Layla Turned 1!

 This portrait was taken 7 months ago of then 6 month old Layla, my friend Char's daughter. How she's grown since!

 I was recently asked to come back and do first birthday portraits and take a couple shots at her birthday party. It was a vast difference in weather so I was asked to shoot in-home and these are a couple of my favorite shots. 

We were able to stop by the party a week later to wish the birthday girl a happy day and watch the cake get cut and served.

I love those big, expressive eyes! There were a lot more pictures, but since no one else has seen them yet I will keep them under wraps!


 Also, I just wanted to remind everyone that portrait sessions now through April 1st aren't just good for preserving memories, but they're good to book because you'll be helping a family in need. Please visit my friends' blog at http://brandiandchris.blogspot.com to follow their journey with their little girl. She was born in October and has had to have a brain tumor removed and will now be facing chemo. $50.00 from each portrait session goes to them and you will have some awesome family portraits to boot.

New Project & a Return to Older Ones

Early last year I was working on a light painting project for a juried art show. Because of some health issues I had to drop out of the show and haven't finished the project. I'm thinking it's time to finish what I started and maybe I can enter it for the 2011 show. I'm tired all the time, making it hard to get and stay motivated for a superfluous project but I'm getting really sick of looking at the half-complete work in the corner of my dining room.

 I'm trying to stay inspired with personal projects. I love shooting portraits and events, but rarely take pictures of what's going on around me. I photograph the important people in my life on a regular basis but not really the stuff I do or enjoy. Since I'm big into scrapbooking, but hardly have the time for it anymore, I'm starting a new blog inspired by Project Life and an article about taking pictures everyday, relentlessly.

 So far all I've done on it is play with the template a bit, but I've already taken my first 365 photo. I'm thinking that since tomorrow is the start of the new year I will make the time to do an inaugural post tomorrow. I probably won't update it daily, but will aim for weekly with a recap of the week's photos.

 Enjoy welcoming the new year and have a safe and happy night.

Nadeen and her Twins

Today I met with Nadeen and her teen twins, Alexis and Nico, in 22 degree weather! We were freezing and I can honestly say I don't think I've ever moved so quick to get a family portrait session done. It was a fun session all the same and this is one beautiful family to photograph!

I met Nadeen through Rory after she checked out her photos from last week's session. She was quick to schedule due to WNY miserable weather and happened to get a bonus day off work so she'd get the photos by Christmas. Even though she was hanging out with me in below freezing temps she was more than gracious and easy to shoot.

This is her 13 year old, Alexis.

And this is Alexis's twin brother, Nico. They were a gorgeous set to photograph and really good sports about it all.

Thanks everyone for hanging out in such cold weather with me and making the temps bearable!

3R

Last weekend I got to spend an afternoon shooting with Rory and her two Roberts. I met Rory through mutual friend Emily, who's daughter I photographed back in September in awesome tie-dyed tights, and we hit it off right away! They're an awesome family and Robert Jr. is a pretty rad kid. Handsome to boot!

These are a few of my favorite shots of the three.

Thanks to everyone for an awesome afternoon and I hope you love the portraits!

Fall is for Family

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing the M Family's Portrait. I received a call from mom Liz on Thursday asking if I could meet everyone to shoot on the reference of friend Charlotte. I shot Charlotte and her beautiful baby back in June so I was happy to accept and get to meet the beautiful family. Liz and Mike have three kids, including teen Michael, 12 yr old Kelsey and a very active 14 month old named Isabella. These are a few of my favorite shots.

Thanks to everyone for spending your afternoon with me and big thanks to Charlotte!

West Side and Black Rock Neighborhood Housing Services

I was contacted in mid-summer by a volunteer of the West Side and Black Rock Neighborhood Housing Services group to see if I'd be available to shoot some local buildings and landmarks for their 30th Anniversary Banquet to be used as centerpieces. Since I didn't anticipate having much going on until the deadline I jumped at the opportunity since I love Buffalo and Buffalo's history! However, due to unexpected events, I wound up with only a week and a half to shoot, edit and deliver the photos. Luckily, they were very happy with the results and I'm only now getting caught up to able to blog about the experience.

This is the Armory in downtown Buffalo. It was shot my second day but this is my favorite of the buildings.

The top of Black Rock Church.

A detail shot of the exterior from Engine company 15 in Black Rock.

The Black Rock Lighthouse, which you can get lost trying to find- we did!

The Sweetness 7 Cafe near the shopping district of Buffalo's center city.

I shot restored buildings, abandoned buildings, a Habitat for Humanity house while the interior was being completed, historic sites and new businesses that are all being affected for the good by the work that the Neighborhood Housing Services provide. It was a great opportunity and you can learn more about their work by visiting http://wsnhs.org

Victoria is Fit to Be Tied!

I got together with Victoria and her mom Emily a couple of weeks ago to photograph the little one running around in her new tie dyed tights. Emily has started a new small business for kids. If you are interested in getting you or your kiddo some snazzy new tights leave a comment for her and I'll pass it on! You can also try her at emilylevinc at gmail dotcom .

National Breastfeeding Week Celebration

Did you know this is National Breastfeeding Week? Neither did I until a La Leche League member invited me to the local walk and picnic to photograph the event and hang out. I had a really great time getting to meet and know some of the families and support the mommies.



The MC, Kim, was unfortunately not able to participate in the walk due to hip surgery not too long ago but was all smiles as she greeted the large group.


Mayor Dyster presented accolades to Gina and Lynda for their 20 years of working to help mothers breastfeed.


There were infants that breastfed at the picnic...


... and toddlers! His shirt says "I'm a breast man" and his mommy's says "Yes! I'm still breastfeeding!"

Most of the kids had the opportunity to enjoy playing in the water park for about an hour. I think this little guy shows us what an awesome time the event-goers had all in all!

Thank you La Leche League for inviting me to photograph this special event for you!

Diana's Portrait Session

Like Phyllis, Diana won a gift certificate at a fundraiser and decided she wanted to do some portraits for her and her long-time boyfriend. Her daughters, K and C, styled her wardrobe and K did her hair and makeup. I think she looked incredible and she was psyched when I text her a teaser shot. I hope you enjoy the rest and can't wait to see everyone again soon!

Phyllis

Phyllis came to me after winning a gift certificate in a fundraiser wanting to do portraits as a gift to her mom and dad. We spent part of an afternoon shooting at Hyde Park and these are a few of my favorites.



Thanks for the laugh Phyllis and hope you enjoy your pictures!