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!!!

The secret language of twins..

I couldn't help but snap this candid photo of Madison and Emma during their Communion portrait session. At Short Street Photographers, we photograph a lot of multiples. It was enchanting to see the interaction between these special girls. 

Courtney & Alexis...BFF

We always make an effort to create program ads that are personal and one of a kind. I think this sweet ad with best friends Alexis and Courtney is a perfect example of a custom designed ad that also will become a keepsake.

So you think you can dance??

Congratulations to my daughter Alissa's friends Gemma and Jacob who are such amazing dancers. The kids all train at David DeMarie Dance Studios. Both Gemma and Jacob have won regional and national titles. I can't help but think that when age 18 rolls around, we might see either one of these talented dancers on the hit TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance?". 

When is the baby coming Mommy?

As a specialist in maternity portraits, I feel it important to understand my expectant mother's level of comfort before we progress into the session. Sometimes I will photograph a woman who is carrying a child in their husband's big white shirt, a satin robe or in come cases, nude with a simple drape discreetly covering those areas we want to hide. In Sharlene's case, son Hunter was an important part of her portrait. We decided to lean towards the more conservative approach and to reflect the relationship she has with her toddler son. A couple of months afterr the session, I couldn't be more delighted to hear from Sharlene after baby Chase was born. Along with a special mother/child session, we did Chase's "Itty Bitty Baby Parts". I am sure Sharlene's home is hectic with a toddler and infant. I also know it's not easy getting to our studio with little ones, but I commend Sharlene for taking the time and effort to lock in these precious memories.

The intimacy of your babies skin against yours..

I hope every new parent will burn into their memory the feeling of their infant's skin against theirs. There is nothing like it. First time grandmother Sharon wanted to have us capture this incredible memory for her daughter in law Kayla. This beautiful mother and child portrait captures the intimacy of motherhood in a tasteful and delicate way. Luckily baby Juliana was able to continue with her portrait session. Knowing what a gift Juliana is to her parents and Grandma Sharon, we wrapped her in a big pink bow and were able to catch a few wonderful portraits before she was ready for her next feeding. 

What a yummy baby

Pure personality! Endressa and John's four month old rolly, polly bundle of joy was my mid day highlight. Usually a 1:00 session can be tricky for a baby but for little Michael it seemed every shot was just divine. We were able to create a "Pure Personality" custom wall portrait for them to proudly display in their home. I always think that even as our children grow, there is no better way to brighten your day than to glance at a wall portrait of the happy times depicting your children growing up. Michael's portraits can put a smile on anyone's face.

First Holy Communion

I love this window light portrait of Brandon. As a Catholic, I find a child's First Holy Communion to be a special time.  We encourage families to bring anything that will personalize the portrait session. Sometimes a missal, bible, antique rosary or crucifix will help create a portrait that is a perfect family Heirloom.  Displayed as a Canvas Wall Portrait, this is an excellent reminder of a young boy or girl's milestone along their religious journey. 

Actresses in the making...

Anitza & Mariana love to be on stage or in front of a camera so when it was time for a big audition in front of casting directors, we helped provide them with a more contemporary approach to the 8x10 head shot. Actors and actresses sometimes only have one chance to show their "range". With the 8x10 composites, we are able to create a piece that they can leave with a casting director that reflects the different "personalities" they are able to express for the camera. Great job girls...we'll see you on Broadway!

Watching a family blossom..

May 22, 2004 we were fortunate to be Katie and Scott's wedding photographers. We had a perfect day shooting in East Aurora and later on in Hamburg.  We loved their families and Gary and I were so at ease spending time capturing the magical moments  for Katie and Scott on their wedding day. 

Today (almost 5 years later) this loving and committed couple is  experiencing the true blessing of their first child. Katie is a really upbeat person and her personality is one trait baby Sydney has inherited. Congratulations to Katie and Scott. May you continue to enjoy many more years of wedded bliss!

Is there anything Ben can't do?

My friends Michelle and Zvi brought their son Ben in for his pre Bar Mitzvah photo shoot. I have been photographing Ben since he was a baby (can you believe those big, brown eyes?!)  Fast forward to Ben the 13 year old. He still has the biggest brown eyes, is still a little sweet and has just the right amount of spice for a teenager. Along with being a video game addict, Ben has turned into an amazing student and athlete. I love the cool "Athlete" shot I took of him.  It is edgy and raw. A big change from baby in a bear basket!

Happy Birthday Katie!

Here are a few darling portraits of Katie on her big day. Happy Birthday to Katie and her Mommy and Daddy too! 

No, they aren't triplets

Sometimes a family has a special wall in their home to display their children's portraits when they were the same age. In the case of baby Mary Louise, our task was to create a set like the ones we did for her older siblings when they were in for their first portraits. The interesting thing that we see over and over again is despite the same clothes and set, each child is SO unique. Some are delicate or quirky and some are rough and tumble. Even though the personalities are different, we take pride in photographing children in a way that shows exactly who they are at this particular time in their life. 

Have you ever seen feet like these?

You can't be a great dancer if you don't have great feet. I would try to describe what that means but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. I have known Erika for a long time. She was a dance teacher for my children at David DeMarie Dance Studios and is now  submitting these photos to dance wear catalog companies in hopes of being their newest "foot model". Can you point your toes like that?

Speaking of dancers...

I wanted to wish Christie GOOD LUCK as she auditions for openings in a career she has always dreamed of ....dancing. Christie has been training at Dance Spectrum since she was a toddler and is ready to face the world.  I think her fabulous head shot will be a plus as she faces each new adventure.

Ballerina in the making

We have been photographing dancers for many years. My daughter Alissa who has grown into a beautiful dancer over the years now steps into the studio to help our younger dancers with their posing and technique.

Today, she assisted Isabella. At only 12 years old, Isabella was at Short Street Photographers for audition portraits for an intensive summer ballet program. This young dancer has incredible potential. I will keep you posted if Isabella becomes 

a principal dancer someday!