70's Inspired Styled Shoot
Mid Century Modern and the 70s certainly are taking the world by storm all over again, and I am here for it! Warm tones, dresses with sleeves and of course artsy decor! I had such a blast dreaming of this idea and was finally able to bring it to life!
How did this all come to be you ask? Great question! Well, while thrifting at our local Amvets, my talented friend Chelsea, from Chelsea Victoria Photography, and I came upon this beautiful dress that just HAD to come home with us. It was then we decided we were going to make a pretty funky styled shoot out this. Thus the idea was born! Fast forward to getting the dress cleaned and getting Frank Lloyd Wright Martin House on board, we started getting all the fine details into play for our big adventure! From Hair & Makeup, with Amanda Lee Shamrock, Florals from Marigold & Vase, and a drop dead gorgeous ring from Heidi Gibson, we were well on our way to magic.
A few days before the shoot, I saw on Facebook that a friend of mine just happened to own a Herbie Car. Yes, you heard me! The LOVE BUG himself! I just had to ask her if we could use it, and sure enough he was ours for the day! He even had the original petal from the movie! SO COOL. It couldn't have been a better day, and everything just fell into place. How stinking cute are these? Future brides, you know what to do, get at me ;D I wanna live all the 70s, boho, funky vibes!
Laundry Date Day Buffalo
What could possibly be more romantic then the soft hum of the metallic dryers along side the the swish swish swishing of the washers that lined the aisles of your average laundromat? Not much in my option! LOL
Taking average weekly chores or basic daily tasks and turning it into something more is what I strive to find in my couples sessions. Doing something together that isn’t normally documented and capturing it becomes more of an art story than just a pretty picture. Dont get me wrong though, I live for pretty pictures, but its something about creating more of a memory that is important to me. Must be all of the artsy fartsy classes I took in college. :D
I challenge you to think of something mundane to do with your partner and lets turn it into something heart racing. Hanging laundry out to dry, planting flowers, or going for a bike ride! Anything you can think of. Lets create some magic together <3
-Sarah
Niagara Falls Helicopter Wedding in the Sky!
Hey guys, Sarah here!
While traveling Italy last year with my mother, I had received an email that asked if I would be interested in shooting an intimate wedding high in the sky. I literally almost burst into tears I was so excited! Of course I couldn’t have been more thrilled, and it would also be the first time I had been in a helicopter.
Katelyn & Darius had such a perfect, unique idea that turned out to the best day ever! While I had been to Niagara Falls a bunch of times, I had never seen the view from the sky before — boy was it breathtaking.
As we stood outside waiting for our ride to land, the wind whipped up our hair and made her dress dance giving us chills of excitement! After it landed we were then escorted towards the chopper for a photo-op while our ears were trying to adjust to the loud roar of the engine. Buckled in, headphones on, and greeted by the pilot in less than a few fast minutes, we were OFF!
Up, up, and away we went. Just like that, we were over the falls! As the officiant started, I could tell how happy they were as the moment had begun. Their vows were simple and sweet, and within a few short minutes it was time to kiss as our copter soared above the misty falls. What a sweet moment it was as they exchanged rings to one another and for the rest of the ride we took in the beautiful scenery around us.
After we landed and made our way through the hustle and bustle of the Falls, we took a moment to realize the epicness of what we had just witnessed. The beauty in this world we take for granted everyday, but its times like this that gives us the wonderment that we live for.
For the rest of the day we explored the downtown Falls and Buffalo areas, finding some cool murals on the way and ended up enjoying some bubbly champagne to celebrate! Then it was GAME time!
You heard me right! ( or read me right?! lolll) Their reception was at Dave & Busters! We gamed, ate delicous snacks and of course got some pretty awesome photos too. I am beyond thankful I got to be apart of this magical day. If you get a chance to go on a helicopter, don’t even think twice! DO IT!
Catch ya on the next adventure!
-Sarah
10 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Family Photoshoots
Plan.
Deciding on a time
Does anyone check the sunset times…well we are constantly check for close to a year out. We love the golden light or golden hour sessions. This happens an hour or two before the sunsets. If you want to have a family session in July, its going to be much (almost 9 pm) later then April or October. We suggest trying to book your sessions as close to golden hour as possible to make sure you get the warm magical light.
Location is important
We want you to feel as natural as possible at your session, so pick somewhere that is “you” Whether it be a favorite park or a favorite beach or your backyard even. Those make for the best sessions. I did put together another blog in regards to locations in Western New York for my engagement sessions, you can take a look here.
Decide what to wear
The biggest misconception that clients have when they book a family photoshoot is that everyone’s outfits need to match. While it is important for the outfits not to clash, the photo will actually be more interesting if the colors and styles are varied. A foolproof tip for dressing your whole family for a photoshoot is to stick to jewel tones that are universally flattering and remain in the “neutral” family. Blacks, whites, grey, dark greens, beige…etc
In terms of clothing style, we recommend choosing pieces that are comfortable, well-fitting, and classic. Photo sessions often require a decent amount of moving around and trying different poses, so it’s best to wear something comfortable and breathable. For women, we love maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or cozy sweaters in the colder months. For men, comfortable attire can include casual button-downs or pullovers, to give a few examples. Comfortable footwear is also important, but it’s best to steer clear of anything too casual like athletic sneakers and nothing flashy and mismatched to your outfit choice
Lastly, your outfit choices should be classic, meaning that they are pieces that will not go out of style. Of course, we love a modern take on a classic outfit, whether that be by layering, adding pops of color, or mixing textures like knits and lace.
Choose accessories
Note that outfits are incomplete without accessories such as belts, shoes, jewelry, etc - make sure you have those pieces picked out and set aside as well to avoid panic on photoshoot day.
Make it a family outing!
Bring blankets, activities that your family loves, picnic baskets, food, wine…anything that makes your family your family. It’s important to have something “to do” instead of just looking and smiling at the camera for the full time. Make it fun!
Lay out the outfits
At this point, you will be thanking yourself for having chosen and stored away outfits far in advance. Lay the clothes and accessories out one last time and iron/steam if needed.
Double check packed bags
Add anything else you might need, or anything perishable that could not be added in advance. This may include snacks, medication, or items like pacifiers to keep your kids happy in between shots.
Go to bed early
Getting a good night’s sleep is helpful any night of the week, but is especially important the night before a photoshoot. This means getting any showers/ baths out of the way in the early evening, trying on outfits one last time. Doing so ensures that you wake up looking and feeling fresh and energized, and will help you and the entire family get the most out of your shoot!
Relax and have fun!
Because you’ve spent so much time preparing in the days and weeks leading up to the shoot, the actual day should be a breeze! All you have to do now is make sure everyone has a nutritious breakfast (before getting dressed, to avoid last-minute stains!) and load everyone into the car. Kids love seeing there parents have fun with them but also their parents having fun! Don’t be afraid to get silly.
MOST IMPORTANTLY! Embrace the chaos and trust your photographer!
Trust us, we know when in a new place kids tend to have their own agenda, especially if pets are involved. That is completely fine, some of the best memories are in those moments and I can guarantee you they will make you the most happy when you get the photos back. Most of the time, the kids are looking and the parents are looking at the kids to make sure that they are smiling, the second you look up, they are looking at a squirrel haha! So make sure that you are looking at the camera and we will worry about what the kids are doing. Trust us, we have some pretty awesome tricks up are sleeves!
You made the investment in family photos, so to be prepared is the best way of making sure that things run smooth. We hope this guide will help you prepare for the best photoshoot.
Locations for Sessions in WNY
It is really important that you feel comfortable with the location and that it “feels like you” I am true believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to the two of you but also remember that the session is about you as a couple and not where you are. In the meantime, here is a updated list with photos that we have put together to help you make a informed decision of the locations that are available for us around Western New York. If you have location that is near and dear to your story, please don’t hesitate to tell me about it.
Art Gallery (Buffalo, NY)
Closed till 2022 for construction. Unfortunately we cannot shoot till then. :-(
Akron Falls
must be willing to get wet and climb on rocks
Beaver Island State Park (Grand Island, NY)
Botanical Gardens
Burchfield Penny Park (West Seneca, NY)
Chestnut Ridge Park (Orchard Park, NY)
Around the City of Buffalo
(Buffalo City Hall, Canelside, and Main St)
Clarence Town Park
Ellicottville NY
Glen Falls (Williamsville, NY)
Hotel Henry (Buffalo, NY)
Hoyt Lake/Rose Garden/Delaware Park (Buffalo, NY)
Japanese Gardens (Buffalo, NY)
Knox Farms (East Aurora, NY)
Somewhere around Lockport
Lasson Park (Depew, NY)
Letchworth State Park
Ollcott Beach (Ollcott, NY)
Outer Habor (Buffalo, NY)
includes - Sand dunes, under passes, wilkinson point, gallagher pier and tifft nature preserve
Random Fields
no, we are serious. You and I drive by these places everyday!
Riverworks (Buffalo, NY)
Train Depots (Williamsville and Blasdell)
Parking Garage Sessions
Photographed by Amanda and Sarah
Bre and Matt
All I can say about this elopement is wow.
Bre and Matt, both Buffalo natives, have traveled the world. In their travels, they had fallen in love with Scotland (who wouldn’t am I right) and decided, one day, they would be back for their wedding. Because of a job offer for Matt, the big wedding plans were cut and Bre and Matt planned their elopement in 8 short months. There were eight people total at this wedding; half were vendors.
I would be lying if I told you that we were not excited about this wedding. Not only did Bre work with Seventh Arrow, she had become a very very close friend. We were beyond thrilled that she had chosen to bring us with her to capture her day.
Justin and Vanessa, Matt’s brother and soon to be sister in law (we are also shooting there out of town wedding this upcoming July), had also traveled to Scotland to be part of these great moments. Bre and Matt were married on a random hill on the Isle of Skye, just how they imagined their wedding. These moments and this trip will forever be in my heart.
It was perfect.
Location | Isle of Skye, Scotland UK
Invitations | Hoopla House Creative
Dress | Bliss Bridal
Hair and makeup | AMM Beauty
Floral | Wild Flower Workshop
Robe | Etsy
Videography | Plume Creative
Hayloft in the Grove
Photography: Seventh Arrow Studio
Venue: Hayloft in the Grove hayloftinthegrove.com
Decor: Hayloft in the Grove
Makeup: Lexi Dilorenzo
Dress: Pronovias at Bliss Bridal in Hamburg blissbridalwedding.com
Floral: Wild Blossom Hollow wildblossomhollow.com
Erin + Joe
Photography: Seventh Arrow Studio
Venue: Events at the Foundry
Dress: M A Carr
Designer of Dress: Allure/ Hailey Paige
Bridesmaid(s) dresses: Jasmine Bridals
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Cake: Paulas Donuts
Videography: Countryside
Disc Jockey/Band: H & H Entertainment
Flowers: Flowers by Nature
Makeup: Salon Elizabeth
Hair: Salon Elizabeth
Decor: Emerald Detail & Design
Invitations: Hoopla House Creative
Mandy + Matt
Mandy and Matt's story could make even the biggest cynic believe in fate. They managed to find each other even though they were born thousands of miles apart (Matt hails from Hawaii- not exactly near Buffalo) and, as fate would have it, found themselves in the same gym in Western New York. I was lucky enough to be present when they tied the knot on November 18th, and the rest is history.
The wedding was held at a beautiful church in East Aurora, and followed by a reception at Avanti Mansion. Distance couldn't stop them from finding each other, and a little rain on their wedding day couldn't dampen the mood or stop us from getting amazing photos. Instead of the usual outdoor shoot we decided on Hotel Henry to take their formal shots after the ceremony.
I enjoyed every moment of photographing this beautiful couple and was reminded yet again why I love my job so much. It is such an honor to be able to capture some of the most important memories of peoples' lives and to know that they will be able to look back on these photographs for years to come.
All of my best to Mandy and Matt!
XO,
Amanda
