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Catskills Family Photographer
family photographer for the new york catskills + hudson valley
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Why I Offer Personality Portrait & Ideas for Displaying Them
By now, I'm sure most parents are aware of the findings of this 1975 study but I'll share it anyway. Children who see photos of themselves displayed around their house have shown a significant boost in self esteem. Furthermore, seeing photos of themselves with their family improves their feelings as a valuable member of their household. But you probably didn't need me to convince you to print your photos and get them on your walls. I can tell you, even as a photographer, one

Jill Smith
May 29, 20253 min read


Best Practices for Including Your Dog in Family Photos
Dogs are part of the family, and it only makes sense to include them in your annual family photos!

Jill Smith
Jun 15, 20242 min read


FAQ "Where should I print my photos?"
After your family photo session, you're probably wondering where you should print your beautiful photos. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of options out there, and unsure which ones will give you the best results. You may have had bad experiences with low-quality prints, confusing printing processes, or inconvenient pick-up locations. But fear not, because there is a solution that will make your life easier: ordering prints through your online gallery. When you re

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


FAQ: What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session
Finding the perfect outfit for your family session may take a little bit of work, but you probably have great pieces already in your...

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


FAQ: What Happens After My Session?
Approximately 2 weeks after your session you will receive an email letting you know that your photos are ready. At this time you will be...

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


FAQ: When is the time of year for my family photos?
Are you considering a family photo session in the Catskills but unsure which season would be best? Each season offers its own unique benefits and challenges. Let's take a look at the pros and cons for each season. Spring: Pros - The landscape is lush and green, and wildflowers are in bloom. The weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor sessions. Cons - Spring showers are common, so you may need to be flexible with scheduling. The bugs can also be quite pesky during this tim

Jill Smith
May 1, 20232 min read


FAQ "Can My Dog Come to the Session?"
If you're a dog owner, you know how important your furry friend is to you and your family. That's why you might be wondering if it's...

Jill Smith
May 1, 20232 min read


FAQ "Can We Try This Thing I Saw on Pinterest?"
As a family photographer, my goal is to create beautiful and unique images that capture the essence of my families. While it's natural...

Jill Smith
May 1, 20232 min read


FAQ: What Does "All-Inclusive" Mean in Photography?
As a photographer, my primary goal is to provide you with a personalized and stress-free experience that results in beautiful and high-quality photos. That's why I offer all-inclusive photography packages that ensure you receive everything you need from your photo session, including all the edited photos as high-resolution digital downloads. When you book a full session with me, you can rest assured that you will receive all the best photos from your session. This means that

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


FAQ "When Will I Get My Photos?"
As a photographer, delivering stunning and high-quality images to my clients is one of the most important aspects of my job. I understand that you're eager to see your photos as soon as possible, but it's important to understand that there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes before your photos are ready to be delivered to your inbox. This usually takes me up to two weeks. After your photo session, the first thing I do is upload all of the photos to my computer. This proces

Jill Smith
May 1, 20232 min read


FAQ: When Should I Book My Family Photos?
The best time to schedule a family photo session in the Sullivan County Catskills can depend on a few factors, such as the season, my projected availability, and your schedule. If you're looking to have photos taken during a specific season, such as during the fall when the leaves change color or during the holidays, it's best to reach out to as soon as my calendar opens for that year to ensure availability. I tend to book up quickly during peak seasons in the Catskills, so

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


FAQ "What if My Kid Won't Behave?"
As a parent, you know that kids can be unpredictable. You might be worried about how your children will behave during your upcoming family photo session. But don't worry, I'm here to put your mind at ease. In lifestyle family photography, the focus is on capturing the connection between you and your family, not on posing or forced smiles. This means that your children don't need to perform or pose during the session – they can just be themselves. And that's exactly what we wa

Jill Smith
May 1, 20232 min read


FAQ "What Happens if it Rains?"
If it rains on the day of your family photo session, it can be disappointing, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the session needs to be canceled or rescheduled. Depending on the amount of rain, we may still be able to take photos outdoors if the rain is light enough. Alternatively, we could consider moving the session indoors to a location with plenty of natural light, such as a large window or a bright room, or my studio in Jeffersonville. If rescheduling is necessary, we

Jill Smith
May 1, 20231 min read


Displaying Your Simple Studio Portraits
You had your studio session, your photos have been delivered. Now what? Break the cycle of letting your photos live on your hard drive. These portraits were meant to be printed! It's easy to get analysis paralysis when you see all of the print product choices in your gallery store, and then print nothing! Bookmark this blog post as a guide to printing and displaying those timeless photos of the people you love. First things first, what's your design style? Are you a minimalis

Jill Smith
Apr 2, 20232 min read


FAQ: What to Wear for Your Motherhood Session
Figuring out what to wear for your Motherhood Session is probably a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! No matter your style or...

Jill Smith
Mar 18, 20231 min read


FAQ: Which Type of Newborn Session is Right For You?
As a person born in the 80s, who grew up in the 90s, I love those choose your fighter memes that are so popular right now. But what if...

Jill Smith
Mar 13, 20234 min read


What Goes Into a Motherhood Session?
What I think makes my Motherhood Sessions so popular is the experience. You start off with professional hair and makeup in my studio by...

Jill Smith
Feb 12, 20231 min read


The Best Time of Year for Family Photos
What time of year is best for family photos? I think that all depends! Spring in The Catskills is a magical time of year. We have similar...

Jill Smith
Feb 12, 20231 min read


When Your Newborn is a Little Older
Whenever it's possible, newborn studio sessions should take place during the first two weeks of life. This is because after that, baby is...

Jill Smith
Feb 12, 20231 min read


What to Expect When You Hire Me
My aim for each and every session is to create a relaxed, friendly environment for all children and families, when I arrive I will spend a bit of time getting to know your children, I want them to feel comfortable with me and make them feel as if it is completely normal that I am there. If we are shooting in your home and back yard I will have a quick look around for the best light and spots to photograph in. I love creating warm, fun photos filled with love. All you need to

Jill Smith
Feb 12, 20231 min read
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