Planning Your Photos with the Uncertainty of Covid-19 (Updated February 10)

March 26, 2020

In facilities offering non-essential personal care services…gatherings are only permitted to the extent that services do not involve the removal of face masks.
State of Michigan orders for indoor services (section 4.f)

Based on orders from the State of Michigan, I’m currently only offering outdoor sessions. I use a relatively long portrait lens all sessions, so I’ll still be able to keep a safe distance while capturing outdoor portraits. I also wear a well-fitting filtered mask for your safety and mine.

All sessions are subject to postponement if laws change.

Newborn Sessions

Lifestyle newborn photos in East Lansing, Michigan

Unfortunately, I’m not able to book newborn lifestyle sessions at this time. I’m not taking on any indoor work, and it’s too cold to take the littlest ones outside for photos.

Weddings

I am currently booking weddings starting in May, 2021.

Featured In The Knot Michigan

January 22, 2020

It’s always fun to see the hard work of my couples featured in print. The Knot Michigan recently featured Lauren and Tom’s Ford Piquette Plant wedding in their Spring/Summer 2020 print edition.

Special thanks to the other wedding vendors who made it possible:

Simply Brilliant Events, Nicola Wilson (event planning)
Ruby Slipper Design, Sandra Bostwick (floral design)

The Knot Michigan print magazine Spring/Summer edition

Michigan State Fall Senior Photos on North Campus

January 16, 2020

Ideas and locations for a Michigan State University fall senior photo session on north campus by Allie Siarto Photography, East Lansing Photographers.

Taylor graduates in the spring, but she loves the fall and wanted to capture her MSU senior portraits on north campus during peak fall colors (she’s from Texas and totally appreciates Michigan’s changing seasons). Taylor scheduled an extended 90 minute session so we could reach as many landmarks as possible during her session, and her mom came along to help with the puppy and other accessories.

Most students plan their senior photos at the end of April or early May when Spring flowers are at their peak (see a few examples and ideas here and here, or browse all senior sessions for ideas on my gallery page), but fall is a great time to highlight all of those energetic colors that spread across campus.

Pros and Cons for Fall Versus Spring Senior Photos

Fall can be a bit more windy and chilly, so it’s a good idea to bring along extra hairspray and a jacket (Taylor wore a plush green jacket over her white dress).
My fall calendar fills up quickly, so if you’re thinking about a fall session, be sure to book in early summer.
Spring tends to be very rainy, so be prepared for your session to be rescheduled in case of rain.
Key campus locations get very crowded in the weeks leading up to Spring graduation. You’ll likely need to bring a helper to jump in line for you at Beaumont and Sparty. I’ve seen the wait get as long as 20 or more minutes for a few quick photos. The crowds die down after graduation, and I’ve never had an issue with crowds at these locations during the week in the fall.

Learn More About Senior Photos >

East Lansing Personal Branding Photography Session: Beyonce Meets Literature

December 11, 2019

personal branding photography session in East Lansing, Michigan, by Allie & Co. Photographers

I had a lot of fun designing personal branding sessions this year. Here’s a small sampling of the direction Kinitra gave me in her Story Session Questionnaire:

Why did you decide to do a personal branding session?

I want to make sure I maintain control of my visuals and branding as my career expands beyond the scholarly work I currently do. I am expanding into more creative works (graphic novels, trade books, speaking engagements). Also, I want to make sure I maintain a certain flair and freedom as an Endowed Chair, which can be seen as a pretty “stodgy” appointment. I’m not stodgy. I am also well onto the path of becoming a Full Professor and want to make sure I have the personal visual narrative for that journey to heightening my national and international status as a scholar.

What specific stories, events, routines, or rituals do you want to share with these images?

Confidence, a kinetic stillness. Intelligent glamour. Reading, Researching, and Public Speaking. Mastery over intersections of race, gender, and popular culture. Tangential connection with Beyonce’s Lemonade. Southern Conjure Culture. Black womanhood. Black New Orleans. Fantasy.

Based on the questionnaire answers, I sent over a few location ideas, Kinitra reached out to Kirsten Elle Thompson for styling direction, and we made our final plans.

In the end, Kinitra selected her ten favorites for final retouching.