Kathryns Video by Short Street Photographers

Kathryn, I have enjoyed seeing you grow up over the years. You are an amazing person and I am excited to see when your future takes you!

Elise | Senior Portraits Buffalo Williamsville NY

Our Studio Gardens are open again! Yea! It's spring in Buffalo and senior portrait season at Short Street Photographers is well underway. Elise did the "Give me the Works" session which included a ton of outfits for her inside studio and outdoor portraits. She had so many amazing portraits that we will be designing a custom album with about 26 different portraits. These are just a few that we wanted to share. LOVE THEM!!

Communion Child Portraits Buffalo Williamsville NY

For young Sarah and Maria, their First Holy Communion marks an important milestone in their faith. For these lovely girls and their families we wish them peace and blessings.

Elena Pezzino Class of 2012 | Buffalo Williamsville NY Senior Portraits

Click on the title to see a quick video we made of 2012 Model Ambassador Elena. We will be shooting her in our gardens soon but what we love about her portraits so far is that she really shows a fun range of looks in her different outfits and expressions.

Michael's 5th Birthday - Buffalo New York Childrens Portrait Photographer - Short Street Photographers

Click on title to see a test video...Not perfect but lots of fun!
Michael's 5th Birthday

Happy Birthday Nicky! Buffalo Williamsville NY Child Baby Portraits

I havebeen blessed to know little Nick's mom from the time I photographed her wedding a few years back. Since then, we have shared our children's stories and have a special friendship. What I love about our photographic relationship is that she always allows me the freedom to create with my heart when I am working with her children and I think the end result is always magical. Happy 3rd Birthday Nicky!

Sweet, Sassy & Sophisticated Kathryn | Buffalo Williamsville NY Senior Portraits

Katie just came in today for her first photo shoot. Can't wait to work with her again for the outdoor session. Love these...

Watch This One! Child Model Short Street Photographers Buffalo New York

I think Chase has "it". He was great to work with...listened and was able to pose for his modeling comp card perfectly. I hope we see him in print or on TV soon!!

Beautiful Alexandra - Short Street Photographers Williamsville NY

I love shooting Alexandra. Every year we have so much fun. From serious to sassy to just plain silly we always mix it up. The portrait in the white on white studio is absolutely stunning. Her Mom couldn't resist getting a copy for their wall. The fashion pose with the wild shoes is for her bedroom.

Class of 2012 Models Wanted Buffalo New York Senior Portrait Photographer - Short Street Photographers

Class of 2012 Models Wanted!

We are now looking for Senior Model Representatives for the class of 2012 for Short Street Photographers. Please contact us via facebook below - tell your friends to contact us too - we're seeking girls and boys from all over the Western New York area with different looks. We are looking for models that are of all shapes and sizes. We base our decision on personality, involvement and enthusiasm. We are looking for models that enjoy mixing a classic, fun, and edgy style. Become part of the team and represent Western New York’s top rated fine art portrait studio! We want you to join the Short Street Photographers team!

As a Short Street Photographers Senior Model Representative for the class of 2012 you will have a lot of great opportunities, including:

1. Discounts on Senior Packages
2. Earn a free portrait session at Short Street Photographers, Western New York’s top rated portrait studio
3. Free facebook images
4. Free family portrait session

This is the first step:

Facebook friend photographer Joan Elizabeth Seamans and ask for an application. Short Street Photographers is only selecting a limited number of models from each high school so contact us right away!

The challenge, create something fresh in 10 minutes. Short Street Photographers in Rockville Md.

Workshop continues...Each time I approached a new model I tried to focus on creating something fresh without having the benefit of my studio, my amazing lights, and gardens etc. As I worked, I felt so honored to have other photographers ask if they could shadow me and have me explain everything I was thinking and doing. Several asked if I would consider teaching workshops in the future. Humm? What do you think???

Who are these cute kids? Short Street Photographers in Rockville Md.

My goal was

to put myself in situations that took me out of my comfort zone and see what I could create on the fly. I had the pleasure of attending a workshop

with renowned photographer Clay Blackmore just outside of D.C. for the last four days. So, there I was outside the arts center when I saw this darling girl with crazy sunglasses and hat. I asked if I could shoot her. Little did I know when I saw two other little children walking up the street, they made up a set of triplets. Giving myself less than 15 minutes I was able to get wonderful portraits of the triplets. How lucky that my first challenge was so rewarding. I love these portraits and just wish I had more time to spend with these adorable children.

Oh Baby! Buffalo Williamsville NY Newborn Infant Portraits

Welcome to the world baby Addison! Mommy Sarah and Grandma Kathy brought Addison in for her Itty Bitty Baby Session. Addison was a perfect so we were able to capture many wonderful images. Blessings to the new family...Joan

Memories, Memories, Memories...

If you think about it, as parents it is our job to make sure memories, traditions and family history is passed on to our kids. I just spent a little time rounding up some photos of Nick and Alissa from when they were born. I wanted them to have quick access to some of their pics so what better place than their facebook. As I gathered them, I could help but feeling very emotional. When you look at the baby pictures and realize how fast time flies by it is so bittersweet. There are so many memories along the way and the photos are so, so precious. When I think about my job as a photographer, I realize how important it is and I feel blessed to have been able to capture memories for my friends and customers. We can't slow down time but thankfully we have our pictures to freeze the moment.

With a full heart....Joan

Test shots with Alissa

Alissa has been home for spring break only a couple days. We have some fabulous new lighting at the studio. It is soft, like window light and makes eyes pop and sparkle! Alissa was a good daughter by appeasing me and jumping in front of the camera for a lighting test. She looks amazing considering this was done without any prep!

Short Street Photographers tames the crazy kitties

Nick and Erika brought their new kitties for a photo shoot. OMG they are crazy and never stop moving. Of course, I am obsessed and WILL get the shot. This is one of the cute ones with my father's fishing gear. I even like the outtake! It's a silly story about kitties that go fishing.

Short Street Photographers "The Chandalier" Buffalo New York Senior Portrait Photographer - Short Street Photographers

I promised more pics of Elena, our Nardin - Class of 2012 Ambassador. This is a NEW look and I think it is really edgy.

Everything old is new again...keeping my portrait work fresh.

Today's shooting was a creative challenge. Definitely a different "flavor" than I am used to. Kind of classic, but not. I asked Nick and Erika to be my models tonight. They are gorgeous to begin with and the dramatic twist to the lighting gave them almost an Old Hollywood feel. Very romantic... I really love how they turned out and am so happy to add this as a new approach to my portrait work.

Class of 2012 Ambassador - Buffalo New York Senior Portrait Photographer - Short Street Photographers

I had such a great time with Elena today. She is the first Short Street Photographers Class of 2012 Ambassador. Elena is sweet, gorgeous and so much fun! As an Ambassador, any of her friends that book their senior portrait session in June will receive $50 off their session. More pics to come. Keep watching!

A blessing to the world... Communion Portraits Buffalo New York Short Street Photographers

It is hard to explain but I really do try to understand the thoughts and emotions of the children I photograph. I shot Monica's Christening portraits when she was a baby and here we were as she was preparing for her First Holy Communion. This was very interesting to me and I am happy to share this story. For a Communion portrait session, I take anywhere from 30-40 images for the family to select from. There is a range of portraits from a beautiful girl in her beautiful dress to those that have a religious tone. I never created a portrait before with a girl with her back towards the camera as if looking toward the heavens but for some reason, I felt Monica would love being in a portrait this way. When I asked her, she was very happy and completely understood the feeling and meaning of the portrait. I explained at the time that this was a bit "artistic" and it might not end up being her parent's favorite. When the proof viewing appointment took place, Mary (Monica's mom) ended up selecting a pose that was beautiful and traditional. Not this one. Our goal for the wall portrait was to find something that was similar to the older children's portraits that are in their home from their First Communions years ago. As we finalized the order, I knew Monica was a little disappointed. Young Monica had let me know that this was one of her favorites portraits out of 39 images. I just knew this felt right to her and I sensed that this child had a strong connection to the meaning of her First Communion. Of course, I had to make sure she had this special portrait and I was happy to surprise her with a copy of her own. Blessings....

Another "GERBER BABY"? Newborn & Infant photography Buffalo Williamsville NY

I just finished an absolutely delightful session with baby Olivia. Smiling the entire time and at only 7 months old, Olivia amazed us by truly "hamming" it up for my camera. Olivia and her parents are new to Short Street Photographers. (Thanks to Katie (Jennifer's sister) whose wedding and baby's photos are in a previous blog for the refferal) I hope new Mom Jennifer and Olivia had as much fun as we did!

My brothers teach me everything I know...

Don't you love the way little ones look up to their older siblings?  Quinn just took everything in while feeding the fish in our pond as brother's Owen & Connor gave him tips along the way.  I have a feeling these boys will always have a close bond as the years go by. Lot of Love, Miss Joan

Swedish kids visit Short Street Photographers

Joan and Al Schultz had a nice surprise. Their two granddaughters from Sweden were coming for a visit. It seemed a perfect time to gather all three grandchildren for a special portrait. They were brought in with their nice school dresses and we did a series of candid and posed portraits. Half way through the session I asked the girls if they wanted to do a few fun "dress up" shots. What was I thinking? Of course they did. I proceeded to get permission from the adults and then the fun began. I think it is pretty cool that my customers come all the way from Sweden!!!