Romantic couple kissing in a forest creek, man lifting woman in floral dress, surrounded by lush green trees.

Leslie Colbert

Ithaca, NY portrait photographer

more than just photos

celebrating life, one chapter at a time

Black and white close-up of couple sharing intimate moment, woman displaying diamond engagement ring.
Young woman in white pants and black top sitting on outdoor stone steps wearing brown sandals, smiling.

At Cardinal Creek Portrait Co., I believe the most meaningful photographs begin with genuine connection, comfort, and trust. Based in Ithaca, New York, I specialize in senior portraits, family photography, maternity sessions, couples, and lifestyle portrait photography throughout the Finger Lakes. Every session is designed to feel relaxed and collaborative—never stiff or overly posed—so your images reflect who you truly are.



Whether you arrive with a vision in mind or simply trust me to guide the experience, my goal remains the same: to create timeless photographs that celebrate your story honestly, beautifully, and exactly as it is.

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Recent Sessions

 

Happy couple sharing a tender moment outdoors, pregnant woman in striped dress with partner on a bridge surrounded by trees.
Young woman with dark wavy hair in black sleeveless top and white pants standing by a tree outdoors.
A romantic couple shares a kiss in a forest creek, man lifting woman in a floral dress, surrounded by lush green trees.
Smiling young woman with dark hair and freckles sitting on steps wearing a black sleeveless top.
Couple holding hands by a rocky waterfall, woman in floral maxi dress, man in blue shirt, surrounded by spring trees.
Romantic couple nearly kissing outdoors, woman with long red hair in floral dress, man with tattoos.
Woman in black and white dress with red heels and cape poses confidently on indoor balcony.
Smiling couple poses outdoors, woman with red hair and glasses in floral dress, man in beige polo shirt.
Pregnant woman in striped dress holding pink carnations while cradling her baby bump outdoors.
Young woman in black graduation cap and gown with red sash poses outdoors on green campus lawn.
Soft focus romantic photo of couple touching foreheads, woman displaying diamond engagement ring on hand.
Smiling young woman with brown hair wearing a black sleeveless top seated outdoors on steps.
A couple kisses while holding a newborn and toddler outdoors, capturing a sweet family moment.
Black and white portrait of two smiling young Asian women posing closely together outdoors.
Three young women reading a book together in a library with bookshelves in the background.
Pregnant woman in striped sundress cradling baby bump in golden hour sunlight.
Engagement session
Smiling pregnant woman in striped sundress holding pink carnations outdoors on a bridge surrounded by green trees.
Couple sitting on creek rocks, woman in purple floral dress and man in blue polo smiling at each other.
Black and white photo of a smiling young woman in graduation cap and gown, celebrating her academic achievement outdoors.
Couple sharing a romantic moment leaning against a tree in a forest, woman in floral maxi dress smiling at man.
Pregnant woman in striped dress with two pairs of hands forming a heart shape on her baby bump in golden sunlight.
Black and white photo of a young woman browsing books in a multi-level library with tall shelves.
Engagement session
Smiling pregnant woman in striped dress holding baby bump at golden sunset by the water.
A laughing middle-aged couple enjoys a joyful moment together outdoors in a sunny park setting.
Couple embracing romantically in front of a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush green trees in a natural outdoor setting.
A smiling graduate in a white dress and red sash poses on library stairs surrounded by bookshelves.
Engagement session
Black and white photo of a woman in a white dress and heels browsing books on shelves in a library.
Expecting couple lying on grass holding ultrasound photos above them on a white blanket.
Couple sharing a kiss while sitting on rocks by a forest stream, woman in floral dress, man in blue shirt.
Smiling couple posing together outdoors with pink flowering trees in background, woman wearing glasses and floral top.
Young woman in white dress and red graduation sash poses in library aisle surrounded by bookshelves.
Young woman with long brown hair smiling in a black sleeveless top against a blurred background.
Couple sitting on rocks in a creek, woman in floral dress on man's lap, sharing a tender moment outdoors.
Pregnant woman holding ultrasound sonogram photos while relaxing on green grass outdoors.
Young woman with dark wavy hair and freckles smiling outdoors in a black sleeveless top at sunset.
Couple on a bridge holding pregnant belly in striped dress and navy shirt outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple kissing, woman in floral dress with cross necklace, hands intertwined at her waist.
Cornell University graduate in red sash reads German book “Richters Werte” in a library filled with academic texts.
Smiling pregnant woman in striped dress holding belly outdoors near willow tree on sunny day.
Woman in floral maxi dress with glasses poses on garden path surrounded by autumn foliage.
Smiling toddler boy with light brown hair wearing a beige button-up shirt standing in front of a stone wall.
Romantic couple sharing a kiss silhouetted against a golden sunset over water.
Smiling young woman in black graduation cap and gown with red stole and tassels outdoors.
Close-up of womans hand showing diamond engagement ring while couple kisses in background outdoors.
Graduate holding black cap with purple tassel, wearing red university stole over white dress at graduation ceremony.
Portrait model
Couple sharing a kiss in front of a waterfall, woman in floral dress and man in light blue shirt embracing outdoors.
Three smiling female graduates wearing sashes pose together outdoors in a joyful black and white graduation photo.
A young woman in a white dress and red graduation stole tosses her cap on a green lawn.
Black and white portrait of young smiling woman with freckles and dark hair touching her cheek.
Couple sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, woman in floral top with glasses, man in light blue shirt smiling.
Three young women in white dresses and red graduation sashes pose proudly in a library with bookshelves behind them.
Couple sharing a kiss at sunset, woman in striped dress with visible baby bump near a lake.
A couple shares a tender kiss outdoors, woman in floral dress embracing bearded man in blue shirt near wooden railing.
Woman in black graduation gown with red hood and red heels walks down a hallway, viewed from behind.
Young woman in white dress and red graduation sash poses between library bookshelves in white heels.
Smiling woman with red hair wearing a stethoscope and graduation gown, showing tattoos on her arm.
About Cardinal Creek Portrait Co.
Portrait model
Engagement session

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