Growing with my Families

Being a family’s photographer is one of my greatest blessings. I say this because I literally get to grow with the family. As years go on my goal is to always get better as a photographer and as years go by families get bigger and have more life changes that need to be photographed.

My all time favorite part of it is seeing the family grow, especially the little ones. One year I will be photographing them as tiny little babies that we are trying to calm down from crying, to the next year photographing their sassy little personality. Not only am I getting to know them better, but the kids are getting to know ME better. They see me as the lady with the camera so we better say “CHEESE” and show our teeth!

Let me introduce you to the Bacon Family- I have been photographing their family since April 2017 when they were pregnant with their first baby. Now I have photographed 2 maternity sessions, 2 newborn sessions, one 1 year old session, one 2 year old session, 2 Christmas sessions and have many more milestone sessions to photograph.

April 2017                                           April 2019

June 2017- Elizabeth                              June 2019- Ethan

Christmas 2017                                 Christmas 2019

Let me introduce you to the Arcaro Family- I had the pleasure to not only going to school with Ally and Michael, but now I get to photograph their beautiful family. It all started when I photographed Mya’s first birthday session and  from then on I did two Christmas sessions, Mya’s 2nd birthday session, Ally’s maternity photo shoot with their second child and then baby number 2, Skye Joy’s newborn session. I’m really looking forward to continually photograph this family as they grow up!

Mya’s 1st Birthday                                 Mya’s 2nd Birthday

Christmas 2018                                    Christmas 2019

Newborn baby Skye                         Skye’s 1st Christmas

 

Seeing how much these two families have grown is CRAZY! Capturing these special lifetime moments are so important and it all starts by getting yourself a family photographer. You aren’t just another client, you are like a family to me. I want to hang out and chit chat with you and know what you have been up too. I want to run around and play with the kiddos because well, I freakin love kids and can’t wait to one day have some of my own. We will gain this special bond and when it comes time for some family photos it will be a fun relaxing time:)

My Love for Travel with My Love

As I sit here in a sun room on the first sunny day of our vacation in Martha’s Vineyard I reminisce about the last two years I’ve been traveling with my significant other Justin. We’ve been together for almost 5 years, but since college graduation we’ve been traveling for two of those years- Tampa, Florida, Carlsbad, California, Gatlinburg, TN and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

In college we always spoke about traveling and places we wanted to go. Many times Alaska was named for Justin and places like Madrid and Barcelona were named for me. Since these two years we’ve stayed within the states and have yet to branch out to our dream locations. As we know we have many years to be able to do those locations together.

On this trip though I’ve came to even greater realization of how much I love my traveling buddy. This trip to Martha’s Vineyard hasn’t been the best weather wise.. We were slammed by the Northeastern Tropical Storm Melissa.. and let me tell you, we have been calling Melissa some awful names, but she has made our vacation weather rainy and windy. Within those three days of just straight wind and rain Justin has done everything in his power to keep me entertained as this is his family’s vacation spot. Over those rainy days many people now a days would just be on their phone the whole time or watch Netflix. Us though, we decided on building a 1,000 piece puzzle of Oak Bluffs. Let’s just say I’ve learned that I didn’t spend enough time with my nana growing up because I wasn’t the best at puzzle making. Along with that great 1,000 piece puzzle we played multiple rounds of Uno, explored the MV museum, went bowling and watched a Martha’s Vineyard classic, Jaws. Those days spent inside weren’t what I envisioned when I got news that we were coming here, but those days inside brought great bonding time with Justin and I and his family.

Now that we finally have a day full of sunshine you can bet Justin and I will be taking full advantage of exploring. We are a couple who enjoys new things. As I’ve discussed with him on this trip about what he loves most about traveling with me is, he claims it’s my adventurous attitude. I love discovering new things whether it’s food or places. For example last night at a pretty expensive dinner spot we decided to be spontaneous and try two dinner dishes that were completely out of our comfort zone. Found out we love smoked tuna dip and spicy tuna dip. Little things in life is what keeps your life interesting. Justin and I defiantly keep each other on our toes and never know what our next journey may be.

Traveling together has bonded us in a way we’ve never had before. You learn a lot about someone when you travel as all you have is each other. No job distractions, no life distractions that keep you from spending that quality time together. Our love for one another is the highest it has ever been and it will only grow.

 

 

The New Photography Movement: Lifestyle Photography

Being a photographer who lives in Northeast Ohio you never know what type of weather you may have. One day it could be sunny and 60 and the next day it could be 20 with 6inches of snow. So for my families and couples that want their photos done in the winter and even spring and fall months, it can be tricky. I don’t have a studio and indoor locations where I am located are hard to come by. This is where lifestyle photography becomes the move.

Just a few years ago this wasn’t a thing and still sometimes people think I’m crazy when I say we could do the photo shoot at your home or my home. Common concerns and questions are, “I don’t have any space in my home.” “What type of lighting can you use?” or “I have no idea where we could take the photos.” Well that’s where I come in! At home photo sessions are so easy and to be quite honest it keeps things relaxed especially when you want to add babies/toddlers/dogs to the pictures.

Places in the home that are perfect for these family photo sessions are the family room, kitchen and bedroom. All three of these spaces are the heart of the home where you all gather as a family and ideally has the best natural lighting. But these at home sessions don’t only have to be inside the home. If you and your sons have your own garage where you work on cars or build things thats another great location. Or if you and your family spend a lot of time in the garden, thats another location. Anywhere around the home that has some type of meaning or memory is a perfect location for a photo. If you are an expecting mother, the nursery is such a beautiful spot for photos because that will be the new home for the little human who is inside you. These photos become special to you because they are within your home. They have a meaning behind it and you don’t even have to travel anywhere.

These at home photo shoots can be so fun too. We can play games, bake cookies and even snuggle up and read a book with your loved ones. These are the special moments in life that never get captured, the small moments. No one is in their natural habitat when you stand in front of a staged background and smile. You smile when you have fun and are comfortable. Your true joy comes out when you laugh and giggle about funny memories with your family or have a tickle a fit. These lifestyle photo sessions are meant to capture true lifestyle moments.

All your Pinterest dreams can come true if you allow a lifestyle photography session for your family photos, newborn photos or any type of photo session. All you need to do is book a session with me and let me join your family for an hour. After I’m done photographing your beautiful family, you will feel nothing, but joy after seeing the finish product. The photos will be real and show off the love and laughter within your family.

 

 

DIY Valentines Day Mini Setup

As a photographer without a studio I’ve learned how to improvise by making my own at home studio, with at home products. This Valentines Day setup is super easy and you might only have to buy a couple things. And trust me, these couple things won’t cost you the amount you wold pay for your own studio.

P.S This setup shown was at client’s house so it’s even easy to travel with!

Products for setup:

  • 3 kitchen chairs
  • Red throw blanket or red sheets
  • Shiplap wall decor
  • White fluffy pillows (If you have them)- not a must
  • White fluffy rug (If you have it)- not a must
  • Props!!

Step 1:

Find an area in your home that has plenty of space with a window facing your setup.

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Step 2:

Line up the chairs in the center of the light/window so you get even amount of lighting on your subject.

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Step 3:

Place the Shiplap wall decor in the center of the chairs and mix match the pieces. You can buy this Shiplap at Home Depot for $25 and you only need one box.

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Step 4:

Add your blanket and hang it evenly along the chairs. Let it hang on the ground some, but not too much.

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Step 5:

Add your props! You can add white fluffy pillows, fluffy rugs, crates, flower petals, flowers, etc. This is your photo shoot so add whatever look you are going for.

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Let’s Bring Out Your Inner Sexy

Have you been pondering on what to get your significant other for Valentines day? Well let me tell you.. I know the perfect gift any man would love to have! Let’s get you all dolled up and sexy for a photo shoot.

This boudoir photoshoot is meant for you to feel comfortable and beautiful in your own skin. We will spend the first hour getting your hair and makeup done to perfection while you sit back and enjoy a glass of wine. Once you have been all dolled up by the lovely professional, we will start snapping away as I pose you in a classy, but sexy way that your man will die for. And don’t worry you can still be sippin on your wine as I take your photos.

The session will take about 2 hours out of your day, but you will walk away feeling confident, maybe a little tipsy and a guarantee of 25 digital edits and a flip book. Edits will be given out to each person no later than two days after the photoshoot. The flip books will be ordered right after the photos are edited.

Quick Facts about the photo shoot:

  1. Location is at my home on the lake in Madison, Oh
  2. Professional hair and makeup will be done
  3. Flip Book
  4. 25 digital edits and print release
  5. WINE and SNACKS
  6. Relaxed and comfortable atmosphere

First appointment starts at 2pm on Saturday Feb 9th and last appointment ends at 7pm.

Only 5 spots available!!

All this for $250!!  

$50 Down Deposit to hold your spot due two days after booking.

Last day to book is Feb 4th!!!

P.S if there is a higher demand for this photo shoot we might be able to squeeze some ladies in for Sunday Feb 10th:)

Why I like photographing weddings.

As a photographer many people ask, “what type of photography do you do?” I answer by saying, “Manly lifestyle portraits, but I’m starting to get into weddings.” Their quick reply back is, ” Oh wow I could never do weddings, those brides would be so hard to deal with.”

Let me just start off by saying, there is more to a wedding than just the bride. This day is special moment for TWO people- the bride and groom. A wedding day is long and filled with so many different type of special little moments; the first kiss, first dance, first look, cake cutting, toasts made by your favorite people, dances and most importantly love.

My day as a wedding photographer starts with the bride getting ready to look the most beautiful she has ever felt for that special someone. She is not only stressed about looking beautiful, but whether or not the food will taste good for her guests, if there will be enough seating for everyone, if her flowers will be vibrant enough, if her grandparents will remember which side they are suppose to be on, if the best man will remember the rings and the list goes on. I’m there to remind them to take a deep breath and everything will fall into place while snapping away with my camera. I’m there to capture every little detail so when she looks back she can remember all that hard work her and her spouse did to make their day so special to them. It’s amazing what all you can be captured with a camera.

One of the greatest moments to capture are the tears of joy as the bride walks down the aisle. The groom is in complete ahh, the audience is amazed and I get to capture all that. Those are the little moments that are so special about being a wedding photographer. The laughter, the joy, the smiles, the love, are all the emotions that make up a wedding. Without those things, there would be no wedding. So when someone gets all shocked and in disgust about me being a wedding photographer, just remember there is more to it than a “bride-zilla.”

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Life Behind a Photo

Sometimes we go through life not realizing what is right in front of us. We are always in a fast motion, we never take our time to just sit, breathe and relax. Life is like a beautiful melody, every new memory you make is like new beat in a melody. Some melodies are faster than most and some melodies are slower than others. In life some people’s lives go by quicker than others and some last longer than most.

As humans we forget how much a photo is worth. Its a memory on a piece of paper, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s a document that shows a moment in your life that might have been the best day of your life or it can be a document that is showing a dark day that you don’t want to return too. Whatever that photo may show, it is a reminder of that day that you can hold onto forever. It’s the first moments, it’s the family laughters, it’s the nature within us, it’s the moments that make us whole and it is all captured in a small 4×6 photo.

Sky Photography is not just a small business ran by me, a small young adult doing what I love. It is a business I created to capture those life moments in a natural setting. A way to show true beauty within a photo. Every photo is a memory, and every memory is like a melody… Beautiful and inspirational.