Olivia and Tony- Providence, RI Engagement Session, Rhode Island Engagement Photography

Olivia and Tony contacted me for some engagement pics here in RI this spring. Their wedding will take place in New York but they wanted some save the date photos. Olivia ordered the most adorable sign for their dog to wear during the photos and were really smart in bringing a friend to take the pup when the photos were done. Then it was time for us to really have fun. We took advantage of all of the nice spots at India Point Park- especially the trees in bloom. It was a beautiful session and I loved Olivia's dress. I wish them all the luck in the world as they plan their big day!

The Celeste Family- Cranston, RI Portrait Photography, Cranston, RI Family Photography

I love these people. Seriously. Matt did my awesome Mother's Day photos, which you can see on his blog.  Side note: If you need your wedding photos taken, check out Blueflash. You won't be disappointed. Matt's got a ridiculous eye for detail, color and fun. While we were out for my session, I asked if they wanted a few family photos. They were game and conveniently, I had my camera with me (mostly because I knew Tara would wear something adorable and striped and I couldn't pass up the photographic opportunity. She is just so darn cute all the time). Ezra, their son, had found a giant stick that somehow managed to make its way into their family photos. As I quoted that day, "Speak softly and carry a big stick during a family photo." What I love most about these few photos is that they are real. They are squirmy toddlers, grinning babies, doting dads and laughing moms. That's what photography is all about. The here, the now and the opposite of a perfectly posed, everyone-sitting-still photo. I've shot family photos for Tara and Matt three times and they said they loved these best because they are the Celeste family. Just as they are. 

Tommy is Two- Cranston, RI Children's Photography

Tommy recently visited Disney World for his birthday and came back to RI totally ready to show off his new Toon Car. How adorable is the "2" that his mom handmade for the session? His mom certainly has a creative streak and Tommy was proud to show off his knowledge of holding up two fingers ;)

Frankie is One- Cranston, RI Portrait Photography, Cranston, RI Children's Photography

Frankie and her brother Logan came to visit and brought a cake to celebrate Frankie's first birthday! Frankie has a wonderful personality and enjoyed sitting in my rocking chair so much that it made taking her picture a breeze. Logan brought out his best silly antics and her smile shows how much she adores her big bro!

Donate to Support Natalie!

I truly believe that without my friends, this passion of mine would never have developed into a business. Giving back is a small way I can show my appreciation. Amy has been a friend of mine since I was about two years old. We have the best stories of all of the dumb things we tried to do-- I mean, c'mon, who doesn't try to make a tin can phone to connect two households that clearly have a real working phone line? Five years ago, Amy and Ken welcomed Natalie into this world and soon discovered she would require extensive heart surgery for a rare congenital heart defect. Since then, they, along with Natalie's brother, Ryan, have worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the Mended Little Hearts of RI. Their annual walk is June 8, 2014 at Colt State Park. Stephanie Pavone Mills Photography is giving away a free mini-session to one lucky winner! Please donate to Natalie's Heart Walk and you will automatically be entered to win. The link to donate is: http://bit.ly/1iEIpFl

Chelsey and Josh- Cranston, RI Engagement Photography

Beware. This post is full of photos. I can't help it. We had so much fun taking them that it was hard to narrow it down. Chelsey has done my nails for quite a few years and we have been talking about photos for just as long. She and I consulted a lot about what we were going to do for her engagement photos and with a few simple props, we really captured some great moments. We did find out, however, that if you open a bottle of white wine in the woods, you will attract every bug in a two mile radium. Just a warning for every wine lover out there :)

Sosi is 6 Months- Cranston, RI and East Greenwich, RI Portrait Photography

I love when a mom is so laid back. Kelly had the idea for a few outfits but was open to my suggestions for Sosi's 6 month photos. I think it is really important to do 6 month photos and not just because I'm a photographer! It's great to look back on 6 month photos, where they are sitting up and smiling so much and not moving! It does help when they aren't crawling or walking yet since once they are, my strategies for photography have to change...but at 6 months, you can do up the background any way you want, add and take away props quickly and change outfits without so much as a peep from the babies- just lots and lots of smiles! I'm gearing up to do Sosi's one year photos soon and we've got big things planned :)

Braylon's New Legs- Cranston, RI Photography

This session is incredibly special to me because Braylon is my friend Kelli's son. Bray was born without a tibia or fibia. Instead of being overwhelmed by the situation, Kelli and Mike chose to devote their lives to making sure that Bray lives life to the fullest and never feels that he cannot complete something because he doesn't have legs. Kelli calls it a "diffability." This means that he's overcoming life's obstacles in a different way...and from my perspective, with a large dose of personality to boot! He was recently featured in a Super Bowl ad and one of these photos won Photo of the Week at I Heart Faces. I was really honored. The link to the video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbRhiy0NryQ and if you ever want to support an excellent charity, the Challenged Athletes Foundation is the one to choose!

The S Family- Cranston, RI Family Portraits

Jenn and I had major email problems-- she would email me, I would write back, it would go to her spam and so I would re-send the email from my other address and it would happen again! We finally coordinated schedules and talked on the phone. We thought it was a miracle we were able to connect and get a date for this portrait! The best part is that she submitted one of these photos to Teddy Grahams since we used them as a snack during the session! The power of a cracker! Hahahah. Seriously, I loved this family and we already have another date for this coming September. Repeat clients are the best compliment I can receive. I'd love for you to be one too.

Ken and the Boys- Rhode Island Family Photography

I love when a dad plans a photo session- especially when he has a special idea of what he wants to do to capture the relationship he has with his boys. It doesn't hurt that he had keys to the local stadium and we got to spend the afternoon throwing touchdowns and trying on dad's gear. If the soccer team hadn't come in to practice, we may have stayed all night!  

 

The M Family- Jamestown, RI Family Photography

Matt from Blueflash Photography is a great friend of mine and we decided to swap some family sessions. In addition, we asked Amanda to come along and bring her family. She works with Matt at Blueflash. We caught some great light and a perfect day. Here are some of my favorites of the very animated, very fun M Family!

 

The W Family

Elaina contacted me to take some one year/family photos for her. As we started to talk, I found out she grew up a half hour from where my husband was born...in Minnesota! Small world! I truly believe RI is a crossroads of the universe. Jack was a dream to photograph. He sat still for a considerable amount of time for me and that allowed me to get some great shots right before sunset. Perfection!

 

Alicia's Senior Portraits- Cranston, RI Portraits

Connie, Alicia's grandmother, is my library volunteer extraordinaire. She was my cooperating teacher when I student taught and I owe much of my career to her. When she asked me about doing Alicia's senior portraits, I was thrilled. I really wanted them to be easy and laid back for Alicia because she is shy. We stuck to one small location but were able to walk away with some really nice shots. I wish you lots of luck in the fall Alicia. I'll be hearing all about it from Gram ;-)

Samantha and Alexis- Cranston, RI Portrait Photography

Samantha and Alexis' grandma is a Cranston reading specialist at one of the schools I used to teach at. She called me in the winter because she knew she wanted to give the gift of one year portraits and a portrait of the two girls together as a present. Her daughter-in-law and I discussed what we wanted to do and met on a sunny but windy day at Goddard Park. Samantha did a great job smiling and clapping and we got her big sis in on a few of the shots to showcase both of these beauties.

Renee and Le Shawn- Rhode Island Engagement Photography

Whenever I receive an inquiry for an engagement session, it's fun to plan because it is such a departure from children's work. The posing is different, the mood is different and the tone of the photographs is different. I loved this session because I enjoyed how in love Renee and Le Shawn are but also how their bodies naturally posed themselves. When you have two people very in tune with one another (and some pretty dramatic clouds), it's fun to see the end results!

Emma, Steven and Derek- Cranston, RI Children's Portraits

I loved Diane's explanation as to why she wanted more photos of the kids a few months after we did their first session... "I want to remember them this way. They change so fast." They really do-- I always thought that people who said that were just making it up. Then I became a mom and now I can't get over how I feel like I'm in a time warp! The nice thing is that at least Emma is still in charge of keeping the boys in line ;-)

  

Violet is One! Cranston, RI Cake Smash Photography, Cranston, RI Children's Portraiture

Violet returned for her third photo shoot this year. Her mom, Marissa, is always on the lookout for neat props and thought the dress and mirror would go perfect together for her first birthday/cake smash photos. Kate Caito also worked a miracle and made the awesome rainbow banner in about, oh, an hour for us to use. It matched the cake to a T! Great job smashing, Violet. Can't wait to see what Mommy comes up with next!

Braylon- Cranston, RI Children's Portraits

Braylon is probably one of the coolest and most special kids I know. Braylon has a fun, vibrant personality and is an amazing example of how children are inspirational.  Braylon is featured on the Challenged Athletes Foundation page here. My son thinks Braylon is a superhero and there is no doubt in my mind that he is!

Emily- Cranston, RI Children's Photography, Cranston, RI Children's Portraits

Emily is one of my dearest friend's daughter. She is a stunning little girl (to the point that I have had people I work with comment on that "beautiful little girl with the Easter basket!"!) She was also, like Anna, preparing to be a big sister and her wait is over. I get to snuggle up to her little brother next weekend and I'm thrilled for their family to have grown "by two feet!"

Anna- Cranston, RI Children's Portraits, Cranston, RI Children's Photography

Anna has had several photo shoots with me but this was the last one before becoming a big sister. She cracked me up with her expressions and her love for my prop basket of carrots! What a doll. I look forward to taking her brother's portraits soon.