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Last week I had the privilege to shoot the Arts Academy Masquerade Gala Fundraiser for the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Let me tell you, this wasn't just any old Halloween party, either. The detail and the thought that everyone put into their costumes was fantastic. The event was held at the Sea Star Ballroom in Riverhead, which is a part of the Long Island Aquarium (formerly Atlantis Marine World), so guests were able to go into the aquarium during the party. Let me tell you, it's not often when I'm covering an event that someone says "Would you like to go shoot the sea lion show?" Heck yeah, I would.
It was really such a pleasure to do this event. I saw a show at WHBPAC last month and they do amazing work. I highly recommend paying them a visit, or looking into their Arts Academy for your children. They have classes and camps if your kids take an interest in the performing arts. I was in the drama and art camp at Stony Brook School Summer Programs when I was a kid, so I know how amazing an experience that can be for a child. That's why I donated a family photo session to their fundraiser. It's so important to support the arts!
If anyone out there still doesn't have a Halloween costume, major inspiration is ahead! Without any further ado, here are the photos! (Click to see larger and use arrows to scroll.)
It was really such a pleasure to do this event. I saw a show at WHBPAC last month and they do amazing work. I highly recommend paying them a visit, or looking into their Arts Academy for your children. They have classes and camps if your kids take an interest in the performing arts. I was in the drama and art camp at Stony Brook School Summer Programs when I was a kid, so I know how amazing an experience that can be for a child. That's why I donated a family photo session to their fundraiser. It's so important to support the arts!
If anyone out there still doesn't have a Halloween costume, major inspiration is ahead! Without any further ado, here are the photos! (Click to see larger and use arrows to scroll.)
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I'm not a huge fan of the summers here on Long Island. I don't like sweating and my curly hair is perfectly incorrigible in the humidity. I often ask "What is the opposite of a snowbird? I think I could be that." The one thing I do like about summer is going to the beach. The light near the end of a clear day is a miracle for photographs. In fact, it's referred to as "magic" or "golden" hour because of the lovely light it casts. I think it's especially gorgeous against the backdrop of sand and sky.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting 2 year old Ryan and his parents Amy and Jim. We had a great session at one of their favorite spots, Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai. Ryan had a lot of fun exploring the beach. We even ran into a cute little bunny enjoying his dinner. He's a really adventurous kid and I think it shows in his photos. It was fun to see his eyes light up every time a plane passed overhead. Here are some of my favorite shots of Ryan and his parents.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting 2 year old Ryan and his parents Amy and Jim. We had a great session at one of their favorite spots, Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai. Ryan had a lot of fun exploring the beach. We even ran into a cute little bunny enjoying his dinner. He's a really adventurous kid and I think it shows in his photos. It was fun to see his eyes light up every time a plane passed overhead. Here are some of my favorite shots of Ryan and his parents.
Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at 631-375-3832 to discuss an on- location photo session for your family!
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Sometimes it feels great to get out of the studio to photograph babies and families in nature. That's why I offer on-location outdoor photography sessions in Suffolk County. My clients often ask me for suggestions on where to have their family shoot when the weather is too nice to be indoors. Here on my blog, I'll continue to update you on great Suffolk County, Long Island photo spots as I discover and shoot at these locations.
The first in this series will highlight the Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park. What's great about these places is that they are located right next to each other so they can easily be seen in one visit. They offer gorgeous views and a lot of opportunities for family activities.
We'll start off at the Grist Mill which is located at 100 Harbor Road in Stony Brook. This historic place is both a museum and a working mill. It serves not only as a beautiful background for your images, but an educational experience! Behind the building is a great area where kids can sometimes see the mill doing its job, with water flowing from the pond across the street.
The first in this series will highlight the Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park. What's great about these places is that they are located right next to each other so they can easily be seen in one visit. They offer gorgeous views and a lot of opportunities for family activities.
We'll start off at the Grist Mill which is located at 100 Harbor Road in Stony Brook. This historic place is both a museum and a working mill. It serves not only as a beautiful background for your images, but an educational experience! Behind the building is a great area where kids can sometimes see the mill doing its job, with water flowing from the pond across the street.
When you're done at the mill, take a 30 second walk across Harbor Road to visit the duck pond! You're bound to get some great shots of your kids discovering the many animals who live there. There are beautiful vistas around the banks of the pond and you'll be able to include the ducks, swans and even the cormorants who live nearby in your photos.
After that you can walk to the Avalon Park and Preserve, which is located directly behind the pond at 200 Harbor Rd, Stony Brook. Cross the bridge where you will find lots of places to sit for photo opportunities. Climb up the steps and follow signs to the labyrinth where kids can walk along the stone markings to the small pit in the center. Pile the family inside there for a great group shot. You'll also find there some large stones with a statue of Prometheus climbing. Kids will enjoy playing hide and seek throughout the high stones. Continue on the paths beyond for photos in the trails and meadows.
Remember that Avalon is a nature preserve. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and to remember the old expression:
"Take only photographs, leave only footprints."
(A side note to my photographer friends: professionals need permission to shoot sessions at Avalon so please call the office at 631-689-0619 before you visit with your clients).
"Take only photographs, leave only footprints."
(A side note to my photographer friends: professionals need permission to shoot sessions at Avalon so please call the office at 631-689-0619 before you visit with your clients).
There it is, folks. I hope you enjoyed the first installment in my series of "Best Long Island Photo Spots".
Contact me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location!
Contact me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location!
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As a photographer, I want to see my clients come in for professional photos as much as possible. I love creating meaningful art for their homes. I also know that my clients are busy. They can come to me for the holidays and big events in their lives, but what about the special little things that happen in their homes everyday? That's why I encourage my clients to take more photos at home. Today I want to offer a few tips to help improve the way you capture the magical moments in between studio sessions.
1. Get to know your camera!
You don't need to study your manual cover to cover, but at least familiarize yourself with the different scene modes your camera offers. Most point and shoot digital camera on the market include:
- Portrait mode: This is best for photographing faces up close.
- Landscape mode: This is best for scenery and large outdoor vistas.
- Night mode: This is best for shooting portraits at night with a flash.
- Sports mode: This is the shooting mode you might find most useful when taking photos of your children, because everyone knows that kids are fast! This mode will help freeze the action when your kids are running around a soccer field or just your backyard.
1. Get to know your camera!
You don't need to study your manual cover to cover, but at least familiarize yourself with the different scene modes your camera offers. Most point and shoot digital camera on the market include:
- Portrait mode: This is best for photographing faces up close.
- Landscape mode: This is best for scenery and large outdoor vistas.
- Night mode: This is best for shooting portraits at night with a flash.
- Sports mode: This is the shooting mode you might find most useful when taking photos of your children, because everyone knows that kids are fast! This mode will help freeze the action when your kids are running around a soccer field or just your backyard.
2. Give them something to do with their hands.
A small prop goes a long way to keep a kid in their seat long enough for you to snap a great photo. A stool or rocking horse can keep them grounded where you want them to be. A prop also gives you a great opportunity to catch your child interacting with their environment. Don't get discouraged if they throw it at your head and run away, though! Get candid shots of them on the run! Remember that it's not always about the smile. A pout or tears can make a beautiful and unique photo.
3. Make it a game!
If you want your child to sit or stand a certain way, show them! Tell them you're playing copycat and they win if they do what you do! Simon Says is also a great way to do this. For older kids, a great trick is to play the I bet you can't game. Saying "I bet you can't kiss your sister on the cheek" or "I bet you can't smile with your teeth!" is a good way to get what you're looking for. Showing them their photo on the back of the camera can help interest a child but use this as a last resort or else they'll make you stop and show them after every click of the shutter! Remember to give them a little prize when they do well. Next time they'll look forward to posing for a picture.
If you want your child to sit or stand a certain way, show them! Tell them you're playing copycat and they win if they do what you do! Simon Says is also a great way to do this. For older kids, a great trick is to play the I bet you can't game. Saying "I bet you can't kiss your sister on the cheek" or "I bet you can't smile with your teeth!" is a good way to get what you're looking for. Showing them their photo on the back of the camera can help interest a child but use this as a last resort or else they'll make you stop and show them after every click of the shutter! Remember to give them a little prize when they do well. Next time they'll look forward to posing for a picture.
4. Turn off the flash and look for the light!
You need flash sometimes if you're shooting at night or somewhere very dark. In many other situations, though, it's best to switch to no-flash mode on your camera. Flash can highlight unflattering features. Your best bet is to head outside or find a spot in your home that lets in natural light. The light coming in from a large window or your front door can make an otherwise plain portrait beautiful. Face your child toward the light and get shooting!
You need flash sometimes if you're shooting at night or somewhere very dark. In many other situations, though, it's best to switch to no-flash mode on your camera. Flash can highlight unflattering features. Your best bet is to head outside or find a spot in your home that lets in natural light. The light coming in from a large window or your front door can make an otherwise plain portrait beautiful. Face your child toward the light and get shooting!
5. Get in the photos!
When your kids look back at these photos when they're older, they want to see you in them too! Learn how to use your camera's self-timer or hand the camera off to someone else to make sure you're included in some of the special moments you're going to capture! Getting a small tripod or putting your camera on a steady surface can help you document the everyday.
The last tip is the one I think is the most important!!
6. Print print print!
Your photos are not safe until they're on paper. Digital files are likely to get corrupted, and hard drives don't last forever. They can fail and your precious memories can go along with them! Printed photos, however, can last lifetimes, well over 100 years. Bring your photos to reputable printers that use high quality papers and inks to make sure your family can look back on your memories for generations. A yearbook style album of all your photos is a great way to organize your memories.
Now get shooting!
When your kids look back at these photos when they're older, they want to see you in them too! Learn how to use your camera's self-timer or hand the camera off to someone else to make sure you're included in some of the special moments you're going to capture! Getting a small tripod or putting your camera on a steady surface can help you document the everyday.
The last tip is the one I think is the most important!!
6. Print print print!
Your photos are not safe until they're on paper. Digital files are likely to get corrupted, and hard drives don't last forever. They can fail and your precious memories can go along with them! Printed photos, however, can last lifetimes, well over 100 years. Bring your photos to reputable printers that use high quality papers and inks to make sure your family can look back on your memories for generations. A yearbook style album of all your photos is a great way to organize your memories.
Now get shooting!
