OFA GRADUATIONS

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Hats off to all 2021 Owego Free Academy and Owego Apalachin “Movin’ Up” & Middle School graduates! It’s my pleasure and honor to photograph you all.

Looking for the online previews of yourself, son or daughter? Please go to www.thecameraseye.biz Click the Proofing tab and type: 2021Grads A slideshow of the Senior Graduation will begin for you.

The Owego Apalachin School District hires me to photograph these events to provide you a complimentary 5×7, which will be delivered by the school(s) shortly.

Can’t wait for your image or you want to order additional prints?

Please text or call: 607 426 6023 or email: lisamcqueeney@gmail.com. Sizes and pricing below:

8×10 $20

2) 5×7 $20 or 1) 5×7 $15

Payments:

Venmo: @Lisa-McQueeney-27 or check to Lisa McQueeney

Another bonus to being photographed this graduation season is The Camera’s Eye in coordination with Tioga Rural Ministry will be offering exclusive Family photo sessions all July and August. The photo shoot is discounted to you and 50% of all proceeds go to Tioga Rural Ministry. Details below and in your print package from the school.

Have a safe and happy Summer! Hope to see you soon, Lisa

The Local Lens – Hygge Home, Owego NY

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This week’s featured small business is an absolutely adorable find nestled in the Historic District of Owego, NY. Hygge Home is not only a downtown shop, it’s a way of living for owner, business woman and mother, Mandy Neira.

While reading a book about familial relationships worldwide, she stumbled upon the Danish concept, Hygge pronounced “hyoo·guh,” meaning Cozy. Completely inspired by the concept, she visited the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Denmark and fell in love with the lifestyle and the people embracing it.

Mandy tested the concept in a small kiosk, a natural fit for the quaint town of Owego, NY and within a year, moved into a bigger space with much more inventory at 185 Front Street. Before getting one foot in the store that’s enticing you to enter with the scent of aromatherapy, you’re reminded of the concept of Cozy stamped on the concrete doorstep. It’s as if little Gnomes are wafting the scent beneath your nose and fairies are tugging your clothing to enter.

Once inside, there’s an instant feeling of calm wrapped up in an incredible visual of unique de’cor items designed to create a cozy sanctuary within your home.

Every corner is deliberately arranged with concept of creating a cozy, loving, nurturing environment for you, your family – even your pets! Creating a feeling of complete calm; scented candles, essential oils and Palo Santo are intricately displayed in every corner while blankets, pillows, journals and mugs adorn the furniture begging you to “sit a while.”

With so much technology and overwhelming social media in our lives, Mandy believes “we need to disconnect and focus on simplicity and connection with those we Love.”

Another of Mandy’s passionate thoughts is “to create a special place where people can enjoy the moment with peace, relaxation and laughter – a place to host friends, read, journal and find stillness for their well being.” She leaves nothing out when stocking the store with Hygge Home products – there’s even a section designated for entertaining family and friends.

If you haven’t ventured into this shop yet, it’s a must see! Your husband might not be thrilled, but you will definitely leave with an entirely new outlook on decorating your Home. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11- 5pm and Sunday 11- 3pm, Mandy will be there with a warm smile on her face to greet you!

Hospitality Meets History at Owego’s Belva Lockwood Inn

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I’m so excited to collaborate with Julie Loveless, who co-owns the Belva Lockwood Inn with her husband Ike, on our upcoming custom planting auction this Friday and Saturday!

Belva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NY

Julie and Ike bought and have been renovating the historic building, which was in need of repair. They have already enjoyed a spot on HGTV’s House Hunters, which grabbed them international attention (after 6 days of shooting for the 22 minutes of airtime!). They are on their way to opening the inn during this upcoming holiday season.

As Julie puts it: “My vision for the Inn is to provide a unique guest experience, including the history of the building. The furnishings will be a mix of old and new with plenty of technology mixed in. We will have on-site catering available for intimate parties and weddings.”

 

Belva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NY

While the inn’s future is invigorating, its history and namesake is just as important. Julie explains: “The thing that got me about Belva is that I was born, raised and educated in this country, and never heard of Belva Ann Lockwood until I bought this house.  She ran on a national ticket for Presidency twice in 1884 and 1888 and stood for equal rights for all people. She’d be at the forefront of the equal rights movement today, but she’s not here, so I feel strongly that it is our job to help spread her message.

Belva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NY

I’ve photographed Julie tour countless guests through the renovation project and I can feel her passion when she speaks of Belva. It moves me to tears, something very rare while working behind my lens!
Belva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NYBelva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NYBelva Lockwood Inn by The Camera's Eye, Owego NY

To own a piece of our recent beautification project and support the United Way, don’t miss our custom planting auction tomorrow and Saturday!
#myflextbex, #belikebelva, #belvalockwoodinn, #owego, NY, #IloveNewYork, #TheCameraseye

Luke – 2017 Owego Free Academy Senior

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Loved this recent senior session with Luke, a rising senior at Owego Free Academy!

The Cameras Eye, Senior Photos5

I’m almost shocked I got some photos of him being serious, since he’s all smiles and laughter:

The Cameras Eye, Senior Portraits1

And of course I have to share some behind-the-scenes…I always tell my seniors that I cannot promise to keep you CLEAN, with all the trekking around we do outside. In this case, I could not promise to keep Luke “splinter-free” – he was attracting every splinter possible, no matter which piece of wood I’d lean him up next to! Here are his girlfriend and dad helping out – lots of smiles and laughs here 🙂

The Cameras Eye, Senior Portraits2

Summer is waning and classes are starting – contact The Camera’s Eye to reserve your senior session and have some laughs TODAY!

2015 Athens High School Senior – Tori

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The wind has started knocking the leaves off the trees here in New York’s Southern Tier – so I wanted to share a senior session where we made use of the beautiful autumn while we still could! Tori is a 2015 senior from Athens High School, and she was referred to The Camera’s Eye by her friend Chloe – my Brooke Shields lookalike from earlier in the year 🙂

The Camera's Eye 2

Senior session style was key here! Tori spent a lot of time choosing her outfits – and, like a lot of us, she loves to shop so she even considered buying NEW things 🙂 (That’s not usually necessary for senior sessions with The Camera’s Eye, since I want to capture you as you are – but I certainly won’t discourage you if you know there’s a good sale going on!)

The Camera's Eye 3

In the end, Tori brought about 6 different outfits and we worked together to match the best ones with the scenery. Even though she’s into fashion, she’s an outdoorsy girl and wanted her senior photos to look natural. Her favorite shots? The ones we did on the railroad tracks.

The Camera's Eye 1

Tori, good luck in your last year at Athens High School!

The Just Keep Believing (JKB) Foundation in Owego, NY

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One of the things I adore about being a professional photographer in the Owego/Apalachin/Binghamton area is getting involved with so many community causes and groups. For the past few years, The Camera’s Eye has been proud to support the Just Keep Believing (JKB) Foundation.

This organization raises money to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, and was started to help Jessica K. Burrell, an Owego Free Academy student-athlete who sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2008 . It’s near and dear to my heart because I had a chance to take Jess’s senior portraits at Tioga Gardens, post-injury and only shortly after she returned from a rehab center far from this area. Her attitude was, and still is, simply amazing. Just look at the sparkle in her eyes…I love it!

Jess, The Cameras Eye

Every year, The Camera’s Eye supports JKB with gift certificates to auction off throughout their tournament event via gift baskets and raffle tickets. This year, the tournament runs from Thursday June 12th through Saturday June 14th at Owego Free Academy. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to The Miami Project, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Shepherd Center.
Stop by and see us in Owego, and support a great cause!

Up Up and Away….

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Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch Club

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch Club

Owego Free Academy Science Club Balloon Launch

Students carry the gadget equipped with cameras, GPS devices and a parachute to the OFA lawn.

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch Club

A sneak peak reveals a note for anyone who may find the device on its travels

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Two cameras secured inside – one facing up to capture the balloon burst and the other facing outward to photograph the Earth below…

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

“Big B” the main GPS device is backed up with a lesser hiker’s GPS unit in case of malfunction from heat.

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

A Lockheed Martin engineer supported the project and teaches kids here how to sync the devices to cell phones in order to track the balloon from the ground.

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Another teacher fills the balloon with Helium to a diameter of 5 ft.  As it rises and pressure changes, it expands to 20 ft in diameter and bursts.  A small parachute carries is back to Earth as the cameras spin images every step of the way.

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Attaching the contraption to the balloon base.

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch Club

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Preparing for take off!

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

UP UP and Away!

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

Teacher John Heath, Owego Free Academy

Owego Free Academy Balloon Launch

One cool Science Kid!

For more information on this totally cool project and to follow the results of this Science Project, contact John Heath via Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/john.heath.338658   To see a full version of the launch, go to The Camera’s Eye, click Client Proofing and type:  “balloon”   This is the Club’s 4th Launch but first Summer Launch.  The balloon and camera’s flight should last approximately one and a half hours depending on wind and heat conditions.  Once the balloon bursts, the camera contraption travels by parachute back to Earth.  The middle school students added their own twist to the experiment by trying to break the world record for highest “egg drop.”  On the side of the box is one small raw egg they are hoping lands in ONE piece!  The last I heard, it had landed 40 feet up in a tree near Chenango Park, NY but they aren’t sure how to get it down…. lol.  Good luck kids!

Better Late Than Never

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I love owning up to being human and when anyone else does too.. I support that!  This lovely 2013 Senior was so caught up in her Senior Year, she completely lost track of time and just now ordered her Senior pictures.  Although I don’t recommend this… I whole-heartedly understand it!  This calls for the old saying, “Better late than never.”  She photographed way too nicely to never have a printed portrait.  Don’t you agree?  So don’t worry about the embarrassment.. Just do it.  Order late, admit that you can’t keep up in our minute to minute, instantaneous society and just do it.   You will find yourself in good company at this company!

Senior Photography, Owego NY Senior Portraits, Owego NYOwego Portrait Photographer

High School Seniors… I love this Generation!

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Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

I always say, “My favorite age group to photograph is 3 year olds.”  They can tell you what they want, they can joke with you and they’re always ‘straight up.’  Case & point:  my last name is McQueeney.  When Pixar’s animated movie, “Cars” hit the theaters, a young boy, Clayton was a client of mine.  His Mom prepped him so kindly to walk in the studio and say, “Hi Miss McQueeney!”  He looked at me… looked again… “Is your real name ‘Stickers?’  You should just go by ‘Stickers’.  It’s way easier to say!”  lol!  HOW can you NOT love that???  So for years, 3 year olds have been my heart throbs.

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

I blogged at the beginning of the High School Senior season about a young man I thought was really exceptional and then the season exploded as it always does… Seniors with sports uniforms, trendy outfits, and interesting hobbies flood into my world every evening.  This year however, there’s something crazy in the air or I’m simply in love with a new age group.  I’ve met kids already accepted in college, kids in programs that allow them to experience their career choice for more than half the year, kids with ‘out of school’ interests like ice hockey and scuba diving and the list goes on and on.  If I could generalize; this may very well be a generation with everything at their fingertips BUT the coolest thing about them is they take advantage of all of it!

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

What’s the second best thing about them???   In the midst of all that they have in their reach, they really aren’t that much different than the generations before them.  Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a young woman, with such a witty sense of humor, she kept me on my toes the entire session.

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

She bravely came alone , so to start conversation, I asked her to run down her outfits with me and give me a sense of her style.  She made this typical but unusually polite “dig” on her Father… “Well I have this shirt with this great scarf, that my Father, all of a sudden thinks is too warm for this time of year!  When did he become a “FASHIONISTA?!!”  Ha!  I didn’t even know what say – I just filled the air with laughter.

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

As we moved along to our location, I asked…”what are you into?  what are your hobbies?”  In this time of mad-crazed video graphics and high tech everything, she replied, “I really love to read and write.”  I continue to fiddle with my photography gizmos and gadgets and she blurts out.. “Do you know ‘so and so’ author?  He’s very controversial but he’s my favorite!”  I stopped everything I was doing… if there was one moment in my entire life that I wished I read more and could have related to her interest… it would have been THAT moment.  A 17 year old with a favorite author… LOVE it!

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

Now she piqued my interest and as we chased the light through the evening, I kept trying to think of different things to ask her while listening VERY closely & contemplating f-stops and apertures because she would hold me to the answers with her humor.  Hmmmm… very much like 3 year olds!  She was currently earning money as a waitress, started cosmetology school- but it definitely wasn’t her style, and for as many times as she changed her hair color- today’s color was closest to her original roots.   (Incidentally, it’s amazing when the light catches it!)

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

As we wrapped up the shoot, I asked for a password for her session and began chatting about the fee and purchasing details.   OUT of no where, she threw a smirky smile my way and quickly interrupted…”are you going to hack my Facebook account!?!?!!?”  DANG!  She got me again!  No words came out of my mouth- just laughter.  At this point in the game, I was robustly belly laughing.

Senior Portraits at The Camera’s Eye, Apalachin NY
© Lisa McQueeney 2012

But that wasn’t the last time she was going to get me before we parted ways.   I asked if she had any more questions or ‘anythings’ for me (hoping she would say her Dad sent a check with him)… pause,  “Nope.”  I awkwardly asked…”How about a check from your Dad?”   This gets real good… “Oh no, I have cash for that!” and she began to count it.  Why I thought I could help this established, pip of a Senior is beyond me.. but I did!  Counting, counting, counting.. “can I help you?”  “Nope!  There’s extra.  I’m a waitress…. I believe Tip Karma!  It’s good energy!”  and away she zoomed, leaving me standing there to pick my jaw up off the asphalt.  Couldn’t you hear that from someone in the 70’s???

Regardless the timeframe, these are savvy Seniors and I love their personalities!

This Week’s Adventure: Caretakers Tree Service

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There’s always something brewin’ in Upstate New York in the spring & summer, but sometimes it’s not always a picnic… often times it’s a Storm!

Cutting up a storm-fallen willow tree, Caretakers Tree Service

I blogged earlier in the year about understanding the sound of trees falling in the darkness in the middle of a storm.  They don’t always sound like you think they would, nor do they make the noise you would imagine when they land on your house.  A few years back, the tree providing shade over the roof at The Camera’s Eye Studio split in half due to a wild storm.   Later that day, I found a postcard in my mailbox…

Caretakers signature postcard, 607 768 9764

I was skeptical, but thought, “how convenient!”  I didn’t have to search for help or ask all my neighbors “who should I call about this dilemna???”  The person even wrote in their own handwriting on the postcard a short assessment of the damage and offered a free quote.  Who does that in our fast-paced society today?

Working amongst the branches, Caretakers 607 768 9764

I gave him a call about the tree stretching across my yard onto the roof.  This tree specialist was so skilled at tree climbing, professional and informative that I shared him with all my neighbors!   I gladly paid him for his services (even though I would have rather bought something nice for myself ), and offered my skills in return if I could ever help him.

Quartering the stump for grinding, Caretakers 607 768 9764

Grinding down the stump, Caretakers 607 768 9764

Well, he took me up on it!  This week’s adventure covers Patrick Boyer, owner and tree expert of Caretakers Tree Service located in Nichols, New York.  Caretakers’ business motto is: “The RIGHT tree in the RIGHT place” and the business didn’t get its name for the purpose of making money.  Patrick spends a good portion of time educating homeowners about the maintenance of trees in their yard and caring about the potential danger of trees during storms.

Dangerous powerlines, Caretakers 607 768 9764

Clearing branches around power lines, Caretakers

He’s not a pushy salesman…the choice is up to you what you want to do on your property, but you can rest assured in hiring him that he will leave you educated and satisfied with the end results of his labor.

Check out his work here and on Facebook, Patrick Boyer.  If you’re in need of tree work and no one left a postcard in your mailbox, give him a call for a free assessment:  (607) 768 9674.

Notching a tree for falling, Caretakers Tree Service

Removing a tree from the top down, Caretakers Tree Service

If he’s done work for you in the past… take a moment and leave a comment!  There’s nothing better than a good testimonial!