This little guy was a WONDERFUL little sleeper for me! I rocked him with my special rock and he was out for the count all sorts of tucking and posing and bending. Loved it. . .and him!

This little guy was so sweet and a fun age think I think often gets missed, 3-4 months old. I like seeing their little personalities beginning to emerge and sometimes we can even capture some peaceful sleeping portraits too. I had a lovely time with him and Mom, enjoy your preview! I hope you had great afternoon relaxing out on the boat after working so hard at the session!

Here are a few images that I was able to capture of President Obama at the DNC fundraiser in Washington DC last week. Again an amazing experience!

I had the amazing opportunity last week to join my friend and collegue Ruthi David to photograph an event for the DNC with President Obama as the keynote speaker. It was great night and I know many friends and readers have been waiting to see the images from the event. So in this first post are a few random room shots with Senators, centerpieces, COS Rhem Emmanuel and jazz singer Diana Krall. President Obama will receive is own post next!

This sweet little face and her Mom are a joy to hang out with . . . oh yeah and photograph too! I mean really who wouldn’t want to photograph this gorgeous little girl! I learned a few new things about her tonight, she loves water, keys and Mom’s cell phone. (watch out for when she turns 18!) Enjoy your blog preview, I am certain you will love the images, I couldn’t even pick a favorite for the blog because I love them all SO MUCH!

I had the wonderful opportunity to be an assistant photograph to my friend Ruthi David of R. David Original Photography  (View Ruthi’s Portrait Site Here) last night at a fundraising event for the DNC.  Our President, Barack Obama was the keynote speaker for the event and it was A-MAZING.   My mother phoned me earlier today to tell me that she saw this picture in the NY Times this morning.  So there I am in the background, looking serious because I was working at the time, getting some meet & greet images of The President with guests of the event.  Soon after this, he turned towards me and I was able to shake his hand. Truly remarkable moment. I’ll never forget it!  (NY Times photo is by Jewel Samad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images) I will show some images from the event in about a week when everything is done being edited, there are a lot of images to go through!\

Here is a picture of Ruthi and myself too - taken by some random tourist whom Ruthi quickly showed how to use her camera!

Hey everyone! Wow I can’t believe the number of votes on the blog post below, its still a tight race!

After you get your daily votes in for the cuties in the contest on my blog, head over to www.nicksparentspicks.com and vote for SH Portraits in the Best Family Photographer category! I would really appreciate each and every vote. Its two clicks away. . .once through the link and once to vote. You don’t have to sign up for anything but. . .if you want you can register to win $2000. Not a bad deal!

Thanks everyone!

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/buffalo-ny-usa/best-buffalo-family-photographer

PS Two new mini session dates are coming! July 25th and August 22nd. Details to follow this week!

I am so very excited and proud to introduce everyone here to Kim Krug the owner of Monkey See Monkey Do Children’s Bookstore. I can not say enough how absolutely AMAZING it is inside this bookstore, truly walking in is like walking into a magical reading jungle with loads of books and gorgeous murals on the walls, all nestled on a gorgeous piece of property in beautiful Clarence NY. Tomorrow is the GRAND OPENING please be sure to come by and check it out. There will be lots of FREE events all day for adults and children, you don’t want to miss it. I will also be there from 10 till about 1 unveiling my 2 summer mini session dates and details. You certainly do not want to miss out on those either. . .lets just say its definately the best deal YET!

Without further delay. . .Monkey See Monkey Do & Kim Krug!

So tell us a little bit about “Monkey See Monkey Do” for those readers not familiar with it yet.
Monkey See, Monkey Do is a new, independent children’s bookstore. Our mission is to foster a love of reading, spark curiosity and imagination, encourage independent thinking and promote healthy, active lifestyles for children of all ages!

Its fun-filled setting provides a learning adventure for all! From babies to young adults, parents and grandparents, we strive to select thoughtful books. I love our tagline….the little bookstore with BIG ideas because it’s what we are all about. It’s not just a place to buy books and leave – I want to provide an interactive experience where we read, learn, grow and share in this development as a community.

What about your job do you like most?
Being able to connect with people through literature and creative programming. Sharing a passion of learning with children, families and young adults. It is truly rewarding to provide a service to our community in which we can all behalf. Through our little store, I hope to inspire children and provide opportunities in reading to those less fortunate.

How did you get started?
Desire. I had a strong desire, after having three little ones of our own, to open a children’s business that provided families a place to connect, learn and grow. I wanted to share with our own children a love of reading and learning creatively and the importance of finding your own purpose and following your dreams.

What are your favorite children’s books?
Absolute favorite: CURIOUS GEORGE! I loved monkeys….and still do. I love how playful, mischievous and inquisitive George was in all of his many adventures….
Tell us a bit more about why reading is so important with children!
I believe it’s a wonderful way to connect with our children – reading books together. For children, it opens their mind and imagination. One of my favorite quotes (which you will find in the store) is by Jane Evershed:

Where can we find you (website, blog, location)?
You can find me monkeying around at our beautiful new home – 9060 Main Street, Clarence NY 14031. Our website address is MonkeysRead.com and I am on Twitter and Facebook – still LEARNING these forums!

Do you have any upcoming events that you would like to share with readers?
MANY! Our Grand Opening is set for June 13, 2009 10-5pm – several authors, artisans, musicians and other talented individuals will be participating in the day’s events. Storytimes and bookclubs begin in June and our summer program schedule will be available shortly – art classes, kids yoga, literary circles, summer reading camps, writing workshops and young authors clubs are just to name a few!

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t at Monkey See Monkey Do?
Spending time with my family – we love the water and beach! I also love to run, read, cook and garden.

Wel the time is finally here for the Coolest Summer Kid Contest. This was part of the mini sessions back in May and I am so excited that it is finally here. I of course will have no say in the voting since I think each and every one of these children are A-DORABLE! The winner will receive an 11×14 Gallery Mounted & Monogrammed Collage of the winning image. The runner up will receive a CD by Ben Rudnick & Friends of their choice! Voting will end at midnight on June 16th. Please be fair and only vote once per day, but do of course forward the voting information onto your friends and family. You may share this post directly with the social networking icons below making it extra easy for you!

I can’t wait to see who wins!

PS When you are finished voting for the cutest kiddo - vote for SH Portraits for Best Buffalo Family Photographer!

It is always nice to visit with this family, I have been photographing them since big brother was just a few weeks old and now he is three! I have loved not only watching him grow into being a little boy but watching his personality grow as well, and each time learning what his new “thing” is to get him going. Last night it was Spiderman & golf. . .there is a special treat on its way to you in the mail buddy! Then there is his gorgeous little sister with these big amazing blue eyes and the serious yet joyful expressions that she has too (reminds me of her big brother!). I am looking forward to see her turn into a little lady over the next few years too! Enjoy your blog preview and as always - I loved seeing all of you!