Welcome to my blog - it's here that I share some of my most recent work - be sure to check back often!! Kathleen Chapman Photography specializes in child and family photography in the North Country NY counties of Franklin and St.Lawrence in locations such as St. Regis Falls, Brushton, Malone, Massena and Potsdam. I offer studio and on location sessions designed to meet your creative vision!!
Senior Guy Alley Portrait Session | Massena, NY Potsdam Family Photographer
Had my first ever senior portrait session on Tuesday night - needless to say I was a little nervous. I hadn't been able to scope the location out prior to the night of the session but my fears were quickly relieved the moment I stepped into the alley and met my handsome client L! Brick walls, cool doors, concrete steps and a handsome young man - I couldn't have asked for more for my first try at senior photography. I was drawn to the cool door immediately so that's where we started. He was so serious at first but eventually relaxed a little and a small smile came through. I noticed that somebody had locked a couple of bikes on the railing near the steps - not ideal - but when you can't move something out of the frame you have to find a way to work with it. We took some pictures on the steps and I loved how the pop of orange in his socks coordinated with the doors across the street behind him. L plays hockey so he put on his jersey and we took a few shots with that as well. Later we went across the street to take a few pictures at a local park and wrapped up there. I want to thank L for being such a willing and patient young man to work with - it was my pleasure!! Senior pictures sure have changed since my children graduated - I love how students are able to showcase their personality and interests today instead of wrapping up their senior year with a studio head and shoulders shot!!
Extended Family Session in Madrid Park | Potsdam NY Family Photographer
I had so much fun with the Dowdle family during their extended family session in Madrid Park, NY last Friday evening. Almost 2 hours later and just shy of 500 pictures taken we said our goodbyes as the sun was going down over the water. I have so many great pictures to finish going through and just wanted to share a sneak peek of a few before I have their full gallery ready (hopefully by the end of the week).
The session was a beautiful and thoughtful 31st anniversary gift from the three children to their parents - such a special session for all of them. I arrived with a list of photos I wanted to take of each family as well as many group portraits so we went right to work in a shaded corner of the park - starting with the individual family portraits. I then took couple portraits, some of Mom and her daughters and then the grandchildren. These proud grandparents have 6 beautiful granddaughters ranging in age from 6-1/2 months to 11 years - one of my favorite pictures of them is where they were all lined up in age order with the sweet little one on the end. It was obvious how much the older cousins love the little one and we all had fun making faces and noises to get her to smile for her individual portraits (especially Grandpa LOL)!!
As the sun got lower in the sky we moved over by the water to capture some special pictures of the anniversary couple, the loving grandparents with their grandchildren, the whole group and then the parents with their grown children.
I was honored to capture these memories for this beautiful and loving family and can't wait to share their complete gallery with them!!
A special thanks to my daughter who assisted me at the session - much appreciated!!
Monthly Favorite Photo Grid for July, 2017|Dickinson Center NY Family Photographer
Sharing some of my favorite July photos. My flowers are in full bloom and such cooperative subjects. My granddaughter enjoyed fresh peas from the garden with her Papa and was my first subject in our new wild flower garden. Another great, beautiful month!!
Toddler-Girl Wildflower Photo Session|Franklin County NY Child Photographer
We planted a new wild flower garden this spring and I was so happy to see some of the flowers starting to bloom over the last couple of weeks. My husband laid a beautiful stone walkway through the garden leading into the field behind - such a beautiful setting for child or family pictures with more flowers blooming each day. My sweet granddaughter was my first subject in this new setting last night. I just love the range of expressions I'm always able to capture from this little sweetheart. She can go from a serious deep in thought face to a full on cheese smile in a split second. Good thing my camera is fast!! She enjoyed walking down the stone path and checking out all the flowers. So fun to capture the details of her pretty dress and the sweetness of her little hands and feet at this age. She's growing up way to fast! Our little session lasted about 10 minutes and then it was time for dinner. As always, feeling so blessed to capture special moments like these for my family and clients doing what I love! I'm booking sessions at this beautiful location on our property now. Spots are limited so contact me with any questions or to reserve your session date today!
Before and After Series: From Snapshot to Artistic Child Portrait|North Country NY Photographer
Thought I'd share my first post in what I hope will be a monthly "Before and After" blog series. I loved the way the fan was blowing my granddaughters hair so I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped a few pictures while I had the fleeting opportunity. I didn't have time to clear away any background distractions so when I went to edit this picture I decided to pull it into Photoshop to see what I could do with it.
(Before)
The goal of this edit was to simplify the frame to focus all the attention on my subject. I removed the lanterns on the table behind her, the little yellow chair (and its shadow) and some of the distractions on the tablecloth. I decided this photo might look great in B&W so I converted it and then played around with bringing down the highlights, deepening the blacks and adding sharpness to her hair and other little details.
(After)
I'm so happy with the timeless feel the B&W gave to this sweet moment - and of course - I adore her sweet little profile!! I love how sometimes an edit can turn an everyday snapshot into a treasured artistic portrait!
