Staring down the barrel of a camera is not the most comfortable position to be in when you are trying to "look natural" for that family portrait.

Monroe's easy going personality relaxed us almost immediately, affording us the opportunity to almost forget the purpose of our visit, which was to complete "Mission Impossible"... the family portrait with a five and eight year old!

Monroe realized and seized upon an opportunity to capture candid photos of our children that truly reflected the essence of their personalities. He obviously has quite the knack for this, an ability that most photographers that call themselves professionals rarely posses.

Monroe has captured and preserved these moments in time, which will remain cherished and invaluable memories for a life time.

If you want great candid "natural" photos that are not stiff and posed then I think I can recommend no other for the job! Hire this man. He is worth every dollar!

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"Never have my children been so comfortable or at ease with a photographer. Monroe captured them exquisitely and provided us an heirloom we will cherish forever."

- Thomas Golden, Waverly, NY

 

 

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"I'm a photographer myself (scenic and landscapes), and also an engineer. So I'm a real "Type A" stickler for perfection. When I wanted to get family portraits made, I knew that the "brand name" studios weren't going to give me what I wanted.

I've known Monroe for years, and decided to give him a shot at the job. He did not disappoint! The actual shoot was simplicity itself. I think maybe it's his large extended family, but he is just so instinctive with kids, and adults for that matter. He just knows how to capture the "real" you without you ever realizing it until you see the proofs.

Taking full advantage of modern digital technology, my wife and I were able to review the pictures immediately on the computer, to avoid any need to come back again for any re-shooting. The final product was simply beyond our best expectations, and the price for a very large package of prints beat the pants off the "brand name" guys by a mile.

If you want family portraits that will bring a smile to your heart forever, get them done here."

- Miles Lumbard, Virginia Beach, VA

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"Monroe took my daughter's graduation portraits. He actually made the decision process difficult because he took so many shots...and I liked every single one!"

 

 

 

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"My photographer (Monroe) was very courteous to all of my guests. When he was taking pictures, nobody knew he was around. It was wonderful. I would recommend him to everyone.... and I have. After seeing the pictures he took, I can not imagine why anyone would ever settle for another Photographer!!!!"

- Cindy Furman

 

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Monroe and his daughter Mindy did an excellent job. They exceeded our expectation. Best of all, they got all the special images of our day without ever being in the way.

Whitney (Gilmour) Dennis,
Ithaca, NY
July 3, 2004

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The best thing about having Mindy and Monroe do our pictures was that I didn't notice them taking pictures, yet they got all my favorite memories of the day on film. We didn't feel posed and they were never in the way. The other people taking pics there were family and they were super annoying! Their pics were stuffy and we didn't look like we were having much fun in them. The Payne's photos showed how much fun we were having and how our day REALLY went. Monroe and Mindy ROCK!!!!

 

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Thank you so much for the pictures, You were so comfortable and easy to work with, like having my favorite uncle as photographer. The pictures are beautiful, and capture each moment with a true eye.

You bring the best out in everyone.

Pat Shea Newfield, NY

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"Monroe has a gift for capturing emotion in his photographs. This gift makes him really unique. He photographed my wedding and I highly recommend him and his family."

Jessi (Basset) Wauters, Pepperell, MA
October 9, 2004

 

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"Monroe did a fantastic job with our wedding pictures. He exceeded our expectations!"

Bob Weathers,
Ithaca, NY
New Year's Day, 2005

 

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The Payne Family Photographers provides photography services in the following cities and towns...
Ithaca, Cortland, Elmira, Binghamton, Syracuse, Fayette, Dundee, Penn Yan, Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Valois, Mecklenburg, Reading Center, Burdette, Beaver Dams, Corning, Millport, Alpine, Cayuta, Lodi, Ovid, Interlaken, Trumansburg, Newfield, West Danby, Willseyville, Brooktondale, Slaterville Springs, Slaterville, Caroline, Etna, Lansing, Cayuga Heights, Whitney Point, Glen Aubrey, Berkshire,Richford,Harford,Dryden,McLean,Pleasant Valley, Groton, Himrod, Killawog, Marathon, Candor, Catatonk, Dresden, Willard, Bellona, Geneva, Aurora, Poplar Ridge, King Ferry, Genoa, Locke, Moravia, Homer, Little York, Preble, East Homer, Truxton, Auburn, Cuyler, Blogett Mills, East Freetown, Elmira Heights, Hammondsport, Pleasant Valley, Bath, Savona, Campbell, Coopers Plains, Painted Post, Addison, Gang Mills, Cameron, VanEttan, Spencer, Breesport, Erin, Lockwood