Ilene Squires Photography
After working together for Maudelyne & Edenson's wedding last year, Valerie contacted me about shooting her beaut, Julie - Theva, as she turned one this past November. The weather took a turn for the worst and it was too cold to go outside, so we shot the birthday girl in her Long Island home. The colder months here in the Northeast are really testing my lighting skills, but with a muse like Julie, who wouldn't feel inspired!?
As summer came to a close, I celebrated a year with Groupon clients in true hustler fashion. On one of the hottest, most humid days of the summer, I had back to back, albeit fun, Central Park children's shoots.
Sergio and Victoria's shoot may be one of the most memorable of all the Groupons, as we (me, Mom and Dad) worked overtime for a smile from Sergio, underscored by Victoria's funny little sayings. When we put her in the swing she said "Get me out of here! I feel like a stuffed little piggy!," and the buck didn't stop there. Oh, no! As we wrapped the shoot, Victoria was sure to redeem Mom and Dad's promise for an ice cream and when she proceeded to eat it, she looked and me and my camera and asked "Are we done yet? I need a little privacy!"
It is for small anecdotes like this, that shooting children is my absolute passion!
This is only the second time I have shot twins and there aren't enough props for parents of multiples! I could hardly keep up with Ian and Aidan in just the single hour we spent together at the West Harlem Pier Park. Needless to say, it is hard to imagine caring for two small children, under the age of two, simultaneously! When we finally got Ian ready for the camera, Aidan would run away {and vice versa} and it was this cycle of cat and mouse most the afternoon. Not to mention, we shot on the hottest day of the summer when the scales tipped 100'!
Looking over the images, it was hard to decide which ones made the cut. They were all so special and the boys were pros in front of the camera. Thank goodness for the few images we managed to capture of the boys together! By far, this was one of my favorite shoots ever. ENJOY!
I've shot many times at The High Line, but this shoot with little Jake & Lyla was some what magical. I was able to catch many of those little moments that I usually have to work very hard to stage with most kids. Jake & Lyla were completely darling and I can not wait to work with them, and Mom!, again.
After a month off the grid I am back and exited to share this summer family shoot in Battery Park City. My first shoot in Battery Park City and I discovered what an ideal spot it is for children and families. There is so much diversity in this area with a beautiful parkway along the Hudson to cobblestone, residential streets. Emma, a girl with an infectious laugh below, was entertaining for all of us and filled with smiles!
Anya and Chloe were referred by their godmother, a close Harlem friend of mine. I had never been to Far Rockaway before so this was a great reason to go! Chloe in those little angel wings is to-die-for! And... she couldn't ask for a better big sister in Anya; patient and graceful, this family is blessed with two of the prettiest Hello Kitty spokes-kids around!
