I’m not an event photographer, but sometimes I get a call that I just can’t refuse.  One of my regular clients called me, her Grandmother -Bubby was going to be 80 years young and the family was going to throw a surprise party for her (personally, I would never surprise anyone over the age of 78, but that’s for a different post).

Bubby went to the city to shop for a handbag with her daughter. Slyly, at the appointed time her daughter suggested they stop at her brothers apartment on Central Park South, NYC, for a little rest.  When Bubby stepped out of the elevator on the 19th floor she was greeted by her 3 children and 20 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.  It was BEAUTIFUL.

Since Bubby LOVES photos and everyone was together, the idea was to get photos of everyone so they could create a beautiful keepsake for her to enjoy.  The party location was on Central Park South and the original plan was to take photos on the terrace or the park.  The terrace was ruled out by the building management so it left the park.  Now I ask you, try getting 52 people down the elevator, across the street and setting them up etc…  I had different plans.  I scouted the available apartments to see which one I could use to take the family portraits and when I was shown an apartment facing the park on the 27th floor that was under construction I knew I had the perfect place.  It had the SWEET LIGHT.  All photographers know what the sweet light it, it’s the dawn and dusk lighting, the room that has open windows and gorgeous lighting.  It was pretty amazing!

Here is the gorgeous view from the apartment I used.

The sweet light.

This duo brought their young brother for his first photo session.   He started out by SCREAMING when he saw me but soon warmed up.  It doesn’t get much sweeter than this. I love the clean, none posed look of this portrait.

I’m feeling generous today.  I feel like giving away a 16×20 canvas, that’s valued at $400.  In order to be eligible you have to book a session (regular or petite) for anytime between now and Labor Day by May 14th and you’ll be entered to win.

Since I’m posting I have to include another from this adorable sister/brother session, they were the mushy type, constantly hugging each other.

Last week was a tough one, getting over all that travel and getting into the swing of things at the studio but once I meet the kids I’m all over it.  I get my inspiration from them.  I try not to make cookie cutter images, the same pose for every child that come in.  Of course I do the classics but from there I try to draw out the individual child to get a look that their parents will look at and say ‘that’s so him (or her).’