What a loving gift from a father to his daughter. Roy surprised Sarah with a gift card for a photo shoot. She was so excited! Then we spent several weeks planning and designing, deciding on everything from her hair and makeup to her wardrobe. Sarah is learning ballet, so we even did some dance shots. Roy made it even more special by joining Sarah at the end for some beautiful father-daughter portraits.
Sarah began her day with expert hair and makeup styling.
She chose her favorite outfits, from casual to dressy.
Roy got to have his own portraits, and then we did father-daughter portraits.
This is a fun series that they will frame as a triptych.
Hair & makeup by Mary Hunter
My Little Valentine
This is my son, David. He’s nine years old and he had plenty of opinions about the creative direction of his shoot. He spent the weekend making his outfit on his own, which he named the “Mega Shock.” Then he said, “Mom, I’m ready for a photo for my Valentine’s cards now. Make me look cool!”
It was like photographing a celebrity–he gave me about two minutes. With a quick set up, we did this shot in our living room.
In the Garden, with Frogs A Relaxed Family Session in Holderness, NH
Marylena, Nick and Graham live in Holderness, NH. Their session was a nice combination of photos of everyday life. It included unscripted images of a family at their home, and some portraits.
Graham couldn’t wait to show me the tree house being built for his recent sixth birthday…
…and his frog pond.
The family enjoys gardening. They grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Frogs made themselves known throughout the session!
Boy With a Blue Guitar | NH Portrait Photographer
This little guy is now seven years old. He lives in the Bronx in NYC. This is his second summer staying with our family in New Hampshire through the Fresh Air Fund.
Since 1877, the Fresh Air Fund has been providing summer experiences to almost 2 million New York City children who live in communities in need.
I made this portrait in my garage, using a black V-flat (two 8’ x 4’ foam core panels, taped together), one reflector, and an Ice Light on a boom.
Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 85mm 1.2 lens, ISO 800, 1/100 at f 2.8
Everyday Life is the Occasion
People often think of hiring a professional photographer for occasions like anniversaries, family reunions, or birthday parties. Aaron and Tara wanted a photo session not to celebrate a milestone, but simply to capture the precious moments of everyday life—a relaxed session at their home for their son, Leo, their 12-year-old dog, Max, and their family.
Behind the scenes: Tara put on this elephant mask to make Leo laugh.
Get in the Picture: A Mother’s Day Challenge
I’m talking to the moms reading this. You who are always behind the camera. Or hiding from it because you are not perfect. Maybe you’re never in the family photos because at family gatherings you’re too busy taking care of everyone to stop and be in a picture. I understand. I do the same thing. I don’t even have a recent photo of me with my son, and that’s crazy! This Mother’s Day–and all year, I am challenging myself to get in the picture more often. One day, I’ll be glad I did–and so will he. I hope you’ll challenge yourself to get in the picture, too.
NH Woods Childrens’ Photo Session
Some children have dogs as pets. These girls have sweet goats and rabbits. We did their photo session on a warm November day at their farm in the woods of New Hampshire, where we explored the fields and forest trails.
