was a child, I don't just look at the people in them, I look at everything else too! Why you wonder?  The objects in the photo typically flood me with memories and I love that! I feel as though I am re-living that moment all over again.

CLICK HERE to schedule your lifestyle session today!

Western NY photographer raises money, but for who?

On Novemeber 1st I made the announcement that I would be teaming up again with Amy from Amy's Fluffy Friends here in Batavia, NY. Last year we agreed to donate the proceeds to All Babies Cherished.

This year I wanted to donate to another cause, but was still on the fence.  I took to a local mom's group for suggestions.  All the ladies provided me with fantastic charities; I just had to choose one.  That's tough! How do I decide who needs the money more? A few days past and I had made my decision, until I got a phone call that morning.  This phone call was not one that I was expecting, but I knew in that moment I wanted to help.  I will not go into much detail as it is too soon, but for those of you who know Amy, know that she could use this right now!

So with that being said, the proceeds for this event will be going to Amy, owner of Amy's Fluffy Friends.  If you don't want to have your photos done, that's fine, I will be taking donations in addition to the event. 

We hope to see you there during Christmas in the City, on December 2nd, from 5-9 at 238 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY.

Western NY Children's Photographer; portraits should be fun!

As an adult I look back on things that I did as a child. It is rare that I remember an adamant object that I was given.  I do however, remember events, activities, and experiences that I did as a child.  As a Western NY family and children's photographer my goal is to create a pleasant and fun experience.  I want you to be able to look at your photographs many years from now and remember the fun you had; the fun your children had.  I want you to look at your photos and hear the laughter that came of that day.  

These kids are a true nod to the goal I have as a Western NY family and children's photographer.  They were so much fun! You can definitely see their little personalities shine through in their photos.  Scroll down and have a look for yourself.

Happy Halloween!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing this handsome little fella.  I am so in love with his little costume; Max from King of all Wild Things.  Imagination is sometimes lost as your child grows and so having these memories to look back on are pretty special.  Being a western NY Children's photographer, the weather can be a little tricky at times (especially for kids) and it was a little wet for us, but he was a total champ!  Scroll down and have a look at a few of his photos. 

The Beautiful Children of Western, N.Y.

I did a model call a few weeks back and I was sent over 50 photos of beautiful children.  It was really hard to make a selection, but in order for me to maintain my sanity in my own family life I had to choose a select few.  There are still more babies and kids to be photographed and when I complete their session, I will add them to this slideshow, but for now, have a look!  

If you are interested in booking a session for your little one(s). Please do so here