- Published on
10 years ago today Laura Pea Photography officially opened for business. Even though I planned and researched for a full year before I started, I had very little idea what I was doing at first. I was the only one of my friends who owned their own creative business and I was desperately lonely for people who understood how utterly amazing and how unbelievably awful it could be. Over the years I’ve found community in groups like Rising Tide Society, 52Frames and Long Island Film Club that have helped me keep my love for small business and for photography alive.
10 years has come with its share of lean, hard times, sacrifice and struggle but I’m proud to have made it to this milestone, perhaps a little more cynical than the start, but also wiser and thicker-skinned.
I’m so thankful to every client that has contributed to my journey over the past 10 years. Thankful to every friend and family member who has passed my name along. Thankful to every business I’ve networked with that has hosted me for a photo event or invited me to collaborate with them.
The first newborn I photographed is middle school age now. The first dog I photographed has passed. I have clients that invite me back into their lives year after year and show me my photos on their walls that they still cherish so many years after I took them. It means the world to me. 10 years later, this is still the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. I hope to be here doing it all in another 10 year’s time.
10 years has come with its share of lean, hard times, sacrifice and struggle but I’m proud to have made it to this milestone, perhaps a little more cynical than the start, but also wiser and thicker-skinned.
I’m so thankful to every client that has contributed to my journey over the past 10 years. Thankful to every friend and family member who has passed my name along. Thankful to every business I’ve networked with that has hosted me for a photo event or invited me to collaborate with them.
The first newborn I photographed is middle school age now. The first dog I photographed has passed. I have clients that invite me back into their lives year after year and show me my photos on their walls that they still cherish so many years after I took them. It means the world to me. 10 years later, this is still the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. I hope to be here doing it all in another 10 year’s time.
- Published on
I made a post back in May about the gallery openings my work was going to be included in. Now that those shows are both down, I thought I'd post an update with some photos of both. When I was a student at Stony Brook University, I had my work in many art shows. Once I graduated, I focused on serving clients in my business and for a long time I never submitted my photographs for consideration into any shows or galleries. That changed once the wonderful Nancy Hassel of American Pet Professionals collaborated with the Islip Arts Council to have a pet art show in their gallery space. She encouraged any pet artists in the group to apply, so I submitted three photographs and was so excited when they accepted all three! The first was a photo I took of Handsome Zeus, the Instagram famous dog at the beach a few years ago! The second is a digital art piece I put together with three photos of my dog Gracey. The third was a photo I took of my friend Diana's cat Oscar! Thanks to both groups for hosting the art show. There were so many wonderful artists involved and some gorgeous pieces.
Here are some photos I took of the gallery when I visited!
The other art show I was involved in was at Flux Coffee in Farmingdale. The owners collaborated with the Long Island Film Club, a group I'm a part of. Members of the group were invited to submit one shot that embodies them and their work, and was shot on Long Island. I submitted the same shot of Zeus because a dog on a Long Island beach are very on brand for me! These photos are from the opening of that show. There are so many talented photographers in that group and I was proud to have my work on display alongside theirs! Thanks to Flux Coffee and Ryan from Long Island Film Club for putting it together!
It's very gratifying to see artwork you've made displayed for others to appreciate. I'm going to make it a goal to enter my work into more of these exhibits and opportunities!
To be notified of all the events I’m participating in,
join my email list or follow along with me on Instagram!
- Published on
I was very happy to be on scene photographing the Pooch-a-Palooza fundraising event for Long Island Dog this year! It was held at the Pine Grove Inn in Patchogue, a beautiful spot right on the water. They did an arcade theme this year, with tons of games and activities! There was a splash pad and pools set up for the dogs, who definitely appreciated that because it was a super sunny warm day! There were contests for silliest lap dog, a musical sit/stay contest, a guess the breed game, a stand where they could make dog paw art and more! There were a ton of great raffle baskets donated and a ton of happy owners and pups that won them. I was excited to meet Harley, whose mom won the raffle basket I donated with a free pet mini session and a print credit. He's adorable and I can't wait to get him in front of my lens!
There were a lot of great dog vendors there too, like Bark's Bakeshop, Emily's Trims and Treats, Farmina Pet Foods, Rachel the Dog Trainer for You. Yorkie 911 Rescue was also there with some of their adorable adoptable dogs! DJ Mike Kaplow provided great music for the event with his assistant, the beautiful Miss Bony Moronie! Thank you so much to everyone at LI-Dog, especially Ginny, Peggy and Joann, for putting together a wonderful day and for having me there! Here are the photos I shot that day!
There were a lot of great dog vendors there too, like Bark's Bakeshop, Emily's Trims and Treats, Farmina Pet Foods, Rachel the Dog Trainer for You. Yorkie 911 Rescue was also there with some of their adorable adoptable dogs! DJ Mike Kaplow provided great music for the event with his assistant, the beautiful Miss Bony Moronie! Thank you so much to everyone at LI-Dog, especially Ginny, Peggy and Joann, for putting together a wonderful day and for having me there! Here are the photos I shot that day!
To be notified of all the events I’m participating in,
join my email list or follow along with me on Instagram!
- Published on
LI-Dog is a fantastic non-profit that advocates for expanded access for dogs to public parks and beaches on Long Island. I'll be at the event volunteering to photograph their Pooch-a-Palooza event that aims to raise funds for their mission! The event will take place on 6.23.24 from 12-4pm at the Pine Grove Inn in East Patchogue. There will be music, games, prizes, raffles, a photo booth, and even a special doggy menu. One of the raffle baskets you can win is a free mini session with me plus a print credit! I've photographed a few of LI-Dog's events over the years and it's always such a fun time. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the pups in their costumes.
Here are some photos I've shot for them of their summer fundraisers in the past!
Here are some photos I've shot for them of their summer fundraisers in the past!
You can buy discounted tickets in advance for $15 a person (dogs are free!). Tickets at the door are $20. Find out more and buy tickets here!
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
To be notified of all the events I’m participating in,
join my email list or follow along with me on Instagram!
- Published on
I have some exciting studio news to share! I have three pieces that are on display at the Islip Arts Council gallery's Art for Paws show. There will be work from over 40 pet artists there in many forms: photography, painting, sculpture, textile, etc. The show was the brainchild of Nancy Hassel of American Pet Professionals, a professional group I'm a part of. They have an opening reception on May 17th from 6-8pm if you'd like to go, but you can also show up to the gallery any time between now and May 30th when the works will be on display.
Another one of my pet photographs is also going to be included in an art show of members of the Long Island Film Club at Flux Coffee in Farmingdale. That opens on May 25th! Stop in for a cup of coffee and see some wonderful local art from a ton of talented photographers.
I haven't submitted my art work much for display since I left college, but I've been trying to get out there more when it comes to showing my work, so I'm really excited for these opportunities. All of my works at both shows are for sale, so if you're interested in owning a piece by Laura Pea Photography, head on down to pick up some art!
Another one of my pet photographs is also going to be included in an art show of members of the Long Island Film Club at Flux Coffee in Farmingdale. That opens on May 25th! Stop in for a cup of coffee and see some wonderful local art from a ton of talented photographers.
I haven't submitted my art work much for display since I left college, but I've been trying to get out there more when it comes to showing my work, so I'm really excited for these opportunities. All of my works at both shows are for sale, so if you're interested in owning a piece by Laura Pea Photography, head on down to pick up some art!
To be notified of all the events I’m participating in,
join my email list or follow along with me on Instagram!
- Published on
Mother's Day is this Sunday!
Moms always want updated photos of their beautiful families to line their walls, show off on social media, keep on their desks at work, etc.
While it's too late to book a session with me in time for Mother's Day, it's never too late to give the gift of a photography session.
You can purchase e-gift cards from me that will be sent instantly to your recipient's email! Or you can send the gift card to yourself to print out and put in a card for your loved one.
If time got the better of you this year and you're scrambling for something heartfelt, the gift of photography is something that the mom in your life will always adore. Sessions can take place in my home studio in Farmingville, at the client's house or on location within Suffolk County, Long Island.
My gift cards are available in any amount over $25. Most gift-givers choose to cover my session fee ($150 for regular sessions, $250 for newborn sessions) and a little extra to include a few photo prints. You can find all my pricing information and product menu here, and when you're ready,
purchase e-gift cards here!
While it's too late to book a session with me in time for Mother's Day, it's never too late to give the gift of a photography session.
You can purchase e-gift cards from me that will be sent instantly to your recipient's email! Or you can send the gift card to yourself to print out and put in a card for your loved one.
If time got the better of you this year and you're scrambling for something heartfelt, the gift of photography is something that the mom in your life will always adore. Sessions can take place in my home studio in Farmingville, at the client's house or on location within Suffolk County, Long Island.
My gift cards are available in any amount over $25. Most gift-givers choose to cover my session fee ($150 for regular sessions, $250 for newborn sessions) and a little extra to include a few photo prints. You can find all my pricing information and product menu here, and when you're ready,
purchase e-gift cards here!
Get in touch to book your session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call (631)256-7476.
- Published on
I'm going to be at the Comsewogue Public Library for a pet portrait program this Saturday from 11am-2pm! This is a new one I'm adding to my ever-growing list of libraries putting on this program and I'm so excited! The weather looks like it'll be beautiful so we're planning on doing the program out on their lawn. If the weather takes a sudden turn, we also have access to one of their indoor community rooms. Participants will get a free 8x10 photo and a digital file. If you're a patron of Comsewogue, sign up for the program to receive a free photo of your pet!
Pets should be clean, well-behaved around other animals, and in a cage or on a leash to attend. All pets are welcome, not just dogs! In the past, I've had people bring cats, turtles, ferrets, guinea pigs, lizards, bunnies, hamsters, even rats to my library programs! Feel free to get in the shot with your pet too! There are a few spots left.
Sign up here!
Hope to see you there!
Pets should be clean, well-behaved around other animals, and in a cage or on a leash to attend. All pets are welcome, not just dogs! In the past, I've had people bring cats, turtles, ferrets, guinea pigs, lizards, bunnies, hamsters, even rats to my library programs! Feel free to get in the shot with your pet too! There are a few spots left.
Sign up here!
Hope to see you there!
To be notified of all the events I’m participating in,
join my email list or follow along with me on Instagram!
- Published on
I was very excited for Faith's parents when they got in touch to book me for her newborn photos. I know Faith's dad from the chapter of the Rising Tide Society that I lead here on Long Island. His business FMF Strategic Communications provides services to small businesses to help their online media presence. Check them out here!
When we were planning our session, they told me that Faith's nursery theme was going to be Winnie-the-Pooh, which I loved as a kid. We talked about how cute it would be if we could put Faith into a "hunny pot" like in the cartoon. I looked around and couldn't find one that I thought would be big enough to safely put a newborn in, so I decided to take on the challenge to make one myself! I love to craft so this was a very fun project and I knew it would be a cool prop to have on hand for future sessions in the studio. I found a big plant pot at a local hardware store and painted it to look like the famous hunny pot from the beloved animation. Faith fit in there perfectly with plenty of space for padding and for a weight at the bottom to make sure she wouldn't tip over when placed inside. Safety is always number one when it comes to photographing newborns!
After we did some photos of Faith on her own and with her loving parents in her nursery, we headed downstairs for a full family portrait including their adorable pup Comet! We did a few shots of Comet and Faith together, then I set up some blankets for more photos of Faith on her own. She did such an amazing job. Even when she awake for shots, she was very happy and even holding her head up to look around! Such a strong girl already!
Here are some of my favorite shots from our session!
When we were planning our session, they told me that Faith's nursery theme was going to be Winnie-the-Pooh, which I loved as a kid. We talked about how cute it would be if we could put Faith into a "hunny pot" like in the cartoon. I looked around and couldn't find one that I thought would be big enough to safely put a newborn in, so I decided to take on the challenge to make one myself! I love to craft so this was a very fun project and I knew it would be a cool prop to have on hand for future sessions in the studio. I found a big plant pot at a local hardware store and painted it to look like the famous hunny pot from the beloved animation. Faith fit in there perfectly with plenty of space for padding and for a weight at the bottom to make sure she wouldn't tip over when placed inside. Safety is always number one when it comes to photographing newborns!
After we did some photos of Faith on her own and with her loving parents in her nursery, we headed downstairs for a full family portrait including their adorable pup Comet! We did a few shots of Comet and Faith together, then I set up some blankets for more photos of Faith on her own. She did such an amazing job. Even when she awake for shots, she was very happy and even holding her head up to look around! Such a strong girl already!
Here are some of my favorite shots from our session!
Get in touch to book your session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call (631)256-7476.
- Published on
There was a quote floating around social media that I saw recently and loved. "The best compliment you can give your photographer is to keep inviting them back to document your life". For me, there's no one that better describes than my awesome client Sarah. She first got in touch with me back in 2018 to photograph her twin newborns with her beautiful Airedale Terrier, Benjamin Franklin. She's invited me back into her life every year since then to document her family as it grows, which I appreciate so much.
At our latest session, she undertook an even bigger task when planning for photos, including her parents, her in-laws and her brother for an extended family shoot. Coordinating that many schedules is a herculean task, so I admire her greatly for getting everyone there (and dressed and happy)! Her brother John even came straight off a tour with his band Moon Tooth, driving home from a show in Canada two days before. Check them out!
We had to have a last minute venue change from their back yard and Sarah's husband AJ came to the rescue and secured a new spot for us (he's a volunteer firefighter so he's used to saving the day). Everyone was very patient with me while I snapped waaaaay too many photos, to make sure I had enough images to swap heads, hands, whole bodies, etc. in Photoshop. That's always necessary for big groups, and especially so when there's three kids and a dog involved!
Though extra subjects can mean extra work, it also means having extra hands on deck to assist in tasks like tying shoes, wiping runny noses and picking the right music to keep the kids engaged and smiling. Their favorite song right now is Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, a very impressive pick for their age. Thank you to Sarah and her lovely family for being so patient and helpful!
Here are some of my favorite photos from this very special session.
We had to have a last minute venue change from their back yard and Sarah's husband AJ came to the rescue and secured a new spot for us (he's a volunteer firefighter so he's used to saving the day). Everyone was very patient with me while I snapped waaaaay too many photos, to make sure I had enough images to swap heads, hands, whole bodies, etc. in Photoshop. That's always necessary for big groups, and especially so when there's three kids and a dog involved!
Though extra subjects can mean extra work, it also means having extra hands on deck to assist in tasks like tying shoes, wiping runny noses and picking the right music to keep the kids engaged and smiling. Their favorite song right now is Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, a very impressive pick for their age. Thank you to Sarah and her lovely family for being so patient and helpful!
Here are some of my favorite photos from this very special session.
Get in touch to book your session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com
or call (631)256-7476.
- Published on
Little Greyson was about 3 weeks old when we did his newborn session in my studio. He wasn't super sleepy when he and his parents arrived, so we were able to catch a couple shots with his eyes open, which can be rare for a newborn shoot. Greyson's dad serves in the Navy, so our first outfit was a cute little camo one that his mom and dad had gotten as a gift. Once we got him all warm and swaddled, he finally drifted off for some photos with several different blankets and wraps. After a break, we changed him into cute knitted cocoon wrap to do some shots on my vintage doll bed, a studio favorite. My favorite shots came right at the end when we put Greyson on a furry gray rug with a gray knit blanket over him. He looked so peaceful and adorable!
Greyson's parents decided to go with one of my custom albums so they could display a ton of the photos we got that day. His mom sent over some of her favorite quotes to be included in the album, which made it so sweet and personal. My favorite one she sent was "His little hands stole our heart and his little feet ran away with it", which we put on the page with the detail photos of Greyson's hands and feet. I hope he looks at the album as he grows up and it brings a smile to his face!
Here are some of my favorite photos we captured that day!
Greyson's parents decided to go with one of my custom albums so they could display a ton of the photos we got that day. His mom sent over some of her favorite quotes to be included in the album, which made it so sweet and personal. My favorite one she sent was "His little hands stole our heart and his little feet ran away with it", which we put on the page with the detail photos of Greyson's hands and feet. I hope he looks at the album as he grows up and it brings a smile to his face!
Here are some of my favorite photos we captured that day!
