When I got the call that Michael our neighbors and good friends’ son was getting married and was engaged I was ecstatic. I also was just as excited to hear they decided to have us do their engagement photos! 

Michael joined the Air Force last year and we were able to attend his going away party, where we also met Sarah his beautiful girl friend at the time. It’s always nice to see a boy that we have seen growing up become this young man that makes his parents proud. Charles and I have seen Michael as a child growing up and now were so excited to capture his next steps in life... Sarah and Michael's love story has just begun. They are next stationed in Hawaii and their wedding is in July 2017. Thank you Michael for having us capture your love with Sarah and serving our beautiful country!

 I photographed their engagement session in Troy NY around our home town, enjoying the farms, rolling hills , wildflowers and setting sun. I hope you love the photos as much as we do!

The dress was from Blush Fashion and the rest was a day of creating some unique images.

Hope you like the results as much as we did!!

"Let's take our heart for a walk in the woods and listen to the magic whispers of old trees" unknown

Catseye: https://www.facebook.com/catseyepestcontrol/timeline

Venue: Overit

Catering: Mazzone's Hospitality

DJ: Nonstopmusic

“We reconnected after college via Facebook. Ryan was doing research on the migratory patterns of shorebirds in South Dakota/Nebraska. Facebook messages turned to phone calls then turned to Skype dates. After 3 months when his research was over he drove all the way back to NY to take me on a date and we've been inseparable ever since!” They chose the land because it was Ryan’s uncle propriety, his uncle passed away with cancer last year, he has so many fond memories of the place, we toured the barn looking at old equipment and you could just feel the history and work that was done there. Charles and I loved reminiscing as well as shooting there. It was perfect. The hills so picturesque, the barn with the light shining through made it magical. Bridget and Ryan added to beautiful scenery. We hope you enjoy their photos as much as we do!!

"In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.”
– Rumi

Charles and I had an opportunity to photograph this wonderful family in Berne NY that raise goats. They have two handsome sons that adore their farm.

Emily and Matt moved to their home knowing they wanted a farm of some kind. The property had no pastures or barns. In May of 2014, Matt and I went to a sale and bought two goats to surprise the kids with. It was spur of the moment kind of thing, we left with 2 bottle fed goats. “We didn't have anything ready or any former experience. It must have been a calling, because that same day our friend Dan called and asked us if we wanted a lamb? The ewe rejected him, so now we were bottle feeding three! He became Clyde, our main ram. From that day, we haven't looked back. We now have two pastures and built two barns and will be adding a third pasture this year.”

Emily states that “Sometimes assisting or just watching the newborns come into this world, brings such joy. This year we are expecting our first lambs March 9th! Ten ewes are pregnant. Some first time mothers, some veterans.

The name of our Farm is G.A.M.E Farm Kids, my husband came up with the name, its perfect. “ It's our names, including our son's names-

G-Gus

A-Abe

M-Matt

E-Emily.

They wanted the farm to teach the boys responsibility, and Emily is a animal lover.” But we also wanted to raise what we eat. And the kids are all involved with all processes. They understand that some of the lambs serve another purpose than a pet. They help out mostly with the feeding or playing. Pasture lamb, is what we decided was going to be our thing. We sell it by the whole or half. Everything is fresh custom cut and cryo-vacced packaged to an individual’s liking.”

“Also, we know exactly what they are eating which in turn you know what you are ingesting. It makes a difference in the flavor.

We have two turkeys that are here to stay. Nellie was spared on thanksgiving of 2014, and she now has a partner in crime to keep her company.  Our Chickens we raised from day old chicks, they provide us with fresh eggs daily. Coupled with the guinea hens they eat bugs and ticks. And the guinea hens are some of the best guard animals; they let out quite the yell when people pull in the driveway.”

“In May of 2015, we acquired a barn cat Clarence. He is currently living in my basement I can't fathom him spending nights outside in the cold. He has become quite the charmer.

Without farms we wouldn't have food. Farming is not easy, and not always fun. But something inside makes me wake up early to go out and feed and check on everyone. I never want our farm to become so big that I can't remember a ewes name and she turns into a number. I care about every single animal on this farm. I have spent countless amounts of money and sleepless nights on a goat that broke her leg, and or a sick animal, I Slept in the barn and on occasion solved all the world's problems while bottle feeding lambs. Animals give us so much more than being just a pet or profit they are part of our existence. “

A Slyer Image spent an incredible morning visiting the Farm, the children showed us their favorites and the barns and of course their dogs, cats and wonderful home. Personal projects are the best we get to meet awesome families and tell their amazing journeys’ of life.  We hope you get a feel of their farm and enjoy our journalist approach of their farm and home.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which has been planted.

Ecclesiastics 3:1-2

Until we meet again...

Venue: Troy Country Club, Troy NY

Flowers: Michele Floral Designs

Hair: Lauren France  at Jean Paul Salon

 Make-Up Artistry: Erica Sherman at Jean Paul Salon

Band/DJ: Michael Napoli

You are every reason, every hope and every dream I've ever had ― Nicholas Sparks

Two weeks prior to the wedding we took a ride to their home by the lake in Hague NY. Hague, once known as Rochester, is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, and situated on the northern shore of Lake George. Their home with amazing views of the mountains and lake made for the perfect setting in every way!

When John and Elyse met they both knew right away that this was the ONE! John explained that after they met they had a romantic evening and lit paper lanterns over the lake, as they moved slowly over them and floated together into the night sky it was a sure sign it was meant to be.

"You're my shooting star because everything I've ever wished for is everything you are."

- Author Unknown

The wedding was held on Silver Bay, the chapel reminiscent of something out of a fairy tale, stone walls set on a little hill and a winding paved walkway- truly a romantic setting! Elyse and John both have very tight knit families; they made sure to include family and friends in the celebration. They’re entrance into the boat house reception was “we are family”. Everyone quickly joined them on the dance floor; it was truly an amazing way to become one big family!

I think Elyse sums up the day the best-

“On the perfect, summer's day that I shared with the perfect group of people I married my perfect "Match", and had the perfect wedding.”

Venue: Silver Bay YMCA

Make-up Artistry: Erin Ford 

Hair: Elizabeth King

Flowers: Binleys

Band: The Projekt

It was quite the party!

Their day was perfect, everyone was calm, excited and so gracious- just magical! There are so many favorites in this group of photographs; we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Young danced to the song “It’s a Wonderful World” with his mom, I could not agree more! Love and gratitude was so apparent in that room. Charles and I are fortunate that we were part of their special day!

To love is to recognize yourself in another. – Eckhart Tolle

사랑한다는 건 다른 사람 속에서 너 자신을 인식 하는 것.

Venue: IACC Treviso by Mallozzi's

Wedding/Event Coordinator: Jennifer Henley

Freelance Makeup Artist: Veronica Nunes

DJ: JAM Productions Entertainment 

Florists: Danker Florist

In Love with this photo..... so beautiful!

one last one....

Venue: Revolutionary Hall/ Brown's Brewing

DJ: DJ Chris Johnston

"If I could walk around, I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me"

How perfect by Katelyn's Christening dress!

"I know they say, you can't go home again
Well, I just had to come back one last time!"

Just Magical...

"When it's wet, rainy and cold and you gotta squeeze in a short run what do you do? You get off your ass and you get out there! And you crush an 8:31 pace...think I'm officially a member of team No Excuses! woot woot!"

“all girls are beautiful in their own way” 

― Marilyn Monroe

The first time we met Chelsie we fell in love with her care free spirit and her love for Knucklepuck. We first photographed them both in the late spring, it was one of our favorite shoot. The love and care we saw with them was amazing! It was the perfect Saturday, the snow was falling and we felt so lucky to get a chance to share her story, but also take some beautiful photographs of her and this powerful creature. This is their story.....

"Give a horse what he needs and he will give you his heart in return."

"During the summer of 2013, being only 17 years old, I spent months traveling hours upon hours searching for the perfect horse. My dream horse has always been a Paint but on my search, color didn't exactly matter. It had to be safe along with healthy and in my budget since I was paying for him all on my own.

Finally in August of 2013, I thought I found the perfect horse. He was a Palomino gelding that was sold right from underneath me. I immediately called my boyfriend balling my eyes out because I thought he was the "one". The same exact day the Palomino sold, only 15 minutes from my house I found a Paint that I went to look at right away. He was a 12 year old, registered American Paint Quarter Horse gelding named Knucklepuck. It was love at first sight. I immediately put a down payment on him without asking my knowledgeable family and friends for their opinions. Within a week, on August 29, 2013 I was brining my best friend home to meet his new herd. Three days after I brought Knucklepuck home, I brought him to our local fair for a Gymkhana. My parents along with my boyfriend thought I was nuts because I didn’t know him yet, but my gut feeling just knew that everything was going to be okay.

Ever since this gelding has came into my life, he has taught me so much about myself along with the responsibility that comes with owning a horse. Together, with the support of so many people we have overcame the challenges that have faced us along the way. Together, we succeed at whatever it is that we do whether it is barrel racing, sorting cows, cattle driving, trail riding or gymkhanas. Together we win as one, and we grow as one. It is truly unbelievable how a human and a horse can bond so closely."

This was our first shoot with Chelsie & Knucklepuck- one of my favorite photo! So much trust-

"Tie my bones to the saddle and turn our faces to the west

And we’ll ride the prairie we love best"

Just of few from the year 2014!

Thank you for a great year! Much Love!

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” 

― Dr. Seuss 

We were so excited when Lisa contacted us to take some lifestyle photos. Being a fan of Troy NY and its architectural styles , little shops, cafes and beautiful old buildings- why not take them there! The forecast called for rain and we were so fortunate to have about an hour or so with out it- but the wind was blowing! Even though the weather was an obstacle in real life we don't always have the perfect situation-

I am so thankful to all the shops in Troy that help us on this windy- rainy day! Dang that's Cherry with the vintage umbrella, Trojan Horse Antiques for providing us a lovely place to shoot and Market Block Books for a relaxing spot to look at new and upcoming books! We have so many favorites we can share- These are just a few!

“Become your own success story, not someone else's.” 

― Stephen Richards

”If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” ― Winnie the Pooh ..

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

The wedding took place at their home, where you can see the love they both have for nature, with their bountiful garden. All the touches were ideals, thoughts and dreams. The ceremony a quiet intimate exchange of vows they wrote to each other with Ariana brother officiating. The ceremony was under a tree that was adorned with twinkle lights, at the end guest threw lavender that was placed in family members’ chairs.

The favors were homemade jam that they both made, the cake and dessert table was a mix of family and friends favorites! Her mother best described the day as a tapestry of love.

Just as two very different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry,

So can your two lives merge together to form a beautiful marriage.

Ari + Joe, you two are crazy adorable and we send you lots of virtual high-fives for throwing a fantastic wedding and inspiring us!  

We are excited for the August 15, 2015 wedding at Birch Hill - Here are some of our favorites from their lunch date spot!

"All my life, my heart has yearned for a thing I cannot name."

"Love is when you meet someone who tells you something new about yourself." 

Andre Breton

Anytime real love happens between two people, we are honored to be the ones chosen to show the world what that looks like. Keri and Allie choose to have their ceremony in Troy- so happy to be in Troy and photograph in some of our favorite spots. Keri and Allie choose local small businesses that they wanted to show case in their wedding. From the beautiful arbor that was made by hand of weathered wood- to the flowers, and texture, made the ceremony feel urban and modern.  Their day was filled with those they hold dear to their hearts- It was a truly beautiful day, sunny and clear skies, perfect!

Venue: Luca’s Confectionary- Wine Bar The setting pays tribute to the building’s confectionery history, using reclamation materials to create a design inspired by the industrial era of the City of Troy.  Manager at Luca's Confectionary/Wine Bar  Samantha Parker

Flowers: Flowers by Pesha Weddings, Sympathy, Special Occasions, Every Day Creative wedding work with brides. Flowers for all occasions and special add-ons! Want a candy station at your wedding? I can make it happen! I love every minute of it! Saratoga Sweets, Unique gifts like Village Candle, Old Fashion Candy & Balloons. We also design flowers for corporate events, Birthdays, Anniversaries and more!

Music: Erin Harkes   Erin Harkes is an original singer/guitar/piano player from upstate New York! Performing in most major venues and has acquired quite the following in the past few years.

 Arbor: Weathered Wood, Troy   Weathered Wood of Troy is a sweet little store full of art created with Mother Nature’s help. It is right across from the Wine Bar & Confectionary and Next door to the Illium in the heart of downtown Troy.

For the LOVE of Troy!

After every rain storm a rainbow appears and love shines!

Having FUN! Love it!

Having FUN!

These two were naturals in front of the camera, it made our job easy!

The Wedding Day--It was the perfect summer day- weather was gorgeous! The Shaker Ridge Country Club was the perfect venue for some amazing shots- the grounds and views were spectacular!  When we arrived we immediately started taking photos- the girls were fabulous and helpful! Samantha and Dana have some amazing friends; we had a blast with all of you! Dana and Samantha, We adore you both. Your day was perfect, real, and a true depiction of your love. You're incredibly blessed with amazing family and friends and we are honored to be a small part in documenting your first day as husband and wife.

Vendors:

Venue: Shaker Ridge Country Club 

Makeup: Beauty with Julie

Florist:  The Flower Girl

Music: DJ Kenny Casanova

Caterer: 2 Shea Catering

  Ryan's Wake Engagement Session-  June 2013

Wedding Day June 28, 2014- Picture Perfect Day!

Daddy's Little Girl-

“The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart.”― J.G. Holland

I just adore this photo!

“Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go.” 
― Sarah Dessen

We were so excited when Katelyn asked us to do her engagement photos, we were first introduced to Katelyn through her younger sister Emily a good friend of our daughter Amanda. We quickly became friends with their whole family. They moved to Averill Park NY in 2009 after living in Long-Island, her parents purchased a  old farm house in Averill Park- that they restored to its natural beauty. Katelyn being from the big city was torn at first about living in such a small community- but when she visits I truly see the love she has for home and the life her parents have built here. When Katelyn and Danny were ready to do their engagement photos we discussed many different locations and decided why not by HOME, it was a picture perfect spot! Katelyn and Danny traveled up that day from the city, stuck in traffic and running late we ended up shooting later than expected, but it was perfect! The later light made for some magical images!

Katelyn and Danny are just full of smiles and so easy going! I cannot wait for their wedding in April 2015 at Browns- it will be nothing less than perfect!

The Ring!

Wish upon a "Shooting Star"- 

They are shooting stars-a spectacular moment of light in the heavens, a fleeting glimpse of eternity. And in a flash, they're gone.”― Nicholas Sparks

 “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” - Oprah Winfrey

Yay!! 

Averill Park  High School Court Yard-

The light was magical in the field- Sabrina looks beautiful!

Mother & Daughter- Love 

I thought I write a little bit of information from their website introducing Helen and Geoff. We decided Troy since their reception will take place there and we all felt it expressed them- What perfect spot, it was a brisk Saturday morning and the Farmers Market was in full swing. We took many different shots and of course we had to have BAM- their dog. We wish Helen and Geoff an amazing life together- We appreciate that they shared a piece of their life moments with us!

About the Couple:

Helen Marie Wilson, whether you've caught her accent at home or not, is a Long Island girl at heart and will always be. Growing up on the island she loves the beach, appreciates the country and loves a healthy balance of both. She's recently earned Masters in Speech Pathology and has found a new love in Albany, NY, but always finds time to go home to the Island. Though she won't admit it, she is also a dork like Geoff. She has a big heart and loves working with kids!

If you asked any of Geoff's close friends and family to describe his journey to find the one, they'd probably say the same thing. He'd just tell you he never had time for girls, until Helen came around. Growing up in Rhinebeck, Geoff spent much of his time hanging with friends; playing drums or watching re-runs of Happy Days and throwing disco parties or holding FBI club meetings. A typical dork that always made sure to get his homework done on time, Geoff found his passion for video and decided to start to make a career out of it. Now at Catseye for 5 years, Geoff strives to better himself and create fun stuff for everyone to enjoy. He's found his mate in Helen.

Love this first photo- A band setting up at the market- we thought his shirt was fitting- and funny!

Love the Farmers Market! 

some of their favorite places to dine-

some other great spots in Troy NY-

Helen and Geoff both enjoy Hockey- and going to games- 

Some of my favorites with their dog- BAM!

What a Fun shoot- We also can not forget the help of her friend Kayla from R​ehab Cosmetics she did an awesome job with her makeup!

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” 
― Albert Einstein

 Kim lives in Connecticut but will shortly be moving to be with her husband, who is in the Army. Kim is such a beautiful girl inside and out- with this shoot we thought about Kim and her look and decided that her long beautiful hair and her dark eyes wouldn’t it be great to do a bohemian flare.  We decided long flowing dresses and a beautiful spring crown embedded with all those bright colorful flowers. Makeup by V did her magic and came up with her natural look- I am so pleased with the results. I am also pleased because Kim and Veronica have been lifelong friends, so sharing the morning with them was so nice, what a better gift than your best friend sharing in such an occasion.

Here we have some of our favorites; we hope you enjoy them as much as we do! We wish Kim all the best on her new adventures!

Love this one- so natural and just a perfect setting!

Becoming one with nature, with body and soul-

A little Bohemian Flare

Love the friendship between these girls! Thank you girls, memories that will last a life time!

“I like it when my mother smiles. And I especially like it when I make her smile.” 
― Adriana Trigiani, Viola in Reel Life

The Inspiration for this photograph was the Shel Silverstein Poem- "Where the Sidewalk Ends" 

We also love the pin-up era and rockabilly- These were taken with a collaborate effort with a little shop in down town Troy- "Dang That's Cherry" Its so much fun to Play Dress-up!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dang-Thats-Cherry/201868939948138

Makeup Artist was Veronica Nunes- She's amazing!!!! https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByVron

We also got a chance to work with Leah Jung- A tattoo model, This image landed in a book http://ourskintellsastory.com/

It was also pretty much our first model shoot!!!

 We were also so lucky to work in an establishment in down town Troy-http: //Lucas Confectionery

An Awesome wine bar that we enjoy very much!

Lastly here are some other favorites- 

Why Engagement Photos!? Engagement sessions are a great idea and I’ll tell you why-

Get comfortable in front of the camera before your BIG DAY!  Unless you are in front of a camera on a regular basis, chances are, having your photo taken can be slightly uncomfortable at first.  Look at your engagement session as a ‘test run’ with your loved one.  Have your photos taken without all of the pressure of getting perfect photos!

To establishing a relationship with the photographer, knowing their style, likes, and dislikes.

To showcase your personal style, to give a glimpse of the couple you have become, let people know about your pets, hobbies and favorite places.

And lastly why not send out a save a date that speaks volume,  they are also romantic and FUN!

Here are some of our favorites!

don't forget to include your pet!

and lastly a modern take on the American Gothic

Here are some of my favorite Candid Shots!

This photo was at Union College in Schenectady, she is looking up at her mom and I as we chatted- love how it looks!

In this photograph our dog Lucy is the entertainment, he loved petting her- and I got the shot of him looking down- what eye lashes!!!

All Smiles with this little one playing at home...

She was so happy to take pictures with her chickens and to show them to me, select places they love sometimes they are the best shots-

Finally I think I was singing "If Your Happy and You Know It"- grabbed this shot

 Just a quick snap at the big oak tree- all smiles at me, Love his eyes!

My husband always manages to want to go out during the coldest nights know to man- Really!? The last adventure was at the Ashokan Reservoir-The reservoir is in the eastern end of the Catskill Park, and is one of several reservoirs created to provide the City of New York with water.The site is very secure- everytime we set up a police car would pull up and ask what we were doing. Glad to see our places our secure, the officer was very nice and let us photograph. It has such a beautiful view of the Catskill Mountains. The first Image is a self portrait of Charles at the reservoir. The second image is Buskirk Bridge a wooden covered bridge and is the name of the hamlet in which it is located. It is in the town of Hoosick. The bridge, which crosses the Hoosic River is one of 29 historic covered bridges in New York State-Built in 1850. We also love shooting close to home- so why not the Playhouse in Albany NY, love how the lighting turned out over the frozen lake.

I ended this set of images with a star trail close to home, the last picture is taken at Peebles Island, Waterford NY. We really love how the image turned out.

We love to shoot Star Trails- A star trail is a type of photograph that utilizes long-exposure times to capture the apparent motion of stars in the night sky due to the rotation of the Earth.

Star Gazing at the Ashokan Reservoir- Charles Self Portrait at Night! Another bitter cold night- I think our car thermometer read -2

Star Gazing at the Ashokan Reservoir- Charles Self Portrait at Night! Another bitter cold night- I think our car thermometer read -2 Star Gazing at the Ashokan Reservoir- Charles Self Portrait at Night! Another bitter cold night- I think our car thermometer read -2

Star Gazing at the Ashokan Reservoir- Charles Self Portrait at Night! Another bitter cold night- I think our car thermometer read -2

"Like star dust glistening on fairies' wings, Little girls dreams are of magical things." - Sherry Larson

Lucy came back to take her first birthday pictures a couple weeks after- mom wanted to take pictures of Lucy smashing her cake- after several attempts she poked at it but never really got it all over- such a little lady!! Happy First Birthday Lucy!!!!