Francesca Russell Photography & Films

This past fall I spent some time creating a Brand Story film for Laura Kinsella, who is the owner of Urban OrgaNYze, LLC, a New York City-based professional organizing business. In the film, Laura has the opportunity to explain her philosophy behind home organization, and for others to get a little peek into the magic she brings to her clients’ homes. Spoiler alert: it’s about so much more than just cleaning up - the services Laura provides are a true gift - especially for b...usy moms who are overwhelmed trying to do ALL THE THINGS right now. I’m excited to share her film below, along with a few still images we made for Laura’s website and social media over on my blog: francescarussell.com//a-brand-film-with-laura-kinsella-of- And be sure to head over to Laura's website to check out all the amazing services she provides! https://www.urbanorganyze.com/

Gosh, I loved this session! This family's home has been such a big part of their lives this year (I think we can all relate), that they really wanted to feature it as another character in their Story Session. In-home sessions are where my heart lies, and so I was thrilled to get masked up and spend an afternoon in this beautiful Montclair Craftsman. https://francescarussell.com//a-family-in-home-session-mon

Daily Roblox video chat date with their cousin. . . . .... . . #growinguplongisland #covid19storyfr #icpconcerned See more

The sunsets the past few days have been amazing. . . . .... . . #sunset #gardencitysouth #growinguplongisland See more

Today is my kids' favorite day of the year: Pajama Day at school - aka home - which means they rolled out of bed and onto zoom. Ah, life in the time of Covid. . . . .... . #longislandfamilyphotographer #growinguplongisland #covid19 #socialdistancing #covid19storyfr #westayhome #21weekscoronastories #thebeautifulreal #wsp_covid19 #24hourproject_alonetogether #dfpcommunity #lifeinthetimeofcovid19 #icpconcerned See more

Raining again (I'm ready for SNOW!).

"There isn't a person you wouldn't love if you could read their story." - Marjorie P. Hinckley . I saw this quote on Pinterest a while back and printed it out and have it up in my office. It's a belief that drives my not only photography work and my business, but quite honestly the way I approach life. . Maybe it was the way I was raised, maybe it's my background in the theater, maybe I'm just a hopeless Pollyanna, but I believe in giving ...everyone the benefit of the doubt, and that more often than not, there is a deeper story behind all behaviors and actions. . Some stories I have been so inspired by lately: @chrissyteigen and @amandakloots sharing their stories of loss. Every single person who has shared with @franklinsquareproject and at the open forum last night with the Anti-Racism Group of Franklin Square and Garden City South. The backstories of two amazing ladies who I am working on films with this weekend: @urbanorganyze & @drtalonda. You are all amazing and I thank you deeply for sharing your stories. . . . . . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #nycfamilyphotographer #familyphotojournalism #documentaryfamilyphotography #documentaryfamilyphotographer #storyteller See more

Curious about what makes for a successful documentary family session? Here are six tips that will ensure an easy and relaxed experience for all! https://francescarussell.com//six-tips-relaxed-family-sess

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France . A beautiful session this weekend with one of my favorite families as they loved on their sweet fur baby Dug, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. They are filling his remaining days with love, steak, and kisses . .... . . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #nycfamilyphotographer #longislandphotographer #nycphotographer #newyorkcityfamilyphotographer #nycdocumentaryfamilyphotographer #longislanddocumentaryfamilyphotographer #longislandfamilydocumentaryphotography #familyphotojournalism #documentaryfamilyphotography #documentaryfamilyphotographer #thebeautifulreal #dfpcommunity #thisisreportagefamily #dogsofinstagram See more

We had a good time at the Queens County Farm Museum corn maze yesterday. I think this is our third or fourth year attending the maze, and we made it through in under an hour. This year you have to buy tickets in advance in order to keep the amount of people in the maze at the same time under control. They are still open for a few more weeks. If you live in the area, I highly recommend checking it out! This year's maze design was inspired by Van Gogh's Sunflowers . . . .... . #exploreliny #seeyourcity #timeoutnewyork #queenscountyfarmmuseum #amazingmaizemaze #forcedfamilyfun #longislandmoms #longislandfamilyphotographer #documentaryfamilyphotography See more

Snippets of Saturday. Slow morning followed by a walk at Clark Botanic Garden. . . . .... . . #fall #longisland #clarkbotanicgarden #growinguplongisland #longislandmoms #longislandfamilyphotographer #covid19storyfr #thebeautifulreal #unfreezeworkshop See more

Over the past three weeks or so I totally binge-watched all four seasons of "This is Us" on Hulu (I know, I am totally late to the party). There were so many great take-aways for me that related to my passion for family stories. I was totally inspired by the storytelling of the different eras and how they connected - I can't wait to use this inspiration in my family films. . And this speech of Kevin's - from season 2, I think? This really stood out to me. "...And all this colors that we keep on adding, what if they just keep getting added on top of one another until eventually we're not even different colors anymore? We're just one thing. On painting.". Oh my gosh, THIS. We are all inter-connected. We are all one. It's just US. . If you haven't watched this show, you must! . . . . . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #nycfamilyphotographer #thisisus #familystories #familyhistory See more

Family sessions are filling me up right now! It feels SO good to be back out there documenting real life moments for clients. What a year to remember, am I right? . I'm primarily sticking with shooting outdoors at the moment (making a few exceptions for tiny babies) and wearing a mask at all my sessions. So far, so good! (Although - fellow photographers - any tips on how to keep the camera viewfinder from fogging up while wearing a mask??) .... Big thanks to all my client families this year - you guys have been awesome! . . . . . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #nycfamilyphotographer #longislandphotographer #nycphotographer #newyorkcityfamilyphotographer #nycdocumentaryfamilyphotographer #longislanddocumentaryfamilyphotographer #longislandfamilydocumentaryphotography #familyphotojournalism #documentaryfamilyphotography #documentaryfamilyphotographer #thebeautifulreal #dfpcommunity #thisisreportagefamily See more

How is the school year going so far for your family? . We are doing relatively well over here. My kids' teachers are doing an amazing job making remote learning resemble a classroom setting as closely as possible, and I'm proud of my kids for having good attitudes throughout it all, and for being responsible for getting on their calls and completing their independent work. . I do worry about their friendships, though, and whether they are m...issing out by not being in the school buildings with other kids. It seems like no matter what, you always question whether you are making the best decisions for your kids, right? I'm sure everyone experiences doubts. We are all just trying to do our best and what feels right. . Anyway, fingers crossed that 2021 kicks 2020 in the butt and that less crazy days are ahead. . . . . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #growinguplongisland #covid19 #socialdistancing #covid19storyfr #westayhome #21weekscoronastories #thebeautifulreal #wsp_covid19 #24hourproject_alonetogether #dfpcommunity #lifeinthetimeofcovid19 #icpconcerned See more

What's saving me now? PUZZLES. Obsessed. Just ordered five new ones. My new zen activity. The podcast "Cast On". You know how some scents or sounds trigger a sense memory and transport you back in time? That's what this podcast does for me. It's like a warm hug. Shortbread cookies. So much for the 10 lbs I lost over the summer lol :) Good TV. Some series' I have binged and loved lately: This is Us, A Small Voice, Killing Eve, Cobra Kai.... The Great British Baking Show - so glad its back! Remote schooling. Love the elimination of the morning madness. Slow mornings are my jam. Journaling class from @inspiredtowrite. The concept of mothering while writing has been so eye-opening and healing at the same time. A few new episodes of "Live Awake" popping into my podcast feed. Photographing clients again! It fills me up. Creative photo classes from @angeladouglasphoto & @nienke.koedijk . What's saving you now?? . . . . . . #whatssavingmenow #poeticsparks #goodthings #longislandfamilyphotographer #longislandmoms #selfcare #favoritethings See more

Any other introverts out there? . I've always know that I am shy, but I didn't really understand what the qualities of an introvert were until I took a personality test at a photography retreat a few years ago (I'm an INFJ). After I read the results and what they meant, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head: "this is why I am the way that I am!" . I've come to realize that being an introvert is in many ways my superpower. I know it h...elped me to be a better stage manager in my former career, and I believe it makes me a strong documentary photographer as well. . If you happen to be an introvert as well and the idea of a photography session sounds like hell (I understand, believe me!), but you know how important it is for your family, then you might consider hiring an introvert photographer. . On the blog today I'm talking about why an introvert photographer might be a great fit for your family. Head on over and have a read, and then let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.https://francescarussell.com/blog/introvert-photographer See more

It's a rainy, lazy, hibernating kind of day. Looking forward to many more of these this winter . . . .... . . #longislandfamilyphotographer #nycfamilyphotographer #sonyalphafemale #thebeautifulreal See more

Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go. - Sarah Dessen . . . .... . #longisland #suburbia #home #homeiswheretheheartis #placemaking #longislanddocumentaryphotographer See more