Thursday, October 27, 2016

52 Selfies Challenge!

Hello Ladies!


In my last Blog post I mentioned that things are changing here at the studio and I made the hard decision to no longer be the Bellies and babies photographer.  It really was a hard decision after specializing in it for the past 13plus years, but the time has come to make the change.


It's funny because I realized that in each "stage" of my life through the years I had a favorite store.  Yes, Store, that I would frequent.  What does this have to do with my business change now, well, I will get to that.  But when I was getting married it was ALL about finding THE wedding gown and THE invitations, and THE locations, THE photographer and THE caterer. After I got married my favorite store was Victoria's Secret.  When I had my son it became Carter's that I would frequent, when I bought my house it was Home Depot. Now I love TJ Maxx and Homegoods!  


You are probably still wondering what on earth this has to do with Bellies and babies.  Well I began my Bellies and babies business when I was pregnant with my daughter (and my son was 9 years old).  My life revolved around my pregnancy and children.  Specializing in pregnancy, babies and children's photography seemed perfect.  And, it was.  But now, my son is 22 (gasp!) and living on his own and my daughter is 13 (gasp again!).  Really? Where does the time go?!  And, I am "over" the baby stage both in my business and my personal life. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every family that I watched start their own families. I loved watching all these babies grow and change through their first year of life and beyond and the families expand.  But this year I had to make a hard decision to change or stay the same. I chose change.  So, now is time to move on in my business.   


But, I needed to figure out what to do.  After lots of thought I knew I still wanted to work with women (pregnancy portraits) but I wanted to expand too.  It seems only right with my daughter turning 13 that I begin there.  So, I have decided to focus on Women's Photography beginning with the tweens and teens all the way through to their grandmothers and all the women in between!  I started to do some research and I have discovered many things which we will discuss in future posts.  But the main thing that keeps coming back is that most women have an issue with Body Image!  I say most, because there are a few woman that don't, but the majority of woman have at least ONE THING (sadly sometime more than one) they don't like about their body.  What started out as the next step in my photography business has become a driving force of sorts.  Something much bigger than that. You might even call it a mission!  How far will it go?  I don't know.  But I want to be the change that helps women see themselves in a better light.  Show them that who they are right now is ENOUGH!

You ARE good ENOUGH just as you are today!


I want to kick this off with you and your friends and your daughters, moms, sisters, cousins, aunts, and nieces!  If you are interested in joining me on this journey to help empower all women, all ages, and feel better about who they are, please join my Private Facebook Group "52 Selfies with Photography by Nylora". Let's have some fun with this and let's spread the word! 


One more thing... I have an event that I started for a screening of "Embrace" (I talked about it a bit in my last post).  It will be on November 29 at Regal 10 in Concord.  You can find the invite here https://www.facebook.com/events/342230772795250/
I invite you to watch the trailer.  I saw the movie this past Monday night with my daughter and we both LOVED IT!  So much so that I immediately came home and signed up to host one here in Concord!   If you are a woman or know a woman you must see this movie!  You owe it to yourself.  We do need 60 reservations for them to have the screening actually happen.  When you reserve your ticket they will take your cc# but you will not be charged until we have the minimum of 60 tickets sold (which we have 20 more days to hit the goal!).  Please feel free to share this with your friends!  Better yet, make it a girls night out!  


#bethechange
#existinphotographs
#positivebodyimage
#embrace




See you soon!


Nylora :)


  

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

"Embrace"

Good Morning!


I have been MIA for a bit because I have some new things in the works.
As many of you know this year has brought many changes here at the studio.
After specializing in Bellies and babies for the past 13 + years I decided it was time for a change. While I am still offering pre-natal sessions I am no longer photographing babies and young children.  I have decided to focus on women's portraits exclusively.  This includes young women (tweens and teens) through the mature woman. 


One of the comments I hear most often when I am talking to women about having their own portraits taken is "I don't look good in pictures!" followed by "I need to lose 20 pounds first".  Seriously, I hear it all the time. But, why aren't we "enough"?  Why can't we be happy with who we are, AS we are now?!  Which brings me to this:


Last night I attended a screening of the movie "Embrace" (see the trailer below).  I first heard that the movie was coming to Hooksett about a month ago and I immediately got a ticket for both me and my daughter.  As soon as I watched the trailer there was no question in my mind that we would be attending.  THIS is the message I want to share, THIS movie says it all.  Any woman that has ever had body shaming issues needs to see this!   I was NOT disappointed and (I can safely say now) neither was my daughter.  Each woman in the movie told a story and every woman made great points that hit home.  The best part was, it opened a dialog for my daughter and I, and we had a great talk on the way home from the show, that SHE started!  It was great!


Here we are waiting for the show to start and Syd being Syd!  <3  Girls night!






I went to bed thinking about this movie and woke up this morning thinking about it.  I had to learn more!  So, I went to the to see how I can bring this movie to Concord so that even more women can see it. 


Here is the overview taken from the website:  "When Body Image Activist Taryn Brumfitt posted an unconventional before-and-after photo in 2013 it was seen by more than 100 million people worldwide and sparked an international media frenzy. EMBRACE follows Taryn’s crusade as she explores the global issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies."


You can see the trailer here:


https://bodyimagemovement.com/embrace/


To say that this was eye opening, and inspiring, and empowering would be an understatement!  It needs to be seen by as many woman as possible.  Here is where we come in!  


I have scheduled a showing at the Regal Theatre on Loudon Rd in Concord on Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 pm.  We must have at least 60 tickets sold for them to do the show!  What I need You to do is follow this link below and reserve your tickets so we get a count.  Once the film is "tipped" (we get the 60 tickets sold) you will be charged for the ticket(s) but not until we have the confirmation that it is a GO!  


Yes!  I believe so strongly in the film that I don't want to wait to share it and have scheduled it during the studio's busiest season!  So, let's get the word out!   I will start a page on Facebook where you can share it with your friends to get the word out but in the meantime you can follow the link below so you can check it out and share it with friends now!  It would be a great girls night out or bring your moms and your daughters! 


Check it out here!


http://gathr.us/screening/18513


Let's make this happen!  


Nylora  :)

Thursday, August 11, 2016

When you dream you are a dancer....



When you are little you have dreams of what you will be when you grow up.




Some dream of being a doctor, or a hairdresser, or a mommy, some want to be a princess and some want to be a dancer.   Although Alyssa is living her dream of being a princess (that is a story for another day) she is also an amazing ballet dancer.  All through college she has danced and she continues to take classes with the Boston Ballet when she can to keep up with her technique.


Alyssa came in and allowed me to create some beautiful images of her in her happy place as a dancer.  I wanted to share some of those images with you below.   




Please enjoy the following images. 









The pleasure I get working with another artist is incredible.  When two of us can collaborate and come up with something this amazing reminds me of why I do what I do.  This is so much more than taking pretty pictures.  It is an expression of creativity and art and something I strive for in all that I do. 

If you would like your own Artistic Heirloom Dance Portrait for your wall please contact us for more information or an appointment. We are scheduling them now. 


In Light, Love, (and Dance),

Nylora :)



 







Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Looking for the next Miss Heights and MORE!

Want something FUN to do this Saturday?  Well YOU are cordially invited to join us for the
4th Annual HEIGHTS Community OLD HOME DAY!



2016 Junior Miss Heights Winner


Photography by Nylora is Proud to be sponsoring the annual Heights Pageant!
The winner in each age category will Win a Portrait Session from Photography by Nylora
(valued at over $100 each!) Any girls aged 2-16 from Concord are eligible to enter!  The winners will also get a crown, a sash and get to ride in the Concord Heights Christmas Parade in November!   
This is going to be a fun event!



But, they need to know you will be there!   So be sure to sign up this week (details below)!
Free to enter! Be sure to wear your favorite party dress and prepare to answer a couple questions!
                   
1) Register for the MISS HEIGHTS TALENT SHOW.
Ages;
HEIGHTS PRINCESS ages 2-6,
MISS JUNIOR HEIGHTS ages 7-11,
... MISS HEIGHTS ages 12- 16.


ALSO....

2) Register for BEST MADE DESSERT CONTEST!  Do people Always tell you that you make the BEST Deserts?!  Well, Lets see what you got!  You might win a great Prize! 

3) Add your PHOTOS to the Heights History Montage exhibit.


4) Games for the kids!

And MORE!

Live MUSIC with 3 BANDS. Relax in your lawn chair, have a bite to eat! Kids can have their Faces Painted, play field games, watch the shows, MISS HEIGHTS TALENT SHOW,1920's dress up/fashion show. Check out all the pictures of Heights History in the Photo Montages, Relay Race for adult Burglars and kids Superhereos! SENIOR CANE AWARD, Best Made DESSERT Awards, and more. Fun for all ages, many awards and prizes!
RELAX to the MUSIC, The KIDS have the WHOLE FIELD TO PLAY IN! 

 * PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR.
CONTACT, DonnaRobie@comcast.net, Christina.marden@gmail.com, or Rachel marden@yahoo.com

Hope to see you there!

In light and love,

Nylora :)

Friday, August 5, 2016

International Print Competition 2016

Good Morning Everyone!  (or Afternoon depending on when you are reading this!)  :)


Yesterday wrapped up the 2016 PPA International Print Competition!   This is compared to the Olympics for Photographers each year!   This year they had over 6000 entries from all over the world! Judging started Sunday night and ended a little after noon Thursday! 


I am excited to finally be able to share with you the 4 portraits that I entered this year!  Because of Facebook and all the other social media outlets when you decide to enter print competition you must keep your images "under wraps" until after the competition is over.  This means that sometimes it can be close to a year before we can share our favorite images if they are being entered in the state, regional and international competitions!  If a judge knows who the image belongs to they must disqualify themselves from judging the image!   As a entrant you want to have as many judges judge your work to get the best shot at scoring higher!


So here are my four entries for this years international competition and a little bit about each of them.


"A Vintage Elegance"


This one I have had WELL over a year and it was a killer not to share it! In the session that this portrait was taken I also made another (completely different) set of images.  They were intended to be used for competition (and were) and this one was not.  However, I loved what we created with this portrait.  It felt artistic and creative and stylish and light and I truly loved everything about this! As much as I wanted to send it in to the competition I could not because there is a rule that you cannot use the same subject in two images or they will be disqualified! So I had to choose and I had put a ton of time into the other image so I decided to keep this one on the back burner for another year and use the other image of her instead. It paid off both years!  So here it finally is in all its glory!  I still love it!   I will have a post about how I made this one later on!  (Thank you to my good friend Joanne for gifting me this gorgeous vintage gown! It is yummy!)  
"A Debutante's Elegance"


This is another image that has been simmering on my hard drive for months!  This is another one that I got two totally different looks from her session.  This was from the portrait part of the session, the other images I took were for a conceptual piece (you may recognize her from the "Living the Highlife" image of the girl sitting on the giraffe). So again, I had to choose which image to enter last year (the giraffe won out) and hold onto this one for this year!  As hard as it is for me to do that it usually pays off!   She did her hair and makeup for this one brought the top and then I had the large tutu that I had made sitting on one of my mannequins so I grabbed that and used it for this image!   I love the way this came out and she is gorgeous!


"He will always be close to my heart"


This young lady had modeled for me before (she was the girl on top of the bed in my "Princess and the Pea" piece).
I photographed her the first time by chance because I had a girl cancel at the last minute and she was my neighbor, so I called her to see if she could come over!  She is not a model, but she is great to work with.  I have a collection of vintage clothing/gowns that I pull from on occasion and this was one of those times.   Then, I took a piece of tulle to drape around her.  She did her own makeup and I teased her hair and pinned it up into a low side bun.  We created this image which the minute I took I knew it was "the one".






"Luca"


This one was taken LAST summer.  I have been holding on to this one for a long time knowing that I would probably
enter it in at least one competition this year.  This one was hard for me to hold onto.  Luca was visiting friends from Germany and came to my studio for an artistic portrait session.  As you can see she was amazing to work with and we
had many incredible images to choose from.  But this was one of my personal favorites!  Her outfit was something I literally pulled together while she had her makeup done.  It is simply a few yards of tulle that I wrapped around her to look like a gown.  Then I took another bunch and pinned it to her head with bobby pins!







I hope you enjoyed all of the images as much as I enjoyed creating them!   Have a great weekend!

In Love and Light,

Nylora :)   




















Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Are YOU an Original?

Aren't was all in some way or another?!  I know I am am!
BUT, I am looking for Girls that have a style all their own!
Do you think you have what it takes? 







Are you always complimented on your outfits?
Do you have a cool hairstyle or color?
Are you good at piecing clothing together that isn't "traditional"?
Do you consider yourself creative?
What makes you YOU!   We want to know!


We are looking for a one of a kind girl!
If you are between the ages of 9 and 19 we want you to contact us
(with parents permission of course)!


Send me your favorite selfie and a paragraph about yourself and tell me what makes you an Original!  Be Creative when describing yourself!  I am looking to have some REAL fun in a portrait session!  Do you think you have what it takes?!


If you are chosen you will be featured on my Instagram, Facebook, and here on my Blog as well as my new marketing material!  You will have FULL Bragging rights!  :D


So please send:
Your Name
Your Age
Your Favorite Selfie
and a brief write up on what makes YOU an original no later than Friday, July 29 to me at:
nylora@photographybynylora.com to be considered!


Remember to be Creative!


We will be choosing a winner on Sunday, July 31st (because that is my birthday and I want to give something away and have some fun!)




GOOD LUCK!


In Light and Love,


Nylora






Friday, July 15, 2016

No more Boring headshots!

Who says your business headshots have to be boring?! 




Not me!  What SHOULD they be? The should be Modern, Fresh, Stylish, they should tell people who you are in a single glance and they should be UPDATED!




When is a good time to update them?  You should have an updated if you get a new hairstyle or color, start a new job, or haven't had them done in over a year! If you have a business headshot that looks like it is from the 90s it is TIME!




Summer is a great time to get them updated!  You have that sunkissed hair and skin, you are feeling great and chances are, if you are feeling great you are looking great too!




Meet Lynne.




Lynne contacted me for an updated headshot.  She explained it had been years since she had one made and is starting work as a realtor at a new company.  She also told me (like many people do) that she is not photogenic!  So the challenge was on!  :)  We scheduled her appointment with my hair and makeup artist Ashley Azotea (who never disappoints - Thank you Ashley!) and her appointment with me immediately following.   When Lynne arrived for her shoot she looked fantastic and it completely matched her personality!  Below are just a few of the beautiful updated images we got during the session.  She chose a nice variety that she will be able to use for business cards, newspaper announcements and the website.













We had a great time and conversation. She is a extremely friendly and personable with an easy smile and a real sparkle.


I received this thoughtful note from her shortly after her portrait session "Thank you again, really I can't thank you enough..... I still can't believe that's me in the picture!" :)  Thank YOU Lynne!  It was truly MY pleasure!


If you are in the market to buy or sell a house anywhere from Manchester north I highly recommend contacting Lynne Rowe!  You can find her at Keller Williams Lakes and Mountains Realty in Meredith NH and sell Real Estate.


Best of Luck Lynne at your new location!  I am sure you will be very successful there!


In Light and Love,


Nylora
www.PhotographyByNylora.com









Monday, July 11, 2016

Nylora-Joy Fine Art Portraits - The Animal Series

As some of you know, in the past few years I have been bringing more fine art to my business.


Not only in my regular portrait sessions but creating some composition pieces to my work as well.  This keep my mind and creativity busy.  Most of the images I have created to this point are ideas that I have come up with either in dreams (yes, I keep a small pad of paper next to my bed) or while in the shower (yes, I also keep washable markers to write my ideas on the wall of the tub!).  Those are the 2 most common places that I come up with my best ideas!  :)


I have been posting some of my newest work on IG (please follow me there @NyloraJoy). This past week I made the conscious decision for to enter the International Print Competition (IPC) in the Master Artist category.  I have done extremely well in that competition. In fact, I earned my Master Artist Degree at last years competition and received it this past January in Atlanta.


This was a BIG deal.  As I am the FIRST (and only) Master Artist in NH and only the second to hold this degree in all of New England! So, when I say a BIG deal it really is. 


What I love about creating composite images is that I can make the story down to the littlest of details because each part of the image I have had to photograph it, light it and piece it together to make it look like it really happened that way!  I have been enjoying working in a series of images instead of just a single image and moving on.  This means that I have multiple art pieces with a theme. 


The one I have been working on for the past 2 years is my Animal Series.   Although my family is a huge supporter of my art and helps very often in building my sets or hauling props through the woods to make my vision become reality, this series has been fun because we have been able to visit zoos together to get the base of my images - The Animals!


While it started out as "portraits" of the animals I felt something was missing and, being a portrait artist of people, it seemed only right that I include people in the animal portraits! That is how this series began.


I hope you enjoy these.  I am hoping to have add a few more pieces in the coming months.  Please leave me some love if you like them and feel free to share them out with your friends!  If there is an animal you would like to see let me know, it may be the next one I use! 
"The Ice Princess"


"Living the Highlife"
"Livin' Large!"

I will share more soon in the coming months!


In Love and Light,


Nylora

Friday, July 8, 2016

2017 Senior Sessions and more!

I hope you are all having a great week!  It has DEFITELY felt like summer with the weather in the 90's!  FINALLY!


I have been posting both new and old portraits this week, I hope you have been seeing them on Facebook and Instagram!  If you haven't my
Facebook Page is:   https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByNylora/?fref=ts
and you can find me on Intagram at: @NyloraJoy




We are currently still scheduling "Where are They Now" portraits (for my past clients).  To get the Introductory pricing you need to schedule them This Month!  We will continue to offer them in the future (because I am having so much fun doing them and seeing everyone) but they will not be at these prices.  If you haven't heard, in keeping with the theme we are honoring our 2006 pricing!  So let me know if you want an appointment and get in the book before those sessions are over!






We are also booking Senior Sessions Now! 
Be sure to check out our Website at www.PhotographyByNylora.com  I have added some Senior Portraits from past years under the Tweens and Teens Gallery.  I am happy to meet with you to talk about your ideas for your session to create something just for you!   The more creative the better!  Let's Talk!






Hair and Makeup
We work with a couple terrific hair and makeup artists in the area.   If you want the Complete Package for any portrait session just let me know at the time of your booking and we will coordinate that appointment for you for an additional fee.


I have enjoyed talking with new new clients this week and answering questions (and making appointments!) Modeling, Portraits, Fine Art and Senior Portraits! I love hearing from you all!   If you would like to set up a time to talk please email me at nylora@photographybynlora.com


Enjoy your weekend!   Think of me if you go to the beach as I will be painting and hanging backsplash - our Kitchen is ALMOST done!   :)


In Light and Love,


Nylora

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Happy July!

I hope you had a great Fourth of July and were able to celebrate with friends and family, beautiful
weather, and see some Fireworks this past weekend!  We had some work time, some down time, time with family, swimming, great food (like S'mores!) and, well... Life is Good!


This may have been the first time ever that I left my "real" camera at home for the local fireworks here in Concord to just focus on my family.  But, what can I say?  It is in me so I had to grab my cell phone to grab a couple photographs to remember 4th of July 2016!  We packed up the truck with chairs, and blankets, and snacks (and an extra kid!) and off we went to Memorial Field!


Making Rhubarb Syrup for some yummy tea!  If you are interested in the recipe - It is SUPER easy check below!

Nothing like a rousing game of 4 square waiting for the show to begin!

Steve and Syd waiting for dinner!  (Steve was feeling very festive!) lol




Taking a break for some treats from Miss Polly's Traveling Treats!


 
On our way to Nana and Papa's pool to cool off.  I really wasn't as stressed out as I look! 
These girls are a blast!

Me and my Love! Finally a minute alone!  :)


Lighting up their sparklers during the show!

Well there you have it.  Our weekend in a nutshell!  I hope you all had a great time too!  Life is too short not to enjoy all the special moments and make lasting memories!   I hope you were able to do both!

Rhubarb Syrup Recipe

2 lbs Rhubarb
1 quart of water
1 1/2 cups of sugar

Chop Rhubarb and boil in water for 20 minutes (I usually just made sure the rhubarb is mostly covered in water)
Strain well (I strained once with the regular strainer and once through cheesecloth)
Add the sugar and return to the stove to simmer until all the sugar is dissolved.
Let cool and store in jars.  Enjoy on a hot day!  So refreshing!



 



In Love and Light!

Nylora :)


 




















Friday, July 1, 2016

What is more All American than Baseball?

Baseball, Boys and Freckles!


Who knew who this little guy would be doing now 7 1/2 years ago? 


Back then he was was barely standing on his own and learning to walk.  Now he can run, and catch, and hit and throw... and help his team win the AA Championship for his town this year!   Since this only happened about 2 weeks ago he was still pretty excited about it when he came in for his portrait session.  So, of course we had to include some images of him in his baseball uniform!  



(This was James at his 9 month session.)


But this is James today!  Just look how he has grown and changed... and become an amazing baseball player! 



We all know how quickly they grow in the first year! And, even though they things slow down the older they get and you don't see the changes quite so quickly as month to month, there are many changes year to year.  

While I am a believer in having school "pictures" each year to record the year to year changes (and to share with the grandparents).  I think it is equally important to have a true professional "portrait"
made every 1-2 years. 

A Picture is describes as "a painting, drawing, or photograph of someone or something"

Portrait (or portraiture) is described as
"Photography of a person or group of people that displays the expression, personality, and mood of the subject. Like other types of portraiture, the focus of the photograph is usually the person's face, although the entire body and the background or context may be included".

Let me add that to me a beautiful portrait captures not only the physical changes but also the personality and expression (as stated above) of your child at that age for years to come.  


Even though James' expression here is thoughtful I feel it is a great expression of one side of him.  While the image below with his sisters expresses a different side of him when he is with them! 



I personally love them both but as you can see they are both really different.  He is a really fun kid full of a personality and spunk and I think we totally captured him!
 

To see more check out my website at:  www.PhotographyByNylora.com
Follow me on Instagram at: @nylorajoy

In Light and Love,

Nylora



 




Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Dimples and a Sparkle too!

One of the things that I love most about Anna are her beautiful Dimples!


Even when she isn't smiling she has them!  It's been several years since I last photographed Anna (10 to be exact!) but I was so happy when her mom called to make an appointment for our "Where are they Now" project!  Photographing tweens is quickly becoming my favorite things to do!  It is a time when they are becoming young adults with amazing personalities, opinions, and vision.


The maturity that Anna at her age is fascinating to me.  She was well composed, well spoken and a true joy to have a conversation with.


She came with a couple of outfits for her session and I loved them both!  Pink is Definitely her color it brings out her beautiful complexion and coloring!


I was thrilled when they brought one of their favorite portraits right off the wall to be included in her current portrait, a portrait that I created of her when she was only a year old!  THIS is a really fun part of the newest project I am working on! Of course, it's giving me a change to see how the little babies (I photographed years ago) are changing into these young adults.  But, it is also reminding me once again how quickly that happens. 






On a day to day basis when we are with our children every day you don't see the changes.  It is only when we really slow down and take the time to really LOOK at them and watch them that you see it.  Sometimes it takes a few years to truly see it (especially when you have more than one child).  As parents, we all KNOW how crazy busy life can be.  Not only is it important to take the time to really look at them and enjoy them, but, it is almost s important to capture them in something more than just a snapshot at each stage so that you remember that time! I truly believe we did this here!


In fact, while her mom was looking though the images during the image presentation, she was deciding between 2 similar images and her comment when she decided was "I can take a snapshot at home but these show her personality!" I love that she saw it and that we captured it for her!









Next to the awesome dimples check out the sparkle in her eyes!  She is definitely becoming a beautiful young woman.










I got this lovely note from her mom shortly after the session : "I am blown away by those pictures. You are a true artist. We will make an effort to get there more than once every 8 years!! I am promising myself. The kids had a wonderful time and the images are simply beautiful"


Knowing that I can create something special for families to have of their children as they are reaching adulthood makes me happy! And, it is no less important than the sessions we do of the younger children!


I am truly looking forward to seeing Anna in another couple years to see the next change.  :)


In Light and Love,


Nylora  :)


www.PhotographyByNylora.com











  

Friday, June 24, 2016

What is the difference between 6 months and 9 years old?

ohhh..... maybe just a few freckles!


As we all know there are many physical changes that occur through the years as babies change to toddlers and turn into children. But, I find it intriguing when a child comes in for a session years after their baby session and has the same personality!  Eliza was no exception!


From her newborn session through the first year she was a very serious little girl.  We had to work REALLY hard to get a smile out of her.  As her mom and I were reminiscing about that first year she even mentioned how she was worried when Eliza wasn't smiling at 6 months old.  In our baby plan the 3-4 month session is what we called our "expression session" because for the most part this is really when you can get those BIG toothless smiles and giggles. But not Eliza.  :)


This baby portrait was taken during her 6 month session and this was maybe the biggest smile I could get from her. I thought it was great! This was her then.


This was Eliza this week for her 9 year "Where are they Now" portrait session This is her now...



She is a stunning 9 year old with big brown eyes and tons of beautiful freckles!  She is a great conversationalist and is very mature (she is the oldest of 3).  And, even without a big smile you can see that she sparkles!


She is real, and confident, and she is beautiful. This is 9.  Let's Celebrate our Girls!


"It won't be like this for long.  One day soon that little girl is gonna be all grown up and gone.
Yeah, this phase is gonna Fly by."
-Darius Rucker


In Love and Light,


Nylora :)


www.Photographybynylora.com










Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Look who we found!

The last time that I photographed Tommy he was an adorable One Year Old! 
He was blowing "raspberries" and drooling, rock'n little hats and learning to walk!


Now a days you will find him dribbling... a soccer ball and running to the goal! He is definitely not a baby any longer - but he is definitely STILL REALLY cute!


Tommy is one of our "Where are they Now" participants.  When his mom contacted me to be involved in this project I was thrilled!  He was one of our baby planners and I got to see him every 4 months his first year of life!  They change so much in that first year!  But the changes he has made in the past 9 YEARS was pretty fun to see as well!   


They brought one of their favorite portraits from his last session we did so that we could really see him "Then and Now"!  I Love this so much! It is safe to say that I would definitely not recognize him if I had seen him on the soccer field! 



In talking with him and his mom before the actual portrait session began I learned a bit more about Tommy and who he is now.  It seemed only natural after finding out his love of soccer that he wear his soccer clothes and bring his ball for this session!  At this young age he is very passionate about soccer, he is kind of a serious kid, he has some one liners that make you crack up, but he is dry and he is a COOL kid!  (keep in mind, he is not a model, but holy cow! He could be!)  :)









My goal for this session was to show who this boy is in his images.  I think it is safe to say we did just that in these images!   His mom loved ALL of them because this is how she sees him on a daily basis. But, I can also say that when she looks back on them 9 more years from now, or 20 years from now, and that THIS is who he was at this time and that she will treasure them forever! We think we will remember all the little details of our children.  The truth is (and I can say this as a mom) many of them we will remember, but there are some things that we wont. But if we have photographs of those things it will jog our memory 20 years from now and we will smile  remembering once again.


I can't wait to see what the next few years bring for him and his goals and hope that I will be able to capture it once again as part of his childhood story! 

If you want to have special timeless portraits created of your own children and/or tweens please contact me I would love to create something original for you too!

In Light and Love,

Nylora




Tuesday, June 14, 2016

She is Strong, an Entrepreneur and a Natural Beauty.

Our paths seem to keep crossing.


This time was very deliberate when she contacted me for a portrait session. She was looking for some very specific portraits with a goal in mind.


"She" is Jen Middlemiss, founder of  The NH Mama and Baby Expo -connecting families to products services and education that promote healthy pregnancy birth and parenting. This was where I met her the first time.  But she is also the mother of 5 boys, a doula, childbirth educator, yoga teacher, works as a student mid-wife and is about to compete in the Mrs. NH Pageant!


And, she is Ah-mazing and is one of those women that make it seem effortless and truly loves what she does and it shows!






Jen was in need of a new headshot for her website and social media and also a portrait she could use for the pageant, and that is when she contacted me. The first thing I noticed about Jen is her gorgeous blue eyes that sparkle when she talks about her family and all the things she is involved in so I knew we had to accentuate them in her portrait.  
She brought a few different options for outfits including her evening gown (from Bravo Boutique in Concord) but that will remain a secret until after the pageant. I will tell you it is perfect for her! 






If you are interested in learning more about the Expo you can visit the website here: www.nhmamababyexpo.com


Best Wishes Jen at the Mrs. New Hampshire Pageant next month!  I cant wait to hear all about it! 


In Love and Light,


Nylora


www.PhotographyByNylora.com

Monday, June 6, 2016

Do YOU remember middle school?

With my own daughter about to turn 13 next week I have been thinking about all the things that she might think about on a daily basis.


-Homework
-Grades
-Keeping the teachers happy
-getting to classes on time
-Softball Practice
-Softball Games
-Keeping the coaches happy
-School Dances
-Chores
-What to wear
-How to do your hair
-Which shoes to wear
-Friends


FRIENDS!  OH Yes!  FRIENDS!
Who is friends with who?  Who are the besties? Snapchats, Selfies, Instagram, Musical.ly, sleepovers...  They wonder if they fit in, are they in the "in" crowd?


Friends mold us, make us who we are.
Where mom, dad and siblings used to be the most important part of their life, now friends are playing a larger part of their life!  You will find them talking on the phone or texting them ALL the time, "hanging out" together more often, and sharing their secrets with. 


Friends define their social status.  As much as we hate to say it teens are "cliquey".  There is more to it now than just the Jets and the Sharks (West Side Story).   You have the jocks, brains, burnouts, nerds, rejects, kiss-ups... well you get the idea.


They are just starting to discover who they are and they are leaning on their friends to help them do that. Although this can be a very hard and trying time for some, they are finding their "wings" so to speak, and it is up to us to do what we can to continue to build them up and give them confidence, and strength into adulthood.


In middle school they are finding the people that they have the most things in common with and the people they want to spend time with.  Unlike when they were younger and "bounced" from friend to friend in the classroom.  Let's face it, at this age these Friends are their EVERYTHING! These are the friends they will now have throughout Senior year (and maybe beyond).  I wish I had a group photo of me and my besties to look back on from Jr. high! But, alas, you cannot go back.


This is a great age for a Modern Beauty "Best Friend Photoshoot"! Let us create a fun session that is TOTALLY made for them that will allow them to be themselves, give them a fantastic experience and A portrait that they will treasure for years to come!  Contact me for a questionnaire for each of the Friends to fill out together so that we can give them a portrait they will treasure for a lifetime!


This is a shot of my daughter's "squad" from a dance they went to...






This is one that we did in the studio the other day in the studio!   The girls loved it!  But we are looking to come up with some fun ideas for more shoots this summer!



Do you have your own "squad"?  Got some fun ideas of your own! Need a fun idea for a birthday?  Contact us today!  Let's come up with something that encompasses who they are at this fabulous time in their lives!





Visit our website at:  www.PhotographyByNylora.com
Follow us on Instagram at: NyloraJoy
Follow me on SnapChat at: NyloraJoy




In Light and love,


Nylora  








Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Do you Pinterest?

Happy Hump Day!


I have been working on updating my website and Pinterest Pages and thought this would be fun to chat about.


How many of you Pinterest?  I have for a while and actually have found a lot of useful tips and tricks as well as ideas for different rooms (camera room, powder/laundry room) as we remodeled from the "Flood of 2014" and most recently the kitchen remodel.   I also LOVE it for when I really don't have a clue what to make for dinner.  I always find something delicious to make.


But did you know that we use Pinterest here in the studio as well?  We have pages with some of our work on it for both the Modern Beauty Portraits and Nylora Joy Fine Art pages (see the links below).  I have also used it as a guide for special events we hold here when our guests are stumped on what to wear for a session!   This is a great place to start! 


Let me know how YOU Pinterest! 


You can follow me here   https://www.pinterest.com/nylora2/  (I really have some great recipes pinned) And, I will follow you back!


You can also check out the following direct links below to find my business pages (Feel free to Pin them! - We love that!)...
 
Modern Beauty Portraits - https://www.pinterest.com/nylora2/modern-beauty-photography-by-nylora/ 








Nylora-Joy Fine Art - https://www.pinterest.com/nylora2/nylora-joy-fine-art/






Please let me know if you have an idea for your own incredible portrait! 
You can always email me at nylora@photographyByNylora.com - I would love to collaborate with you to create something amazing! 


In Light and Love,


Nylora