gerber baby | ulster county newborn photography

This session was awesome for 3 reasons:

1) When I told this new mom that her baby was just like a Gerber Baby, she shot back: "Cuter." Oh how I love hanging with sassy ladies, and with the way this baby girl can stare a lens down, I'm betting she got that trait.

2) The session was a gift my OBGYN bought her son and daughter-in-law on the occasion of her first grand baby. Now, anyone who knows me well--and many who don't--know that I love my doctor, who stayed with me, on her day off, during my entire second labor. She was part doctor, part midwife, part cheerleader. Plus loads of other positive nouns that I can't think of right now. I am forever in her debt for that experience and I'm so glad to be a part of this moment.

3) Get this: New dad/ob's son used to live down the street from me and some of my best friends from childhood babysat him. This fact is both super cool and super sad-making, cause that means I'm old. But I going with the super cool. Now check out the most ridiculously cute baby:

brrrrrr | hudson valley family photographer

I'm working on my own New Year's Resolution: blog more. I fail every year, but what do they say? Try, try again? Anyhow. I'm feeling the cold, so today, I offer up this adorable Snow Angel. Snow Fairy? Snow Witch? Only her mom can say.

dreamy | hudson valley children photographer

cool couple with hotdog

happy new year!

a love letter | stanzi, holimama

This post has been on my mind for a while now, and I've written it about a million times in my head, but when it comes down to it, I'm just not just sure what to say. This, my readers, my clients, my community, is my dear friend Stanzi. You've likely seen her on my blog before, cause I've loved photographing her and her growing family over the years. She's the first mama I met when I moved to Cold Spring. I still remember her strolling down Main Street with her husband Paul, all tattooed and cool, and their son Lucian riding his shoulders. They were friendly, welcoming, introduced me to their crowd, and gave me comfort that there was some Brooklyn cool in my new hometown. (I was new, and still a little snobby.) Stanzi has taught me much in the past six years: How to blend a mean green smoothie, how to stop judging myself, the correct consistency of poop, among other things. She's loved me, called me out on my bull, and given me--and hundreds of others--the tools to a healthier life. When she was diagnosed with cancer last October, I believe we all assumed she'd win the fight. I mean, we were scared and all, but how could this amazing, vital, raw-food chef not win that battle? But this summer--after leading our entire broader community in a cleanse and feeding us all with her magic juices and elixirs--she was told that the cancer had returned and there wasn't a cure for her. It's been a rough couple of months. But as Stanzi finds herself under the care of hospice, she also finds a community that has come together in force to love her, love her family, and do whatever the heck we can to help. I say this because if you, or someone you know, has the ability to contribute, I welcome you to. There is an all-day fundraiser at SkyBaby Yoga on September 14th, with an auction that night at 7. There will be loads of donations, including a photo session from me. If you're not local, you can give online here. I love this woman. I love her family. I am not really able to communicate it any better than that, except maybe through the photos below. Take a long look.

masquerade | hudson valley portrait photographer

So you all know I love taking pictures of the little ones. But wanna know a secret? I adore shoots like these. Unabashedly fun and outrageous. Luz celebrated the big 4-0 with this awesome photo session, which she displayed at her awesomely fun masquerade ball (she roped me into going and, man, does this lady know how to have fun!). So a BIG happy birthday to Luz, who doesn't look a year over 32.

in honor of the donut