Breastfeeding Mini Sessions | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1st-7th. I'd love to offer mini sessions for mamas who want to capture the unique bond that nursing creates between mother and child.

Now that I'm journeying through motherhood myself, more than ever do I realize that every moment in a person's life is fleeting. Especially for mamas who relish those quiet nursing moments with their babies. Mamas who know that every baby will eventually stop nursing, and those quiet moments will soon be forgotten.... Please let me capture a nursing moment for you so that you will never forget it.


These sessions will be held at one of two private locations, you choose which location you want. Only clients who pay the session fee will receive the address, and no one else will be present at your session. The session fee is $105* (tax included) and includes the following:  a 30 minute session, 5 digital images, and a $30 product credit.  The credit may be applied to prints, albums (mini or full size), canvases, or additional digital files.  Additionally, all purchases beyond the credit will receive a 15% discount. 

Whether your wee one is 2 months old or 2 years old (or any age in between!)... If you're nursing a singleton, twins, or one big & one little... Whatever the case is, let's talk about how I can capture these moments for you.  Because if you blink now, your baby will soon be grown, and nursing will be just a faded memory.

You can call/text me at 914-548-8282, or you can email me agallagher36@gmail.com.  Please feel free to share this post and tell your mama friends.  BONUS - If you refer a friend and she books a breastfeeding session, you each will receive an additional $15 product credit!

For more information about how you can support breastfeeding as the best way to feed babies, please visit www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org. 

*Please note that this session fee must be paid in full in order to reserve your date and time. 

Emma | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

As I look back at my photos over the past 12 months, not only am I able to witness my own growth, but I also get the honor of watching my clients grow up. Emma is a fabulous example of this. I shot her newborn portraits in March of 2012, and her 6-month portraits in August. Just a couple weeks ago, I was delighted to shoot her 12-month portraits (and a cake smash!). See how she has grown up significantly between each of our sessions:



Emma was a spunky little baby, and she is growing up to be quite a spunky little toddler! And so lovable. She may not have been entirely interested in the camera during our most recent session, but she entertained us and kept us laughing.



We did also try to grab a photo of her holding her own newborn portrait, but she seemed offended by it, and just kept pushing it away. I mean, I know my photography technique was lacking back then, but it wasn't that bad... right?!? ;)



Head over to my facebook page at fb.com/artisticallyamy to see more photos, and to contact me for your own little one's portraits!

Snow Portraits | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

Winter has never been my favorite season. In fact, as I've gotten older, it's become my least favorite season! Sure, snow is pretty and all, but I truly can't stand being cold.

The past couple of years, though, I've finally started to see (like I did when I was younger) the beauty in the season. Wide open spaces with untouched snow... Tree branches and cars coated with white crystals.... Icicles sparkling in the sunlight.... And an unexpected masterpiece - bokeh created by rock salt.


That's something I never would have seen, if it weren't for the photographer in me!

I had so much fun with my snow sessions last week that I am actually looking forward to next winter, just so I can have the chance to offer these sessions again.

Stella | Baby Portraits | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

Stella recently came over to my little in-home studio for some 3-month portraits. I had a few setups ready, and her mama also brought some cute outfits, so we were able to get quite a variety of shots! I love the photo on the top left... This sweetie is starting to learn that her arms are attached to her body, which led to many shots of her tiny fists waving in front of her face. It really looks like she wants to fight me!

(See more photos over at fb.com/artisticallyamy.)
I am already eager to meet up with Stella again for her 6-month portraits in April. It is so exciting to watch these babies grow!

Madisyn | Newborn Portraits | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

Last summer, I received a phone call late on a Friday night. A friend of a friend was getting married the next morning, and their photographer had bailed. Would I be willing to step in? Of course, I said yes. (See some of the photos HERE.)

The happy couple, Mike and Tiffany, had many priorities at that point in their lives... And one of those priorities arrived a couple weeks ago in the form of a beautiful baby girl named Madisyn. I was overjoyed when they contacted me for newborn portraits. At the wedding, I saw firsthand how much they love each other, and I just know they are going to be great parents.

Maddy didn't want to sleep at first, but she soon gave in so we could get the perfect mix of lifestyle shots and posed shots with mom and dad.

Little Madisyn has a talented aunt who made some headbands and tutus, which were the perfect addition to my stash of props. I might have to hire her to make me more!

(See more photos over at fb.com/artisticallyamy.)
I was honored that Mike and Tiffany chose me to continue capturing these momentous occasions in their life. I am looking forward to capturing more of Madisyn and her personality as she grows!

25 Week Belly & Baby Update

25 week update!

Estimated Due Date: May 14th, 2013

How far along: 25 weeks

How big is the baby: Babycenter says he is approximately 13.5 inches long and 1.5 lbs.

Total weight gain: I think I'm up to about 18 or 19 lbs now. My scale at home gives me lower numbers than the one at the doctor, but I have only been on monthly appointments up to now, so I try to average the numbers together. I start 3-week appointments on February 11.

Sleep: Same as last time - I will often wake up after 4 or 5 hours, and simply be unable to sleep anymore. However, when I stay asleep for longer stretches, not much wakes me up.

Maternity Clothes: I am completely in maternity clothing now, and have been for a few weeks. And I have to say - it's not that bad! The jeans are uber-comfy, and I love empire waist shirts (always have!).

Best moments so far: It's a tie... I love communicating with Nuggey (I poke back when he kicks or punches, and we play with each other like that.); however, I have been bonding with hubs over fun things (like baby clothes) and serious things (like all the impending changes to our life). This is a whole new level to our relationship that I never knew existed. ♥

Food cravings: Still craving carbs - pasta and potatoes. Cereal. Dairy - eggs, cheese, milk. I wished I craved veggies and fruit. The only healthy thing I crave is grapes.

Food aversions: Nothing anymore! I am back to drinking coffee (decaf only), and I haven't felt nauseous from food in a LONG time.

Movement: Most often when I am sitting at my desk at work... Still true! If I get deep into my work and start slouching, he reminds me with a sharp punch. I also feel him rolling over and getting comfy when I am settling into bed.

Gender: It's a boy!!

What I miss: Wine! And sushi. I made hubby promise that we will get some on the way home from the hospital.

What I’m looking forward to: Snuggling with him. I can't wait to have him in my arms! ♥

Session Giveaway WINNER!! | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

Last week, I ran a giveaway to thank all of my 2012 clients for an amazing first year in business. I pulled the winner this morning using Rafflecopter (results powered by random.org). The winner has already been emailed, so she has 48 hours to respond and claim her prize.

Congrats, Jenna! I am so excited to set up another session with your wonderful little family.

To everyone who entered, you will be earning a sweet discount toward the April mini sessions. I'll be emailing that information later this week. Thanks for entering my giveaway, and I am really looking forward to capturing more memories this year.

Session Giveaway | Hudson Valley Lifestyle Photographer

After a fabulous first year in business, I wanted to offer something to clients (both old and new!) as a little token of appreciation.

As such, I've decided to kick off 2013 with a session giveaway. YES, you heard correctly, I am giving away a session!

It will be a regular one-hour session plus disc/USB plus one free 8"x10" print (a $200 value). This can be used for almost any type of portrait session - families, babies, children, individual or couples.

There is also the option to gift this prize to a friend or family member!

And, even better news... Every single client who enters the giveaway will earn a discount towards the April mini sessions! (more info coming soon)

Enter below, quickly and easily. Share, share, SHARE for more chances to win!

**GIVEAWAY ENDED**

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. I hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. If you have any additional questions - please feel free to email me at agallagher36 at gmail.com.

Please note that I do have a travel fee for any location outside 30 miles of zip code 12524. If you win and are located outside this radius, the travel fee plus tax will be applied. Also, regular fees will apply for additional prints and products that are purchased after the session.

Memories, Dreams, & Reflections 2012

I participated in the Memories, Dreams, and Reflections bloggy linkup for 2 years in a row, but it completely slipped my mind this year. I didn't blog much during the fall (first trimester, yuck), so I wasn't seeing the usual reminders from Ashley Sisk!

However, when another blogger/photographer's post about it popped in my newsfeed, I was compelled to do it last minute. So, I spent some time the past few days looking through photos from earlier this year. It felt good to see the progress I've made, and how hard I was working to master new techniques. I would love for my friends and fans to comment on their favorite photos!

1. Me...
and my pretty kitty.
Hubby took this photo in December.



2. I love you
My baby boy.
Hubby took this photo in December.



3. Still laughing
My cat, attacking the snow.
December



4. Winter wonderland
December



5. Birthday
November - my 27th birthday, and my last one wearing my childhood Birthday Star crown.
Starting in 2013, my son will be wearing it!
I can't remember who snapped this one for me, probably hubby.



6. Friends
My twin nieces.
Best friends.
February.



7. I was inspired...
By everyone's pretty holiday bokeh photos!
December.



8. Spring fever
April



9. Travel or Vacation
I couldn't pick just ONE photo from our amazing trip to Dublin, Ireland.
So I made a storyboard.
August



10. Summer days
My cat loves to sit outside on warm summer evenings.
August



11. A day in my life
Watching hubs and Katniss love on each other.
May



12. All smiles
My dad snapped this photo of me and hubs after our gender reveal party in December.
We had just found out that our baby is a BOY!



13. Autumn harvest
October



14. Family or home
December



15. Celebrate
This is the cake from our gender reveal party in December.



16. Let's do it again
Hubs snapped this shot of me with 3 nieces when we went down to TN to visit them.
That aquarium is amazing!
February



17. I miss you
My beautiful goddaughter!
Haven't seen her since July and I don't know when I will get down to TN to see her again.



18. Beautiful
I LOVE purple flowers! Such a beautiful color for a flower.
July



19. Dress up
No better occasion to dress up than a wedding!
My MIL snapped this shot of me with my hubs and one of my besties.
May



20. Macro
May



21. Holidays
December



22. My favorite
My baby girl, my favorite kitty!
December



23. Don't ever change
Hubby... Oh, I love him!
My MIL snapped this for us in September.



24. Just because
The world could use a little more peace.
July



25. Hopes and dreams
“If you could have one wish, what would it be? We all have hopes and dreams that we do almost anything to make real. And if we get lucky, and our wish is granted, maybe that's what we call happiness.” ― Sakura
September