09/27/2025
📸From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: How Canajoharie’s Photographer Ellen Barlow Became a Local Favorite📸
If you’ve been to a ballfield in Fort Plain, a dance recital in Canajoharie, or a family portrait session around St. Johnsville, chances are you’ve spotted Ellen Barlow - camera in hand, eyes trained on the moment. Ellen didn’t set out to become a photographer. In fact, it just sort of happened. She’s an example that sometimes you find things you love, and are good at, later in life.
Ellen grew up in Waterveliet, graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1995, and Hartwick College in Oneonta in 1999 where she earned her degree in Biology. She was also an accomplished track & field athlete while at Hartwick. That’s also where she met her husband, Matt, originally from Cazenovia, New York, who was a pitcher for Hartwick’s baseball team, and now works as the Troop G Zone Sargent in the State Police in Fonda, New York. Matt’s father, Mike Barlow, even played in Major League Baseball - a family legacy of athletic excellence. The two married in 2000, settled here in Canajoharie, and raised four kids who many of you probably know from school, sports, or music:
• Mike- musician now based in Nashville
• Samantha (Sam) - biomedical sciences student at St. John’s University in Queens, also a dancer
• Nicholas - pre-med student at University of Rochester, baseball player at university of Rochester
• Jake - high schooler, also a ballplayer and swimmer
For years, Ellen worked as a Medical Technologist, most recently in Oncology. However, by the time her third child came, Ellen decided to become a full time stay at home mother. Photography wasn’t even on her radar until Samantha showed interest. Ellen bought her a DSLR kit, and when Samantha’s attention shifted to other hobbies as often happens with kids, Ellen picked up the camera herself.
Wanting to learn photography, Ellen began taking classes and teaching herself by practicing as she brought her camera to many sporting events and asking family and friends to do shoots at no charge in order to build a portfolio. One person who helped her navigate some of the technical side of photography was her long-time friend, Matt Becker, who she met back in 2008. It’s a name many in the community will recognize. Matt’s wife, Shana, teaches dance locally and was a mentor to Ellen’s daughter Sam. Matt was an incredible resource that Ellen had. He helped her maneuver her way around the photography field in the beginning. For that, she will always be grateful.
What started with photographing her kids and neighbors has grown into Elle Photography, a name now well-known across Canajoharie, Fort Plain, St. Johnsville, Sharon Springs, Johnstown, and beyond. Ellen’s work is the opposite of cookie-cutter chain portraits. “Every kid deserves more than one forced smile,” she says. Her sessions are full of variety, personality, and fun. Families leave with images that actually look like their children - not stiff versions of them.
What a Session with Ellen Looks Like
Ellen offers a variety of sessions, each designed to fit different needs and budgets:
• Senior Portraits – Packages range from $350–$475. Sessions are personalized, often including multiple outfit changes and locations. Clients can choose between print packages or digital packages. Instead of one or two standard poses, Ellen provides a full variety of shots that feel authentic and true to the senior’s personality.
• Sports Photography - From youth sports like Little League, AYSO soccer and youth basketball to Varsity Sports and club sports, Ellen captures both individual and team portraits. Unlike big-box companies, she doesn’t rush kids through the line. Every athlete gets multiple poses and the time they need to relax into the session. She’s known for coming back if a child misses picture day - something parents deeply appreciate.
• Dance Portraits -Samantha’s background in dance has shaped Ellen’s love for photographing dancers. She highlights motion, form, and artistry, often experimenting with creative lighting or props.
• Family Portraits - Seasonal sessions, especially popular around the holidays. These range in style from outdoor lifestyle shoots to cozy indoor studio setups. Ellen makes family sessions relaxed and fun, often letting kids just be themselves, which creates more natural smiles and interactions.
• Specialty Sessions - Ellen offers a variety of themed and milestone shoots -think fairy-tale inspired portraits, prom sessions, maternity photos, or media-day style photos which are creative indoor studio portraits using gels, smoke, and dramatic lighting.
Her work has become a staple in community programs as well. Families involved in local sports and organizations, including AYSO and Fort Plain Youth Soccer. (She also gives a heartfelt shoutout to Matt and Meagan Heiser for their continuous support in allowing me to photograph the Fort Plain Youth Soccer program athletes year after years. Their support means the world.). Ellen sees herself not just as a photographer, but as a neighbor who cares deeply about kids and their experiences.
What sets Ellen apart isn’t just technical skill - it’s her personal touch. She brings patience, creativity, and flexibility to every shoot. If a family has a special request, she’s game to make it happen. “I’ve had people ask me to do a fairy tale session for a senior shoot, incorporate a jet ski in a shoot or a moving car, a race car, their dogs, instruments, spooky Halloween shoots. I love to make your vision come to life.” Photography for Ellen is about connection. “Photography is about taking a moment in time and freezing it. Photographs take you back to a place that was worth capturing. I love documenting that.”
From Canajoharie to Little Falls, families across the Valley already have Ellen’s work in their homes -framed on walls, printed in albums, and shared proudly online. She may not have planned this career, but for hundreds of local families, it’s impossible to imagine their milestones without her behind the camera.
Book Your Session Now!
Now is the perfect time to book your graduation pictures with the fall foliage. Christmas shoots are limited -get in before they’re gone! Check out Ellen’s portfolio on Facebook and Instagram, where you’ll see lots of familiar faces from the community.
Support local -call [518-231-6752], email [[email protected]], or message her directly on social media. https://www.facebook.com/share/1BiCJj5XGx/?mibextid=wwXIfr Don’t wait -your next unforgettable memories deserve to be captured by Canajoharie’s own Ellen Barlow. https://www.facebook.com/share/1CnsAm4F4B/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Look for Elle Photography’s reel going live Sunday morning at 8!
If you or anyone you know would like to or benifit from letting the local area who uou really are and the sevices you offer, please reach out. This is a free service provided to help our communities prosper! 🫶🏻
