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  PATTI LOONEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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March 09th, 2025

3/9/2025

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Meet Brady, my grandson.

​We are going to give you 5 very simple tips on how to photograph the adorable children in your life!
Scroll down to read all five tips.
Watch this funny video where I talk about avoiding mergers in your pictures.
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March 05th, 2025

3/5/2025

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Simple Tips "To Do" and "Not To Do".

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Tip #1  -  Don't have your subject face the sun!
Meet my grandson Brady, age 3.  Brady is the oldest child of my son Brian and his wife Sam.  I was visiting them in NC while Sam gave birth to their third son, Riley.  Three boys, age 3 and under!!
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Tip #2  -  Do put the sun behind your subject, but be careful the camera doesn't make their faces too dark.
​I turned Brady around and now he isn't squinting.  The leaves are reflecting some of the sunlight back into his face, so that he is nicely lit.
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This photo looks hazy because the sunlight is coming directly at my iPhone camera.  It's easy to fix by blocking the direct sunlight with a tree (or building).
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Tip #3  -  Watch out for mergers.
So now Brady is in soft light (and saluting me with the Spidey hand signal).  Different than the harsh light I had him in before, but now I have a tree growing out of his head!  Mergers can be vertical like this tree or they can be horizontal like a fence or even the horizon.
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Tip #4  -  Find shade.
​So handsome!!  At 3:30 in the afternoon, I found open shade (which provides flattering light) and I moved him in front of a nice dark bush, which allows Brady to stand out from the background.
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Tip #5  -  Use Portrait Mode on your iPhone.
If (and this is a big if!) your subject is still, use portrait mode to take the picture.  It allows you to get the blurry background.  Friends will think you are a professional!!
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New Year - New You!

1/9/2025

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The Importance of a Professional Headshot:
​Why It’s Worth the Investment

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In today’s digital world, your online presence is often the first way others get to know you. Whether it’s a potential employer, a client, or someone in your professional network, the image you project matters. One of the most crucial elements of that image is your headshot.

A professional headshot is far more than just a photo; it’s an investment in your personal brand and a powerful tool for making lasting first impressions. But why is it so important?



​​1. First Impressions Matter
​You’ve heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and it’s true—especially in the digital age. Your headshot is often the first thing people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, your website, or your social media pages. Whether you're applying for a job or showcasing your expertise, a polished and professional image creates a strong initial impact. It tells others you take your career seriously, and it sets the tone for how they will perceive you.
That’s where I come in. I specialize in making you look your best—quickly, comfortably, and effortlessly. I work with you to capture a headshot that highlights your personality and professionalism, ensuring that the first impression you make is unforgettable.

2. Build Your Personal Brand
Your headshot is one of the most powerful tools in building your personal brand. It’s a reflection of your style, personality, and the level of professionalism you bring to your field. A high-quality headshot helps communicate who you are in a way that words alone can’t. It makes you memorable and relatable.
I help you develop a headshot that represents the best version of yourself. With my attention to detail in lighting, posing, and background, I ensure your image conveys confidence and credibility, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and collaborators.

3. Believe in Yourself and Your Abilities
Investing in a professional headshot is more than just paying for a photo—it's a statement. It’s a way to show that you believe in yourself and your potential. When an employer or client sees that you’ve made the effort to present yourself professionally, they notice. A well-done headshot demonstrates your commitment to quality and your readiness to take on new challenges. It sets you apart from other candidates who may not have taken the time or care to invest in their image.

During our session, I guide you every step of the way to make sure you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. I take care of everything—posing, lighting, and the technical details—so you can focus on being yourself. And with my satisfaction guarantee, you’ll leave with a headshot you’ll be proud to showcase, no matter your career or business goals.

Who Needs a Professional Headshot?

A professional headshot isn’t just for executives or business owners—it's for anyone looking to make a great impression. Whether you’re a student starting your career or a seasoned professional updating your image, here’s who can benefit:
  • High School Students: If you're applying to colleges or universities, a polished headshot adds a personal touch to your application and can help you stand out.
  • College Seniors: Preparing to enter the job market? A professional headshot signals to potential employers that you’re ready to take on the professional world.
  • Changing Careers: If you’re transitioning to a new industry or role, updating your headshot is a great way to showcase your professional growth.
  • Professionals Updating an Old Headshot: An outdated headshot doesn’t reflect who you are today. It’s time for a refresh to keep your image current and aligned with your career.
  • Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: If you’re updating your website or creating marketing materials, a professional headshot is essential for building trust with clients and showcasing your business.

Why Invest in a Professional Headshot?

A professional headshot is a small investment with a big return. It can open doors to new opportunities, help you make a lasting impression, and set you apart in today’s competitive world. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career change, or promoting your business, a high-quality headshot is an investment in your future.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about having a photo—it’s about having a photo that communicates confidence, professionalism, and trust. With my expertise and easy, comfortable approach, you’ll leave the session feeling confident and ready to tackle the world. If you're ready to take your personal brand to the next level, a professional headshot is the perfect place to start.

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A Southern Family’s Snowy Adventure in Orchard Park

1/5/2025

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While most families dream of escaping to sunny beaches for their winter getaways, this Southern family packed their snow gear and headed north to Orchard Park.

​They weren’t looking for warmth—they were on a mission to give their four kids a magical snowy adventure. After realizing that Colorado’s ski towns were out of reach, they turned their sights to New York State and found the perfect Airbnb in my little town.

The only problem was that when they arrived, the temperature was warmer in OP than it was in Missisippi!
​Their story didn’t just stop at finding snow—it turned into so much more. Through a remarkable twist of fate, their vacation rental happened to be just a few doors down from the home on East Quaker where all three of our boys grew up. Even more serendipitous, the dad and Brian have served together in the army.
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​As soon as I heard they were in town, I knew I wanted to gift them a portrait session. It’s something I do for anyone who serves or has served alongside my sons in the military—it’s my way of honoring their service. Capturing their family’s laughter and love in the studio was such a joy, and they left with a set of timeless black-and-white portraits that will always remind them of their snowy adventure.
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​This family’s visit was a beautiful reminder of how small the world can be and how important it is to treasure the moments we share with those we love. It’s not every day that snow, service, and serendipity come together in such a meaningful way, but I’m so grateful they did.
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Beautiful window light!

4/4/2024

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Do you know what is the first thing I look for when I want to take a good photo?  Beautiful light.

Many people will choose the spot to take a picture based on the background.  A nice, uncluttered background is important, but not as important as the type of light that is illuminating your subject.

That's why I love photographing children in my studio, because I control the light!  We don't have to worry about time of day or weather.  It's a luxury to have professional studio lights.  

But when I go visit my grandchildren, I don't want to lug heavy equipment on the plane, so I have to find the best light and it's not as hard as you think.

Sam and I took Brady into the bedroom, smoothed out their white comforter and opened the curtains!  I stood with my back to the large window and captured this of Brady.

In this situation, time of day and weather conditions will affect the amount of light coming in through the window.  So pay attention and find the most optimal time.

If you have questions or would like to share a photo, I would love to hear from you!

Click below if you would like to see a couple more examples of from this photo shoot of Brady and Baker!​
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Window Light
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I was up to 2:30 am last night…

3/18/2024

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No I wasn’t out drinking!! 
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I was working on a very special gift for my grandson, Baker’s 1st birthday present. As a grandparent, there's always this unspoken pressure to bring the most memorable gift to the celebration. But for each of my grandkids, I've taken on the challenge and created what I consider the perfect first birthday present: all of their first year memories saved in a beautiful photo album that I custom design.

So around 9 pm last night, I sat down at my laptop to finish Baker’s album.  There was a lot of importing, exporting, cropping and editing to get all 300 pictures just right.  Hours later (and a couple cups of tea) it was complete!

It wasn't until the next day, while going over the album with my daughter-in-law Sam, that we truly grasped its significance.

The album was filled with so many unforgettable firsts: Baker meeting his brother for the first time, his inaugural bath, the first toys, and those cherished visits to the grandparents. But what caught us off guard were the pictures that captured the lasts.

Back in October, Sam took an impromptu trip to Orchard Park with the boys. We ordered Cappelli's pizza and invited my parents and cousins over for dinner. They were thrilled to meet little Baker for the first time!!

Just one month later, we lost my wonderful father, unexpectedly.

Those snapshots, taken on iPhones in the midst of everyday life, suddenly held immeasurable value. As a professional photographer, I can't be there every day to document their journey, but I can ensure that these moments, these memories, are safeguarded for generations to come.

​If this resonates with you, if you too want to preserve the precious memories of your loved ones, give me a call, and let's embark on this journey together.

Baker meets his great-grandfather, Papa, and his great-grandmother, Nana, on October 17, 2023.

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Papa's funeral, November 20, 2023

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Happy times with FL cousins meeting NY cousins for the first time!

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How to Edit LIVE iPhone Pictures

3/1/2024

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Let's first to check to see if you are taking LIVE photos. 

Look in the upper left corner of your picture and if it says LIVE you are all set.

​If not, you will need to turn it on in Settings.

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Next click on Edit in upper right corner of picture and this is what you will see.

On the bottom toolbar, Adjust will be highlighted.  
Click on Live, which is to the left of Adjust.

​Now you can slide the timeline with your finger to the left and right to view other images included in your Live picture.

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Lastly, when you find the image you like, remove your finger and you will see "Make Key Photo" and click on those words.

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So now we can see little Emmy and my son Shaun with Luke!  I love it!!

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My Recommendation on Where to Print your iPhone Pictures.

1/23/2024

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Portrait Mode vs. Photo Mode

8/26/2023

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2nd Shot -

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3rd and Final Shot - 

Which do you prefer?   The 2nd shot is with my iPhone set to the default Photo Mode.  For the 3rd shot, I set my iPhone to Portrait Mode by clicking on Portrait, which you will find to the right of Photo.

The difference is how the background appears.  In the 2nd shot, everything is sharp and in the 3rd, the background is a little blurred, which makes the sign stand out more.
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1st Shot - 

This picture is my least favorite because it is so busy.

Did I Photoshop the other signs out of my pictures above?  Nope, I just moved a few steps closer to the signs and and used my zoom at 2x.

​So much easier to move your feet, then to edit the image later.
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Photo Tip - Patience is the Key

8/26/2023

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3rd and Final Shot

I went for my morning walk on the boardwalk when I saw this girl coming towards me, carrying her surfboard on her head.

Most of the surfers I see are male and they carry their board under their arm.  So this was different.

I waited until she turned right, on this path to the ocean, so that I would be behind her.  

As you can see from my other two shots, it's much more impactful when she is in the middle of the path, rather than up against the side railing, especially  because this is a silhouette picture.

The other correction I made to my first image is to zoom in with my iPhone.  I would have had to run to get in position, and that would have looked ridiculous!!




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1st Shot - Too far away and she isn't a clear outline.
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2nd Shot - I used my 2X zoom on my iPhone, but I need to wait 2 more seconds for her to move into place.
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    Hello!  I am Patti Looney, a professional photographer who specializes in creating finished artwork of those who matter most.

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Award Winning Photography Studio

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PATTI LOONEY PHOTOGRAPHY
3907 N. Buffalo Street
Upper Level
​Orchard Park, NY. 14127
On Location:
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Tampa, FL

Call or Text:
​716.359.6599
EMAIL:
[email protected]
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