Heart & Design Studio's Best of 2017

Even though Heart & Design Studios only started up in September of 2017, I had a bunch of great sessions with wonderful clients.

In September, my first professional session was with adorable Riley, and her family, celebrating her first birthday. Along the Hudson River, on a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning, Riley was full of smiles. Her big blue eyes lit my camera up. Her mom and dad were picture perfect too.

In early October, I decided to run a photo booth at the Pearl River street fair to help spread word about my new business. I had over 65 people come into my booth to take photos. I think I surprised everyone when I delivered the digital galleries, and I received many great compliments and encouragement. Who would think these photos were taken in the middle of a street fair?!

Here are just a couple of my favorites from the event.

The day after the street fair, I met with my very pregnant friend Nicole, and her family, after receiving permission to shoot a session at Dr. Davies Farm in Congers. Nicole has two adorable and active boys, and is expecting her first baby girl. It was chilly, and cloudy, but we made the best of it and got some really beautiful photos.

In October I also met the Arbeit family, who had two adorable little boys. We met along the Hudson River, before sunset. They were great models, and the boys were very cooperative. We lucked out on having the threat of rain blow over, and ended up having a wonderful sunset.

Next, was an extended family session with the Lontos Family, who wanted to take photos to celebrate their mom & dad's anniversary. We had to have our session midday, which was a little nerve-wracking because its usually harsh light. But I lucked out again, and ended up having an overcast day which worked in our favor.

In November, it was time for my Holiday Mini sessions. I felt so lucky to be new to the industry and still manage to get a lot of wonderful clients to book sessions with me. First, was the Halpin Family, who had two adorable and sweet boys who loved Star Wars. They even wore Star Wars sweaters for their sunset session, which I just loved! I made them a Star Wars themed preview video which you can see, here.

My wonderful State Farm agent, Debbie Mcguiness, caught wind of my new business venture and contacted me to do some new professional headshots for her. It had been over 10 years since she had some headshots done, and she was a little nervous. But I assured her I would work my magic. She ended up really loving her new headshots.

The Curley Family, who prefers their privacy, allowed me to share this photo from their "Waiting Up for Santa" session, which was Norman Rockwell themed. I just love the way it turned out. It really seems to capture the magic of Christmas.

Remember my friend Nicole, who was expecting her first baby girl? Well, Scarlett Rose was born in November, and was my first official newborn model. She slept the entire time, and I couldn't have asked for a better subject.

The Li Family met with me on a very cold and wet morning. But we worked fast, and the kids were troopers. And despite being cold, they smiled wonderfully for the camera.

In early December, I continued with some more Holiday Minis, and had 3 sessions in one day, which was fun and exciting. The weather was chilly, but bearable, and we had nice blue skies.

The Donohue Family, was a delight to photograph. They were dressed beautifully, and the kids were sweet, and fabulous models. I also learned that they go to the same school as my children.

I was so excited when my friend Joe contacted me to do a photo session for his lovely new family. They were dressed fabulously, in festive holiday colors, and little Emma was a delightful model with big blue eyes and tons of smiles. I haven't seen Joe in about 10 years, so it was nice to also catch up, and meet is wife Jen.

The last session of the day was with the Carlson-Loughnane Family, who delighted me with sweet and handsome boys. Again, I loved their outfit selections. I think I really lucked out with all of my clients and their children being wonderful and cooperative models for me.

I was lucky to have a snowy session with my friend Joy, and her wonderful daughters, Grace and Stella. I found a fun location with a nice red barn, and Joy brought a wreath to hang up, which added a nice festive touch. The snow just made the shoot so magical, and I love how the photos came out.

As the countdown to Christmas grew closer, I realized I had to take photos of my own children to use for our holiday cards. So I used my indoor setup with a Hot Cocoa stand.

That wrapped up the season, and then I really needed to get some Christmas shopping done, and prepare for the holiday festivities.

I had really wonderful clients this year, some of which choose to remain private, and aren't featured. I hope the new year will reunite me with you all again. I thank you for trusting me with capturing your treasured memories. I also hope the new year will bring me many new clients to photograph, and my business will grow to great heights. I have many artistic projects planned, grandiose ideas, and success in my foresight. May the new year bring you all what you wish for!

Happy New Year!

With all my heART, Melissa