Fort Greene Portraits | LouAnn & Roland

LouAnn and Roland are long time residents of Brooklyn's Fort Greene, and on the eve of LouAnn's 30th Birthday, were in search of some timeless photos to document her epic year. Fort Greene is a lot like Harlem in that it has become very gentrified and in the process, many new eateries and shops have arrived. What a fun nabe! 

Before our shoot I just happened to watch the documentary {highly recommended!} Brooklyn Boheme, and was feeling super inspired by the many artists who have come before me. If you haven't had a chance to see it, check it out. Great perspective of the 1990's artist's movement in Brooklyn. 

Happy Birthday LouAnn and thank you Roland for being such a good sport! 

Chelsea Family Portraits | The Kimmels

The holiday season was very good to me and as the year draws to a close, I am reflecting on how much my business has grown. My clients have been not just loyal but generous in referring me to their networks. So, thank you to all the clients, readers and fans out there! 

In my last post, I mentioned how difficult lighting indoor shoots has been. This is mostly because I had coined myself a "natural light photographer," but the reality is shooting in mixed light situations really tests a photographer's technical skills. This year {and NYC weather!} have really forced me to hone in my skills using a variety of lighting options. 

The Kimmels came to me looking for more traditional holiday portraits and were anxious to finally have "good" ones, as Sarah described. With a more photojournalistic style, I decided to meet them halfway but I knew my on camera Canon 580 flash would just not cut it. The Kimmel's Chelsea abode had just one window and 12 ft ceilings, making it a large space to light! With a little help from my friends at Adorama, I rented a Chimer Super Plus Pro White Softbox with a Dynalite 1000. Definitely not as strong as the strobes I used here, but perfect for lighting a family of five in a private residence. 

Without further adieu, the Kimmel's Holiday Portraits...

Riverdale Family Portraits

My  favorite Riverdale clients were in search of a perfect holiday gift for Grandma this year and they decided on a family portrait of just the kids. Given the very chilly weather in the Northeast, the client opted for an indoor shoot at their home, the third I had done this season.

I had been struggling with how to make indoor shoots more creative and aligned with my photography aesthetic. Alas, I came up with this "Vanity Fair" family portrait as it was anointed on set by one of the grown ups. A photographer's job is always to make the most natural photos given any circumstance and I am quite proud of this one!

Los Angeles Family Photographer

Saundra is a long time friend of mine and she wanted to get her family together for a big, "Kardashian" Family holiday photo. Well, without the Kardashian support staff we were left breathless trying to cajole kids (and adults!) into smiling for the camera. So, in the end we left with great photos of the kids and are still working on one image that will rival the Kardashians! 

Happy Holidays from the Abdelmaliks, Abeskharouns and Bishays!

This is the photo Mom and Dad will show Elijah when his first girlfriend comes to visit! 

Pure shenanigans between the basket and the Christmas tree ornaments!

Riley was just one month old and since she was the most  cooperative (mostly because she was sleeping!), she had the most photos taken!

EXHIBIT | Faces of Harlem at Shrine World Music

As the year comes to a close, it is with great excitement that Faces of Harlem makes yet another appearance in the community. For those of you who know me, you know I am very much a grassroots type gal, always looking for a way to promote my community and  the beautiful cast of characters who share this little plot of land we call "home." Well, Shrine World Music, literally around the corner from my residence, graciously exhibited my Faces of Harlem series and last night we had a little "sip and see" (© Brian Jones!) to celebrate. I had no idea what to expect but we had a GREAT {good looking!} turnout. Thank you to friends and fans who have made this project thrive. 

As I look towards 2013, I have a firm committment to writing a few grants for funding so my ever growing list of yet-to-be muses will realize. Will you be one of them?! Email to: studio@ilenesquiresphotography.com if so! 

Limited edition hardcover Faces of Harlem hardcover ($40) and soft cover ($20) books for sale. Available for local pick up or free delivery. Of course, it is cheaper to purchase directly from the studio however, for the zealous readers out there, feel free to purchase directly from Blurb: HARDCOVER & SOFTCOVER. 

A few memories from the evening ...

{and it is duly noted that one should never try out new equipment on super important nights! iPhone only photos <<<< insert very sad face here!}

PHOTO OF EXHIBITION

 YOURS TRULY WITH BOOK DISPLAY.

 CHATTING UP PAST AND FUTURE MUSES, INCLUDING THE ILLUSTRIOUS, LATRESSA. 

 HERE SHE IS POSED UP NEXT TO HER PHOTO!

LATRESSA'S ORIGINAL PHOTO.

RENAULD AND BRIAN GETTING READY TO PURCHASE HARDCOVERS FOR THEIR FAMILIES. SUPER GIFTS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALIKE!

BRIAN'S OG PHOTO.

RENAULD LOOKING FLY AS EVER!

CHESTER, ONE OF MY OLDEST HARLEM FRIENDS AND MY HUSBAND, JORGE (STILL WAITING ON HIS TURN!).

 OLD COLLEGE BUDDIES, DOING COLLEGE THINGS!

 JONTE AND A FRIEND TAKE A PEAK.

JONTE LOOKING ICE COLD!

 BRIAN, JANICIA AND RENAULD, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF FOH.

 CHARLITO OF CHARLITO'S COCINA & MY FAVE TRAVEL BUDDY, JAXIRA.

 SHRINE STAFF SUPPORT FOH!

 CHATTING UP FRIENDS AND FANS

 TIFFANY, ONE OF MY FAVORITE FELLOW HARLEMITES AND LONG TIME FRIEND

Harlem Meer Portraits | Chester & Dani

A few weeks ago I shot a video for the rebrand on my new website and at the last minute, the couple who had offered to be featured canceled. Instead of panicking, I shopped around my circle of Harlem friends and low and behold, Dani and Chester stepped up to the plate. I can always count on Dani to be stylish, whether it is for a cup of coffee or a night on the town, so in less than twenty four hours, she had hit a few shops and came up with an impeccably styled, fall palette. THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!!!! Some things in life are just meant to be, and with the perfect golden hour, we commenced with an amazing, albeit abbreviated, portrait shoot. Without further adieu, Chester & Dani {and a cameo from yours truly, so you can see what I wore! Shot by Spinach Pie}