About…
Creating portraits of children, teens, and families is a special joy for me because that is where my heart is. It is a perfect blend of my skills and my passions. Having worked with children all my life as an educator, as a counselor, and as a parent, I enjoy the uniqueness of each individual, of each family. It is my goal to capture images that begin to tell the story of that person or family.
My Fine Art work is, in some ways, not all that different from my portrait work. I try to find the essential beauty that sometimes goes unnoticed or unappreciated in the ordinary scenes of our world.
I possess an A.A.S. degree in Photography and am an active member of the Professional Photographers Society of New York as well as Professional Photographers of America. I am passionate about my craft and constantly push myself to learn and achieve to higher levels.
One of the highlights of my life both personally and professionally has been to help coordinate the Central New York Heart Gallery, both the first in 2004 and the second in 2006. The Heart Gallery is an exhibit of very special portraits of children waiting for adoptive homes. Photographers volunteer their talents and time to create these unique portraits in the hopes of finding permanent homes for these children as well as raising awareness about the number of older children who are waiting and hoping for a permanent family. The 2006 exhibit opened in Syracuse in November of 2006 and is currently traveling around the Central NY region.
Portraits
Prior to each portrait session, I take time to meet with you in a design appointment. Creating a portrait is a collaborative effort between you and me. This time spent together beforehand works to make the actual portrait session a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. It also ensures that we create images that truly capture the heart of your family members.You may choose to have your portrait created in my private home studio, in one of several beautiful outdoor locations, or in a location that has special meaning for you.
In order to focus on the people, the relationships, and the emotions, I prefer to work predominantly in black and white. Images are custom printed in several options of professionial high quality printing. Sepia tones and color-washed images are also available. Color portraits are available when that is appropriate.
Often, there is no one image that can capture the full spirit of your special person. I frequently design a custom collage or grouping of images that shows the many facets of their personality.
Restoring vintage photographs of family members is a unique pleasure for me. Having done this for my own family has been a truly intimate experience as I have touched moments in the past. I would love to help you to preserve your connection with the special people in your history.
Fine Art
All Fine Art images that you see on this site, as well as many others, are available as prints. Special works can also be commissioned.
PS……a simple but important fact is how to say my name. Many people think that my first and last names rhyme but that’s actually not the case. My last name, Haile, is pronounced “Hi – Lee”.
