Ilene Squires Photography

Expecting! | Diana & Drey

2012-03-04T17:04:00.001-08:00

Diana and I go way back to the early New York days. At the time, we were young grad students, from California and blessed with a wide variety of dancing shoes, more time than you can dream of and a whole lot of energy. Oh, the good ‘ole days!

Like many of our other sisters who have moved away, ventured into married life and entered parenthood {not in that particular order}, Diana and Drey are now expecting a little bundle of joy later this spring. Aren’t the lovebirds glowing in anticipation?!

Congrats Diana & Drey on the arrival of little boy Campos! We can’t wait to meet him and begin his photographic odyssey.

Ilene Squires Photography on Shooting School Campaigns

2012-02-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

It is no surprise to anyone that I get many inquiries to shoot children for that is my photographic niche. However, in the last year I've received two special requests for media campaigns for schools here in NYC. Here is a mailer that went out for a campaign on shot earlier this year for my dear friends over at Harlem Link Charter School.

Central Park Pet Portraits | Camille & DOG

2012-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

We've been experiencing an unseasonably warm winter here in NYC and my playdate with Camille and her +1, DOG, was no exception. If you know me, you know I am 'not a pet person,' however, this shoot made me reconsider that special bond between animals and people. After 8 years together, Camille and DOG {finally!} get their photo taken.

Greenpoint Engagement | Angie & Mike

2012-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Angie & Mike, set to wed next year in Mike's native, Poughkeepsie, were the perfect fusion of brains & rock 'n' roll. Both enrolled in advanced degree programs with hopes to change the world, they are perfectly and infectiously in love. So maybe I am biased because Angie is a fellow Californian (909!). However, their choice of wedding venue and desire to shoot at a friend's Greenpoint residence only reinforced their unconventional way.

Congratulations to you lovebirds Angie & Mike and thanks to the 'cousins' for the outtakes!

Featured! | Neene & Rashad on The East Coast Bride

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Juggling my many hats has definitely been trying, until a few weeks ago when I discovered Two Bright Lights {TBL}. Maybe I'm behind the times in the photo world, but cut me some slack! I'm the Queen of projects these days.

I diverge...

TBL is an ah-mazing resource for all event vendors out there in the world, looking to be published online and in print. I was baffled by all the 'features' my colleagues were able to earn and I finally cracked the code here. Anywho, thank you to The East Coast Bride for picking up a few of my shoots, including a personal favorite of Neene & Rashad. It's a great honor to be featured on a new blog!

Delivered! | My First Leather Album

2012-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

You may remember Karla & Yaro from last summer, and their hand-picked fancies at their July wedding? When I received their album in the mail the other day, I ripped through the package as if it was my very own album from my wedding day. Scroll down to see why!

Camel Leather Cover

Full bleed, flushmount, 7 x 10

Thick, archival pages which lay completely flat when opened!

Studio logo, represent!

DUMBO Portraits | Kim

2012-02-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Some muses are lackluster and some, well, are off the charts. Kim is one of those one's I'm talking about. I LOVE when there is chemistry between the camera and the client and even if it takes some time during our session, it's always worth it. We spent the afternoon in DUMBO sharing in great conversation, as I learned more about Kim's aspirations to become a sports journalist. She's headed out west in the fall and needed a little token of the Big Apple to keep her grounded. I'm sure she has plenty to choose from, just take a peak...

Grand Central Portraits | The Lims

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Lims, in for a just a couple of days from Singapore (yes, that's right, that Singapore, in Asia!!!) wanted a small souvenir from their weekend in the City. Now this is one jet setting couple as they were off to Canada and later San Francisco before making their way back home and do pop in and out of the City when they can. Sandra desired something iconic so naturally, I suggested a place I hadn't shot at and we agreed on Grand Central Terminal. All I can say is thank goodness we met on a weekend and not on a weeknight!

Chelsea Engagement | Al & Kate

2012-02-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

Coming into some one's home for the first time is never easy. In fact, it can be quite intimidating. That is, unless, you are lucky to have easygoing clients like Al & Kate. Set to wed at the end of April in Kate's native Missouri, they are working Al's Native New Yorker angle for a feature in The New York Times Sunday Styles. Fingers crossed! C'mon, ladies! You know you read it too! We had a great time (and weather) playing in and around Chelsea.

Snowy Central Park Family Portraits | The Dennes Family

2012-01-27T03:44:00.000-08:00

I had a ton of fun romping in the snow with Mark, Meridith, and their beautiful girls, Addison and Morgan last weekend. We were lucky that we had our first snow of 2012 during our shoot and they were so adventurous to suggest moving our shoot at their Upper Eastside residence to Central Park, with sleds and snow gear in tow!

Los Angeles Wedding Photographer | Josiah & Elaine

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Elaine & Josiah were married this past November in Los Angeles at the Montebello Country Club. They had a beautiful Japanese Garden inspired wedding and recovered quick from the unexpected storm. Congratulations Josiah & Elaine!

Memphis Wedding | Erika & Donald

2012-01-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone has been on the edge of their seats patiently awaiting Donald & Erika's photos from their AH-MAZING Harlem Renaissance wedding at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis. After their equally stunning engagement shoot in Harlem, who wasn't anxious about seeing more of this classy couple?

Erika & Donald are bona fide altruists, with very sophisticated tastes. Instead of a registry, they graciously requested guests donate to charity, in honor of Erika's Father. Andria Lewis Events did an epic job bringing the couple's vision to life from the custom made speakeasy to the personalized flasks gifted to guests. While the Kooky Canuk made a cameo with their infamous skillet cookie to join a seriously sensational cake... the buck doesn't stop there! The private cigar and whisky bar on the hotel rooftop was the appropriate ending to an elegant Memphis evening, officiating that this was an affair for the times.

With a complete wardrobe change after the ceremony, Erika stole the show with her jawdropping Jenny Packham dress and vintage hairpiece, channelling a 1920's Cotton Club. And let's not forget Donald, who couldn't have been more dapper and charming in his vintage tux (and scarf!). Kudos to many of the guests {pictured below} who joined in on the vintage fun and dressed for the period!

As a Harlem resident, Erika & Donald's wedding was truly a labor of love and I have never felt more flattered to document such an intimate affair alongside an even more extraordinary couple. Congratulations to one glamorous duo, Drs. Dillard & Cannon!

Venue: The Peabody Hotel, Memphis | Event Planner: Andria Lewis Events | Graphics: Yeri Yun Designs | Band: Swing Band | DJ: Maia Rosser | Speakeasy & Lighting: EPS Productions | Cigar & Whiskey Bar: Havana Mix| Cake: The Flour Garden | Dresses: Pronovias {Ceremony} & Jenny Packham {Reception}) | Shoes: Nina| Hairpiece {Reception}: Wedding Shoppe | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm | Groom & Groomsmen: Men's Wearehouse | Rings: Safian & Rudolph | Flowers: Southern Event Planners | Linen and Chiavari Chairs: Classic Party Rentals | *** Special thanks to Lisa from Kira Lisa Photography for filling in everywhere I could not***

Santa Monica Family Portraits | Cathy, Stephen & Emma

2012-01-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Cathy and I have been friends for just about a decade now, which is hard to believe. We met while rooming together abroad and have been travel buddies since, venturing to far off lands as adventure geeks. Cathy now resides in Houston and we always make it a point to spend some QT together over the holidays in our shared hometown of Los Angeles. Cathy has been so gracious in supporting my studio by scheduling annual portraits of her niece and nephew. This year, we enjoyed a very warm December day at the Santa Monica Pier where we played in the sand and agreed on our mutual feeling of 'maturity' while escorting the little ones onto the rides at the pier.

Echo Park Family Portraits | The Perez Family

2012-01-02T03:13:00.000-08:00

Friends of the Salmeron Family, who are loyal clients to the studio, Cristina, David and Daniel were gifted a Groupon session for the holidays. We agreed on Echo Park but without warning, it is under construction so we opted for neighboring Vista Hermosa Park, with gorgeous views of the Los Angeles skyline. Daniel, who recently turned 3, was slow to warm up but all chuckles when he finally did. Enjoy!

Happy New Year from the Studio!

2011-12-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

So on the eve of this New Year, I noticed many of my contemporaries blogging about the "Best of 2011." Hands down, 2011 has been my most fruitful year as a photographer. I've traveled near and far to document life's fleeting moments and have transformed many clients to friends. I simply could not ask for more in life. So, instead of writing about the past, I've decided that my "best" is yet to come. This is something, of course, I only realize when I am sitting here under the California sun (in December) because this is the place of my birth. The City of Angels is where I always seem to come back to Earth after grinding it out in the Big Apple. So please, let's all take a minute, make a wish, and promise to bring it to life in 2012. My wish? Truly becoming bicoastal! {You'll see why... scroll down...}

***all images taken with my IPhone edited with Instagram***

Self Portrait 121911

Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, AZ

City of Angels!

Downtown LA from Echo Park

Griffith Park

Skyline

Santa Monica Pier at sunset

West Village Engagement | Tara & Matt

2011-12-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Tara & Matt are set to married in Del Mar next August but have temporarily relocated to the Big Apple while Matt finishes his MBA. Though it was freezing cold out, we had a beautiful time in the West Village, Meatpacking District and High Line. Isn't Tara our quintessential California Girl? {I have the street cred to write that as a California Girl myself}.

Roosevelt Island Family Portraits | The Mayem Family

2011-12-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

I had never been to Roosevelt Island until Evelyne invited to her home there a few weeks ago. She has the most delectable little tots and we were very lucky with warm winter weather! Their smiles are simply infectious.

Bay Ridge Family Portraits | The Sorrano Family

2011-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Kim contacted for some family portraits of her, Marc, and their newborn, Angelina, born just 6 weeks ago. Angelina is super alert and had several wardrobe changes... what a doll! The angel shot will melt your heart!

Featured! | Tracey & Rashim Featured on Borrowed & Bleu

2011-12-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

Tracey & Rashim's Riverside Park Engagement Featured on Borrowed & Bleu! Stop by to leave a comment!

Featured | Ilene Squires Photography on The Indie Tot

2011-12-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Soleil's FAO Schwarz birthday featured on The Indie Tot!

Upper Westside Family Portraits | Carly & Company

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

Carly, the eldest of three, contacted me for some sibling portraits for a holiday gift to her mother. She suggested her Upper Westside rooftop which was a stellar choice given the unseasonably warm December weather we've been enjoying her in New York. To our surprise, the three family dogs became the epicenter of our shoot and really brought out the best in everybody. For someone who "isn't a dog person," I have to say, I was smitten with Bailey, the little white friend who commanded most of our energies. Aren't you?!

Meatpacking District Engagement | Neene & Rashad

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Neene (not to be confused with Nene from the RHOA) and Rashad bid on a portrait package I donated to an MS Auction a mutual friend hosted earlier in the fall. It's a small world, what can I say? And to further my point, while browsing my website, Neene found a former coworker to narrow our few degrees of separation.

Neene & Rashad met 5 years ago at a party and the rest, my friends, is history. They are set to wed in September 2012 and requested we meet somewhere with interesting street art for their engagement shoot. Neene, raised in Brooklyn, and Rashad, raised in Queens, felt an urban landscape would best capture their essence. Since I was already shooting at the High Line Park that morning, we agreed on the Meatpacking District, which was a first for us both. Despite the very (OK, too cool) backdrop, my favorite shot was Neene's idea of quoting LL Cool J.

High Line Family Portraits | The Negronis

2011-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Christine was previously a student in a class I assisted at ICP and when she saw my Groupon late last summer, she jumped on it! What a pleasure to connect with her and her family again; Gabriella and Samantha are real pistols and were a ton of fun to document on the High Line. Daniel and Christine have a little one on the way so I am looking forward to documenting the Negroni brood as it grows. Enjoy their infectious smiles!

Cloister Family Portraits

2011-12-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Beautiful fall hues provided a seasonal landscape for the Mota Family shoot in the Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters. The park had the most beautiful views of the Hudson River and I'm already planning my own shoot there next fall. The Mota's, well, as you can see, were a lot of fun and up for anything. It always feels special to be documenting lifelong New Yorkers and this lovely couple grew up nearby in the neighborhood and are now raising their son, Kai, there too.

Whitestone Family Portraits | The McNamaras

2011-12-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with my Queens tour last month, I visited Thomas, just 5 weeks old at his Whitestone residence. Isn't he the most darling little Santa you've seen?!

Queens Botanical Garden Family Portraits | The Klein Family

2011-12-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

I had never been to the Queens Botanical Garden before but I am glad Emma and her parents invited me there to capture her delicious little face contrasted again the beautiful fall foliage.

Simi Valley Portrait Photographer | The Bishays

2011-12-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sylvia is Saundra's big sis, and Saundra, well, she just happens to be one of my longstanding buddies from my adolescent years. Yeah, that's right, we go way back to the mid-nineties.

It's so crazy to see us all grown up, with growing families and such, and with the saturated photo market, I feel so flattered that friends near and far chose me to document these fleeting moments of parenthood. With the holidays around the corner, Sylvia and Mike wanted to get a few good shots with little Nicholas for their holiday mailing. Enjoy!

Mt. Gulian Wedding | Chris & Kate

2011-12-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you remember Chris & Kate's adorable engagement party in Fort Greene this past summer. Yeah, that's right, the one with their delicious dog, Griff? Well he made another cameo at their Mt. Gulian Historical Site wedding last month in New York's Hudson Valley.

Chris & Kate's southern roots were reflected in their down - home menu of (the most delicious!) mac 'n' cheese and brisket, local beers and a homemade dessert bar. And the buck didn't stop there --- instead of a cake, the couple opted for a cookie bake - off to once and for all declare one family chocolate chip recipe supreme. Without fail, the groom's mother emerged winner!

Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was moved from the lawn to the barn where the reception was to follow. Looking at the photos of the impeccable set-up, you can hardly tell this last minute decision was made.

Chris & Kate, you have an unassuming love... one which transcends time and place. Here's to the many years of the story you will write together.

Los Angeles Wedding Photographer | Josiah & Elaine Sneak Peak

2011-11-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

Here's little sneak peak of Josiah & Elaine's wedding a couple weeks ago at the Montebello Country Club in California. All I'll say is Raphael Saadiq lied when he sang "... it never rains in Southern California," because OH!, did it pour! Though, you could never tell by looking at the happy couple. Congrats lovebirds... more to come!

South Pasadena Family Portraits | The Marquez Family

2011-11-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

I love my LA clients most than life itself (OK, I am biased) and Carlo & Abby's brood is no exception. Their family portrait session in South Pas' Garfield Park is by far one my favorite portrait sessions of 2011. And gimme me a break! Those little faces are to - die - for. While I was in town a couple weeks back shooting a wedding, I squeezed in some time for a couple holiday portrait shoots and I was so blessed to shoot this beautiful family, who exemplify what it means to shine on the inside out.

Angelo & Christine Featured on Borrowed & Bleu!

2011-11-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

Borrowed & Bleu has been good to me this season and today is graciously featuring another personal favorite, Angelo & Christine's Northport Harbor Engagement. Please visit the feature and leave a comment!

Featured: Tracey & Rashim on Black Bridal Bliss!

2011-11-18T04:10:00.000-08:00

Tracey & Rashim's beautiful engagement featured on none other than Black Bridal Bliss!

The Hatcher Family Featured on the Indie Tot!

2011-11-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

From our good friends over at The Indie Tot, another feature! Go Hatcher Family!

Soleil's 2nd Birthday at FAO Schwarz

2011-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Tatiana and Andrew are blessed with two beautiful girls, Aisla and Soleil. A few weeks ago, Soleil celebrated her 2nd birthday at none other than FAO Schwarz. I mean, c'mon! FAO is a child's paradise with wall-to-wall toys and life - sized gadgets like The Big Piano from the motion picture Big. Some of the guests were too cute for words and Soleil was a happy camper as she celebrated her second year!

Central Park Family Portraits | The Robinsons

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful fall family shoot in Central Park!

Fio & Scott Featured on Borrowed & Bleu!

2011-11-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

There were so many fans of Scott & Fiorella's 1 year anniversary shoot , that the editor of Borrowed & Bleu asked for a feature! YAY!

Brooklyn Botanical Garden | The Carries Family

2011-11-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

A beautiful fall shoot in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden with the Carries Family! Aren't those red coats to-die-for?!

Featured! | The Sillitoe Family and DUMBO Engagement!

2011-11-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful feature from our friends over at the Indie Tot! You probably remember the Sillitoe's? Yeah, the beautiful parents with the stunning, model - like kids? Well they are featured today on the Indie Tot!

AND... before you turn it in for the night, a brand new feature on Indie Tot's sister site, Borrowed & Bleu. I mean c'mon, now, Alex & Amber are one hot couple and their pictures hardly did them justice!

Prospect Park Family Portraits | The Tiens

2011-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Arielle is a heartbreaker. She's the kind of kid with an infectious smile and intoxicating laugh, totally a photographer's dream!
You can see how loved Arielle is in the vibrant Prospect Park photos below of her with Mom and Dad. On our quest for dinosaurs, directed by Arielle herself, we stumbled upon the beautiful Audubon Center which is a fantastic science center for kids on the weekends, FYI, BK parents. Can anyone guess which one Arielle's "sad" face is ?!

Riverside Park Engagement Portraits | Tracey & Rashim

2011-11-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

You may remember Rashim from a feature I did on him as an aspiring musician earlier this year. And Tracey... she happens to be a friend of mine from back in the day. It's hard for me to believe our days of hitting the NYC club circuit have slowed, because the memories are oh-so-sweet, but as her wedding day approaches, I relish in the fact that we've remained buddies all these years.

Rashim and Tracey met in the Flatiron, where she used to work, one day while she was crossing the street on her way home. The rest, they say, is history! This beautiful couple is set to wed in Curacao in April 2012, and their chance meeting and destination wedding were inspiration for a little urban and nautical themes for the beautiful engagement photos featured below. We met up at Riverside Park and hit the mall along the Hudson River to bask in one of the last summer days.

Congrats Tracey & Rashim on your engagement! Can't wait to boogie till the break of dawn in Curacao!

Queens Wedding | Edenson & Maudelyne

2011-11-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

After shooting Edenson & Maudelyne over the summer for their engagement in Central Park, I just knew that their summer wedding, of 300 people nonetheless, was going to be a blast to shoot.

The lovely couple were married in Queens at Fleur de Lis, on a beautiful summer eve in the presence of their HUGE community of friends and family. Luckily, the historic hurricane that hit the east coast didn't happen until the very next day. Whew! That lead to only a short interruption in their honeymoon plans (a cruise) where they only lost one day of honeymoon-ing.

Edenson and Maudelyne danced into the wee hours of the morning and were joined by some real party - starters who had to be cleared off the dance floor at the end of the night. Congratulations, E & M to you as you begin this journey together.

Special shout out to my wonderful assistant, Lisa, of You Me Oui Photography.

To see the wedding slideshow click here:

Staten Island Family Portraits | The Droumbakis Family

2011-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

When I was invited to come to Todt Hill a few weeks back, I was thrilled to be making my second trip (ever!) to Staten Island. The Droumbakis' were a delight to work with and had a beautiful home in one of the most illustrious Staten Island neighborhoods. I felt very lucky to be invited into such an intimate space to shoot their yearly family portraits.

Katy and Claire, just about a year apart were home from college and full of smiles. Their parents, gleaming with pride when they told me about their daughters' ambitions, were so hospitable that I felt as though I was at an old friend's home.

Central Park Engagement | Effie & Tony

2011-11-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Effie and Tony are so in love with one another that their chemistry on camera is electric. Am I right or am I right?!

We enjoyed one of the last fall days together at Bow Bridge and nearby Central Park monuments. Congrats on your recent engagement, lovebirds, and best of luck in the planning year ahead of you!

Baby Elise Featured on the Indie Tot!

2011-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

My friends over at the Indie Tot will be featuring several projects over the next couple of months. If you remember Baby Elise from Fort Greene, you'll see her little, delicious face on their site today!

Central Park Family Portraits | The Chao Family

2011-10-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Central Park seems like a popular photo destination these past few months. No one can deny it's iconic nature, especially with delicious little faces like these! The Chao family was a ton of fun to shoot, especially the littlest ones! One trick I've learned photographing children is that a little snack goes a long way!