Hayes' 6 Month Pictures

I have a theory that young children, especially babies are not used to seeing a clunky camera. They are used to having their picture taken but usually by a phone. When you take them out of the comfort zone and look at them through the lens of a black camera sometimes you don't get the response you hope for!

I believe the most natural place to take newborn, infant and baby pictures is in the comfort of their home where you can get down on the floor and play with them. They are comfortable and relaxed and it makes for an experience that you all can enjoy.

Home has a new meaning to us now. It is where we play, cook, eat, work, relax and interact. Home is truly where your heart is. Don't stage your home, worry about toys being strewn about, or magazines on the coffee table. These are the details in life you will want to remember because even though we have spent a lot of time at home, time passes quickly and toys change and books change, and decorations change and believe me, you will come to appreciate those toys when they are outgrown, the books that changed you and the home that held all that you love.

Three Years

I am so grateful that the Cho family took a risk hiring me three years ago to shoot their first family portrait.  I'll never forget that shoot, in an apple orchard in central New Jersey.   

Once the extended family heard of the shoot, everyone wanted to be a part of this special day: aunts and uncles, cousins, boyfriends, grandparents and great grandparents.  It was a bit overwhelming for me because not only was it the first shoot for the Cho's, it was my very first shoot too!

That was three years ago.  Last year, we took pictures in Brooklyn Heights, New York.  

This year we met up in Chinatown, New York.  I love everything about Chinatown and this location was the perfect spot to capture some very special family moments.  

I'll write more about multi-generation pictures in another post, but I just have to say, having 4 generations eager and willing to take part year after year is a gift.  These pictures will be here long after our loved ones no longer are and they will be powerful reminders of the love shared this side of heaven.  

At Home Lifestyle Shoot

 My last post reminded families that you don't have to load up the car and drive to a location to get a great family portrait.  Sometimes the simplicity of the backyard is all that is necessary to bring out a child's playful side.

One of my recent photo shoots combined back yard photography with in home photography resulting in a series of photos I adore.  

Winter is tough on toddlers.  Some love the chilly New England temperatures but many do not.  I enjoy coming in and having children show me their favorite spots, their favorite toys and their pets.  They are relaxed and the pictures come naturally.