Jennifer Lee Photography Blog

BlogHer '10

2010-08-13T14:24:00.010-04:00

I am late to publish my recap of BlogHer '10 - because obviously, I am a terrible blogger. I attended because blogging is something I would like to dedicate myself to doing more regularly and I was hoping to get some information and inspiration about how to do it better. On the first day, at the Opening Remarks, I found myself surrounded by approximately 2,500 women bloggers from around the world. These women blog about all topics - life, mommyhood, fitness, food, photography, finance, politics, fashion, social justice, green living, sex etc... At one point I even sat at a table full of women who blog about couponing (a new verb to me!)

Throughout the conference, I was impressed and awed by these women and their dedication to their craft, their willingness to share their knowledge and their desire to get down and party. Make no mistake, this was a wild crowd. The sessions at the conference were only a fraction of the what the event is all about. Who knew?

I was so happy to be asked to photograph The Mouthy Housewives Happy Hour. Not only has it been written up on many blogs and in many BlogHer recaps as hands down one of the best parties of the weekend, but on a personal level, it really gave me the opportunity to connect with some wonderful women who I might not have had the courage to introduce myself to, had it not been for the party. I hope to be able to introduce you to the many many new blogs I have discovered as a result. Starting with the Housewives themselves: Kelcey, Marinka and Wendi

I have to figure out how I am going to fit all this reading into my already packed day. If I do, when will I ever find the time to blog!

Summer News Blast

2010-08-03T00:54:00.001-04:00

August Newsletter is hot off the presses.
Click here to read all about it!

Camera Shy

2010-07-29T01:03:00.005-04:00

I was asked to dole out some photography advice on The Mouthy Housewives Blog yesterday. I was thrilled. If you aren't reading this blog every day with your morning coffee, you should be. The women who contribute are hilarious. Check it out.

Ladies Night Out!

2010-07-22T12:39:00.004-04:00

Summer in the City

2010-07-19T00:41:00.000-04:00

Delicious Morsels

2010-07-17T11:28:00.002-04:00

At a recent Babybites luncheon, I had the pleasure of photographing a group of beautiful new babies. It was such a fun afternoon filled with moms, babies, strollers, lights, cameras and lots of action!!! Here are just a few of the wonderful images we captured that warm summer afternoon.

Living Life to the Fullest

2010-06-06T12:41:00.010-04:00

This from the LIVESTRONG blog : Today is National Cancer Survivors Day... We are about the people affected by cancer- moms and dads, husbands and wives, siblings and grandparents and friends. Who do you know that has been affected by cancer? Who has beaten this disease? Who has passed away after a hard battle? The more we talk about cancer, the more we realize that we are all affected in some way.

I've thought about this all day.

I fall into the category of someone who has been affected by cancer, but it is poignant for me this week in particular. This week I had the honor of being asked to photograph a good friend for some upcoming publicity work she will be doing. This friend is Jennifer Goodman Linn. Jennifer is someone who has beat cancer five times and is living life to the fullest - on her terms.

Four years ago Jen founded Cycle for Survival, which to date has raised close to $5 million, making her a legend in the fundraising world. It is the most successful patient run fundraiser in Memorial Sloan Kettering's 125 years.

I was so excited that she asked me to take these photos - It was my chance to finally do something for Jen that felt meaningful. She has done so much for so many.

It is amazing the result you get when you are truly inspired!

Click here to read more about Jen's story.

Something New!

2010-06-04T12:33:00.003-04:00

An official newsletter!!

Click here to check it out.

Leave a comment below if you would like to subscribe.

I'll Be There For You

2010-05-28T20:54:00.001-04:00

I admit it! I have an absurd crush on Jon Bon Jovi. So I was very excited to go with my sister, my closest friend from high school, and my daughter, to The New Meadowlands Stadium for the inaugural concert at the stadium. I mean REALLY excited.

We have a little Bon Jovi ~ Springsteen rivalry in our family and I am desperately trying to win my daughter over to my side. My husband has already turned both kids into Yankee Fans and Giant Fans. Chants of J-E-T-S on Sunday afternoons fall flat in my house.

It was as hot and steamy as a July night, the stadium had no healthy food options, AND the sound went off in the middle of Bon Jovi's career launching 1983 mega hit "Runaway" but it was still AMAZING.

My favorite t-shirt on sale at the stadium: "My Mom went to Bon Jovi - and never came back!"

The awesome concert photos were taken by my friend, Jen Pottheiser. (I know you might be thinking, what kind of friend doesn't take you with her into the pit and backstage?) She is a fantastic photographer, check out her site. (Plus, I am sure she would have taken me, if she could have.)

Real Heroes

2010-05-22T19:43:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing The Soiree for JRA 2010. JRA Heroes is an organization whose mission is to support high quality research to prevent, treat and cure Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in children and adolescents. A disease that is most commonly associated with aging adults, is the #1 cause of acquired disability in children and the 6th most common childhood disease. Facts that were definitely news to me.

The three couples who co-chaired the event shared very touching and personal details of : their struggles, their determination and their hope - living with children with this disease. They were incredibly brave and demonstrated, with their words and actions, what incredible parents they are. It was obvious to this outsider, that they were surrounded by loved ones, including: friends, family and medical professionals who support them, every day, in their journey.

"To make a difference is not a matter of accident, a matter of casual occurrence of the tides. People choose to make a difference." ~Maya Angelou

Celebrating with the Chinchillas

2010-05-18T18:07:00.006-04:00

This is a video from a party I did a while ago. So the kids may be 3 and a half by now!!!

Snapshot

2010-05-12T22:11:00.011-04:00

In an attempt to continue to bring new content to the blog, I am planning to dole out pearls of wisdom I have picked up in my ten plus years photographing your children and mine. Add in a few bits of knowledge learned while earning a BFA at Cornell University - Go Big RED! - and it should be good for at least two or three posts!

Here goes:

Tip #1

Always look at creatively using angles and perspectives.

Still looking for the perfect gift?

2010-05-07T16:26:00.004-04:00

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.
She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.
Being a mother is something absolutely new to her...
And, with each child, she is born anew.
~ Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

It's not too late!! Forward this subtle hint to your husband, significant other, or any one who wants to treat you to a Mother’s Day gift you will absolutely love!!

This Mother's Day is your chance to get out from behind the lens and be a part of a beautiful portrait with your baby. In honor of your first year celebrating this holiday as a mom yourself, I have created a VIP portrait packages for you at my Upper West Side studio. Come prepared to relax and enjoy the quality time with your baby. You will be so happy that you took the time to create a treasured keepsake that will endure forever. Your time with us will be spent creating images that truly capture the essence of your relationship with the new baby in your life. Of course there will be time to take images of the baby on his or her own too. After the session, we will schedule a design consultation to help you select truly personalized artwork for your home. Surrounding yourself with the ones you love will bring you joy for years to come.

Those who purchase gift certificates before Mother's Day will receive a complimentary slideshow of images from the session, for their Facebook page or their iPhone!

To those of you that have older children – bring all the kids – to celebrate your growing family!

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

2010-05-01T16:37:00.003-04:00

What a fabulous day! Spring is finally here - or is it summer? Either way today was a great day to be outside taking photos.

Have fun with your photos. Take lots of images and make it fun for all involved. If you integrate it into your activity instead of making it a chore you will be amazed at the results. You will always get something fantastic if your kids are having fun!! It's those natural spontaneous moments rather than the posed ones that you will appreciate and want to hang on your walls anyway.

Sneak Peek - Ella's Bat Mitzvah

2010-04-30T17:49:00.000-04:00

I was so very flattered and excited to be asked to photograph Ella's Bat Mitzvah. Her mom is a photo editor at a travel magazine and her dad is an accomplished photojournalist. Needless to say... I was also a little bit scared!!! I met them today at the synagogue, the day before the big event, to capture a few posed moments. You could sense the excitement, the nerves and the slight irritation with having to do this "pretend" shoot. (The rules of the synagogue required that we shoot the day before.) Proud dad couldn't help but art direct the whole thing! He wanted to make sure to get all the requisite images - "Just take the pictures, so when I'm old I can remember this."

I am sure Ella will do a fantastic job tomorrow. I look forward to capturing the celebration after!!

I heart iKidNY

2010-04-23T14:04:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Lara Serebrier Paul last week in Central Park with her gorgeous son. She needed some new photos for some upcoming press and wanted to take advantage of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Lara is an awesome NYC mom who saw a need for an app to help new moms navigate their way around the city and did something about it. She created iKidNY, an app that can locate the closest changing tables, subway stations with elevators, kid-friendly restaurants, parks, playgrounds, museums, libraries, and indoor playspaces, all at the touch of a button. I love a woman who has a vision and takes action. Right now the app is available for the iPhone. Lara has plans to expand to other smart phones and possibly other cities. Stay tuned...

Check out Lara's favorite NYC based iPhone apps on her blog.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T11:27:00.007-04:00

So, it's Earth Day again. Time really flies, huh? Seriously, I say this, because I remember starting my blog on or around Earth Day last year. So, on the occasion of my anniversary, it is a perfect day to recommit to working on blogging more diligently. If I reframe my approach and do a little bit each day I know am going to enjoy posting on a much more regular basis. Can you tell I just finished reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin? It has given me so many new ideas and techniques for dealing with all aspects of my daily life. It touches on everything from clearing your clutter to not expecting praise from others to getting more sleep (duh?) to being more mindful and the list goes on.... I must admit I was very intimidated when I checked out the blog, after seeing Gretchen speak at the JCC last month. It seemed like a lot of work to be happy, and who has that kind of time. I was still so intrigued by the idea of being happier, that I bought the book and began to read it. I found it to be much more digestible in book form, at least for me, and I found the anecdotal style very manageable. I find myself recalling many of the ideas put forth in the book on a daily basis. I haven't tackled any big projects yet, but I will... I hope. In the mean time, I am singing every morning on the way to school and I can assure you that there are smiles on the faces of all involved.

Happy Earth Day! Happy Blogging! Happy Everything!

Artwork borrowed from http://bit.ly/cTNRjx

Biggest Baby Shower Ever!

2010-04-16T16:18:00.011-04:00

This was a really fabulous event. I had heard great things about it over the years, but never really thought it would be this much fun. My sister went last year when she was pregnant and she had a great time, she came away with a huge goodie bag and a great raffle prize too. So, this year, I decided to see for myself!

There were more than 300 moms-to-be and over 60 fabulous vendors gathered at the Park East Ballroom on East 67th Street on Wednesday night. This doesn't include, the press, the sponsors, the bloggers, the baby planners and - the photographers. Oh the photographers. There were tons of us! I could not believe it. It was a treat to see some familiar faces and to meet a few new colleagues.

The products on display were amazing. If only they had half of these things when my kids were born. The world of maternity wear, newborn gear, diaper bags, high chairs, strollers etc... has certainly changed in the last decade. I mean, check out this bicycle / stroller combo!!! How cool is that? And these cute little lunch boxes!

Check out this slideshow of the event:

Press Release: Picture this! A Mother's Day Treat

2010-04-14T12:48:00.002-04:00

This Mother's Day is your chance to finally get out from behind the lens and be a part of a beautiful portrait with your children. Whether you have one child or six, I will work with you to create images that truly capture the essence of your famiy. As a mother of two children myself, I know how quickly children change, and how important it is stop and take a moment to appreciate every stage and age.

In honor of moms everywhere, I have created two VIP portrait packages for Mother’s Day. Choose from a mini Slice of Life session or a full Seize the Day session at my Upper West Side studio. Come prepared to relax and enjoy the afternoon with your kids. This is your gift to YOU! Each photo session includes some well deserved pampering and lots of fun - there will be a salon hair and makeup artist on hand for all models, some bubbly for the moms and yummy treats for the kids. You will be so happy that you took the time, with your kids, to create a treasured keepsake that will endure forever.

On April 24th, I will set aside the whole day for this unique event. Prices start at $350. Sessions are by appointment only. Spaces are limited. The first five people to book a session will receive a complimentary slideshow of images from the session, for their Facebook page or their iPhone!

Bundle Up - Before it is too late!

2010-03-21T16:00:00.003-04:00

Shopping Spree!

2010-03-18T16:37:00.004-04:00

I have been buying a lot lately. So far, bags, furniture, and books. I have been window shopping for a lot of photography equipment too!! So far, none purchased...but a huge wish list. Even thought I just purchased an awesome new everyday bag, I can't help but order this one too. I deserve it! Check it out! It is a camera bag in disguise. A real great find for a photographer AND a mom who wants a stylish way to bring her camera to every single school play, art show, drop off and pick up!!! And I mean her "real" camera, not just the point and shoot.

Check it out!

Also read this blog post.
Top 5 Ways to use your Kelly Moore Bag
http://www.infulsight.com/kmooreblog/?p=19

Galena's 5th - A Cupcake Bonanza!

2010-02-28T21:23:00.002-05:00

What a great venue for a party. Cupcake Kids did a fabulous job. Check out Galena on their blog - she is the chef of the month!

I am an iPhone app!!

2010-02-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

As someone who is obsessed with all things Apple. I am beyond excited to say that if you do a search for Jennifer Lee in the iTunes store, you can download MY APP! How cool is that?
This app will be the perfect way to get your daily dose of Jennifer Lee Photography. It will feature a new photo every day - the Daily Pic. It will provide up to the minute news about upcoming Slice of Life Sessions, promotions, sales, and general happenings at the studio. It will also be a direct link to me. With one click you can: email me, visit my website or blog, check out my Facebook Fan Page, see what I am Tweeting about.... and if that is not enough of me (...and it might just be) there's more! If you are always on the run, and keep meaning to call to book that long overdue portrait session for poor little Johnny, your neglected third child, you can request a session right from your phone. No time like the present to check one thing off your To Do list.

As soon as you download the app (...and what are you waiting for?), register with us and we can make selected images, galleries, and slideshows available for you specifically. This is a great way to take images with you on the go and share with family, friends, and co-workers.

Note: For the month of March I am offering a free sheet of wallets to anyone who emails me to tell me that their photo is the Daily Pic that day!!

Who do you love?

2010-02-14T21:39:00.005-05:00

Let it snow!

2010-02-13T21:37:00.003-05:00

I love the snow. What fun we've had in Central Park this last few weeks. Sledding, snowball fights, etc... My son says it is "A Winter Wonderland." The kids were thrilled to have another official SNOW DAY. A rare thing here in NYC. There have only been four in the last eight and a half years and two have been this month.

Baby, It's cold outside

2010-01-31T21:31:00.006-05:00

How cute is little Henry in his winter hats? They were all made for him, with love, by his grandmother. I hope to have Grandma knit some hats for me to keep in the studio. They are such great props. How can you resist! Mom, Henry and Grandma came to the shoot. We had a great time getting to know each other. They are both such interesting women. In addition to being a professor at Columbia University, Henry's mom has a blog about beauty and makeup - check it out: http://productperfect.blogspot.com/ I look forward to another shoot with Henry very soon.

Day of Service

2010-01-18T09:33:00.001-05:00

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" This quote made famous by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is as compelling now as it was 40 years ago. It encourages us to reflect on how important it is to participate in our community, both locally and globally.

In the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti, Americans are donating in record numbers. It has been reported that more than $24 million dollars have been donated via text - in increments of $10. I am amazed by this! It is so easy.

Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a $10 charge will be added to your phone bill. www.redcross.org

Text “SAVE” to 20222 and a $10 charge will be added to your phone bill. www.savethechildren.org

The ideas of unity, purpose, and the great things that can happen when we work together toward a common goal – are just some of the many reasons we honor Dr. King through service on this special holiday. http://www.mlkday.gov/about/why/index.asp

Be Inspired!

2010-01-05T11:13:00.004-05:00

This is our mantra for 2010!

January is usually a month to recuperate from the insanity of the previous three months. The holiday season is the season when we at Jennifer Lee Photography work around the clock: neglecting our children, our husbands, our boyfriends, our housework, our personal hygiene, our health and our overall happiness. This year we are so excited about the plans we have for 2010, that we have hit the ground running. We can't wait. WE ARE INSPIRED! So...stay tuned.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful new year.

Don't take my word for it.....

2009-06-11T23:51:00.003-04:00

...take Oprah's!

My friend Alice Eve Cohen, an incredibly talented playwright, performer and author has written a memoir. I cannot wait to read it. Now that it has been mentioned in O Magazine, I hope I can get a copy before they all sell out. Check out the fantastic write up below and click to read an excerpt.

Solo theater artist Alice Eve Cohen knew that childbearing was simply impossible - her own mother had taken DES, and Alice had a deformed uterus, among other disqualifiers. So when what doctors misdiagnosed as a tumor turned out to be a 6 - month fetus, the 44 year - old Cohen had to wrestle with the clueless specialists, cavalier insurance companies, and her own no - see - um maternal instincts. Her darkly hilarious memoir, What I thought I Knew (Viking), is an unexpected bundle of joy.

First chapter: Read an excerpt from What I Thought I Knew

By Cathy Medwick from O Magazine, July 2009

Congratulations Alice!!

Browsing Blogs

2009-06-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

I have become mildly obsessed with reading blogs. I am trying to figure out this phenomenon. Who is blogging? What are they blogging? And, finally, who is reading all these blogs? I am hooked. I cannot stop. One blog leads to the next, leads to the next...and so on and so on...

In the process, I have come across, old friends, favorite authors, parenting tips, vacation ideas, shopping tips and so much more!

Somewhere, I came across One Kings Lane, a website devoted entirely to sample sale home decor products! They offer housewares and furnishings at discounts of up to 70 percent; there is a new sale every weekday, and each one lasts three days. This week Siena Frames are on sale.

Mother's Day to Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T10:58:00.003-04:00

Where did the time go? I guess I have been enjoying the Spring weather. Here are some photos from a recent shoot in the park.

Hair did not disappoint

2009-05-08T13:05:00.004-04:00

It was phenomenal!

At the end of the show, the audience is invited to dance on stage, with the whole cast. It was so much fun. I am planning to add to my resume.... Made her Broadway debut in the revival of Hair on Broadway, 2009.

Let the Sun Shine In!

2009-05-06T12:21:00.005-04:00

This is exactly how I am feeling this week! The weather has been SO lousy.

I am so excited to see Hair on Broadway tomorrow night. I have been looking forward to it for a long time. It should be a great night!! Coincidentally, I saw Rock of Ages earlier this week. It was so much fun. If you grew up in the 80's, it is a must see. It is hysterical!

Cinco De Mayo!

2009-05-05T11:15:00.012-04:00

My cousin sent me this Margarita recipe from The Hungry Girl. I had seen the new cookbook, Hungry Girl 200 under 200 - 200 Recipes under 200 Calories, at Barnes and Noble this weekend, so I was intrigued.

I checked out her website. Seems like lots of great recipes and food ideas! I haven't tried them yet, but thought I'd experiment in honor of Cinco De Mayo!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Sprite Zero (or any diet lemon-lime soda)
One shot (1.5 oz.) tequila
One serving (half a packet or 1/8th of a tub) sugar-free strawberry powdered drink mix (any variety, like Crystal Light Strawberry-Kiwi or Energy Wild Strawberry)
4 frozen unsweetened strawberries
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 cup crushed ice or 5 - 8 ice cubes
Optional Garnish: lime wedge

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until uniform and slushy.
Pour into a nice glass and, if you like, garnish with a wedge of lime.

What is a margarita without a little Guacamole? (Also from The Hungry Girl.)

Ingredients:
One 15-oz. can early/young peas, drained
1/2 cup mashed avocado (about 1 medium-small avocado's worth)
1/3 cup chopped cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (like Fage Total 0%)
4 tsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. chili powder

Optional: chopped cilantro, chopped jarred jalapenos, additional salt and pepper

Directions: Place drained peas in a medium bowl and mash thoroughly with a potato masher or fork. Add all other ingredients except for the tomatoes, onions and optional items. Continue to mash until blended. Stir in the tomatoes, onions and, if you like, some chopped cilantro and/or jalapenos. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed. Enjoy!
MAKES 6 SERVINGS

Mother's Day Gifts Ideas - Part 2

2009-04-28T00:43:00.003-04:00

These are perfect for Moms and Grandmas!!
DON'T MISS OUT - ORDER TODAY!

Solid Sterling Silver Photo Charm Bracelet

Includes 1 charm: $90
Additional Charms: $30
•
3/4" Square photo charm
Adjustable Oval Link Chain

Solid Sterling Silver Photo Charm Necklace

Includes 1 charm: $45
Additional Charms: $30
•
3/4" Square photo charm
18" Ball Chain

Ordering is Simple!

Call our studio at (212) 799-1501 and let us do the work for you. We will create a memorable gift from one of your photo sessions. An heirloom that will be treasured for a lifetime!

Other items are available as well. Call to inquire.

Spring is in the Air!

2009-04-24T13:43:00.001-04:00

It happens every year...as soon as the weather starts to turn warm we get a flood of calls and emails about setting up spring sessions. Well… it seems like it is finally warming up in New York City! The phones are finally ringing.

As a special treat for Mother’s Day, we are scheduling a limited number of Spring Mini sessions. The sitting fee includes a free 11x14 storyboard and you will also get 1o% off current prices, on print orders placed before Mother’s Day. You will get about 25-30 proofs from your 20 minute session and will be able to order right online! The fee is $215. This is a $150 savings!

Mini sessions are great!

• They are perfect for past clients to do an ‘up to date’ session and get some recent images of their children without the fuss of a full session.

• They are perfect for new clients to ‘try’ the service out and see if they’d like a full session at a later date.

• They are short and fast and fun.

• They are perfect for getting images for Mothers Day or Father’s gifts, for yourself, or the other mothers and fathers in your life.

These will book up quickly so email today!

Mother's Day Gifts Ideas - Part 1

2009-04-23T00:10:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the late notice. The deadline for these bags was extended. Orders must be placed by SUNDAY.

More gift ideas coming soon. Including mini sessions in time for Mother's and Father's Day!

Happy Spring!

Jennifer

Celebrate Mother Earth!

2009-04-22T23:23:00.014-04:00

There are lot of ways to celebrate with your kids this weekend.

Earth Day in Central Park 2009
Sunday, April 26th 12pm-4pm rain or shine
Central Park is greener than ever! Celebrate Earth Day in the heart of the nation's most visited urban green space -- Central Park. Learn about the Central Park Conservancy's environmental initiatives through live performances, planting and mulching projects, tree care and composting demonstrations, environmental education, and crafts with recycled materials at this FREE event for ALL AGES. At the Band Shell - Central Park at 72nd Street

Earth Fair 2009 - Grand Central Station
Friday, April 24th, 12pm-7pm and Saturday, April 25th, 11am-5pm.
A two-day festival of art, music and the environment on 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. A large exhibit area highlighting green businesses, organic food companies and environmental groups, will include interactive displays that will not only educate, but provide an opportunity to take positive action for our environment. Earth Fair also features live musical entertainment, including numerous well-known performers, and New York City-based bands.
For the schedule go to: www.earthdayny.org

NY Botanical Gardens
Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Family Scavenger Hunt, Bird Walk, Tree Tour, Science Walk, Home Gardening Demonstration and Vegetable Gardening for a Green Planet, Create New Earth with Composting and more.
For the schedule go to: www.nybg.org

Run For The Wild at the Bronx Zoo is a race to save the Gorillas on Saturday, April 25th. Run, walk, trot, slither and hop to one of the "wildest" events of the year. A full day of events.
For info go to: www.wscrunforthewild.org

It's Real Simple!

2009-03-23T13:44:00.003-04:00

Borrowed this article from one of my favorite magazines. It appeals to me as a photographer, because it means more business, but as a Mom, even more so... I am amazed when I look back at the photos of my kids and marvel at how the time has really flown. Cliche...I know.

Enjoy!

Note To Self : Get Professional Photos of Your Children

I’ve never forgotten an invaluable piece of advice that I heard from an older friend right after my first child was born. She told me, “One of my greatest regrets about my children’s childhoods was that I didn’t have more professional pictures taken.” “You didn’t take many pictures?” I asked.  “I took tons of pictures,” she said, “but the fact is, professional photographs are so much better than even the best snapshots.”   I absolutely agree—professional photos are better. And keeping her advice in mind, ever since my daughters were born, I’ve been zealous about getting their photos taken professionally at least once a year.   While it’s a lot of fun (and also a pain) to take pictures myself, it’s terrific to have some pictures that are truly excellent. These photos don’t take the place of the on-the-spot pictures that I take myself—I still take scads of photos at birthday parties, first days of school, on the slide, with a popsicle—but these pictures memorialize my children’s childhoods in a different way.  Plus they make great family gifts. I can never figure out a good present for the grandparents and great-grandparents, but they always love to get a really great photograph—especially the relatives who don’t often get a chance to see the girls in person.   Also, research shows that one way to boost your happiness is to reflect on happy times, and looking at photographs helps keep memories more vivid.   It’s a splurge, of course. Professional photos aren’t cheap.   However, I figure that the money I spend on these photographs will strengthen family bonds, enhance happy memories, and capture the fleeting moments of childhood. They give me more pleasure than practically any other purchases that I make. That strikes me as pretty good happiness bang for the buck.  A friend’s family had another great photography tradition. For her whole life, at every milestone, her parents took a picture of her and her brother sitting exactly the same way on their front stoop. It’s fascinating to see them change through the years. Along the same lines, the artist Nicholas Nixon took a photograph of his wife and her three sisters once a year for 33 years. The collection of these photographs, The Brown Sisters, is riveting.  Getting professional photos take is a great example of the tiresome fact that happiness takes thought and effort. These photographs are easy to arrange; in the scheme of things, not terribly expensive; contribute greatly to our family happiness—and yet it probably never would have occurred to me to do it if my friend hadn’t suggested it.

Rubin, Gretchen. REAL SIMPLE. Mar 3, 2008.

Out with the snow, in with the new. A new blog!

2009-03-18T13:04:00.007-04:00

Spring has teased us so many times, will it ever arrive?

I've been resisting the urge to blog because it would require me to be witty and grammatically correct on a regular basis. But, I am feeling need to keep up with the trend, so, here it is, my first post, for better or worse...

Check back often to stay up-to-date on recent photo sessions, products and specials.

I promise to keep the personal anecdotes to a minimum.