Kelly + Michael E-Session

So you know those couples who just 'go' together? This is one of them. They met in college and have been together forever. They have such natural, easy going personalities. They were considerate and compassionate to each other the entire time.

Kelly is as smart as she is pretty. She is the kinda girl that you would want to bring home to Mom. Sweet, thoughtful and polite. She just sparkles! I can see why Michael can't get enough of her. She is the 'girl next door' with a fun personality and a gorgeous smile to boot.

Mike...is witty, quick and manages to close his eyes for every shot! ; ) Thank goodness for digital!

I got a sneak peek at the goods...saaaaaaweet!

They're a little bit country...and a little bit rock -n- roll!

I'm thinking a little James Dean thing going on here...

Lovely...

So I began something interesting at the engagement sessions. I ask the couple a few questions. I then have them write their individual answers down on a piece of paper. They are not allowed to peek until after the picture is taken. Here's how it went down....

Describe your love in three words:

I'm allowed to peak!

Describe your relationship in one word...

Yin-Yang: opposites, that neither one can be without. I guess it's their motto?!

They were asked to write a place that has amazing memories...

Their silly side...

Their fun side...

I asked Kelly and Michael to bring something sentimental to their session.
Do you see that book below? That is a scrapbook of every card that was attached to flowers Michael sent  Kelly. But this wasn't the ordinary, mandatory, special holiday flowers. These were flowers, just because. Just because it's autumn. Just because your a fab teacher. Just because the colors reminded me of you. Just because it's the last day of school. Just because I want to marry you...yep, the whole darn book is full of 'em. But wait! That's not all. Michael put it together for her as a Christmas gift!! Yep, really.
Now say it with me, awwww.

I like the vintage feel to this image...

Last but not least, just to re-cap:

Yin-yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole...

I couldn't agree more!

Thank you for spending the morning with me. I can't wait until August 27th!

Frank + Autumn - Long Island Engagement Photographer

7th grade. 

Recreation night. 

That's where it all began. Who would have thought? 

Yesterday, I photographed a recently engaged couple. Some of you might remember Autumn from her 'Bride to Be' session? Her and her fiance met with me yesterday to take some engagement pictures.

Their location was perfect. A cute, cozy, quaint town with lots of amazing architecture, a beautiful harbor and yummy light.  Add two gorgeous people, great clothing choices and a camera to the mix and you come up with something like this....

Sexy, right? And those shoes...

Frank workin' the 'urban' look...looking pretty f-i-n-e!

Some yummy sun flair!

Rockin' it, huh?

Gorgeous....

Great chemistry!

Thanks for the 'play-date'! Looking forward to your big day in October...

Goodies! - Fundraiser for Smithtown School District

It's just about that time. We're getting ready to pack up for the fundraiser this evening for the Smithtown School District. A bunch of local businesses donated great packages and baskets for tonight's auction.

Show and Tell is donating our "Bold and Beautiful" collection worth over $700 in premium custom products and a complimentary session to boot! Yay!

Looking forward to meeting the winner, raising some money and enjoying a night out without the kiddies (no offense guys ; )

I'll fill you all in on the details soon!

Tips and Tricks for photographing kids

I'll say it again...bribery! ; ) Actually this only works for a minute or two, but it is a necessity. 

Below are some basic tips for helping you take some great snap shots of your children. Although they sound like common sense, they really do make a huge difference in the final image.

- Get on their level. Either on your knees or really bending. That's the only way to really get their perspective and that look of innocence.

- Next, hold your camera still. Most of the times we're trying to get the child's attention. We look over the viewfinder, we wave, we talk...all of these things are ideal conditions for blurry images. If you're looking for tack sharp images, be still when pressing the shutter down. Also, hold your elbows in next to your body. It stabilizes the camera from shaking. It will feel awkward in the beginning but it will be worth it.

- Forget the words "say cheese". Children will be performing and you'll never get a natural expression. Instead have the children engaged in an activity or tell them a funny story. It might be a little more work, but it will be genuine.

- Background - Make sure nothing is growing out of any ones head and that the horizon is not running through it as well. 

-Limbs (hands and feet) - You should try to avoid cutting these out of the picture. If it needs to be done, crop at the thigh or calf, never at a joint.

- Lighting - Is the most critical. Avoid harsh sunlight. The best times to photograph are two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset. Very nice yummy light then. If you are fortunate enough to have an overcast day, you're in luck. They are the best conditions to get the most wonderful light and nice big catch lights in the eyes.

Hopefully these little tid-bits will help!

Check back often for more tips, upcoming contests and great give-aways! We have a lot in store for you.

See you soon...

Girls, girls, girls.

I had the pleasure yesterday to find myself in the company of all girls. What a treat! It was a fun day, but to tell you the truth I'm exhausted. I could barely keep up with them...well one in particular, lol.

Ms. G kept me on my toes. She is one big ball of adorable endless energy. I'm sure the candy didn't help - sorry Mom! I thought bribery could get you anywhere...well, I use to think ; )


Ms. C was my little assistant. What a big help she was! Always ready with a beautiful smile and so patient with me. She is the perfect big sister!


Mom was terrific with the girls clothing. She had a few selections, which was a great way to provide different looks. She even let me help with the choices, which I appreciated. It's great when Mom's do this. It's a wonderful way to share your ideas with the photographer so they can have a better understanding of the look you're shooting for.


Mom wanted some black and white's to add to her collection. Classic and fun and a great way to showcase expressions. Check out these gorgeous sisters and one H-O-T Momma.


Thanks for letting me play girls! Here's a quick 'sneak peek'...

Here's Ms. C - Does it get any sweeter than this?

I actually caught Ms. G still for a minute, I mean a second, yes I believe it was a second.

What a smile, huh?

Now, I'm going to make you all jealous out there. Because seriously, does it get any more beautiful then this?

Unbelievable! Two kids, works full time, no laundry piles in the house and looks this damn good?! Come on.

How fair is life, right?

Say it with me - STUNNING

This is kinda how the whole session went. But isn't that the point? Living life and capturing the moments.

Because sometimes it's the moments we need to remember. That's who they are. 

This sums them up in a lovely little nutshell!

This is why "lifestyle" photography I think is so perfect.

Because not only do you capture their personalities, you also

are sometimes lucky enough to catch them when they're angels too.

One of my faves from the day!

Last but certainly not least...their beloved cat, Snaps.

First comes love, then comes marriage...

Autumn is getting married! In January her fiance popped the question while they were at a harbour skipping rocks. She said 'let's find some rocks to skip', and as she turned to begin her search for the perfect rock...there it was. Her fiance casually asked, 'how about this rock' on bended knee. Awwwwwww.


We went out to shoot some 'happy to be engaged' shots. Keep on the look out for their 'joint engagement' session I will be shooting soon.

Jumping for joy!

I Heart Faces

I figured I would ease myself back into the swing of things with a photo challenge from I Heart Faces. This week's theme is "Bundled Up".

This image is of my daughter on one of her many "snow days" this year!

Head on over to their website (icon link below) to check out more entries or perhaps submit your own. Good luck!