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

Leslie Colbert

Ithaca, NY based 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 best photographs come from genuine connection, comfort, and trust. My sessions are designed to feel relaxed and collaborative, never overly posed or one-size-fits-all. Whether you arrive with a full vision in mind or need gentle guidance along the way, my goal is always the same: to create thoughtful, timeless images that feel honest to you and the season of life you’re in. Every session is about celebrating your story exactly as it is.

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Recent Sessions

 

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

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