Yeah, neither do I. I'm not sure I can complain...I do not miss shoveling. But I feel a little for my kids, who like catching snowflakes on the tips of their tongues.

love & hugs & fairy wings • fairfield county, ct family photography

This was a fall session...and it was sweltering out. I swear the weather this year has been bonkers. But this little one was up for anything...playing with dolls, peak-a-boo, dipping her feet in the pool. And isn't her pout gorgeous? Almost as adorable as her smile. I love this kind of session: relaxed, laid back, full of hugs and love. I had so much fun with these guys...I can't wait to come back in February to meet the newest addition. Maybe I should apologize for the large share, but I just can't. Too many pretty photos; I couldn't resist.







Dogs are a family's first child, right?







how photogenic is this dog?

vassar is purrrrty • poughkeepsie family photographer

Okay, I'm kind of stating the obvious here, but when this dual-professor family asked me to photograph them, I was full-on giddy about the idea of shooting at Vassar. I grew up in Poughkeepsie...and grew up thinking all colleges were as pretty as Vassar. (I was really wrong, but thank goodness for Oberlin, which is equally pretty in a less traditional kind of way.) Mama Professor has an office in the library so we decided to start there. And man, I can't think of a prettier place to work. Take a look!

2011 favorites * hudson valley family photographer

One of my big New Year's resolutions is to pick my 20 favorite portraits of this past year. Here's a start. This little one loves his ukelele. And doesn't he look like a rock star already? But what I think makes the photo the shadow of his Daddy in the background.

ice skating birthday party • bear mountain

I went ice skating today with my gals at the Bear Mountain ice rink. We had so much fun that I just had to blog this birthday party, which forced me back onto the ice for the first time in....uh, I dont even know how long. I'll admit, I was nervous, but it was a blast! And I didn't fall on my kid or anything! The kids had so much fun making snow-globes and decorating cookies. And the mama put such lovely touches on the party, dontcha think? I love all the details...the black board signs, the maple-leaf shaped marshmallows, the urn of hot chocolate. Serously, if every party had hot chocolate, the world would be a better place.

twirling • hudson valley family photography

cake smash • hudson valley baby photographer

I’d wanted to do a cake smash for a while and Andrea jumped at the idea for Sammy’s first birthday. We had lofty ideas: We wouldn’t do a boring boy cake. No, instead, we’d take a stab at a visual statement on gender politics and branding. A pink cake for sure. Hot pink. And why not have Sammy demolish the Barbie—a prime symbol of objectification—in the process? When Sammy saw the cake, he didn’t follow our plan. He didn’t grab for the doll. He didn’t grab at the cake. Nope. He burst into tears and tried to crawl away. Not exactly what we expected, though we agreed, Barbies are scary. After he calmed down, he was semi-curious about her hair. And then he decided to ignore her altogether and do some tushy dancing. It was a hilarious day and a super fun way to celebrate his birthday!

A few notes:
1. Andrea did the baking. There is no way I’d be able to create something as amazing as that!
2. We did not intend to show a dude attacking a dudette, which I belatedly realize is another way you can see this. Apologies.
3. If you want to see Sammy as a brand-newborn, check out that shoot here.

casting

I'm looking for a super cute baby for an ice cream shoot I'm doing tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. Baby should be sitting well, but not yet moving around. Please send a snapshot ASAP to carolinekayephoto@gmail.com. The little model will get free ice cream (yum) and a complimentary print. Photo may be displayed on the walls of Moo Moo's Creamery in Cold Spring, NY.