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At the end of every year, I always make a photo book with all my favorite photos from each month. One thing I always notice is that I barely ever have any photos from January, February and March. Because it’s after the excitement of Christmas and it’s a blah, chilly few months until Spring begins, this time of year can be easily ignored. But since I’m always an advocate for people documenting their lives, I decided to create a checklist of everyday moments that make for great photographs during the winter months. Use this checklist to help you celebrate the small moments that make up your family’s story. Your photo albums can’t JUST be beach photos, right? Click here to download the checklist! You’ll receive an email with the link to my freebies page, where you can download the checklist and all my other freebies. If you’re already a mailing list subscriber, I sent out a newsletter with the checklist this morning, so check your inbox! There will always be a link to the freebies page at the bottom of every email. Happy Shooting!  Rather not take these photos yourself? Schedule a winter photo session with me! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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Summer is in full swing here on Long Island, which means beach days for a lot of us. But there's a whole lot more to summer than just the beach. Every season, I put together a photo checklist for my email list subscribers, to make sure their yearly photo album has a lot of variety. Summer was so magical when I was a kid. I remember going in my grandma's pool every day, eating hot dogs from the grill and walking around the yard barefoot (until the day I stepped on a slug...flip flops from there on out). Believe me, your kids will want to remember these summer days in the future, when this season is more about high gas prices and less about blessed summer vacation! Make sure they've got a lot of summer memories to look back on.  Click here to download the checklist! You’ll receive an email with the link to my freebies page, where you can download the checklist and all my other freebies. If you’re already an email subscriber, I sent out a newsletter with the checklist this morning, so check your inbox! There will always be a link to the freebies page at the bottom of every email. Happy Shooting! Rather not take these photos yourself? Schedule a summer photo session with me! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
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Stay tuned for more information on the pet portrait program I'll be doing there in June!
Want to be informed on events I'll be doing in the future? Sign up for my email list here!
The Shoot & Share Contest is an annual photography competition run by shootandshare.com. Last year was the first year that I submitted. I was so pleased that one of my photos made it into the top 20% in the Pets category. This year, 3 of my photos received placement awards! One reached the top 30% percent in the Birth/Newborn category. Another placed in the top 20% in the Creative/Personal Project category. Lastly, one of my photos was a Finalist in the Creative/Personal Project category! This means that my photo made it through all 12 rounds of voting (!!!) and placed within the top 3% of the over 13,000 photos in the category. Last year, my best photo only lasted into round 7 of 12, so this was a pleasant surprise, considering the unbelievable amount of talented photographers who are involved in this contest. It means so much to me to see that I’m improving. I strive to always keep learning and honing my craft every year, so it’s very gratifying to see that it pays off.
Two of the photos were taken for 52Frames photo challenges. This is a reminder to me to bring more of the creativity that I use for my personal art work into the photos that I shoot for clients. Those two photos were both composite photos, which I love to do, so that's also very nice to see. It makes me want to do more and more of them.
Thanks again to shootandshare.com for putting on this awesome competition. I hope I continue to improve. I'm looking forward to next year!
Here are my images that received awards!
Two of the photos were taken for 52Frames photo challenges. This is a reminder to me to bring more of the creativity that I use for my personal art work into the photos that I shoot for clients. Those two photos were both composite photos, which I love to do, so that's also very nice to see. It makes me want to do more and more of them.
Thanks again to shootandshare.com for putting on this awesome competition. I hope I continue to improve. I'm looking forward to next year!
Here are my images that received awards!
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Want to keep up with what I'm doing in the photography world, and also get cool photo-related freebies? Sign up for my email list here!
Spring is finally here! Not that it feels like it all that much, though. Hopefully we'll see a break in the cold weather soon. Now that there's more hours of sunlight in the day, there's more time to take beautiful photos! Every year, I make a photo book of each month and Spring is always a very fun and colorful time to look back on.
I like to have a good amount of photos to represent each season of the year, so that's why I made up this Spring Photo Checklist. Use it to make sure your yearly photo album has a good variety of images throughout the year.
I like to have a good amount of photos to represent each season of the year, so that's why I made up this Spring Photo Checklist. Use it to make sure your yearly photo album has a good variety of images throughout the year.
Click here to download the checklist!
You’ll receive an email with the link to my freebies page, where you can download the checklist and all my other freebies. If you’re already an email subscriber, I sent out a newsletter with the checklist this morning, so check your inbox! There will always be a link to the freebies page at the bottom of every email.
Happy Shooting!
You’ll receive an email with the link to my freebies page, where you can download the checklist and all my other freebies. If you’re already an email subscriber, I sent out a newsletter with the checklist this morning, so check your inbox! There will always be a link to the freebies page at the bottom of every email.
Happy Shooting!
Rather not take these photos yourself? Schedule a session with me! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call me at (631)256-7476.
| Everyone knows that dogs are very important members of the family unit. They're sweet, they're affectionate, and they don't talk back or clog up the DVR with their reality TV shows. Fido's your best friend, so he deserves more than a blurry cell phone pic in your family's photo album! If you're looking to have a beautiful photo session for your pup, follow these guidelines to make sure your buddy's photographs come out as amazing as he is. Figure out the When and the Where Are you planning to shoot in the studio or outdoors? If you plan on an outdoor session, consider the time of year. In spring and autumn, your dog should be fine to stay outdoors for the length of a photo session, but a long-haired dog might not be as comfortable shooting in the height of summer, just as a short-haired dog might not be able to handle a snowy session in the winter. Choose your location wisely. Always call ahead to make sure that both dogs and professional photography are allowed at your desired location. Here on Long Island, there are countless beaches to choose from, but there are many that don’t allow pets, so make sure you can bring your pup before you get your heart set on a location. |   |
Protect Your Dog
Make sure your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations and is currently on flea and tick preventatives at the time of your session. Sticking to these guidelines will protect both your dog and all the other dogs that may come into the photographer’s studio.
Make sure your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations and is currently on flea and tick preventatives at the time of your session. Sticking to these guidelines will protect both your dog and all the other dogs that may come into the photographer’s studio.
 | Talk to Your Photographer about Your Dog Every dog needs to be handled differently. Some don’t like their bellies touched. For others, paws are a no-go. My Gracey (the cute chihuahua under the heart garland up there) is terrified of anyone who bends down over her. Let your photographer know if there's a way your dog doesn't like to be handled, which may scare it or cause it to become anxious or aggressive. The last thing I want to do as a pet photographer is make my subject uncomfortable, so let me know how I can avoid that. |
What to Do Before Your Session
Walk your dog 1-2 hours before your session time to expend some energy. A dog whose been tired out a little will be much more obedient for photos.
If you’re going to get your dog groomed before the session, try to make that appointment a day or two before the photo session. Doing both in one day might be too much for some dogs, and a stressed out dog doesn’t photograph well.
If you have some time, practice sit and stay commands with your dog for a few weeks before the session. Bonus tip: my dog Gracey’s trainer had me teach her the “watch” command for when she barks at other dogs on our walks/makes my cat’s life a living hell. It’s also come in very handy when I want her to look at me for a photo. To teach this command, say your dog’s name and “watch!”. Reward them when they look you in the eye. Point to your face when you say the command if you like to add hand gestures to your training.
Walk your dog 1-2 hours before your session time to expend some energy. A dog whose been tired out a little will be much more obedient for photos.
If you’re going to get your dog groomed before the session, try to make that appointment a day or two before the photo session. Doing both in one day might be too much for some dogs, and a stressed out dog doesn’t photograph well.
If you have some time, practice sit and stay commands with your dog for a few weeks before the session. Bonus tip: my dog Gracey’s trainer had me teach her the “watch” command for when she barks at other dogs on our walks/makes my cat’s life a living hell. It’s also come in very handy when I want her to look at me for a photo. To teach this command, say your dog’s name and “watch!”. Reward them when they look you in the eye. Point to your face when you say the command if you like to add hand gestures to your training.
| What to Bring An outfit, bandana, special blanket or favorite toy can really enhance a session. Make sure that whatever you want to bring is not going to get your dog too riled up. A dog that is too focused on getting at his favorite monkey toy will not be paying attention to the camera. It’s a good idea to bring a bowl and a bottle of water in case your dog needs a break to rehydrate. Bringing some of your dog’s treats is also a good idea, but use these as a last resort to get a dog to look at the camera, because they can make some dogs a little slobbery. |  |
Patience is the Name of the Game
I have endless amounts of patience. That’s why I am particularly well-equipped for newborn and pet photography. At a mini session event last year, I had an owner tell me “there’s no way we’re going to get a decent photo of my dog, she’s too nervous”. I just sat there, casually throwing a few treats to the dog for a while. Eventually she calmed down and was able to sit, and her photos became my favorite ones from the entire day. A lot of times, the first 20 minutes of the session will just be the dog situating themselves, especially in the studio, which is a new place full of different smells. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t seem to be sitting still for photos. Most people don’t realize how fast a camera shutter can be. I can catch a beautiful moment that you didn’t even notice happened because it was so fast. Plus, dogs can pick up on their owner’s frustrations and it can make them behave even worse if they feel you getting stressed. Keep calm and have fun and your dog will too!
I hope this post helps you and your pet have a really successful photo session!
Want this blog in a handy checklist form? Subscribe to my email newsletter here and get access to this and many more freebies!
I have endless amounts of patience. That’s why I am particularly well-equipped for newborn and pet photography. At a mini session event last year, I had an owner tell me “there’s no way we’re going to get a decent photo of my dog, she’s too nervous”. I just sat there, casually throwing a few treats to the dog for a while. Eventually she calmed down and was able to sit, and her photos became my favorite ones from the entire day. A lot of times, the first 20 minutes of the session will just be the dog situating themselves, especially in the studio, which is a new place full of different smells. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t seem to be sitting still for photos. Most people don’t realize how fast a camera shutter can be. I can catch a beautiful moment that you didn’t even notice happened because it was so fast. Plus, dogs can pick up on their owner’s frustrations and it can make them behave even worse if they feel you getting stressed. Keep calm and have fun and your dog will too!
I hope this post helps you and your pet have a really successful photo session!
Want this blog in a handy checklist form? Subscribe to my email newsletter here and get access to this and many more freebies!
Schedule a pet photo session with me! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
Whenever I ask my mom what she wants for any birthday or holiday, the answer is always "A day to do nothing but sit on the couch and watch tv.....and nice photos of you two girls!" No matter how many photos she has of my sister and me, she always wants more. It's the gift that moms never get tired of. Being that I'm a photographer, she gets her wish plenty. A lot of moms don't, though. Life gets in the way and families go years without getting professional photos taken. That's a real shame, because one thing all parents know is that kids grow up fast.
So if you're still looking for that perfect gift for the amazing mom in your life, I'm happy to offer gift certificates for portrait sessions. You can buy them in any amount, but a purchase of $150 covers a full session fee and comes with a free framed 8x10. Sessions can take place in my Farmingville home studio or a location of your choice within Suffolk County, Long Island. Gift certificates can be issued physically or digitally.
So if you're still looking for that perfect gift for the amazing mom in your life, I'm happy to offer gift certificates for portrait sessions. You can buy them in any amount, but a purchase of $150 covers a full session fee and comes with a free framed 8x10. Sessions can take place in my Farmingville home studio or a location of your choice within Suffolk County, Long Island. Gift certificates can be issued physically or digitally.
Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476 to purchase one today!
I'd like to thank shootandshare.com for hosting their 2017 Photo Contest. I'm really proud to say that one of my pet photographs was voted into the top 20% of the Pets/Animals category. In a category with well over 10,000 photos, mine lasted into round 7 of 12. Even though I wasn't the winner of the category, I'm really happy to have placed that highly. It lets me know that my choice last year to expand my business into pet photography was a good one.
I'm relatively new to the world of professional photo contests, but this experience has inspired me to join more and keep honing my craft.
I'm relatively new to the world of professional photo contests, but this experience has inspired me to join more and keep honing my craft.
The photo that placed in the top 20% is one of the photos that started my whole journey into pet photography. When I lost my beloved Basil to cancer, the only thing that consoled me was that I knew I had so many beautiful photos of him throughout his lifetime, and I wanted to provide that same thing to pet lovers in my community. The fact that this photo, taken in the last week of his life, was the one to achieve that distinction makes it mean even more to me.
To see more photos, check out shootandshare.com.
To see more photos, check out shootandshare.com.
Schedule a pet portrait session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call me at (631)256-7476.
I recently added two more gallery wrap canvas samples to my studio wall that I'm very excited about! So here's a quick glimpse inside my humble little studio to tell you a bit about these great products. On the left is a 16x20 canvas of Addison and on the right is an 8x8 square canvas of Jack.
Canvases are my favorite way to showcase artwork on the wall. The way it pops out from the surface just makes it feel a little more impressive than a regular print. I offer options to frame these canvases, but I also like the look of them bare, which is what you see here. There are three ways to customize the outside wrapped edge of the image: with white, with black or with the outer edges of your image wrapping around. That last option requires a photo with a good amount of space around the subject of the photograph. My samples show a white edge wrap, which I think matches the light and airy feel of the room. This is the edge option that is most popular with my clients. All canvases are finished with sawtooth hangers on the back and bumpers to keep your wall protected.
The professional print lab that I order my products from uses museum-quality, archival papers and inks to ensure that my clients' prints will last generations. I'm proud to say that all the products I offer are hand-crafted in the US with recycled paper in a facility with solar power.
It's important to me to offer high-quality products because my clients are very important to me and so are their images.
Also pictured above are my press printed albums. Look out for a blog post highlighting them soon!
Feel free to contact me for any questions regarding the products I offer!
The professional print lab that I order my products from uses museum-quality, archival papers and inks to ensure that my clients' prints will last generations. I'm proud to say that all the products I offer are hand-crafted in the US with recycled paper in a facility with solar power.
It's important to me to offer high-quality products because my clients are very important to me and so are their images.
Also pictured above are my press printed albums. Look out for a blog post highlighting them soon!
Feel free to contact me for any questions regarding the products I offer!
Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call me at (631)256-7476 to schedule a session!
Running a home-based photography business is an amazing dream. I get to create artworks that become an important part of my clients' lives. Just like anything in life, there are downfalls, though. When the commute to your job consists of walking across the hall, you don't get a lot of sunshine during the work week. I'm seriously lacking in Vitamin D and cabin fever can set in during the bleak midwinter. That's why I can't wait for spring to come so I can do some more outdoor sessions. I've been going out every few weeks this winter scouting locations I can't wait to shoot at once the 2 feet of snow on my lawn thaws!
A few weeks ago (before the lovely blizzard whited out the landscape), I visited Lake Ronkonkoma for a personal project and realized what a great location it could be for a photo session with families and kids. The county park is located on Lake Shore Road, on the north side of the lake. As Long Island's largest lake, there is a huge number of portrait opportunity spots all along the lake front.
The wildlife in the area is very used to the presence of people, so expect some close encounters with the ducks, geese and seagulls that call the lake their home. They'll be happy to get in the background of your photos!
A few weeks ago (before the lovely blizzard whited out the landscape), I visited Lake Ronkonkoma for a personal project and realized what a great location it could be for a photo session with families and kids. The county park is located on Lake Shore Road, on the north side of the lake. As Long Island's largest lake, there is a huge number of portrait opportunity spots all along the lake front.
The wildlife in the area is very used to the presence of people, so expect some close encounters with the ducks, geese and seagulls that call the lake their home. They'll be happy to get in the background of your photos!
The table area is another great spot, especially for a family group photo or some candid photos of a picnic lunch. The fields nearby offer a beautiful view. You can also capture some shots of family fun on the baseball field and basketball court. Finally, you can reward your kids for a job well done by spending some time at the playground.
Make sure dear old Dad stays firmly on shore, though. Those Lady of the Lake stories are probably myths, but better to be safe than sorry, right? ;)
I hope you enjoyed this 2nd installment in my series of Best Long Island Photo Spots. Read the 1st installment in the series here.
Contact me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location, and comment below if you have a great spot I should visit for my next installment!
Make sure dear old Dad stays firmly on shore, though. Those Lady of the Lake stories are probably myths, but better to be safe than sorry, right? ;)
I hope you enjoyed this 2nd installment in my series of Best Long Island Photo Spots. Read the 1st installment in the series here.
Contact me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location, and comment below if you have a great spot I should visit for my next installment!
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Laura Paesano
Long Island, NY
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