Because Girls Just Want to be Mermaids | Photo Session | Long Island | Shannon Lee Photography

When one of my favorite repeat clients contacted me and said that their daughter wanted a mermaid session for her 13th birthday I was all in. Long Island has so many different beaches, that I wanted to make sure I picked the perfect one for her magical birthday mermaid session. Not only did we get a beautiful setting and sunset, we also captured a beautiful double rainbow. What more could a photographer ask for? For a behind the scenes of the shoot, check out the video at the end. 

Those blue eyes! They get me every time I capture her. 

I captured a few traditional portrait, and then we let the magic of the mermaids take over. 

This one is one of my favorites because I used ninja skills and was teetering on the edge of a 4 foot rock to capture it. Her mom captured some pretty awesome behind the scenes shots of that. "You were everywhere and it was amazing!"

It started raining which added some extra magic to our shoot. I just love the simple details, sometimes those are the best shots. 

After the rain, then came the rainbow. Unbelievable that we had such a beautiful backdrop. 

She picked out this one for a 20x30 metal print for their home. I cannot wait to deliver to them!

Welcome Home Baby Anson | Long Island Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

I get absolutely giddy when I get to capture a lifestyle session in my clients home. Especially when it is welcoming home a newborn baby. During the winter months on Long Island, it can get cold and wet, so no better place to capture the essence of what makes a family theirs, than their own home. Come take a peek into this family's home and the joy, happiness, and love that lives there. 

As you can see, this family adores memories. I was honored to be able to capture another photographer's family.

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Big sister is smitten over her little brother. I love how mom is looking at her as she takes in her baby brother. 

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Cute feet, how could I resist capturing this. 

What a beautiful view of this family in their beautiful home. 

This is real life. In the kitchen as mom makes the bottle, big sister playing with the dog, and Dad holding baby.

Big sister hanging out with her kitty.

Kisses for baby brother!

Documentary & Lifestyle Photography and Why You Should Have a Session.

What is a documentary & lifestyle photography session?

Do you ever have a great day with the family and wish you could have captured the giggles and smiles, the emotions of the day, with you in them? A Documentary & Lifestyle session allows just that. You no longer need to be behind your camera, or using your cell phone capturing the moments, missing little things because you are trying to take a good picture. You also get to be part of the moment. That way when you look back on that day with you family, you remember the day with you in it. 

As a Long Island Family Photographer,  I love this type of session and here is why, it captures the moment as it is. It isn't scripted, no posing is needed, and it captures the individual as they are, in that time and place. 

The session can capture a particular activity, a series of activities, or just a simple day with the family. I love to capture my family doing what they do best, being themselves. Not only does it give me a chance to sit back and focus on what is going in in that moment, but it allows me to freeze those moments in time, to have for the future when everyone has changed, when  my children have grown. I love working with families and capturing these beautiful moments for them to cherish forever.  

My son feeding our chickens.

I love this image of my husband helping my son close up our chicken coop. I love that my little boy is becoming big enough to help with the chores and learning responsibility. The placement of my husband's hand on top of my son's head showing love and guidance melts my heart.

What types of activities should I have captured?

It can be anything that you love to do with your family or just those simple everyday kind of moment that you want to remember. That is the beauty of it. You can capture a day at the park, a visit with the Grandparents, baking cookies together, or even your bedtime routine. A documentary photo session with Shannon Lee Photography is the perfect way to preserve those everyday but precious moments. 

My son getting washed up after a fun day out exploring. 

Do I have to prepare for a documentary session?

No, it is supposed to capture you in your natural environment. An activity to do is great for small kids, but you don't want every moment planned out because then it may become rigid and not seem as natural. It is a fun and easy going experience for you to enjoy and have those images for years to come. I disappear into the background and capture those special moments that you are making with your loved ones. 

My husband reading to our son after his bath. He just finished potty training so they are reading the potty training book together. I cannot believe how fast he is growing. I am so glad I have these images to remember it all. 

What now?

Contact me to discuss and help plan out a documentary and lifestyle session for your family. You won't regret it. My clients love these sessions because it captures the realness of their families. They love to go over the images with their loved ones to remind them of how unique and wonderful their family really is. 

http://www.shannonleephotography.net/contact/

Shannon Lee Photography is located on Long Island and is located in Suffolk County, NY. She specializes in Family, Wedding, and Boudoir Photography.