documenting your family with authenticity

NICE TO MEET YOU, I'M ALEXANDRA MESEKE

I live in Geneva, NY with my family of eight. One husband, two kiddos, and four dogs. I have been photographing families for 15+ years now. I started my wedding & Family photography career in NYC. Ten years ago we moved our family to Rochester NY, where I am originally from. In 2021 we bought property in Geneva NY and turned it into our own wedding venue, The Seneca Ridge. In the fall of 2023 we moved to Geneva, and are now living our dream of becoming a Finger Lakes Family.

What's The Seneca Ridge?
FAQ

How many pictures will we receive?

Depending on the nature of the session, most client galleries get 50 to 75 images, but there is no limit. Mini sessions get 15 images exactly.

How should we dress for our family session?

Color coordination without matching is key. There are some clients of mine that can pull off the most incredible bright colors and patterns. But neutrals, white, gray, brown, beige, blue (yes I consider blue a neutral!) typically work best. Some black is okay, but not all black.

What’s the best time to have a session with a newborn?

Within the first 2 weeks after birth is the most "ideal" timing, as babies are the most sleepy during this period. Things begin to change around the 3 week mark. HOWEVER, I consider "newborn" to be anytime within the first 2-3 months, so if you need more time to adjust to postpartum life, I am in FULL support of that.

How do I best prepare for a family session?

Do not expect your children to "behave" during our session. We are really testing their sense of free will here and they push back, hard. Behind every amazing photo on this website is a toddler that screamed for 20 minutes before I took it. Children behave strangely, not like their usual selves, on session days. Let it be. I got this. I have all the patience in the world, so don't worry one bit about taking up too much of my time. This is why I don't limit my regular session times because I will be there until we get exactly what I know we need. Kiddos being kiddos and not doing exactly what we tell them to do is par for the course.

How long will our session last?

Typical maternity and family sessions last about an hour. Newborn sessions on average take 2-2.5 hours. Newborn sessions take longer because we need to allow for feedings and diaper changes, which WILL happen in the middle of our session. There is NO need to push the baby's schedule so these things don't happen while I'm with you. I do not ever limit our timing. Likewise with older children, sometimes they need a good 15/20 minutes just to warm up to me. That's okay and expected. So if the session takes longer, it takes longer. No problem!

What is my editing style?

My work has a soft, editorial look. I shoot both film and digital, which means my work has a timeless classic feel, because I edit my digital work to look and feel like my film work. My images have a unique look that is very specific to me and only me, that puts an emphasis on true to life color.

What do I want to deliver to you?

It's more important to me that we achieve "real" moments, the kind that will take your breath away 5 to 10 to 20 years from now when you look back on these photographs. Do I make it a point to try and get at least one photo where EVERYONE is smiling at the camera and looking natural doing it? Yes, I do. But that shouldn't be the most important image on your list of wants when we work together. I want to capture tender authentic moments.