mijola photography

Brooklyn Portrait Photographer/5 Reasons NOT to do Portraits on Communion Day

2011-03-31T23:53:00.007-04:00

1. The actual day of the communion can be very hectic, and it's a good thing to have LESS to accomplish and just enjoy the day with the child and family. Less stress = happy communion day! No stress = better pictures!

2. If you'd like to shoot in your home church, most times it will be EMPTY. Then, it's just me and the portrait subject (and the parent of course!), free to move around wherever the light is best, in the quiet sanctuary that so perfectly captures the emotion of the sacrament. This enables us to get a LOT of photos and different set-ups for you to choose from.

3. If you'd like to shoot in a beautiful outdoor setting, we can schedule with the weather, and reschedule if the weather is bad.

4. If your shoot is done before the communion day, you can have photo thank you cards ready to go.

5. You can get a discounted rate if you shoot earlier!

Shoot me an email at mijolaphoto@gmail.com or call me 347-782-2734 to get more information and to book. Special runs through April 15th.

Announcing My 2011 Communion Special/Brooklyn Portrait Photographer

2011-03-01T21:41:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year again!!! I am so excited-I just love love love doing communion portraits. When I work with my subjects, especially when we are in their home church, it is just so touching how earnest they are, how they are so willing to say their little prayers and be so serious in their commitment to their faith. It is such a sweet life moment that embodies the innocence of childhood so perfectly- and I think the pictures reflect this. I am really big on shooting on a day OTHER than the actual Communion Day for many reasons, so shoot me an email if you want the whole story! For this year's special, starting immediately until April 15th, I am offering a 1/2 hour shoot with a rights-released cd for $175. Call me @ 347-782-2734 or email me @ mijolaphoto@gmail.com.

New Year........Stunning New Baby

2011-01-21T20:52:00.006-05:00

This was my first attempt at the classic baby-girl shots with the outlandish hair accessories- posed and primped. I LOVE THESE!!! But, not so easy, especially since this little princess was just at the "three week window" which usually marks the end of the earliest stage of life when babies sleep very deeply and are naturally curled up. Thank goodness she gave her wonderful mom and I a few minutes of heavy slumber so we could adjust her into a cuddly position!!! I am a sucker for newborns, they bring back memories that are so dear to me. We tried a few different hair looks, but there was no way I was changing that pink tutu- it was PERFECT against that lush, dark background. I think this shoot was a smashing success, especially for a "first try"!!!

Seize Happiness

2011-01-04T19:06:00.012-05:00

How lucky was I to get a last-minute referral to shoot a wedding on New Year's Day? How utterly blown away was I to learn that the groom was an octogenarian and his bride a close friend for 30 years? How unlucky was I that my camera was broken?? How lucky was I that a friend came through and lent me equipment? A perfect New Year's harbinger of good things to come in 2011. What do I come away with after having the honor of documenting this beautiful event? Life is so incredible, seize happiness wherever and whenever you find it, and it's not over till it's OVER!

Getting Excited!!! Holidays Approaching FAST!!!

2010-11-11T19:27:00.010-05:00

Sending a shout out to all of you parents needing to schedule holiday portraits........contact me as soon as possible if you want to shoot! I have limited bookings available this year because of my own scheduling constraints...I don't want to disappoint, so...........347-782-2734!
I pulled this adorable sequence out of a recent shoot to pop them up here because I just fell in love with them- how cute is this little princess? She was so precious with her perfect little displeased pout- but then, with the expert coaxing of her loving parents, she just lit up!!! I love my job!

Fall Colors

2010-10-19T22:00:00.012-04:00

How I love these photos! These are from my first holiday shoot last year. I saved them until now because I wanted to post them at the most relevant time- to inspire those of you who may be considering outdoor shoots this year. It really is up there with my all-time faves because everything is so real and natural. The lovely family, their obvious affection for one another, the beautiful setting, the perfect coordination of their clothing....I could go on and on. Essentially, they're just hanging out in the park, and I'm just shooting away! I put together a gorgeous coffee table book with the images from this shoot and gave it to the mom as a gift (I kept one for myself of course!), as this really is one of the best examples of what I try to achieve in my work. I used the photo above as the wraparound book jacket. If you'd like to learn more about doing a book project together, I'd be thrilled. I think my photography lends itself perfectly to this presentation. 347-782-2734

Announcing Mijola Photography's 2010 Christmas Special

2010-10-18T22:43:00.007-04:00

Woo hoo! It's that time of year!!! Starting immediately until November 15th, I am offering ½ hour blocks of shooting time, with a rights-released cd -for $149. This amount of time will give you enough material to choose from for a portrait card or a collage card-with no additional photographer fees for prints or cards. The “proof” step is eliminated, and you get all of your photos within 10 days of the shoot date. The photos are yours to keep for personal use and to do with whatever you please! Cards, calendars, posters, mugs, whatever! This represents a $50 discount from my usual fee for this time frame. Log on to my Facebook page, become a fan, and you will receive an additional 10% discount! This special will remain in effect until November 15, 2010. After this date, my regular fees will apply….. so book now! Call me @ 347-782-2734 or email me at mijolaphoto@gmail.com to secure your preferred time.

2010-03-01T19:25:00.008-05:00

2010 Communion Portrait Special

$149

Avoid the crush and chaos!!! Do the portrait BEFORE Communion day and keep things easy breezy for your child’s special day. Book your child’s portrait session for any date between March 1^st and April 15^th and get a special 25% discounted rate.

Price includes ½ hour shoot time, basic color correction and retouching, a cd with your top images, and a written license releasing the images to you for unlimited personal use. I highly recommend shooting in your parish church! It makes for a beautiful and relevant communion portrait. No matter the weather, both the light and setting are exquisite.

Call me to schedule your shoot!! 347-782-2734

2009-12-26T20:53:00.005-05:00

Howza 'bout a few babies doing the kitschy Christmas stuff??? I can't stand it!!! These guys are too cute for words.... I don't know how the Dads feel, but I know the Moms are going NUTS!! Some of my fave shots from the season, so sad it's all over, can't wait till NEXT YEAR!!!

2009-12-16T12:24:00.003-05:00

This is another holiday pair, just lighting up the camera with their antics and stunning beauty. I got an all time fave shot of them last year with little sister falling over backwards laughing, and this year, she did it again, giving her brother the biggest, squooshing hug that he was not a willing recipient of!!! Classic childhood brother/sister moment, totally spontaneous and real. My favorite way.

2009-12-05T20:53:00.005-05:00

These beautiful children are up here for the second time, we made pictures together last year. How lucky am I- look at the color scheme here!!! I don't think there is a camera on the planet that can do proper justice to it, but oh, how I tried!! They define the word: fair. My first try with the flash? They completely disappeared. Their mom and I got a laugh out of that!!! I love the creamy skin tones against that deep red backdrop. Porcelain skin, indeed. Beautiful.

2009-12-01T18:32:00.002-05:00

I first met the oldest two of this foursome when they were the sweetest little toddlers and they used to play with my son in our local playground. I laugh when I think about how their mom and I would complain about how pricey the Thomas the Tank Engine toys were!!! I only had one boy to please; she had two to keep supplied with them! We moved away, and I didn't run into her again until now, so many years later, we met once again at an activity shared by our younger, more recently added family members. It was so good to see her again, she hadn't changed one bit. I remember we also used to talk about having more kids way back when....little did we know how it would all turn out....what a beautiful family she has!!!

2009-11-30T16:50:00.004-05:00

When this mom called me to book her appointment, she said she saw my pictures and thought they were "phe-NOM-en-ally gorgeous", and she said it with exactly that intonation and passion. I was instantly smitten by her openness and generosity and was delighted to meet her and her beautiful family. We had a shoot to remember at the beach on Coney Island, absolutely tearing around after her super active two year old, trying to engage him in our grown-up concern to get a good picture of him for his loving parents! As most two-year-olds are, he was only interested in running around and playing....imagine that! Well, lucky for me, her boy is "phen-NOM-en-ally gorgeous" and he DID indulge us enough to make these beautiful pictures. And I just got the Christmas card made from one of them and again, his mom's kind and generous praise for my work has touched my heart. Thank you so very, very much.

2009-11-25T12:12:00.002-05:00

Boys, boys, boys. They will be boys, won't they? Especially when they're five! Oh, my goodness, we had an unwilling subject here! "You've already taken a LOT of pictures! Can't you SEE that?" he pleaded, with complete and utter exasperation. He was SO done with me. His mother and I, who are friends and see eye to eye on many things (especially what boys really NEED) decided to indulge them for a little bit. If she uses the shots we got when we finally let them have a little fun for her Christmas card, I think she will be the talk of the town. This is the REAL thing, my ultimate goal in making pictures. I L O V E them.

2009-11-19T16:54:00.004-05:00

This gorgeous mom is my husband's first cousin.....good genes, eh?!!! Her precious boy is at the age where he just wants to go, go, go, go! We tried so hard to get him to look up and smile, but in the mean time, I think I got some really nice images of him just playing in the light from my windows. Then, at the last possible moment, he looked up at his mom and beamed a beautiful, million dollar smile, as if to showcase his perfect little baby teeth. One for the ages!

2009-11-18T18:13:00.005-05:00

Sometimes, I don't know why, but what should be a really hard shoot turns out to be as easy as pie. When I first heard from this duo's mom that she needed shots of two boys, aged 18 months and 5 years, I took a big, deep breath....if either or both of her boys were anything like mine at that age....uh oh!!! Well, lo and behold, these two appeared wearing the most adorable holiday outfits I've ever seen on two boys, and the high top Converse All-Stars made me SWOON. A total and complete smash hit. Have you ever seen anything as cute as these two??????

2009-11-18T11:35:00.003-05:00

My father, the "grand poobah" of family photography in my childhood universe, turned his lens on these children's mother and her siblings many times during our family vacations together. I have such fond memories of those times...singing Irish songs and playing together until we collapsed! It was with a delightful sense of a tradition being continued that I was thrilled to make these pictures of HER beautiful children. Especially since her youngest looks almost exactly like his aunt, who was a best buddy of mine way back when. Even though I was battling technical issues with the flare and glare of the sun, ultimately, I think it makes the pictures better. The glow adds to the sentimental feel of some of them for me. I think this effect will get stronger over time- like our own dreamy memories of childhood. Thanks for a great shoot, guys!

My Favorite Still Life Images from K & J's Wedding

2009-11-05T19:49:00.002-05:00

More wedding pix to come soon!!!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Mijola Photography

CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT SPECIAL BOOKINGS RUNNING OUT!

2009-11-02T15:39:00.002-05:00

I am almost completely booked up for the next 2 weekends.....I have a few slots left for those who may be interested in getting the special deal!!! $99 for a 1/2 hour shoot with a rights-released cd! I will be going back to regular pricing and at some point, probably December 1st, be adding rush fees....so avoid the CRUSH and book early!!!

2009-11-01T17:16:00.006-05:00

Well, I must say this sixteen was anything but SWEET!!!! I don't think I've ever seen a family have so much fun with a party theme...it was perfectly "executed". From the spooktacular guest of honor's black tulle and purple satin and black lace overlay bustier dress with a black jeweled tiara and a spider scarab ring to DIE for, to dad and brothers in black suits with purple silk ties to gorgeous mom who looked like Morticia Adams only with a better haircut!!!! What a beautiful young lady who obviously can articulate a very sophisticated esthetic at such a tender age........very IMPRESSIVE!!!! I had an absolute blast watching this wonderful celebration.....thank you so much for having me!!!!

2009 ANNUAL HOLIDAY PORTRAIT SPECIAL!

2009-10-18T20:08:00.010-04:00

Starting immediately until November 15th, I am offering ½ hour blocks of shooting time, with a rights-released cd -for $99. This amount of time will give you enough material to choose from for a portrait card or a collage card- no additional photographer fees for prints or cards. The “proof” step is eliminated, and you get all of your photos within 7 days of the shoot date. The photos are yours to keep and do with whatever you please! Cards, calendars, posters, mugs, whatever! This represents a $50 discount from my usual fee for this time frame. Log on to my Facebook page, become a fan, and you will receive an additional 10% discount! This special will remain in effect until November 15^th, 2009. After this date, my regular fees will apply….. so book now! Call me @ 347-782-2734 or email me at mijolaphoto@gmail.com to secure your preferred time.

2009-09-29T11:30:00.005-04:00

This beautiful boy is my nephew, my godchild, my sister's first born. His birth was my introduction to the enormity of love you can feel for a sibling's child. I did these pictures a few months ago, so the boy has been wondering when he'll see himself on "Mijola", a little dose of celebrity for which I think he's waited long enough.....so to him I send...love, love, love, big hugs and tons of kisses... : )

2009-07-24T20:15:00.007-04:00

This baby is beautiful. Just the sweetest, gentlest creature imaginable. She charmed me from the first frame. We shot at the Museum of Natural History, a location that I hold very dear because I lived nearby and spent untold hours with my son playing there in his first 18 months of life before I got pregnant again and left Manhattan. Since then, they've added and updated quite a lot. We began outside at the sprinklers which were deserted because of the wind. It eventually proved too much for us, too, so we ducked inside for a wardrobe change and more shooting. What I really wish in retrospect was to have her in the buff because she has the most incredible porcelain skin- the few I got with her just in her diaper while her mom was changing her are some of my favorites. What a pleasure!!!

Mijola Photography on Facebook

2009-05-17T11:41:00.010-04:00

Oh, my goodness, this was the most amazing shoot. Three brothers, and how can I describe it? Do you think these guys wanted to be in dress-up clothes, in church, showing each other love and affection and posing for the camera? I think NOT. We had one guy who was the ultimate Tasmanian devil, I am telling you he did not STOP for more than 30 seconds at a time. I was thinking "I'm going to get Z-I-P" here!!!" But, somehow, we pulled it off. And these boys have some of the most amazing eyes! Just jet-black and twinkling with impish delight. Boyhood itself, in my view. Totally frogs and snails and puppy dogs tails. I am in LOVE with these boys. And my little devil? I got him: yes, he's laying on the floor of the church. More on these guys later, for SURE.

Mijola Photography on Facebook

2009-05-07T13:58:00.005-04:00

These are three of the most precious little girls on the planet. They are very close in age to my own three and it amazed me how different the dynamics were between them being all girls. It was all giggles! I hit it off with them right away and we had SO much fun. The two shots where they are standing at the brick wall are some of my all time faves. How sweet they look in the straight shot, but how cute and real is the next one? What beauties they are...and I can only imagine what their house will be like about 10 years from now!!!

A Word About Pricing

2009-05-07T13:26:00.008-04:00

I want to address an issue about my pricing. Many people have told me that I should be or could be charging a lot more for what I do. I do know this, but I want to say that my business is in the earliest phases of start-up...just about six months of shooting people who hired me to do so. And though I have yet to have a customer not satisfied (every one has ranged from "very happy" to "crying with joy") I still feel that much of what I am doing at this point is new, and I am in the process of gaining experience. I really want to develop further in many ways both as a service provider and in honing this amazing craft I practice. I certainly WILL charge market rates for what I do in the future, how soon this will be I can't say exactly. But as they say, "prices subject to change without notice" so if you want to book me, get me while I'm cheap!!!!

: ) For consultation and booking, call me at 347-782-2734.

2009-04-28T22:54:00.005-04:00

This lovely child's wonderful mom and I began our children's schooling odyssey together way, way back. Our paths have happily crossed here and there over the years, but I always remembered how very intelligent, strong-minded and sensible she was. When our kids were in school together, I turned to her for support and advice as she has an education background, and I felt that we really saw eye to eye on things. I spent many, many long chatty phonecalls finding my way through the start of preschool with her on the other end of the phone so willing to listen! I was thrilled that she honored me with a request to photograph her gorgeous daughter.

2009-04-19T22:26:00.007-04:00

Since my last two posts were so formal, I thought I'd lighten things up a bit with these shots of a very precious boy who I am very lucky to be aunt to. He stayed at my house all week tumbling around with my monkeys, kind of a shocking immersion into family chaos as he is an only child. But, as always, he fell right into step with our madness and hopefully he had as good a time as we did, loving him like crazy!!!

2009-03-29T22:38:00.007-04:00

This was my first session inside a church. I have been really wanting to do communion pictures in a church, as I have a vivid memory of a photo my father took of my brother on his communion day, under the stained glass window in our church, kneeling in a pew, hands clasped in prayer, the light pouring in onto the highlights in his beautiful brown hair, creating a halo of light around his head. An image that has stayed with me for oh, about 33 years now!!! I wanted so much to recreate it, as it was a stunning and beautiful document of a momentous childhood milestone. I didn't have the "good" camera on my own boy's communion day, something I'll always be sad about. But the good news is that the universe smiled down on me last week, providing me with this gorgeous child, N. and the light to make him look like heaven on earth. He had the sweetest temperament possible, so good, truly an angel. I could have worked with him all day long.....I really love these pictures. Thanks to his mom and dad for all of their help and great ideas, and I hope to be lucky enough to photograph the rest of their brood sometime!!!

2009-03-14T14:08:00.007-04:00

I was so excited to visit the C. family again after shooting the Christmas card/birth announcement for the brand new baby N. and her big sister and brother. She was such a tiny, fragile newborn then- but look at her now! Her Christening is coming up and I was honored to document this big occasion in her life in this spectacular heirloom ensemble. I think she looks like a perfect little doll. She is such a beautiful, darling baby.... she has a personality like her mom, all sweetness and light. One thing I especially love about these pictures is how the design down the center of the dress matches the design on the pillow. Everything just looks so lush in the beautiful light from the windows.

2009-03-06T10:04:00.027-05:00

Price Information*

I am currently offering rights-released image packages. This means you hire me to shoot for a specific time frame, and then I provide you with a cd of "digital proofs" (low resolution images unsuitable for printing). You can choose up to 10 images that I will then color correct, do basic retouching, and generally enhance to be print ready. I will then give you a cd with the finished images or send them to you via email, with permission for unlimited personal use.You can use any photo service you wish, from Costco to your neighborhood photo finisher or one of the online services like Shutterfly. Depending on my shooting volume, I can usually get you your proofs in 10 days or less from the day of our shoot. In the future, I plan to expand my services and offerings: photo books, prints, gifts, etc. Right now I'm still doing major Mommy stuff so I have to keep it simple! If you need help or advice- don't hesitate- I have lots of resources and ideas to get you exactly what you want from our shoot. Become a fan on Facebook to get an automatic 10% discount and be alerted of my current specials.

Basic Unlimited Use Package- $199

This package is for those who want a basic portrait of an individual or small group. Includes:

1/2 hour photo shoot on location
one cd of digital low resolution proofs
up to 5 print ready digital files
one written license releasing the images for unlimited personal use

Standard Unlimited Use Package- $249

This package allows for a bigger choice of images, expanding the possibilities for use. Print them any size, make collages, photo books, canvases. give as gifts, make digital frames, whatever you want.....forever!!! Includes:

1 hour photo session on location
one cd of digital low resolution proofs
up to 10 print ready digital files
one written license releasing the images for unlimited personal use

Event Coverage

$500/1st 4 hours, $150/hour overtime
1 cd of digital low resolution proofs
up to 25 print ready digital files
one written license releasing the images for unlimited personal use

Newborn Sessions

one hour ($250) minimum, I recommend at least 2 hours to allow for meeting babies needs, more is better. Call for a quote.

Referral Program

for each person who hires me based on their enjoyment of YOUR pictures, you will earn 20% off your next purchase with me. I will honor up to 5 referral discounts in any 6 month period- yes, that could translate into a FREE session or gift certificate for a friend! So....spread the word and don't forget to tell them to let me know you sent them!!!

****All prices include travel within a 1/2 hour radius of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY. Additional fees apply for locations outside this area, please inquire by phone or email for more information.****

* Prices subject to change without notice. Please be sure to confirm your price at the time of booking!

2009-02-26T14:21:00.007-05:00

This is the spectacular baby J. who was at my house back in December to do this shoot with his wonderful mom. She is a talented designer who has done my logo as well as several promotional projects with me. I love the work she's done for me and I especially love working with her because she is a bundle of positive creative engergy full of great ideas, patience and understanding. We have plans for collaborating on several projects, including a line of custom photo Christmas cards that I'd like to have available to my clients for next holiday season. Her sister just had a baby a few weeks ago, so we will be shooting again very soon and I can't wait! And how gorgeous is this baby?

Valentine's Party @ Jimmy's Diner in Williamsburg

2009-02-14T13:31:00.009-05:00

Just starting up a new year of posts with something to celebrate the love-iest day of the year. We were delighted to share in the Valentine's Party at Jimmy's Diner in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. It's owned and run by a lovely couple, Josh Cohen and Blair Papagni with a warm, homey vibe and excellent diner fare. It's home to the Best Fried Chicken in Brooklyn! My husband is "temping" there awaiting the opening of his new restaurant project (which he will be doing with Blair and Josh) and he made all the yummy sweets for the bash. We were pleased to meet up with lots of their little customers, and a sweet afternoon it was!!!

2008-12-16T22:04:00.008-05:00

So finally, it became time to do my own monkeys. As far as cooperation goes, well, I'm just regular old Mom, hounding everyone to get dressed up, do their hair, and put down their toys to do something else which goes over like a lead balloon. I can not say how difficult this shoot was, not only because the light wasn't that great, but because 2 minutes into it one shoved the other and knocked the baby face first, full body into our huge poinsetta plant, destroying it completely. Miraculously, she did not get hurt. But boy, did the mood take a thundering nosedive- as my husband and I were ready to hit the ceiling! We carried on like good troopers, and I think we pulled it off. A lot of these did NOT make it onto the Christmas card, so I wanted to post them here, that's why so many are up. Plus I can't help it because I love them so much and I want everyone to see them!!!

2008-12-15T19:13:00.014-05:00

Oh, boy, am I loving my job!!! These are the B. boys, and I know their mom well enough to tell her shhhhh! when she was scolding them, trying to get them to behave and sit still and smile. Never works, especially at this age! They just did their thing and I could have kept going all day, they were so cute and so much fun! Just two bundles of energy tumbling around, life really doesn't get much better than that in my book.

2008-12-15T16:03:00.004-05:00

I photographed three darling boys on Friday, the V. brothers. They could not have been cuter in their matching red sweaters! The light was radiant, the boys were totally well-behaved, and I love all those little toes!!! We did have one who was not at the top of his game, not having gotten all of his sleep the night before, but I bet you can't tell who it was.... thanks for a great shoot, guys!!

2008-12-10T22:10:00.005-05:00

I went to a family event a few weeks ago highly anticipating my first look in person at a baby I suspected was going to be a knockout. (Okay, since he and my kids share a few genes, I am a little biased :) ). Look at this baby- all I see is the mirror image of any given infant in a Renaissance painting. He is so perfectly round! He is teething, and his beautiful mother and I could not keep his hands out of his mouth, but I think it doesn't matter one bit because this baby is all about eyes, eyes, eyes! A knockout, indeed.

2008-12-07T22:39:00.003-05:00

For consultation and booking, call me at 347-782-2734.

To see a particular type of photo, click on one of the labels to the right and the posts with those images will come up. Thank you for your interest!!

2008-12-07T22:07:00.005-05:00

Another set of precious siblings, brother with little sister. I never thought while we were shooting that we could get anything on these two, they just were having too much fun, and in no mood to have their pictures taken. Again, I am completely wrong because them fooling around is what got us the shot (below) of them falling over laughing. Most certainly not the Christmas card shot, but I think it is a classic that 20 years from now will tell the story of what it was like for them to be 3 and 5 years old together.

2008-12-06T22:46:00.002-05:00

Twins, twins, twins, how I love twins! These little angels were so adorable and B. wearing the FascinatorsNYC hairband just put the whole thing over the top!! I am endlessly amazed at how children are so willing to demonstrate their affection for one another in front of the camera. How truly sweet these two are....

2008-12-03T22:09:00.005-05:00

Oh, my- what could be more perfect than two adorable little girls in red dresses with white smocking, and matching red velvet bows? Nothing, in my mind. And these little princesses had two pairs of the most amazing eyes I've ever seen. How lucky for me!! The younger of the pair was only 2 and she was totally cooperative and just a complete delight. Hugging each other, holding hands, playing together- photography nirvana. As sweet as it gets.

I LOVE this sequence. This screams "DVD slideshow set to Christmas carol music" !! Are you ready for this? These little angels actually CLEANED up the bows after we were done, not even having been told to do it! They were the essence of sweetness and goodness, what a pleasure. Come back anytime, girls!

2008-12-02T22:30:00.004-05:00

For consultation and booking, call me at 347-782-2734 or email mijolaphoto@gmail.com.

To see a particular type of photo, click on one of the labels at right, and the posts will come up with photos under that subject. Thank you for your interest!

2008-12-02T22:07:00.003-05:00

Here's the precious J. again, this time with his big sister. We had beautiful light and a perfectly comfy set-up on mom & dad's cozy bed! Again, mom came up with the great idea of having the baby on M.'s back- and the poinsetta was just in the right spot- I think that's my favorite. I also love the shot where she's blowing the whirlygig (is that what those things are called?). What beautiful children!

2008-12-01T22:52:00.004-05:00

Today was Christmas at my house! I had the most delightful mother and baby pair to photograph, and it was magical!! I had been hoping to get J. to reach out and touch an ornament and pow! we got it- thanks to the help of his wonderful mom. She is a graphic designer who was just overflowing with great ideas and suggestions. I will post more about her and our collaborations with more pix from our second shoot which included her daughter, but I just had to get these up asap because I just love them!

2008-11-28T23:47:00.001-05:00

For a free consultation and booking, please call me at 718-680-9779 or email me at mijolaphoto@gmail.com.

2008-11-28T23:13:00.007-05:00

I did portraits and Christmas photos of the delightful L. children today. They were so great! Every shot it was big, beautiful smiles and they were totally relaxed and easygoing- a credit to their wonderful, caring mom. I think we got some classics here and I swear I wanted to eat up the youngest- look at those cheeks! How adorable is he in that Santa hat?

2008-11-26T13:51:00.004-05:00

For a free consultation and booking, call me at 347-782-2734, or email me at mijolaphoto@gmail.com

2008-11-23T22:13:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of doing the Christmas pictures for one of the most wonderful moms I know, K., and her daughter, L. Well, L. is a buddy of my daughter's, and was extremely unhappy to discover that the visit to my house was not exclusively for the continuation of their earlier playdate. She tolerated her mother and I pleading and cajoling enough to get a few shots, but when she went into cutup mode, it was as good as it gets. Again, if you just go with what a child wants to do in front of the camera, that is the key to capturing their personality. I think these pictures reflect her intelligence, energy and her mother's deep love for her. I hope her mom is as happy with these as I am.

2008-11-21T23:16:00.003-05:00

I did this quickie Christmas card shoot this afternoon of A. and V. and their new baby sister.We literally had about 15 minutes total, and the light was disappearing by the second. Both their mom and I were scrambling all week trying to coordinate school and activity schedules, good light, naps, babysitting, drop offs, pick ups, I swear I don't know how any of us get anything done!! Oh, but I love this Burberry theme, and the baby could not have been more "on"!!!

2008-11-19T22:05:00.005-05:00

These are Christmas-y shots of H., a beloved classmate of my daughter's. I had her over after school and I had just a few minutes before the sun disappeared to do these as we got home late. I have been wanting to do pix of her as she is so incredibly cute and I have a soft spot for her because we have the same birthday. I saw that hat and I knew it would be perfect for her. I didn't buy it when I first saw it because I didn't know if her mom would like it, but I'm so glad she gave the ok! I wish I had more time with her, but the pictures were cutting into playtime and everyone was getting impatient!

2008-11-19T18:34:00.004-05:00

This is my big guy, I love the idea of these as a collage. I'll get to that sometime :) !!

2008-11-17T23:24:00.007-05:00

I want to add some information about what I do and how I do it. I am a portrait photographer, currently specializing in children and families. When making portraits, I use only natural, available light. This means sunshine and "the light from outside" even if it's raining or cloudy. In fact, cloudy, overcast days are my favorite for outdoor shooting and even misty, drizzly days can work for beautiful, diffused light. Check my labels (on the right) for posts showing pictures made on days like these.

I do set up some of the shots with direction from parents for something specific that they may want, but I try as hard as I can to avoid posed, stiff-looking pictures. I strive for pictures that are as natural and spontaneous as humanly possible. I will tell children on a shoot NOT to smile because we all know how those phony, strained smiles look. No cheek cramps on my watch!

The thing about what I do that is the hardest to explain is that truly, what I think are my best pictures just "happen". Somehow, all the stars in the universe align at an exact moment and that toddler who won't sit still for her group shot gets up, and starts spinning around and laughing when my camera is set for another type of shot. I shoot anyway, and she comes out slightly blurry and it just looks like a dream. I may tell a big sister to close her eyes and out of nowhere, her little brother spontaneously reaches up and kisses her. A baby needs a diaper change in the middle of a shoot, I keep going, and these turn out to be her most animated moments! I think children are magical, amazing creatures and I cannot say how much I anticipate every shoot to see what will unfold. I can never say exactly what we'll get, and we can always try for any set-up, but the fact is- it's them doing what they do naturally that makes the best picture.

You can reach me for consultation and booking at 718-680-9779.

2008-11-16T17:25:00.006-05:00

What more interesting subject is there to a mother than her children? I was doing a light test to see what I might be able to get at home as windy weather was preventing us from making a planned trip to the Botanic Garden to do our Christmas pictures. Everyone was still in pajamas and I was just trying out a few settings- I am always trying to figure out how to make the most of this camera. The amount of options you have is totally dizzying to me. Well, L. was totally willing and even though my big guy was not, I got him anyway!! I absolutely love these pictures. Christmas cards will have to wait.

2008-11-15T12:18:00.019-05:00

I went to the park again yesterday to do the A. twins. Again, the skies were about to open up and the pigeon lady was in every shot I wanted to get!!! Good thing the male half of this duo kept us laughing. He is such an amazing kid- when he was 5 years old he did a comedy routine in the school talent show that was unforgettable. The both of them are such sweet, affectionate kids and I think it totally comes across in the photographs. I am honored to have the opportunity to shoot them as their father is an accomplished video artist with an art school background. The videos he creates can take up to 4 months to make!! You can see his work here: http://www.youtube.com/bsffilms.

2008-11-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

I just found this one. This is A. in the backyard, just toddling around. Wow!

2008-11-11T23:02:00.001-05:00

The girls were sitting on the kitchen floor yesterday afternoon playing in the sunlight, so I snapped a few there and then L. agreed to let me do some more in the upstairs bath/skylit hallway. All told, about 20 minutes of shooting. All I need is a teeny bit cooperation and light light light!

2008-11-11T10:09:00.003-05:00

Some Christmastime portraits of the lovely F. children. This was so much fun as I am very good friends with their amazing mom...she is as discriminating a customer as I am likely to have, so I hope these pass muster. She has to get a stylist credit here, too- look at their outfits, and I have no idea how she got the wreath to stay on the light post!!! We were scrambling around that day as the skies were about to open up, and it was hard work trying to keep all the strolling parkgoers out of the shots!! I think we did ok.....

2008-11-11T09:02:00.002-05:00

These are some images of the six week old baby A. She was so amazing and awake! Smiling for so many of the shots...she is totally photogenic, just like her mom. A gorgeous baby, I can't wait to go back and do more. It was totally grey outside, but there was enough light to make these:

2008-08-09T15:14:00.000-04:00

This is AC playing outside...I love how the sun just lit up those little wisps of hair over her eyes.