ICELAND

Ana Gambuto May 25, 2015

Landing in Iceland looks like landing on the moon. It's expansive, and it's really volcano-y. It has a fresh smell and a sheer quality, like the whole country was edited in photoshop to be -10 saturation.

Our first day was long, but we jumped right into exploring. The sun in Iceland in May rises around 4am and sets at 11:45pm, so landing at 7am that morning gave us 16 hours to play! A nap did occur, I admit. And COFFEE. Coffee definitely happened.

On recommendation from at least three people, we ate at Snaps three times! It really was the most reliably delicious option in the non-fancy realm of dining in Reykjavik. There are lots of set-menu fine dining options in town for those with aims on super-fine nordic cuisine, but we stuck to tried and true favorites in the glass-domed dining room at Snaps. You can enjoy the fading light while you eat, because it stays light or at least magic hour for HOURS... and then ultimately never really gets dark-dark!

All over Iceland, there are fabulous pops of color amongst the muted tones, when you least expect them!

Our AirBnB was a sweet, bright, quiet place. Felt like such a lucky find! We spend quiet afternoons watching the long hours of Icelandic afternoon light shine in our many windows. With the faint echo of our upstairs neighbors' singing… — Our AirBnB was a sweet, bright, quiet place. Felt like such a lucky find! We spend quiet afternoons watching the long hours of Icelandic afternoon light shine in our many windows. With the faint echo of our upstairs neighbors' singing to keep us company, our minds took time to wander.

Road-tripping to a tiny town down South, along the Golden Circle of Iceland. We just did day trips, but you can spend a whole week traversing the whole country on a single road!

I had a total moment with this beautiful horse. She waited by the fence until I drove away.

You've probably heard of The Blue Lagoon. It's a fairy-tale-looking geothermal spa just outside Reykjavik, and it'll be the first thing you are inundated with when you do your very first Iceland Google search. Because of the popularity, I assumed the experience of visiting the spa would be overrated and touristy. Here's the thing though. It really LOOKS LIKE THIS. Like, no Photoshop required. It's the ace up Nature's sleeve and it's a WIN.

There are so many more horses to pet, day trips to take and lovely people to meet. My biggest recommendation is that five days is NOT ENOUGH to experience Iceland! I will be back.

LUCA

Ana Gambuto April 14, 2015

This lucky little man landed in a house full of girls! With three sisters and his gorgeous mama to dote on him, it's no surprise that this was one of the most sweet and serene newborn sessions I've ever done. At 7 days old, baby Luca was just totally calm and collected, enjoying the attention, giving me a chance to shoot while he was awake, and then soon enough, sound asleep.

Just dreamy.

Snooze away little Luca! We are happy to just pass you around and around. We'll even let Papa have a turn.

ISLA

Ana Gambuto April 1, 2015

“Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ”

— Elizabeth Stone

My favorite neighbor had a baby! And our little world of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, becomes just that much more special. My BFF, my partner in crime, is the most beautiful mother I could imagine. Baby Isla so beautiful already. It's so powerful how this little person arrived as if she was always here, already so calm and inquisitive, already the little Isla she will be.

Already Isla Lucille can't take her eyes off of her sister! — Already Isla Lucille can't take her eyes off of her sister!

ANA is shooting in Los Angeles in April!

Ana Gambuto March 24, 2015

I'm eagerly going out West to wear flip-flops, eat real tacos, and shoot families and kids in the most incredible golden light in the world (that's right, that perfect light is only in California, my home state!)

Space is limited, but please do email for information! Newborns, teenagers, big families, small families, it's all worth documenting. Call me!

ana@anaphoto.co

With Love

Ana Gambuto March 22, 2015

In loving memory of my friend and client Janice Hegemier, who left us too soon. I absolutely adored her, and am very saddened by the news of her passing. Taking a moment, to remember.

Stella

Ana Gambuto March 20, 2015

When your bestie has a baby, it's always an exciting time. But this little girl's arrival was extra special because I'm already so in love with her older sister!

Newborn shoots at home can be the sweetest experience for a photographer. It's a moment to be a loving, active contributor by directing tired parents into poses that you know they'll feel beautiful in later, but also it's being completely invisible, being the silent documentarian to the momentous occasion that a growing family at home really is. It's their first few hours as a whole. It's such an honor.

I kinda think my job is rad.

Welcome to our world, Stella. I plan to eagerly over-document your life. (with love!)

GOLDIE

Ana Gambuto March 4, 2015

A tiny golden goose has arrived!

To document this sweet new life in such a beautiful home is truly a fabulous task. My longtime friend Jenn Falik is a gal who needs no introduction. Her style and taste are legendary, and her newest addition is already carrying on the tradition.

Welcome, Goldie girl! Your big sister can't take her eyes off you. What a lucky duck.

Can you die for this fabulous crib sheet from Little Woolf?

new work for Cannon Home

Ana Gambuto February 25, 2015

I shot some fun work recently for the fluffy-towel experts Cannon Home, and I've attached a few of the images here! Special thanks to make-up artist Tara Pagliara.

The highlight of the shoot day was the resident kitty giving her endorsement to Cannon's beautiful bath rug! Can you believe it? I was lucky enough to see it and have my camera in-hand in time to catch it.

tiny gazelle

Ana Gambuto February 22, 2015

This family has a special place in my heart. Photo producer, child wrangler and former magazine editor Sarah gave me one of my first career "big breaks" when she hired me for an American Baby magazine shoot many years ago, and has been a cheerful sounding board, super-supporter and beautiful friend ever since.

When she married her hilarious and hunky husband Ethan, ("...yes, you can mention me on your blog, but only about the obvious stuff... like how I am built like a tree, yet move like a gazelle...") I was thrilled, and when little Bennett came along, I floored it out to Connecticut to meet him!

Little Bennett was so happy and smiley... I feel like he is already creating his first one-liners in that sweet little developing brain of his.

I'll be here all week! Tip your waitress.

What would you do with a drunken (sleeping!) sailor? (one eye isn't sleeping!)

stifling a laugh... why's the lady flying over my crib? I think she's gonna fall.

Bennett, I can't wait until you learn to talk. Oh, the things you will say!

valentine's day

Ana Gambuto February 13, 2015

It's love week!

I shot this arrangement this week in the gorgeous Belle Fleur NY studio, and I couldn't be more impressed with their work!

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupery

craving minimal in winter

Ana Gambuto January 29, 2015

It's winter now, and I'm craving things in my life to be neutral and calm and minimal.

I'm liking my house clean and folded and stacked. The counter is mirror-clean and the dishes are always washed before bed these days.

I make things and I work for myself, so my days march out ahead to the beat of the freelance metronome, without kids to yet interrupt my pace.

Busy, yes. But. If there is no time, I can make time.

These winter days feel decadent yet earned. It feels like there is probably some really rad stuff right around the corner. It feels GOOD.

I shot these birds outside the NYC courthouse in January, while shooting a beautiful couple's wedding.

sister, newly

Ana Gambuto January 26, 2015

Here's a recent newborn session I love! Having known this little gal's mama for many years and having shot her older brother only made my excitement for this session more concentrated. There's something really fun about shooting the new sibling of a child I know and love, especially if I also shot them at the same age. I love spotting familiar mannerisms and expressions, and the similarities in this case were visible at just nine days old. Older brother Derek was away in school but trust me - these two are peas in a pod!

Introducing baby Zoe, the happiest baby on the block. She was one of the most eager subjects I've encountered in forever! At nine days old she seemed to follow me around the room with her eyes. She was very interested in all of us moving and chattering around her as we fluffed pillows and planned our angles. Perhaps a future assistant?

Finally, a snack and some sleep. A job well done!

14 Faces from 2014 under 14 Months Old!

Ana Gambuto December 31, 2014

I'm a big fan of round-up blogposts, in general. I like to post them because it's fun for me to go back through my shoots in a fun reminiscing way, and snuggle back up to those little faces a bit more before the year flips over to a new beginning. I love all these little dudes and dudettes (and ALL the ones not pictured from this year!) and I'm so grateful they crossed my shutterbugging path.

Best wishes for 2015!

Ashley & Jim: Married!

Ana Gambuto November 18, 2014

This wedding was incredibly special. Almost EVERYTHING was handmade by one of the most unique and stylish brides I've ever encountered. Though her crafting cred was impeccable (former crafting editor at Martha Stewart) she was so super zen about the planning. The event was meticulously conceived of and executed but she SO low key in her attitude and stress level. I asked her if she practices meditation! She was so sure of herself, and so sure of their love. It was profound and extremely meaningful to me to be a part of this incredible made-with-love day!

FROM THE BRIDE: "When Jim and I got engaged, we had no idea how or where we wanted to get married. It was a totally daunting process for me because I was never the kind of girl who dreams of her wedding her entire life and I procrastinate like crazy in making big decisions. We knew in general that we wanted it to be a fun party, not fussy, and in a place that's special enough to us that we want to share it with the people we love. In the summer of 2013, Jim took me to Monhegan Island, where he's spent time every summer for ten years, and I fell in love with it as well. It's such a stunningly beautiful and remote place that a wedding there is completely shaped by the island itself, which is a concept we both loved."

"We wanted our guests to experience as much of what we love about the island as possible, so that guided our planning. To that end, we made sure the weekend included a lobster boil, island wildflowers for the tables, Sue Jenkins' (an island resident) incredible blueberry pies, beer from the on-island brewery, guided nature and historical walks, survivor bracelets hand made by the assistant harbor master Rusty Spear, and a ceremony with as unbelievably gorgeous a backdrop as possible: a view of the harbor and Manana, the smaller island which protects it. "

"Choosing a design direction that was basically limited to white on navy and some blue marble pattern made it easy to create extra elements like signs that matched the whole look, which was definitely inspired by the colors and aesthetics of Monhegan. Table numbers were smooth stones we gathered on the island and I painted with white chalk pen. The gift bags were a fun dyeing experiment: I bound 80 dyeable drawstring bags from Dharma Trading in various ways and used RIT navy blue dye in the washing machine to dye them all at once. The best results were the bags I folded and bound using shibori techniques. In addition to the practical items inside the bag (sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and whatnot), I made postcards with Moo using photos my Mom had taken on an earlier trip to Monhegan - she is a talented nature photographer and her postcards were quite a hit! "

"One of the best memories was watching our chartered ferry pull up on Friday night, full of people we couldn't wait to see! Another is how the weather held out through our ceremony but immediately afterwards there was a quick downpour which facilitated moving the guests down to the reception area and of course left a rainbow in the sky.

Probably my favorite part was dancing - Jim carefully made the playlist himself and so every song was one I wanted to dance to! And finally we really loved fulfilling the other Monhegan goodbye tradition of "jumping in" for loved ones departing: Jim and I jumped off the wharf, into the freezing cold waters of Maine, to bid farewell to the majority of our guests as the ferry pulled away, ensuring they will all return eventually!"

Venue: Monhegan House

Map: Designed by the bride and printed by Aper and Pink

Letterpress Invitation and Weekend Schedule: Macon York

Guestbook: Natalie Stopka

Brooklyn Baby love

Ana Gambuto November 6, 2014

I'm so smitten with these sweet chipmunk cheeks! Here's a crisp Fall afternoon in Cobble Hill with a family as loving as they come... such a stunning way to while away an afternoon away. And the backdrop of brownstone Brooklyn never disappoints, I must say!

little love Luella

Ana Gambuto October 29, 2014

Don't worry, I'd be the first to try to save you if there were monsters under your bed, Luella.

Baby's First Sugar!

Ana Gambuto October 21, 2014

SUBTITLE: My sweet nephew Lucian just turned one!

With food from childhood friend and accomplished chef Ariel Fox and lots of handmade touches by Lucian's mom, Sashka, this family-style party was full of love and personal touches. And beautiful things to photograph! The party took place in a beautiful converted warehouse loft in Rockland county, where Lucian's parents made their home after leaving Brooklyn. All the city-dwellers were agape at the beauty that is everywhere once you leave the city. We were mesmerized by the fall leaves changing colors, and spent serious time at the farmer's market on the way to the party. (At least I did!)

Tiny photos from Lucian's first year were strung up on one wall, hot air balloons cut from maps were strung up in the entryway. Beautifully colored party hats were passed around with enthusiasm from everyone but the birthday boy, though we tricked him into wearing one for approximately 23 seconds!

All the cute tots in attendance played outside in the warm weather with the leaves, and football was played as well with care not to trip over all the little ones.

The couple's world travel is evident from the colorful artifacts all around the apartment! Lucian is learning about the world.

All of Lucian's friends are gathered around to coo. He is totally fine with this!

And finally, it came time for cake. Lucian's first taste of proper refined sugar! He's skeptical at first, but catches on quickly. Then, just as fast, he ditches the cake to the floor for a chance at dumping out and splashing his water. Smart move, kid. Keep the sugar at bay for as long as possible!

The grown-ups are acting strange. SUSPICIOUS!

rock, rock, twist

Ana Gambuto September 30, 2014

Putting a newborn to sleep is no easy feat. (Duh)

“I’ve got it! This is the formula. Listen closely. Rock, rock, twist-while-cooing, rock, walk, make SHHHH sound, repeat. ”

"It works every time!" --said no Mom ever.

While there's no hard fast rule for getting baby to sleep, I found beauty in the process of trying. And then I got to read books and chase baby Isabelle's big brother! I left the hard stuff to Mom.

Thanks for the swaddle! So, anyone up for a round of gin rummy?

that time I met Anna Sui

Ana Gambuto September 18, 2014

That time I met Anna Sui... and she was completely rad!

Head over to the indispensable Beauty Blitz to read their full coverage of our visit, where Anna gives us a sneak peek of her world. Beauty Blitz is one of the savviest destinations for everything beauty, and it's run by the sweet and supersmart Polly Blitzer, who is also a stone cold pro. Love her.

Also hit up the original bohemian queen herself at AnnaSui.com and fall down the girly rabbit hole!

Writer Wendy Rodewald-Sulz can be found being fabulous on Instagram.

Follow Beauty Blitz online, on Facebook and on Instagram. I would! (I do!)

Rachael + Cooper: featured on Style Me Pretty

Ana Gambuto September 11, 2014

It's finally the day I get to share a wedding closer to my heart than I can put into words. So much love and beauty in one stunning place. And no cell reception to boot! Head over to Style Me Pretty, one of the BEST wedding blogs out there, to view the whole wedding. Big grins all day for me!