Family Portrait with Chance, Bucky and Dutch.

Over 9 in 10 pet owners say they consider their pet to be a member of their family.

They receive presents, go on vacations, have free roam of the house (and bed), are part of family discussions, and decision making.

So it's very natural to have a portrait taken with the things that matter most - Family.

There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet.

Who hasn't experienced the excitement and enthusiasm of a dog greeting you when you walk through the door, or of a cat snuggling next to you on a cold winter night, or even the soft nicker of a horse when they sense your presence near their stall.

Of course they are part of our life, or our family.

In many ways, through our care and compassion, we feel fulfillment creating security and comfort for our beloved creatures.

But, what we get as a reward is that unconditional love - it's pure joy - it's priceless.

Next up - Introducing even more "Family Members"!!

 

Part Two of my friend's  'Save the Date' engagement shoot whisked us off to a beautiful park hidden near downtown Rochester.

We only had a brief period of sunlight left in the day, since it was the first official day of changing the clocks for the Fall, ending Daylight Savings Time.

When we first entered the park, I could see why this place was chosen for further pictures.

Corbett's Glen Nature Park is a small picturesque 17 acre oasis.

You are greeted with a historic tunnel constructed in 1882.

After crossing a bridge, you follow Allen's creek to a small waterfalls.

Simply lovely on this beautiful Autumn afternoon!

 I'm told, my friends came to this park early in their relationship.

So, it seems like a perfect place to celebrate their engagement and upcoming marriage.

Thank you for the tour of Rochester's hidden gems, and Congratulations!

When my friend contacted me recently to photograph a "save the date" couple shoot, I was thrilled.

I carefully researched poses for the engaged couple and was excited to hear what ideas they had in mind.

On the day of the shoot, they took me to a location they were excited about in downtown Rochester.

Expecting a romantic setting for this romantic shoot, I soon became concerned when we started down a dirt path that led to an underground abandoned subway/train station!

Late in the afternoon, nearing sunset, we descended into a dark alleyway with graffiti latent walls, dark passages, and an occasional person walking out of the shadows.

Ready to do a 180 and scurry out of there, I voiced my concerns about safety and reaching my survival comfort level.

My friends assured me we were safe, and that this area has become quite a popular site with urban sightseers and artists. 

It was then that the alleyway opened up into an area with amazing light pouring through and incredible vibrant paintings/graffiti all around us.

The surroundings inviting us to become part of this artistic piece.

Immediately inspired by the colors, shapes, architecture, and diffused light, we started the shoot.

The location was perfect!

We had lots of space to move around, plus a different background with the slightest shift to the right or left.

And sure enough, it doesn't matter what the setting is to make a romantic scene.  All it takes is an open mind, and of course a couple very much in love!!!

Good Looking Senior!

Gone are the days of stiff, boring photographs to represent your image as a Senior in High School!  Why not take this time to show the world that you have grown up, you are unique and why not celebrate it.

Welcome to Senior Portraits 2014!!

Unlike the unlimited "selfies" that have become the norm for most students.  

It's time for portraits that last, not temporary and easily forgotten on your phone or floating in 'the cloud'.

Instead of sharing on the multiple social media sites - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram ect.. - these moments are captured to share in print (oh how old fashion!) with your parents, grandparents, and - "what - the - heck" - they are still good enough to share on social media too!

The change that occurs Senior year emerges not as grown children, but young adults.

Ready to face the world with a newly acquired independence.

It can be a little intimidating glaring into the huge telephoto lens of a photographer and being told to "be natural".

But Tyler has a great presence and felt very comfortable in front of the camera.  A photographers dream.  Not to mention good looks too!!!

Confidence is a wonderful trait for a Senior on camera ( or off ).

Who knows,  his next experience with a professional photo shoot may just be with........ A Wedding Photographer!

Don't worry Mom - I'm sure you have a few more milestones to get through first. 

                                                            Like Graduation!