upstate Archives - Brayton Photography

Fall Family Session in Saratoga Springs

November 5, 2018 | Leave a Comment

This fall family session in Saratoga Springs was cold but gorgeous! It might have taken until the adults were freezing for the kids to warm up to the camera but it was oh so worth it for these smiles! We played at their house in their incredible back yard, roasted marshmallows and then headed over to Spa State Park. We hung upside down, jumped off walkways and ran, and ran, and ran! I loved watching this family and seeing the love they have for each other. These two little ones are so lucky to have a big brother that treats them so well and an amazing mom! Not only is this momma gorgeous, but she also did an incredible job styling them all and she wasn’t afraid to get down and just play with her kids! It melts my heart to see this kind of love and family fun!! Enjoy this peek! Can’t wait for you to see them all!

Lake George Family Beach Session

July 6, 2018 | Leave a Comment

This family was amazing! What troopers! Their family beach session was scheduled and planned for the hottest day during the recent heat wave! They were all up from downstate and rescheduling wasn’t an option. It’s hard to go earlier with young kids and it’s even more difficult to stay happy when everyone is hot and tired but these guys succeeded! We shot this family at a private beach at Grandma and Grandpa’s lake house. Needless to say on a hot morning like that we had the beach to ourselves! The mountains were hazy and hard to capture but we made it work, splashed in the water, got creative and eventually moved to the air conditioning for a break! There were bubbles during the session for the little ones and I’m guessing maybe some bubblies after for the adults! Thank you Sands family for making this session an incredible one! I can’t wait for you to see all the moments we captured!

Hallowedding – Glens Falls, NY

December 5, 2017 | Leave a Comment

I didn’t know the term Hallowedding existed but now I can’t stop using it. This Halloween wedding was perfect! The bride and groom, the bride especially, love Halloween! Although this holiday fell on a Tuesday this year they decided to just go for it and I’m so glad they did! For a couple that thoroughly enjoys the Halloween season, an anniversary on Halloween couldn’t be more right! In brainstorming the feel that Jon & Alicia wanted, we talked anywhere from cute and fall to blood and guts. They decided they wanted scary but dark woods scary. Thinking of The Nightmare Before Christmas movie and characters, the decided to skip the actual characters but to shoot for the same feel as the movie, that moody, dark feel.

Jon & Alicia live in Glens Falls and their life and friends are in Glens Falls, NY. Although the capital region has incredible wedding venue’s they knew we needed something unique and right in Glens Falls if possible. Easier said then done as there aren’t many venues in the town itself. What was found had just the right feel, size, fun, and location! The wedding took place on Halloween at the Charles R. Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls, NY.

Alicia and her bridesmaids sisters got ready right at the Wood Theater in the Green room. Short of a red carpet, they each had their own personal backstage vanity to prep and prepare for the big day. Hair and makeup for the girls was done by MUA Tina Felton and could not have been more gorgeous.

This stunning dress came from BHLDN and was made by designer Needle and Thread.

In order to capture the gorgeous light on this fall day, Jon & Alicia started their day with a first look at Bay Street Cemetery. Yes, you read that right, a cemetery! There were so many gorgeous spots that didn’t look like a graveyard and then we were also able to create some images to fit with our Hallowedding theme. I have known Jon and Alicia for several years. While Jon is a kind, happy guy, he’s not a smiley one. What a treat to see his genuine smile and excitement at seeing his bride for the first time!

This incredible chalk drawing was done by a talented member of the Wood staff who volunteered to draw it on the theater’s over-sized chalkboard wall. Amazing, isn’t it!?!!

The couple sealed the deal right up on stage! With the help of incredible designer Kim Sheffield and the Wood’s very own Lighting and Theater expert, Eric Potter, a haunted wood scene was created. As there was nothing traditional about this wedding, the couple opted out of the traditional walk down the isle. Instead they entered towards each other from the wings of the stage to dramatic music played by Mr. DJ , Brian Pincheon. All this was accompanied by a 5 foot skeleton at the piano. 😉

After a short and simple ceremony exchanging their vows the party began! The delicious Halloween themed party food was catered by Samatha’s Cafe and Catering. With their expertise guests were treated to delights ranging from cheese brains and monster eggs to Thai noodles without anyone being any the wiser to the large number of tasty vegan options!

There games were designed to represent an abandoned carnival. Along with the many games guests had, a photo booth, and dancing to keep the party going! Alicia and Jon were so much fun and so easy to work with. Alicia chose some really cool things like the Pick Your Poison sign for the bar as well as the coffin ring box. Alicia also knew she had to have a candy bar! I think the candy bar, one of the bride’s biggest request as it was Halloween, stole the show! It was a huge success!! From the little details to the big ideas it was so amazing to watch the dreams and vision of this bride and groom come together.

This wedding was extra special. I took on a roll above and beyond what I normally do. I have a better appreciation for now for wedding planners! Although, it’s not what I do or plan to do in the future what a treat it was to see the wedding world from a different perspective. Such a fun creative experience. We are so grateful for the other vendors and all their support and advice during this! Thank you as always to the amazing Erin Brisbin of Erin Marie Photography for all her help as our second shooter and valuable team member. We couldn’t do what we do without you!!

Enjoy more images by watching their custom slideshow designed especially for their Wedding Premiere Night!

Hot Air Balloons Engagement Session

October 11, 2017 | Leave a Comment

When Ashley contacted me wondering if we could take their engagement pictures at the Adirondack Balloon Festival, I knew we had to make it happen! The hot air balloons are so gorgeous and so much fun! It was also a great way to get Ashley and Drea’s son involved. Perfect combo! With the unseasonably warm weather we decided to shoot for a morning take off at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport. Luckily it was cool enough that the already planned outfits would still work. This amazing family got up, found out they had no hot water, and still made it for a sunrise engagement session as the hot air balloons took off! Aaaamazing! We walked a lot to find the right spot but luckily between that and the hot chocolate everyone was able to warm up. No one’s lips were purple for any pictures and the smiles we captured are priceless! We cannot wait for their wedding next year! To find out more about the hot air balloon festival right in our own backyard check out the Adirondack Balloon Festival website here!

Yaddo Gardens Family Session

July 20, 2017 | Leave a Comment

Saratoga Springs is so gorgeous this time and year and Yaddo gardens if one of our favorite spots! The kids got together and surprised Grandma for Christmas with a custom family portrait session. What a great Christmas present! Debbie does not seem old enough to be a Grandma but what an amazing one she is! The kids love her and John and we had so much fun playing together at Yaddo Gardens in Saratoga Springs, NY. We had to stop the party several times to feed, burp, and put the baby to sleep. Everyone was so relaxed and patient. The non-baby grandkids were such troopers! Dan played “photography equipment reflector turned frisbee” (one of my favorite games) with them while they waited. We had the most perfect soft clouds and sunshine without it being too hot or muggy! Enjoy this sneak peek to hold you over until we roll out the red carpet for your premiere night! Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

Adirondack Engagement Session

July 18, 2017 | 1 Comment

This was the most perfect Adirondack Engagement Session in Hadley, NY. Lynne was so prepared and had a very clear idea of what she wanted. Steve was a good sport! They were so much fun together, laughing and enjoying their time despite the crazy bugs! I had not met Lynne and Steve in person until their engagement session. We have of course talked several times over the phone during their winter in Florida. I knew I would like them but I had no idea how much. We had so much fun!! Thank you again and again to my assistant and second shooter Erin Brisbin of Erin Marie Photography!

Surprise Engagement – Bolton Landing, NY

July 12, 2017 | Leave a Comment

Tim had everything planned out well in advance. He took a day off from work without her knowing and drove all the way upstate to get the lay of the Highlands Castle. He wasn’t even going to let the rain stop him from proposing to his amazing girl outside overlooking the lake. We wanted to be there early so my assistant and I stood in the rain while Molly got ready for “brunch” and then went on a super romantic scavenger hunt around the Castle. We waited and as we waited we watched the storm and the rain, and the fog lighten and lift. It was truly a miracle. We got the most amazing view and couldn’t have asked for better clouds! Molly was so happy she couldn’t say “Yes!” fast enough. After the incredible surprise proposal we walked around the Castle grounds and photographed the two of them. They didn’t stop smiling and laughing! That’s a perfect way to go into marriage! Congratulations Tim and Molly and thank you to Jon at the the Highlands Castle for being such an amazing host!

To top it all off we got to come back that very evening and surprise Molly AGAIN! We brought the dessert of their choice and presented this beautiful couple with memories they can treasure forever! Scroll all the way down for the full custom slideshow we created just for them!

Model Call – Saratoga Spring, NY

March 28, 2017 | 6 Comments

Model Call!!

We are working on a personal project that is close to our heart. It is a project that brings passion, life stages, love, memories, and the celebration of women together!

Deadline: The project will involve several photo shoots (one model for each is needed) and so there will be several deadlines. The first of which is April 8, 2017.

ISO: The number one criteria is that you must be (or have been, for our more mature models) a NATURAL redheaded female. Freckles are always a plus. We are looking for redheads of all ages, newborn to great-great-great Grandma’s. We need to cover a HUGE range of ages so all ages please!

You are responsible for bringing an agreed upon wardrobe with you, which we will discuss ahead of time (it’ll be simple, I promise). You will be required to have professional hair and makeup done for the session. Session will take place during best light in Argyle, NY.

What you get: The session fee is waived and includes 3 high resolution files with printing rights and online gallery. Enjoy 30% off any additional digital files, prints or wall portraits and 15% off books/albums. Discount applies only to images from the stylized shoot.

If you don’t fit this criteria but know someone that does…please share!! To apply please send an image of yourself with your contact info to krystal@braytonphotography.com

Note: “Model” means someone in the photograph. It does NOT mean you have to be any certain size or shape 🙂

Click here to begin the application process!

red headed photoshoot, saratoga springs, ny

5 questions for your Wedding Photographer

March 7, 2017 | Leave a Comment

5 questions to ask your wedding photographer

Image of team member Erin doing whatever it takes to get the shot!

Last time we talked about the 3 essential questions every couple should ask their wedding photographer. You can check out that article here. If you don’t ask anything else you’re probably still doing pretty good. But there are still other important questions. Hopefully your photographer will tell you how it works (they are the expert) but there are a few things you should make sure that they cover. While brainstorming for this article I came across a post titled “38 things to ask your photographer”! Wow! 38!? If you have to ask your photographer 38 specific questions then please run and hide..that photographer is not doing their job! I’m going to start with 5 follow up questions – 5 logistical and important things to know before hiring your wedding photographer.

What is your shooting philosophy? I often have brides on their initial phone call tell me they like photo journalism. But when I ask them more that’s often not really what they want, they just heard that term somewhere. More then getting an industry buzz word ask them how they approach the day. I have worked with photographers who are ONLY in the background. They are there to observe and document only. I’ve worked with others who control the environment of every shot and start essentially “training” the bride from the first email. We often tell people that we are there to document the day, not to insert ourselves in it. That being said, the mother or aunt of the bride doesn’t want to look 10 pounds older and 10 pounds heavier; people don’t often know where they are supposed to be especially for family formals; and sometimes drunk groomsmen just need more direction! We will chat and laugh with you but we don’t want to be in the way. We will help everyone look their best in what time we have and we will make sure that when you look back at your family formals you are thinking how much you love your family, NOT how much you wanted to strangle Uncle Filmore. We are the experts. We will guide and direct where needed but we will not take over. Find the photographer whose shooting philosophy matches the feel of what you envision for your day.
What’s your backup plan? Often photographers are sole proprietors, meaning it’s just them. Do they have a plan in place for if they break their leg or get into a car accident?
Do you have multiples of your equipment? I don’t generally encourage asking about equipment. I don’t care what kind of equipment the DJ uses to play his music as long as it sounds good. You shouldn’t care (unless maybe if you’re a photographer yourself) what type of camera your photographer uses. But you might care if they are new to the game, only have one camera, and don’t use a second shooter. Cameras are technology and equipment. Pure and simple. They will fail. They will have quirks. You have the right to know if they are prepared for things to go wrong. You could ask the photographer how many weddings they’ve shot and how long they’ve been in business but I truly believe that information is that you’ll know how truly PREPARED your wedding photographer is.
How involved are you in the planning process? Every couple will have a different need here. We generally help with a lot of details so that the time schedule goes as smoothly as possible. Also, when all is said and done all that is left are the images of your day. We don’t want you to miss a single image. We don’t want you to look back and say, “I wish I had a photo of x and z.” Will your photographer help plan the timeline and photo list?
What should I expect after the wedding? We’ve all heard horror stories of it taking 6 months to get the wedding images back or the worst ones where the couple never hears from their photographer again! Chances are if the photographer has a clear answer for you of what to expect and how the process works after the wedding then they will be there and ready to take care of you when you get back from your honeymoon.

Anything you would like to add? What was the most important thing you wanted to know when you were interviewing wedding photographers?

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Engaged in Glens Falls, NY

January 3, 2017 | Leave a Comment

I got a message from these two while they were out at school. They were engaged! Woohoo! Travis has been in front of my camera many times before but I had only met Kristen a couple brief times. They had even had engagement pictures taken in Arizona. But she wasn’t in love with them. They didn’t feel real. Well we got to have the most amazing “REAL” session!! It was freezing and these two are so acclimated to the warmer areas of the country now that we had to be creative to keep Kristen from shaking right out of her boots. Thanks to Minky Mink and Spot Coffee! And yes we even made it to Target! Thank you Travis for playing along! Kristen, you are truly a beautiful woman and I can’t wait to see you shine at your wedding and in whatever you choose in the future!

Click here to begin the application process!

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