Lauren is so gorgeous and so much fun to photograph, that we went a little over the usual two hour session.  By the time, we got to the school to photograph her “track” portraits, the wind was blowing us everywhere!  We decided we would come back another day, when it wasn’t so windy.  Great decision, I must say, because these images from our recent revisit to the track are some of my new favorites…

This is a reminiscent of my early photo years… black & white… funky wall… classic…

Stttttrrrrrreeeeeeettttttccccchhhh….

Lauren runs something called the steeple race.  I don’t understand jumping over a giant hurdle into a big bank of water, but I bet it’s fun to watch.  Lauren is leaning on the hurdle in this next shot…

Drum roll please, no make it a marching band… I want a soundtrack for this super cute shot…

Go Bees!

Whether I’m photographing weddings or portraits, I love exploring the same subject  with multiple perspectives.  Here is a fun black and white candid of Charles…

If you are familiar with my work, you know I love to throw in some fun processing.  I love this digital action that takes inspiration from faded photographs from the 1970s.

Charles has those classic good looks.  I think that may contribute to the timeless feel of this next shot…

Wait a minute!  Charles brought along an awesome “prop”…. his beautiful gecko… Greco!

I am so enamored with Greco the gecko, that I’m going to give her own blog post in the near future.  For now, I leave you with this super fun shot…

Thanks Charles (and Greco)… you’re (both) awesome!

I’m loving the opportunity to create some of these fun “fashiony” portraits.  (By the way, there is a new trend in the photo world… we photographers get to make up our own words for our blogs)  Luuuvvvv Sara’s super cute dress…

This happens to be a very appropriate location choice, as it is Sara’s high school!

I’m jumping around a bit this time, but here we are back at my home studio with glamorous Sara…

Sophisticated Sara!  Seriously, how many violin players do you know that can pull off amazing heels like this…

Okay, I’m calling this one a hybrid… sophisticated with a splash of cute as a button…

Sara is captain of her gymnastic team.  So I’m going with cute as button meets adventurous…

Sara’s dad had an awesome surprise during her portrait session.  He had gone out and bought her some fantastic NY Yankees gear (including bat).  They are both passionate about this team, so you can guess this one right?  Spirited…

Last but not least.  Straight up, cute as a button…

I rest my case.

If you’ve been following along this summer, you already know that I understand the importance of the yearbook image…

My philosophy, however, is that everyone deserves more than just that studio photograph to mark this special age in life.   So I’ll take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my passion (and hopefully talent) in creating these lifestyle portraits!

Love the casual elegance in this next shot.  The combination of Jamie’s classic red, white, and blue clothing with the leather chair reminds me of a Ralph Lauren ad…

These next two shots have such gorgeous colors going on…

Jamie was a real sport.  I wanted to get this shot of her looking over the back of the porch swing.  In order to get this pretty background, however, we had to take the  swing off and hang it in reverse.  Not only was Jamie sweet enough to help me lug the porch swing around, she helped me put it back in place when we were done.   Personally, I think our hard labor paid off…

When I am working, there is a lot to pay attention to!  I’ve got to make sure the background looks nice, the lighting is correct, the hair and makeup are doing good, not to mention all of the technical settings on my camera.  So every once in a while, I find a surprise in an image that I didn’t notice when I was taking the photographs.  While I was editing these photographs, I was blown away by Jamie’s gorgeous eyelashes!  I couldn’t believe I didn’t notice them during our session.  Next time I photograph Jamie, I’m going to have to use my macro lens on those butterflies!  Just take a look at this next shot, you’ll see what I mean…

Jamie loves to play soccer.  I love her hand written name combined with the classic Nike logo on her soccer ball… just do it!

Guess what my new favorite prop for soccer portraits is?

More beautiful color, texture, and oh yes fabulous eyelashes!

Thank you Jamie!

Meet Ashley… you may see her name in Broadway lights, after she pursues theater and performing arts in college. These next two photographs remind me of  candid celebrity portraits taken on Hollywood film sets.

I think Ashley has an amazing iconic profile…

These days, no senior photo session seems complete without the ever present cell phone.  It’s hard to imagine that these little gadgets will be obsolete someday… I can’t conceive what the next evolution will be.  Ashley is sort of an old fashioned teen… she not only sends text to her friends, she also actually speaks to them too :) …

School is almost back in session.  Hey seniors, don’t forget your Senior Portraits for your yearbook are due soon!   Be sure to book your session now, so we can meet your school’s deadline.  Here is one of the yearbook images, Ashley will get to choose from…

Now back to our regular programming… fun shots!!  Sometimes, it’s interesting to find a funky wall to use as the background.  I love this next shot…

Summer was very much on our minds for these next few images.  Here is Ashley and Riley.  Can you tell who loves his toy?

Look at the incredible view from  her parent’s home…

Yes, life can be very good!  Sometimes all we need are the simple pleasures:  a hammock and a quiet summer day….

Like I said, life can be very good!  Thank you Ashley!  I’ll let you know when the rest of your photographs are ready.

Okay, now that I got that out of the way… let’s get on to the real fun stuff! I feel like I should change the name of my blog to “Teens of Central New York Got Talent!” Ali has been playing the violin most of her life.  As a non musician/ music lover, I’m always so impressed with anyone that can truly tune their own instrument.

Love this next shot…

Ali also brought along a beautiful guitar to her senior portrait session.

When  she began playing,  I assumed, like the violin, that she had been at it for a long time.  But no, she is just incredibly talented… she has only been playing since THIS summer.  I’m not joking, when I say she is really great at it already.  So it is no surprise to me that Abby said Ali also has an phenomenal singing voice.  Watch out Taylor Swift!

Up next… softball.  As a visual person I always get excited about the props/ accessories that the seniors bring with them.  If your sport requires a helmet… I’m going to want to put it on you.  Just ask Ali…

Ali pitched herself some softballs to hit, and I wish I had an audio track for you to hear the cracking sound… PURE POWER!

Last but not least, Ali holds a special place in my heart because she wants to become a veterinarian. Love this shot with Autumn and Jim, who make up just a handful of the family pet population!

Ali, you rock!

Attention Parents…. I’m very excited that I can now offer you press printed senior announcement and invitations cards.

I have five great templates, with customizable text.  Here are a few examples: