Buffalo, New York
Buffalo family photographer
I’m Shelanise. For more than ten years I’ve photographed families across Western New York — Buffalo backyards, Delaware Park at golden hour, church halls and front stoops. Sessions are relaxed and never rushed, and the goal is always the same: photographs that look and feel like your family actually is.
Request your date→Recent Buffalo families
What’s included
A family session, start to finish
- Session length
- 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the package you choose.
- Where we shoot
- Buffalo parks, waterfront, your backyard, or at home — your call.
- Planning
- Outfit, colour and timing guidance before the day so nobody is guessing.
- Direction
- Gentle posing and prompts, with lots of room for kids to be kids.
- Delivery
- A curated online gallery, usually about two weeks after the shoot.
- Travel
- Included around Buffalo; gas and tolls are covered by the client further out.
Pricing is shared as soon as you send a request — five session lengths, from a 30-minute micro session to full event coverage. A 25% non-refundable retainer holds your date and is applied toward your total; the remaining balance is due the morning of your shoot.
Where we shoot
Favourite spots around Buffalo
- Delaware Park
- Buffalo waterfront & Canalside
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- Your backyard or front stoop
- At home, lifestyle-style
- Chestnut Ridge & Hamburg
I also travel to Rochester and Utica regularly — if your spot isn’t listed, tell me about it in the form and we’ll plan around the light.
Good to know
Family session questions
Where are you located?
I'm based in Western New York and shoot across upstate — Buffalo, Rochester, Utica and everywhere in between.
Do you travel?
Yes. For sessions outside my usual radius, travel amenities like gas and tolls are covered by the client.
How far in advance should I book?
At least 2–4 months in advance, depending on the type of shoot. Weddings and larger events fill up first.
How long until I receive my gallery?
Roughly two weeks, depending on how many images you purchased.
Do you help with posing?
Absolutely. We'll work with whatever you're comfortable with — and I'll gently push the boundaries to get the best shot possible.
What should I wear?
We'll talk through outfits, colors and layers together during your planning call.
Can I bring pets?
It depends on the location. Let me know well in advance so I can ask the venue — and for outdoor shoots, I don't see why not.
What's your cancellation & rescheduling policy?
A non-refundable 25% retainer holds your date and is applied toward your session total. The remaining balance is due the morning of your shoot. You may move your session once for free, as long as you let me know at least 7 days ahead and a new date is available. If you reschedule with less than 7 days' notice — or need to move the date a second time — a new 25% retainer is required. If you cancel, the retainer is not returned. For weddings, the schedule is split: 25% retainer at booking, 50% halfway, and the final balance is due 2 weeks before the wedding. Bad weather is the exception: outdoor sessions are always rescheduled at no cost.
Still wondering about something? Send it over in the booking form and I'll answer personally.
Book a Buffalo family session