R.E.PhotoDesign, LLC

I Have A New Blog!

2009-01-20T19:36:00.003-05:00

You're seeing this because you loaded my RSS feed or my blogger address! Hey! Thanks! WOO HOO! Guess what? I moved my blog. The address is still http://www.rephotodesign.info, but the RSS link change. So head to the new blog then update your RSS!

I'm a Junkie

2009-01-16T10:08:00.003-05:00

It's a well kept secret, I'm a CNN junkie. I leave it on all day long as I work. For a while I banned watching the news because I used to work in TV news as a feature story editor and I know how the news works. I just couldn't watch it anymore after I left the news business. Now since the election campaigning starting months ago, I watch CNN like it's going out of style.

If anyone was watching the news yesterday you would have seen an airplane floating in the Hudson river in NYC. The pilot somehow landed it there when the engines went out. Amazingly everyone survived. AMAZING! So someone in Kelley's family knows someone who had a friend on one of the ferries that was rescuing people sent this photo via his cell phone. I tweaked it a bit, but this is AWESOME! I had to share. It looks like it's credited to a friend of Christopher Tobin, via Robert Green (I believe Kelley's cousin), via my mother in-law, to me. The 4 degrees of RE!

Album Layouts

2009-01-09T16:06:00.007-05:00

A few posts back I posted what the exterior of my albums look like. Now it's time for the layouts on the inside. This past year we had the most amount of albums my album designer, who's also a personal friend, and I have had to design. In fact, we are down to our last few. I was recently talking to a videographer friend of mine about how long it takes to design an album. Usually from choosing the images to final design it's anywhere from 5-10 hours, depending on the size of the album. I know for my albums they tend to take about 8 hours of design time... I'm picky about how they turn out and put a lot of thought into them. I really have no reason why I haven't l blogged about them, so here they are!

Also, I made commenting on my blog a little easier... feel free to leave one!

***UPDATE: I changed the coding for this flash object to make it work in Firefox and a little better overall.***

And The Nominees Are...

2009-01-07T17:28:00.003-05:00

Today I did my initial run through of all the wedding and engagement photos I've given out this year. After looking at 27,928 images from 25 weddings and many engagement sessions, the nominees total 556! This will be cut down further before the final vote for the top 100. I've already picked 2 of my top 3 weddings of the year as well! The third is too close to call. The final images aren't always my decision. In the past I have released the nominees for public vote amongst family and friends. I will be doing that again this year, so stay tuned for your invitation to vote!

Here's a sneak peak at the top 556. Get out your magnifying glass!

Iceland, Here Comes Sigga!

2009-01-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

Kelley calls me from work and says "Sigga is going to call you, she needs a headshot asap." I though, ok, sweet. Later on Kelley told me a little about Sigga. She's the Associate Chair and Lecturer of Economics for Yale University. Her resume is amazing. Sigga is originally from Iceland. If you've been watching the news you've probably heard that Iceland went bankrupt. The entire country! Bankrupt! One day Sigga got a phone call from a high ranking government official there asking her to head a committee to not only figure out why Iceland is bankrupt, but how to fix it. Crazy, insane! How often does someone get asked to do this? So she came over our house for a really quick visit and we snapped off this headshot. Maybe we'll be seeing it on the news!

Carolina & Michael!

2009-01-05T10:28:00.004-05:00

I met Carolina and Michael at a wedding I photographed this year when Carolina was a bridesmaid in Sarah and Doug's wedding. I was thrilled when she called to say she wanted me to photograph her wedding too! I do get this often, seeing that 90% of my weddings booked for 2009 are client referrals from weddings that I've photographed.

Kelley and I met up with Carolina and Michael at Amherst College on our way back from Boston. They both went to college here, so we got to take their photos at some memorable locations for them.

Michael's dorm.

So Carolina says Amherst has a dinosaur, a big collection of fossils... We walked down to the museum only to find it is closed! However there was a door open to the hall ways. Then Kelley goes off somewhere and comes back with someone to unlock the museum door! I don't know how Kelley does it, every time, she'll figure out a way to get us into anything.

Look Ma! I'm On TV!

2009-01-04T13:23:00.002-05:00

While at the YMCA burn down, I ran into an old TV news friend of mine from when I worked at WTNH. Channel 30 was also there and I notice that I was kind of standing in front of their shot. So last night Kelley and I were watching the news after the Chargers win (GO CHARGERS!) and we saw this! Photos taken from my iPhone.

That's Kelley in the blue jacket and I'm standing to the right with my camera and tripod.

Burnin' Down The House

2009-01-04T13:07:00.003-05:00

Before Christmas I did a holiday portrait fundraiser for the Soundview YMCA. They broke ground on the land that the building is going to be built on. But before they could start construction they have to remove the house that's on the land. So why not start a fire? The slide show is from my camera that I had across the street and set to take 1 picture every 5 seconds (right up until the smoke headed our way).

Here's a few cool shots of the house and Branford's finest.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T11:42:00.003-05:00

Kelley and I had an awesome time with some friends at The Woodwinds for New Years Eve. This is the same place we had our wedding reception in CT. There are more photos floating around my facebook page!

Catching Up

2009-01-04T10:56:00.005-05:00

I've been a little behind on blogging, so be prepared today!

Going all the way back to last year... Kelley and I took a little weekend getaway to Boston after Christmas. It was a much needed break from the holidays. While up there we went out to dinner with Matt and Enna Grazier, and Kelley's friend Cristina who's a pastry chef from Flour, at an excellent place in the north end, Pomodoro. It's a small italian restaurant with about 8 tables. It was soooo goooooood. Then we went across the street to Mike's Pastry for a little dessert. We had such a great time hanging out!

The next day Kelley and I had a whole day to ourselves. This is a very rare thing. So rare in fact we have the save kind of day today! So what to do with a free day in Boston. We took Matt's advice and went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Are you kidding me? This place is amazing. Just to name a few things that amazed me: Rembrandt's self portrait, a Botticelli, letter's from George Washington, a letter from Ulysses S Grant stating his intention of leaving the Naval Academy, a stained glass window from Paris, a roman sarcophagus, various windows and doors that were used to build the museum, oh, and the center of the building 4 story venetian courtyard! Just to name a few. Everything seems so randomly placed through the museum, at the same time everything in each room relates in a way.

After the museum we did a little shopping, stopping at the Apple Store of course. We walked 3 miles from the Prudential Center to our b&b in the north end. Along the walk I was on a mission sparked by my friend Carla Ten Eyck. She loves to photograph anything that looks like a 10. So I was on a mission to find anything that had "RE." There were plenty of words that started or ended with "re" or had an "re" in the middle. But nothing by itself... until...

I made a reservation at what I read was an amazing restaurant in the North End, Carmen. Another tiny little place where you need a reservation. This was one of the best meals Kelley and I had ever had. It made our personal list of top restaurants. Unbelievable. Then to top it off we thought we'd try Modern Pastry around the corner. There's an argument in Boston as to which is better, Mike's or Modern. You either love one or the other. I always went to Mike's and thought, yeah, it's pastry. So we went to Modern... I never want to go to another pastry shop again. The cannoli was the best I've ever had, plus the chocolate ganache cake... yeah.

Looking forward to going back to Boston!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T14:44:00.003-05:00

Sorry, no pictures this time! It's a little crazy here at the Esposito house hold. We are painting! And out of paint supplies. The snow storm outside is preventing us from going to get more. I'll post soon about our much needed trip to Boston, the Get To Know You session I shot (there were dinosaurs!!!!), and my end of the year purchase/tax deduction that I just made. Now I have to get the cats mouse out from under the table, AGAIN, before she claws the table apart.

Happy New Year to all, with love, from Kelley and RE!

We're Off!

2008-12-27T13:59:00.006-05:00

So I set a goal for myself this holiday season. No work, no blogging, no nothing. I haven't turned my computer on in days! Christmas for Kelley and I is all about family. In 3 days we had 5 family gatherings for Christmas! It was awesome. And now, Kelley and I are leaving for a little weekend get away to a b&b in the North End of Boston. While up there we are meeting up with the Grazier's for a little dinner. Otherwise, total relaxation! Maybe some post Christmas shopping in the city.

This morning I had a little time for some photographic inspiration. I am currently going through my 2008 season for my next best of compilation. I'm also going to be releasing a series of images for my new collection, RE:MASTERS. Here's a sneak peak of one of the images I'm working on.

I'll be back in the office on Tuesday! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday and your taking some much needed rest this weekend.

Snowfall Earth

2008-12-19T16:47:00.003-05:00

Any Sunrise Earth fans out there? Here's a little Snowfall Earth from North Haven today.

Albums x 5

2008-12-19T16:19:00.008-05:00

Every day at 1:30 (like clockwork) I hear the UPS truck coming around the parking lot here. There are days he delivers to my door and days like today he beeps and pulls up to my garage. Besides the last minute deliveries for Christmas orders, he had 6 albums for me! One of them I'm keeping for a studio demo.

I use a little known album company called Album ML, formally known as Memory Link. There's a lot of album companies out there, and I do use a few others, but Album ML has been so consistent, puts out such a great product, and they are so easy to deal with. I thought I would take a few shots of what came in today.

These are the 3 main album covers that my clients like to order. The middle one is a clear acrylic with a designed image under it. It really makes the colors pop and gives me a lot of freedom to do what we want with the cover. The back left is all black leather with a custom cut out. The back right is a piece of metal with a color image printed down the side.

Here's a close up of the acrylic.

Another acrylic with a different design.

Yet another acrylic with another different design

It's a good thick piece of really clear acrylic.

A nice smooth piece of metal. I like it better than the brushed look.

Here's the black leather with a custom sized cutout and the clients names and date imprinted into the leather.

Their bindings are really nice and lay flat. The pages are three layers each. The white, black, and white is a single thick page. I think it looks nice when you're looking at the album sitting out. I've only had one person gild the edges so they are completely black.

Here's a close up of the binding. It's just a bump across the seam.

Album ML just released a new presentation box that's so much better than they used to have. It's a good sturdy black leather-like box with stitching.

The stitching around the box.

The magnetic flap.

The inside is lined with a velvet like material.

To my clients seeing their album here, they will be mailed out on Saturday! You should have them by Christmas.

O Holy Night

2008-12-18T12:13:00.010-05:00

This year Kelley and I handed out a few mix CD's of our favorite Christmas music to friends at a party we went to. One track in particular I'm sure not many people have heard before, but it's the one track I can play over and over. It's a rendition of O Holy Night by an insane jazz musician known as Trombone Shorty. I'm not an emotional person per say, but this one song just makes you feel how fortunate you are. When this song goes on I usually have to stop what I'm doing and stop thinking about whatever is going on in my head.

There is one reason why this song brings so much emotion to me. There was a show on NBC not too long ago called Studio 60 (On The Sunset Strip). I honestly thought it was by far one of the best shows on television. Maybe it's because I used to work in tv studios and it reminded me of that. But, apparently, 30 Rock was doing better for NBC and Studio 60 got cancelled. Before it was canned, there was the Christmas episode where Trombone Shorty played O Holy Night with a jazz group from New Orleans. They played in front of images of the destruction in New Orleans. You may have to know the show to understand parts of this clip, but the song and the images were amazing. The part that gets me is this one sign that says what someone wants for Christmas, so heart breaking. For me it was one of the most amazing moments in television that I've ever seen and I just can't forget.

So with that said, Here's the only clip I could find on YouTube that has the dialogue in it which makes the clip complete. It also has some guys info on it since he has it posted, just ignor that. Oh, and if anyone can't figure out what to get me for Christmas, the complete series of Studio 60 on DVD would be awesome. Enjoy the clip:

Skittles Texas Holdem

2008-12-17T00:18:00.004-05:00

This is what happens when you have a deck of cards and the poker chips aren't around. You find an alternative. A bag of Skittles. I ate about $50 while we played.

Aura Website

2008-12-13T17:14:00.006-05:00

My last post had some of the photos, now here's the website I made for the Aura Day Spa.

I did an initial conversion of the images for the website, but I'm not sure how happy I am with the way they came out. So I'm going to do a different conversion for web images and hopefully they will look a little nicer (not that they don't already). I'm just picky. The owner of the spa was really thrilled with the way everything came out. I'm going back to the spa to take some more photos of product and the rest of the rooms.

Aura Day Spa

2008-12-11T23:00:00.008-05:00

As the wedding season comes to an end, my commercial season is just beginning. I don't think I've ever put my commercial work on the blog. I've done head shots for many companies. I even have some to do today! I've been photographing for a builder of condos and homes as well. I'm always amazed at what comes my way.

I just photographed a really nice day spa in East Haven. Aura Day Spa opened a little while ago, and the therapists there came from other day spas in the area. This ended up being more than just photos for me. I just finished building their website too. I'll let you know when it goes live! It contains the following images, and more. The owner was so thrilled with the way everything came out, I'm going to go back and shoot some more images.

This was tricky. It's 6 vertical shots combined into one. I took a similar shot with a fish eye, but it got too curvy. The wide angle wasn't enough. So a stitching I went.

I noticed once I posted it here that one is missing... and the random screw in the wall. Retake?

Therese & Sonny!

2008-12-03T13:07:00.003-05:00

Therese & Sony's wedding was the last wedding of the year for me. It was a great way to end this wedding season. Sonny and his three kids lived next door to where I grew up. I baby sat his kids when we were all younger! It's so crazy to see them all grown up now.

Sonny met Therese and it was obvious that they had one thing in common. They both have 3 kids! Two boys and 1 girl each! Not only that, but Sonny's daughter is named Jackie (or Jacqueline). And Therese's daughter is named Jackie! And they are about the same age! Isn't that amazing?

Two thumbs up little one... absolutely adorable.

I decided to experiment a little towards the end of the reception. I took my 100mm macro and took a photo through my 50mm lens. It wasn't easy. The macro had to be focused just right. Then in order to focus the subject on the other side of the lens, I had to move the 50mm closer or further from the macro to focus that lens. I only had a few shots come out. I can't wait to try it again!

This has been wedding announcement #180!

Pic _ _ _ _

2008-12-02T13:14:00.007-05:00

Pictage or PickPic. Well, I did it. I stopped using Pictage and started using PickPic. I feel elated, but not ELATED!!!! There is some sense of walking away with my tail between my legs.

First, my PUG people. This is the Pictage User Group that I get together with every month. The good thing is that not everyone there is a Pictage user, so I'l still be seeing everyone every month! How could I not? If it wasn't for this group I wouldn't have some of the closest friends that I have today. I wouldn't have gone to or done some of the things that have grown my business and myself especially as a photographer.

Second, Pictage itself. I really don't want to get into detail all the reasons why I left. They are things that I hear a lot of complaints about amongst photographers and even the general public. I know there are other alternatives to Pictage out there, but they are not as in-depth, complete, and easy to use as Pictage, which is what makes Pictage so popular.

As all my clients are probably aware of by now, I have a new site for my online proofing and sales! It is rephotodesign.net. This site was installed with PickPic. Where do I begin with how great this is?

Although it is PickPic's system, it is really REPhotoDesign's system. All orders, inquiries, payments, customer service, etc, goes through me. The only involvement with PickPic is that I purchased the program from them and they installed it on my server. Unlike Pictage, PickPic has nothing to do with my sales, prints, products, and customer support. That's all on my shoulders now! I think this becomes more apparent since my .net looks just like my website and blog. It's all about branding! What do I want to put the REPhotoDesign name on or associate it with? Pictage was not the answer for me.

One reason why I chose the PickPic system is because they are now owned by the amazing lab that I use for my prints. Integration between the two is coming soon! Which will make things a little easier on my end. Also, my costs have been lowered. So much so that my print prices have been lowered! This is making my clients and guests of weddings happier and is generating more sales for me, which means more income. I love that I get to crop and check orders before they are sent to print. And your prints should be at your door in 3-4 business days!

This winter I will be putting all of my products on .net available for purchase. My clients and guests can pick out their photos for their album, and order their album, right through .net. My canvas prints are already available. I'll have more products on there for my clients to choose from soon. The best thing is that the products are the same products I show in my office!

So it was a tough decision to leave Pictage, but a good one at the same time. I think about what is good for my clients before I think about what works for me. For my business, PickPic is a better option for all.

Check out REPhotoDesign.net! Since you won't have passwords for the events, here are a bunch of screen shots.

Here's what .net looks like after the initial redirect from the splash page. I'm working on a new splash page.

Once into an event you can see the categories. At the top of the list is a link to a slideshow. Before this, guests rarely got to see the slideshow that I make for my clients online and on DVD.

It looks even nicer with a vertical image.

Each category has 30 images per page. It's a very simple clean look with just the image number underneath.

Once you choose an image you can pick an image size. It will even show you and allow you to adjust the crop for every size available. You can make the images black and white and preview that, and add borders. There's an easy to use cart to check your order and check out. And you can save your favorites too! When it's time to do your album, you can just send me the favorites folder.

If anyone is trying to access my events on Pictage, they have been expired. You can find it on .net. The password is the couples last name, something I never publish anywhere.

AND I made changes to the splash page on rephotodesign.com. My promo video was put in! I'm going to be reworking the video this winter. And I may add another section to go to and make the graphics smaller. We'll see what happens!

YMCA Holiday Portraits Fundraiser

2008-11-28T21:52:00.004-05:00

Today was the YMCA Holiday Portraits Fundraiser at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. We had a good number of families come by for a quick holiday portrait with all proceeds going toward the Soundview YMCA and the building of the new YMCA in Branford.

We had a great natural backdrop. Everyone was able to see their photo right there and plenty of orderes were placed!

Kelley and I took the opportunity to take our holiday portrait by setting the camera on the tripod and running in front of it! Happy holidays to all! We hope everyone had a family filled, and turkey filled, Thanksgiving.

Melissa & Matt!

2008-11-26T12:16:00.004-05:00

I photographed Melissa and Matt's engagement session not that long ago. And now here's their wedding! There was one big difference between the two days, besides the obvious ones. We had a high of 32 degrees for their wedding! It was the coldest day of the year. The wind didn't help either, especially when Melissa almost lost her wrap off the bridge! The wedding was at the Lake of Isles at Foxwoods Casino. While Melissa was getting ready, Matt and company were at the craps tables.

What a view from the Grand Pequot Tower.

Good catch Matt! That wrap was almost gone for good.

Melissa and Matt had a comic book that was special to them. They contacted the person who drew it and got the last copies of the book. They wrapped everyones name and table number around them for the reception.

This has been wedding announcement #179!

Everything is FIXED!

2008-11-24T18:10:00.001-05:00

So in an effort to fix some DNS settings for rephotodesign.net, I threw off more than I thought. If you were trying rephotodesign.net today, it wasn't there. You also noticed all the photos on this blog are missing. Guess where those are hosted! On .net. Also if you were trying to sign up for the YMCA event, that wasn't working either.

As of 5:30pm this evening, everything is working! What happened was, basically, that my server company does not like certain changes made to your url settings with a certain other company. So I went back in and put everything back to the way is was when it was working. The thing about making these changes is that it doesn't happen instantly. It could take a few hours to change. The last 20 hours I thought I was waiting for the change to happen, when it was just the server not liking the change. Lesson learned.

So everything is working... the YMCA signup page, images on this blog, and most importantly rephotoesign.net

Holiday Family Portraits to Benefit YMCA

2008-11-17T19:20:00.001-05:00

On November 28th from 12-5pm, REPhotoDesign and the Soundview Family YMCA are having a holiday family portrait day at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford. All proceeds will go towards the construction and services of the new YMCA in Branford. This new YMCA will support Branford, Guilford, Madison, and the surrounding area. This new YMCA is slated to have 2 pools, one being handicap accessible, a teen center, fitness center, child care center, and more!

Holiday family portraits are on the day after Thanksgiving, so all your family should be in town! Gather them up, pile in the SUV (gas prices are low again, it's ok), and come on down! You will see your photo immediately. Your photo will be e-mailed to you so you can make your own holiday cards OR you will be able purchase prints on site through REPhotoDesign.

The YMCA is a non-profit organization and they need your help! A suggested donation will be asked for (to be determined). Again, all proceeds will benefit the YMCA!

Please sign up so we know how many people to expect!! SIGN UP HERE http://www.rephotodesign.com/ymca

Maureen & Joseph!

2008-11-17T15:25:00.004-05:00

NY, NY! Central Park... I love going into the city. It's not a bad train ride from home, about an hour and 40 minutes. I guess I'm getting used to it with all the trips I've been taking to the city. I'll be back next weekend too!

I met up with Maureen and Joe at 5th and 59th, the corner of Central Park, or what I like to call the Apple Store. I really need to stay out of there. We took a nice long walk through central park on a perfect for photography day. I took a lot of photos and can't help but to post a lot of them here!

Joe use to work in the building behind the Apple store (I'm jealous). He asked Maureen to marry him in the park across from there, in front of the Plaza Hotel.

I tried to keep the Apple logo out of the shots... something keept drawing me to it.

I was editing the images on the train ride home. The women sitting next to me really liked this one.

I had to ask Maureen if she modeled before cause she would naturally give me these looks and poses that were fantastic.

Then an onlooker tried to do the same? Not as effective.

After the shoot I enjoyed a city vendor pretzel and headed to Grand Central. Sunday nights are always crowded going back to New Haven. I got there a little early and managed a good seat next to a window. Then an announcement came over the speaker that the train was broken and we had to get on another train. It was a mad dash! The next train didn't have as many cars, so seats were even more limited and I ended up on an isle. It was crazy.

.info HD

2008-11-17T14:32:00.003-05:00

I planned on working on this blog page this winter. The first things was to make it a more wider format. Since that's easy, I took care of it today! Now, first and foremost, I can put up some bigger images. The battle is finding the right size for image. I don't want to make them so big that you can't see the whole image on your screen, since everyones computer is different. Vertical shots are the most difficult to manage. So my next post will have images! I'll rework the graphic above when I can get to that. It may be another month or so.

Tara & Jeremy!

2008-11-12T10:11:00.004-05:00

Tara and Jeremy met over 6 years ago. It took a little while for them to start dating, but once Jeremy asked Tara out for dinner, the rest is history! Since they love to go hiking, I took them to one of my favorite hiking and photography locations, Sleeping Giant State Park. During the shoot I caught Jeremy looking at the stream for fish for his fish tanks. I'm sure there were a few as the stream was really flowing. So much so it changed some of the regular landscape that I'm used to seeing! I'll be photographing their "pink tie only" wedding next July. Tara ensures me that "it's going to look like someone vomited pink," her favorite color.

It was tough to pull off a longer exposer shot during the day! I just wanted that water to look smooth.

Here I go again with the ring!

Even though I was in a forest, it took me a little while to find a leaf that would stay attached to the branch it was on.

Christina Trashed The Dress!

2008-11-11T13:56:00.004-05:00

Back on April 5th I photographed Christina and Brett's wedding. I told Christina then that if she ever wanted to take more photos after the wedding, I'd be more than happy to! She was a natural in front of the camera. When she asked about doing a trash the dress session, I was thrilled! I did have some big ideas, but, Christina does want to keep her dress. So "mess the dress" we did.

We started out at her parents house where they wanted some more pictures. Christina's parents are away, so these will be a surprise to them! Did I just give that away? Hey Christina, do they read this blog?

The fall foliage is all on the ground at this point in the year.

I love this shot. I already have 3 canvas prints of Christina on my office walls. I guess there's going to be a fourth! I'm going to take some time to try and photoshop out the sign that's hanging off the fence.

That's Brett's reflection in the shades.

Walking back to our cars we saw the last tree with any leaves on it.

I'm a car fanatic. There are about 15 automotive blogs that I read. I followed Christina and Brett during the start of our drive and I couldn't figure out what he was driving. Somehow I missed out on knowing that Volkswagen released a new car, the CC. When I took this picture the car had only been out for 3 weeks. Brett works for a Volkswagen dealer, so lucky him, he is driving one. I have to say, it's really nice. Finally something that makes me want a Volkswagen (besides a Golf R36).

Goodwin Hotel Closing!!!

2008-11-05T12:30:00.004-05:00

This morning I got a few calls from fellow photographer friends, especially ones in the Hartford area, about the Goodwin closing. It was announced on Tuesday that the Goodwin will close it's doors at the end of the year. I'm hearing that any weddings booked there for next year will have their deposit returned to them. As many of you know, I have a relationship with the Goodwin. I have called my contact there to get some more information. I left a message. For the details on what's going on see this article.

It was a bit of a shocker for my friends and for myself to hear about the closing. The Goodwin is an iconic boutique hotel in Hartford. Especially being so close to the XL Center. The last time I was at the Goodwin, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd were staying there during the Hartford stop of their tour. I just had my RE:WORKSHOP there!

So in memory of the Goodwin, here are a few memories.

Congratulations Barack Obama & Joe Biden

2008-11-04T23:10:00.004-05:00

History has been made! Congratulations also goes out to John McCain and Sarah Palin for giving a challenging campaign.

Melissa & Matt!

2008-11-03T18:47:00.002-05:00

Melissa and Matt made a stop in CT on their way home to Brooklyn for their Get To Know You session. Their wedding is only a few weeks away! I knew that there are big baseball fans so I made arrangements to get us into the Yale baseball field for their shoot. A few props, a little pitching lesson from Matt, and we were playin' ball!

Melissa is cheering on her team!

Matt is wondering what happened to his Mets this year.

Coach Matt making the call to put in a new pitcher.

Bringing in the closer...

A little pitching lesson.

Narrowing in the pitch...

Good game... good game...

Nicole & Trevor!

2008-11-03T18:37:00.003-05:00

This ended up being a two part session. We got a late start the first time, and with the sun setting earlier and earlier, we just ran out of light. Then I pulled up my Jeep and turned on the high beams! A week later, with little foliage left on the trees, I met up with Nicole and Trevor to continue the shoot.

Trevor wanted to get some shots on his Buell.

Then for a little walk in Middletown.

We stopped at La Boca where Nicole and Trevor had their first date.

Time for the headlights!

And we're back at the Wadsworth Mansion for day two.

Alexander & Natalia Post Wedding

2008-11-03T17:21:00.003-05:00

I normally don't do post wedding sessions, however, we only had a month between when Alexander and Natalia hired me to do their wedding and the wedding date. So they opted to wait until the fall to do their Get To Know You Session. They wanted to go to the Audubon Society in Fairfield, CT. I wasn't sure why until I got there and they gave me the explanation. First, it's where they got engaged on a surprisingly snowy night. Second, a tree. One day while walking the trails Nataila came across the Chipmunk Run tree. There was something special about this tree for Natalia. She even brought Alexander out to see the tree soon after they got to know each other. If you look around the forest, all the trees grew with a bend to their trunk. But this one tree grew perfectly straight up.

The straight up Chipmunk Run tree...

...vs the bend in the other tree.

Playing with the leaves.

The reflection from the stream.

PhotoExpo, RE:WORKSHOP, Drobo, Clients Albums

2008-10-31T15:44:00.006-04:00

So I'm sitting here not being able to do much... so a rambling I shall go. I'll explain the work stoppage at the end.

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NYC

Last weekend I went down to NYC for the PDN Photo Plus Expo. I took the train in with a few photographer friends. I walked the whole expo floor with my assistant Greg. The show was just ok this year. I did pick up a few products that I wanted to get, but didn't really see anything impressive on the album end of things. First, I'll continue to use Memory Link as my standard line of albums. It looks like they just finished their new website. I've been using them for years, pretty much since they started up. Their quality has been top notch and so have been their prices. This is how I keep my clients costs low on the albums while keeping the best quality. Then I wanted to see my high end album company and the 2 other high end album companies. Unfortunately all 3 were not at the show! I guess I'll see them at the WPPI convention in Vegas. Another no show was Apple! APPLE!!! There weren't there promoting Lightroom (not that any of us seem to be using it), nor there to promote their cinema displays. Every photographer I know (except 1) are using Macs. Plus photographers and videographers are using Apple TV to present their work on large displays! But don't worry, I went to the Apple store after the show.

Speaking of after the show, we had a reservation for 28 photographers at Carmine's on West 44th. SOOOOO Good. Then it was off to a bar with a few friends, and then to hang out with Kelley's friend Courtenay, and her sisiter, who live in the city. We got back to the hotel at 2:30am! It's New York!

The next day we shopped the city, stayed for dinner, and drove home. I found some AMAZING deals at the Macy's sale where we spent a good portion of the day. I don't even want to know how many miles we walked. OH! The biggest bummer of the trip was not getting together with Chris and Katie Humphrey's who were in town. Simply put, my cell phone battery died and I never got their messages until 2:30am. If you don't remember, Chris and Katie photographed my wedding in San Diego. Sorry guys!!!! I'll see you in February at WPPI!

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RE:WORKSHOP

I had my Hartford RE:WORKSHOP / PPA Super Monday class on Monday! It was awesome. I got a lot of great response from it. What can I say, I'm a very giving person and I love to help out my fellow photographers. I give away my secrets! OK maybe not all of them. But thank you to everyone that came out. I have already heard that a few of you are implementing some of what I do, and are using the files that I gave out! As always, e-mail me any questions.

For those of you not in CT who want to attend the RE:WORKSHOP, why not host it yourself? I've already had one in Sacramento, CA host by Carmen Salazar which was a huge success. You supply the space, notify your area photographers (I'll help too), and I'll be there! Check the website: http://www.rephotodesign.org

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Drobo

This is going to get technical... So this week I decided to check my RAIDed hard drives to make sure everything was going well. Well... no. Both RAID's failed. This isn't the first time they have failed. I've been doing it through Mac's Disc Utility with Lacie Drives. I've pretty much have had enough with this setup. It would probably take me 5 days to restore everything. So instead of dealing with all this, I bought a Drobo and all new hard drives to store next years files, backup this years, and to store last years files. 6TB total. So as I transfer this years files, I can't really use them. The changes may or may not transfer, depending on where the transfer is at the time of the changes. So I'll sit here and wait the 7 hours for the transfer. Then I have to transfer 2 other drives. Joy.

Now I have FOR SALE: Completely working, no issues, 2 - 500GB USB / Firewire 800 Lacie Desktop Drives, and 1 - 1TB Lacie Big Disk USB / Firewire (That could also be a 500GB RAID). Make me an offer. I may have 2 more 500GB drives in the closet.

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Albums

Lastly, and I should probably put this first cause I'm sure your bored reading this by now, are my clients albums. I'm done editing photos for a month after this weekend. So now it's all about designing the albums that I have lined up to do. Believe me there are a lot. But work on them starts on Monday! I hope to have everyones designed by the end of November.

Why the backup? I didn't expect EVERYONE to choose a new option called the "Photographer's Line" which puts all the work on me. And I do mean everyone this year. But I can't complain because knowing that my clients trust me to do a good job has been the best thing ever.

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So those are the updates! Tonight: A halloween party!!!!! What will I be for halloween?? wait and see!

Alisha & Mark!

2008-10-31T15:12:00.004-04:00

This past week was the last busy week of a very busy season. I have 3 shoots on Sunday, and that will wrap it up until the end of November when I have the last 2 weddings of the year. I've had a string of Get To Know You sessions lately due to the fall foliage. They started with Alisha and Mark! We took a really nice walk around the Yale campus. There are so many places and textures to photograph there. It's been getting colder up here in New England, but it turned out to be a great day weather wise. Alisha and Mark were so easy to photograph I WISH I was photographing their wedding... but I'm unavailable. I've already heard that they loved their photos!

Practicing their dance moves early!

I love the exterior of this library on the Yale campus.

They are naturals!!!!

I gave a workshop on Monday and one of the attendee's, Melissa Coe, ask me about these ring shots. Yes, it is hard to find a leaf that works. It took my like 5 minutes to find one for this shot.

Michelle & Eric!

2008-10-23T23:38:00.004-04:00

This was my last wedding of the wedding season. I still have 2 more in late November, but Michelle and Eric ended the long line of weddings for this year. And what a way to cap it off! I met Michelle and her wedding party at the Brass City Barber Shop for a very relaxed morning of hair and makeup. We were able to get some pictures done before the ceremony. Then there was a first for me... a ceremony in the dark! It wasn't really planned that way, but the sun was down, my strobes were out, and the ceremony started! I then had to do the family, wedding party, and Michelle and Eric's photo in the dark as well. I'm always worried about what my clients think about when we do things differently, but Michelle and Eric loved the night time shots! A big thanks to Cynthia Brown for assisting me and getting my lights situated while I shot!

Here are a whole bunch of images, some of which are my favorite ones this year!

From outside shooting in through the reflection of the glass.

She really couldn't have been happier!

There were 4 bridesmaids cameras sitting on the table. The challenge was getting them all to turn on and stay on, then take the shot before the screens went out.

Fall foliage time is here in CT!

In the woods, in the dark, with 2 Strobe lights on each side.

White pumpkin place card holders!

Eric showing off his dance moves which also consisted of the water sprinkler, shopping cart, and more classics.

Jump around! Jump Around! Hold on to yourself! Hold on!!!!

This has been wedding announcement #178!

October 24th, 5:30pm Carmine's NY

2008-10-23T19:32:00.002-04:00

***** 5:30PM Reservation!!! sorry, the e-vite says 7pm, it really is 5:30pm *******

ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS!!! On October 24th a group of about 25of us are headed down to the Photo Expo in NYC. After the expo we have a group reservation at Carmine's in the Theater District, 200 West 44th St, near Times Square. If you've never been there before, you don't know what your missing. It's family style italian, it's really good, and really reasonable.

The per person fee is $52 for appetizer, pasta, vegetable, entree and dessert. We have not decided the menu yet, but it's a lot of food for $52 in NYC. Cash bar for those interested.

If you want to join us please do one of the following by the end of TODAY:

1) Paypal $52 to re@rephotodesign.com

2) Put a check in the mail. Please call me for my address as it is not public information. 203-676-3527.

3) Call me with your credit card # (I can only run it if I'm in the office)

See you at the Expo!

Attention Brides: SAMPLE SALE!

2008-10-22T10:59:00.002-04:00

Traci Romano is having a sample sale at her water front bridal salon in South Norwalk. Traci has mentioned to me that if you are one of my clients, she would love to speak with you personally. Just mention me, Richard Esposito, and they you will receive an extra incentive!!! Here's what it say's on her blog:

"TRE will be hosting a sample sale on November 15th from 10am-6pm. No appointments are necessary. All dresses including: Cymbeline, Amy Michelson, Amy Kuschel, Simone Carvalli, Thread , Badgley Mischka, Jane Wang and more are included. We are also including our Accessories in this Sale so even if you have a dress already, stop by to find the perfect accessories to complete you wedding day wardrobe.

Preview Cocktail Party | Friday , November 14th from 5-7pm . Join us to preview these *almost new* dresses, share a glass of wine and meet other brides and industry professionals in a casual and fun setting. Kindly ring us to let us know if you will be stopping by on Friday -203.354.9791"

Patriots 41 Denver 7

2008-10-21T13:15:00.004-04:00

My assistant Greg got tickets to the 600th Monday Night Football game last night. Also in attendance was Greg's friend Brian (who's wedding I shot) and my cousin Billy from Boston. I had never been to the new Gillette Stadium before so I was looking forward to the game, eating some overpriced food, sitting back and enjoying... oh wait... no sitting! Standing room only tickets! It's not as bad as you might think. We watched from around the 50 yard line most of the game. Greg and I took a walk around one half of the stadium for some pictures.

The long walk to the stadium. I was hoping for a great shot of the stadium, but it's blocked by all the shopping centers. It's a paved paradise.

Hello to you too Teddy Bruschi!

This is a standing room only view. Typically looking between a few people.

Then it was off to wander around the stadium.

Cassel finding a man open and not running away from the defenders!

Good game, good game... I really took this shot to see what camera gear the pro shooters had.

PPA Super Monday & RE:WORKSHOP

2008-10-20T00:21:00.000-04:00

1 week away!

Two worlds collide! My RE:WORKSHOP is a PPA Super Monday course for Monday October 27th.

Here's the link to register: PPA Super Monday Registration

Look for: CT30-PRE-PRODUCTION & DIGITAL ORGANIZATION

It's only $129 for a full 8 hour day!

Anna & Robert!

2008-10-16T17:33:00.004-04:00

It's New England and fall is in the air! Somehow Anna and Robert got one of the nicest days we've had. This was a Polish wedding, and I've done Polish weddings before, but Anna and Robert added a tradition that I've never had for a wedding. After the church everyone went to Anna and Robert's house for a blessing ceremony. Then is was off to Great River for the reception.

I grabbed my 200mm and took a photo through the video camera guys eye piece.

Anna was surprised when she saw that I got a photo of her taking a ChapStick break.

Arriving at their house for the blessings and a little cocktail hour.

The wedding combined my two favorite things... Photography and golf.

LOVE THIS!

I realized I never put any cake shots on the blog. I like this shot cause it was rather hard to take with some tough lighting. You probably can't tell.

Taking one last finger swipe of frosting after the cake cutting.

This has been wedding announcement #177!

We're Back!

2008-10-14T13:22:00.004-04:00

Kelley and I are back from our vacation / conference in Hilton Head. While Kelley was in her conference, I played golf. It was a great vacation for me. I feel recharged and ready for the last part of my wedding season!

Here's a few highlights from the trip. Our first stop was in Savannah where we saw this t-shirt. Kelley works for Yale University, so it was funny for us!

As promised, Kelley's photo with... uh... Barack Obama!! No, that's not cardboard! I don't know what your talking about! There was a group of sidewalk supporters.

The sunrise photo from the last post was the morning we took the ferry to Daufuskie Island to play on the Melrose course.

It was a really nice course with next to no one on it. From what we heard from the pro shops and resident golfers, the economy has really sliced the amount of tourist golfers.

Kelley was happy it was the last hole!

The next day I played Hilton Head National. There are 3 - 9 hole courses. I played the Weed and National course. It's a really nice place to play.

Then it was my birthday round at South Carolina's #1 ranked course, also ranked 52nd (if I remember correctly) in the world, Harbour Town. I've only played it on PlayStation. It's a completely different experience when you play it in person. You then realize you can't drive the ball 350 yards and reach the par 5's in 2. Although I did reach the par 5 second hole in 2!

As instructed by our fore caddy, don't hit left. If you do, just leave your ball there. This was just one of a few alligators I saw on this course.

Don't be short!

Par 3, don't be short... right... or long... That's my shot!

The famous 18th hole to the lighthouse. I totally blew this hole. It was all into the wind.

My last day I played Palmetto Dunes, Arthur Hills. Some really tough holes! Amazing homes around the course. 5 more alligators to look out for.

So we're back. My first day back on Monday... and I played golf with Kelley's dad. It was a holiday! Now I'm back in the office and getting through all the e-mails, mail, and stuff to do. Back to work! Man my boss is tough on me...

Vaca' Bloggin'

2008-10-08T20:51:00.008-04:00

This will be the first and last blog post while I'm on vacation! Kelley pointed out that this is one of the few non work related vacations that I've taken. So just to give a few highlights of what's going on... We flew into Jacksonville Florida as Sarah Palin was giving her speech. That's NOT why we went to Jacksonville. Then picked up our rental car... er... dare I say mini van! Ever see that Seinfeld episode where you have a car reservation but they don't have your car? You get the picture. We (meaning Kelley) drove to Savannah for lunch. We walked around downtown. Kelley had her picture taken with Barack Obama! (Stay tuned I'll post that).

Now we are at the Westin on Hilton Head Island! (The bands Staind and Seether are staying here on their way to Miami. The big suite is under our room). Kelley and I played golf at the Melrose course on Daufuskie Island. Starting tomorrow Kelley has a conference to attend, and I'll be golfing for the next 3 days! Next is Hilton Head National, then Harbour Town Golf Links (on my birthday! Friday!), then the Authur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes. Then sleep.

This morning we were up before the sunrise to get on the ferry to the island.

Here's two photos from Daufuskie Island. It's the 18th hole along the water. It's a par 5 and I almost reached it in 2! It was a little windy... Then I blew the 4 ft birdie putt.

It was clouded over all day today. Now as I'm just hanging out in the room, it's pouring rain out! There are tornado watches to the west of us! Maybe I'll get some extra yardage on my drives tomorrow!

VACATION!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-06T22:42:00.005-04:00

It's almost the end of the wedding season for me. Usually right about now I need a vacation. So we planned ahead of time this year! Kelley has a conference to go to in Hilton Head, South Carolina. So I'm going with her! While she's in classes, I'm hittin' the links! I lined up 4 rounds of golf in 4 days. Kelley and I play the Melrose Course at Daufuskie Island on Wednesday. Then I play Thursday - Sat at Hilton Head National, Harbour Town Golf Links, and Athur Hills at Palmetto Dunes. The highlight of the trip is not only playing one of the best golf courses in the world, Harbour Town, but playing it on MY BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to me! OK! I gotta go finish packing my golf clubs and stuff.

On a side note... GO SOX! How badly do I want a Sox vs Dodgers World Series?!?!?!?

Tiffany & Jeffrey!

2008-10-03T18:32:00.003-04:00

As with most of my clients, it's who you know. Jeff's sister Jenay was a bridesmaid in 2 weddings I photographed last year. When Jeff got engaged there was a unanimous decision that I was photographing Jeff and Tiffany's wedding. And now Jenay is engaged! And I'll be photographing her wedding next year. This is how it's always worked out for me. It always make me happy to do wedding for couples who appreciate great photography.

Tiffany and Jeff had a great day, despite some rain. So we got a little wet! Umbrella's were everywhere as we took pictures. I would give the countdown for the photo... 3... 2... (everyone with umbrella's leaves the shot) 1... CLICK! (umbrella's come back). Then right when I went to do their portraits it completely stopped raining! It was another good reception at The Waterview in Monroe.

Jeff saw a similar shot to this hanging on the wall on the way to my office and said "I want that shot!"

I just realized these last three shots are all on a similar angle. I took many more different angles than that!

This has been wedding announcement #176!

Brides.com and Brides Connecticut Event

2008-10-01T16:49:00.004-04:00

Last night Kelley and I went to the Brides.com and Brides Connecticut, cocktail networking event at the very cool Loading Dock in Stamford. Soon after we got there, so did almost 10 other photographer friends of mine! It ended up being a good night of networking with, wedding planners, caterers, other photographers, etc. There was a pretty good crowd there. There were even better hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Stefanie & Brett!

2008-09-30T13:22:00.003-04:00

Stefanie and Brett booked me for their wedding well in advance. Every time I talked to Stefanie since she's been really excited about her wedding and really excited about the photographs. My kind of client! We had a beautiful day and a very brave wedding party. We got down to the beach a little late and the shadows started covering the area. So onto the rocks they climbed! My regular assistant Greg was with me, and I had a new photographer with me! My friend, and best man in my wedding, Bryan came with us to see how the wedding photography profession works. I hope to be training him more for next year!

Stefanie and Brett are still working on their new house. Paint swatches were on the walls!

The reflection from the ceiling in the party bus.

A very long isle. I was mid way to get the shot above and the shot below.

Wind! grab the veil!

One of Bryan's photos, getting the bubbles.

We were at Owenego in Branford which is where I took my most well known sparkler shots. I wanted to recreate it, but there was no moon to light up the water. But it still came out good!

This has been wedding announcement #175!

Jenn & John!

2008-09-25T17:29:00.005-04:00

I didn't realize it until the night before that I was headed back to Aqua Turf for my second day in a row! Jenn and John were in the big room for their big Greek wedding. This time it didn't rain, but it did get dark quick! It's that time of year. It was an easy day overall with a pretty big wedding party, 300 guests, and lots of traditional greek dancing.

I love my 50mm f/1.2. Look at that background blur!

I've been to this church numerous times and I love photographing the wide shots every time!

This has been wedding announcement #174!

Mindy & Chris!

2008-09-22T18:02:00.003-04:00

When I met Mindy and Chris I thought their wedding was going to be a fun one. I was right! Despite the heavy rain when the ceremony started, everyone was partying all night long. Good times.

This has been wedding announcement #173!

Jennifer & Zach!

2008-09-16T15:26:00.003-04:00

You can plan your entire wedding, with the exception of the weather. Enter tropical storm Hanna! That's what Jenn and Zach had to work around on their wedding day. We did manage a few pictures outside when the rain stopped for a brief minute. Otherwise everyone was partying it up at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

The calm before the storm.

The staircase at the Inn at Middletown where Jenn got ready.

The Barns looked AMAZING inside!

They had this beautiful hand made glass for the wine.

Zach had this plan to offer this long colorful cloth to Jenn when she started to cry. He got it in at the end of the ceremony to dry her off!

It stopped raining! sort of... let's go!

This has been wedding announcement #172!

Eileen & Nate!

2008-09-10T17:48:00.004-04:00

You may remember Eileen and Nate's Get To Know You session not too long ago. And now for the wedding! And yes, another wedding post with A LOT of photos! I just can't help it! Eileen and Nate know how to have a wedding. Everything was just visually appealing. Everyone was having a good time. The food was amazing. And what about the pictures?

I was back at the Goodwin hotel, but only for the getting ready portion of the day.

The guys got shaves and hair cuts at this awesome barber shop in Hartford.

Hot towel?

Eileen and Nate had a private meeting at Elizabeth Park, seeing each other for the first time that day.

They put the "party" in "wedding party".

I showed Nate this photo at the reception. He loved the "last supper" feel of it.

How awesome is it getting married in an art museum? It is the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford

And cocktail hour was in the museum too. There was plenty of fancy food going around, but the big hit were the mini cheese burgers and the chocolate milk shake flutes. Honestly, the best burger and milk shake I've ever had.

The Bond Ballroom look absolutely amazing. My friend Dan at Shindig Lighting lit the place nicely.

Getting a little first dance practice in before they are announced.

I showed this photo to Eileen the morning after the wedding when I saw them again. She was laughing hysterically at it!

Come on Nate... it's really over... time to go.

I know it's been slow on the blog with nothing but pictures. This is now the busiest time of the year for me, so hold on to your seats for nothing but photos! But isn't that what this is all about?

This has been wedding announcement #171!

Gloria & Joshua!

2008-09-04T15:31:00.004-04:00

It's always interesting to me when someone from outside the Connecticut / New York area hires me to photograph their wedding AND I don't get the chance to meet them until the wedding day. As much as I think I know about the bride from talking to her over the phone, you don't know who they really are. And I never really thought about it until I met Gloria, while she was getting her makeup done, that people have a different idea of who I am compared to what's on my website. So when I showed up at Gloria's hotel room Saturday morning, Gloria was surprised how young I was. Oddly enough Kelley and I were just calling each other old last night as we watched the Republican National Convention. I know, I'm only 30. Apparently my website gives off an older vibe?

I hadn't met Josh until he came to the room to drop off an envelope for Gloria. It wasn't until the 50 minute drive to Washington DC that Kelley and I got a chance to really chat it up with Gloria and Josh in the limo. Let's just say that by the end of the night it felt like we were hanging out with a couple of old friends that's we've known for a long time. That's funny to me when just 10 hours before we left for CT, I didn't know Gloria or Josh. We hope to see you guys again soon!!!

One of my favorite wedding dresses that I've seen.

That's me in the mirror! I had to keep me in there... when am I ever in the picture?

Now for the DC Monument tour!

This has been wedding announcement #170!

Good Morning Philly!

2008-08-29T10:58:00.003-04:00

Kelley and I are about to walk down to Independence Hall. Then we are off to DC for tomorrows wedding!

If you want to see the photos I'm taking along the way with my iPhone, visit my Facebook page!

Danielle & Jeff!

2008-08-27T23:27:00.003-04:00

The more Danielle and Jeff told me about their wedding, the more interested I became. Especially when Danielle pulls me aside to tell me things that Jeff doesn't know, like having a Gene Simmons impersonator. I'm keeping this short as I have to pack and travel for my next wedding!

A little use of infrared.

This has been wedding announcement #169!

Jenn & Zach! & Ajax!

2008-08-18T17:39:00.003-04:00

We were really trying to come up with a great idea for their session. We almost went to a local carnival, then to a wine bar, so many options. Then Jenn and Zach wanted to have their dog Ajax in the session so we had to come up with some pet friendly ideas. There's a great website called Pet Friendly that lets you know where your pets are welcome. Claires Corner Copia on the corner of the New Haven green was the spot for us!

Get it??? Carrot Cake?? Carat... Diamond?? Carat Cake!!!! HA!!! Kelley didn't get it either.

Eileen & Nate!

2008-08-18T16:49:00.002-04:00

Eileen and Nate were all set for there Get To Know You session on the beach. They weren't planning on the storm that was coming in. So with thunder in the clouds, we rushed down to the beach. As soon as the rain started, we were outta there. We met up with Kelley after for drinks at Mango's in Branford. We talked all about their wedding day. Then Nate was full on into the Fantasy Football Draft. Nate's phone was ringing as soon as we left the beach! Hope you made out good! I'll see you two in a few weeks for the big day!

Not My Day Today, Or Yesterday, Or...

2008-08-13T11:59:00.007-04:00

Today has just been off. And that pretty much goes with flow of things lately. Even last night someone said to me the moons must be in a weird alignment because people are acting weird lately. I don't know what's going on. I normally don't write about personal stuff on my blog, I put all that on my Facebook, but I need to vent!

Fist, I talked to the Boston PUG group last night, led by Matt Grazier. I was supposed to leave my house at 2pm. I got out to my car and the battery was dead. AAA came in 30 minutes, checked the battery, and it had a bad cell. So they jump started me, I went to Jeep, got a new battery in just a few minutes, and I hit the road at 3:30. Luckily I gave myself a lot of extra time to get there. I stopped at Matt's for dinner, 30 minutes late. Par for the course, his grill wouldn't fire up. We got to the PUG meeting 20 minutes late. I unpack and realized I left the print out of my notes on my desk. So I pretty much had to wing it. But all was good. I stopped for some food after and finally got home after 2am.

This morning I got up at 9am. I maybe got 6 hours of sleep (I need 7-8 to function. I love sleep). I had a golf lesson scheduled at 10. After the 30 minute drive there, I was told it's been pushed back to 11. Then 15 minutes later I'm told they can't take me till 12. So I say fine, I'll go out and play on the course. They said ok. I got out there and there's a league going through which means there's no way I'm getting out there. So I go home.

I load up my e-mail and see that PPA has announced the Super Monday courses for October. I am teaching one of them. I find my ad... and the information in it is wrong.

There was one shining light in all of this. I did get an e-mail from Joyce, Vaughn, and Briana from the PUG Meeting last night, who said:

"You inspired all three of us. Thanks for your presentation to the Pictage Users Group. Vaughn and Brianna are only 16 years old, and starting a little business with photo keychains from a summer course assignment. You showed them the excitement of photography, quite the accompllishment if you know how adolescents are. Well, they left your talk with an itch to shoot wedding photos right away. I'm going to nurture their aspiration to be as creative as you."

Now my moons are in alignment.

PS, friend me on Facebook! I now have Facebook on my iphone so I'll start updating it all the time.

Headed to Boston!

2008-08-11T14:34:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I head to my old stomping grounds of Boston. Well, more like Waltham, MA. Matt Grazier invited me up to give a little talk to the Boston PUG group at the Center for Digital Imaging and Arts about using video to promote their photography business. I used to be a feature story editor for WHDH in Boston, having won a few Emmy's for my work. Now being a photographer, I've combined my knowledge of both fields to promote my photography business through online video. I'll go through basic scripting, recording, simple editing, converting for web, and posting video online. It should be a great time! Can't wait to meet everyone in Boston!

Kristi & Doug

2008-08-07T11:13:00.002-04:00

When Kristi and Doug mentioned they wanted to do their Get To Know You session in Newport, I was pumped. Luckily I was in Newport for a wedding already. This was the longest session I've had yet, 4 hours! Well it did start at the bar at the Red Parrot. We all had the same ideas for pictures, walking Spring St and going to the docks.

The above and below photos are two separate shots... I put them on the blog and it almost looked like one shot divided into two.

Since their wedding next year is at the Palace Theater in waterbury, we figured we'd take some photos around the theaters in Newport too.

I took the above picture just as someone was walking down the docks to their boat. The man asked us if we wanted to take some pictures on his boat, and we thought he was just joking around. He wasn't. And it wasn't just any boat. Being a fan of yachts (wanting to retire on one) we walking up to his Sea Ray 60 Sundancer. This yacht retails close to $1.5 million. I was so close to heaven.

Kristi mentioned she loves my ring shots. She's a blog stalker of mine.

Hello?!?!?!?! Love this!

I was pretty tired after the shoot, not just from walking around, but Kelley and I also biked 8 miles that morning on Ocean Drive.

Carol & Eric!

2008-08-07T09:19:00.003-04:00

Carol and I used to work together at WTNH and WHDH, both local news stations. She was one of the producers that I edited for. I've known Carol for 10 years! For seven of those years she's been with Eric. I've only hear about him, never actually met him. So when Carol called me to say she was getting married, not only was I naturally thrilled, I knew I would get to meet Eric! The ceremony and reception was at the Newport Yachting Center. It was pouring rain and thunder while everyone was getting ready. Then right before the ceremony it all stopped and ended up being a wonderful evening.

The guys were playing the original Nintendo Techmo Super Bowl .

These were my favorite bridesmaids dresses that I've ever seen. The pattern was punched out of the fabric. I absolutely loved them.

The rain right before the ceremony caused the Yachting Center to put everything under the tent.

Eric was quite the comedian during the ceremony.. and during most of the day.

They came running down the isle!

Yeah, that's their cake. Complete with a working light on top.

Someone else wanted a first dance.

This has been wedding announcement #168!

Gina & Matt!

2008-08-04T11:30:00.002-04:00

I've known Gina's family for a long time. We have many family connections. Gina and Matt even moved into Kelley's old condo! When I heard Gina was getting married I had hoped that I could photograph it. Then I found out that Gina stalks my website and has been telling everyone that Im going to be her photographer! Gina and Matt like going to Sleeping Giant State Park, so that's where we headed for their Get To Know You session. Luckily I know the trails there with a few scenic locations.

Gina loves my rings on leaves photos.

Christina & Stephen!

2008-07-31T12:20:00.008-04:00

Christina and Stephen's wedding was a crazy day of going place to place with little time to shoot. It was non stop action the whole day! They had a big wedding party, and a 300+ guest reception at the newly remodeled Anthony's Ocean View. The ceremony at St Anthony's in New Haven featured 2 amazing singers who sang a piece towards the end of the ceremony that got the whole place to turn around and watch. It ended with a huge round of applause! I felt like I was at the opera!

I'll get all the detail images up soon. For now, here are some of the highlights.

All the bridesmaids had matching purses that matched the dresses and flowers.

A pre-ceremony wave to the guests.

Watching their guests during communion.

It was back to West Haven for some photos at Bradley Point.

Then to Anthony's for a few more.

Christina and her mom started off the dancing.

Everyone was watching the band play.

I tried out a new lens and shot some natural light images in the hall. Pretty good for a dark room!

I got out the sparklers again!

This has been wedding announcement #167!

Adrianne & Joe!

2008-07-23T19:06:00.003-04:00

My posts for my weddings seem to get longer and longer. I'm at a point where I figure out what I want to show, then start taking images out, and still end up with over 20! So here I go again!

Adrianne and Joe got married at the Trinity Chapel. The place is beautiful with an insane amount of wood carvings. The pew even face the isle! The only down side is that I had to photograph from 1 spot up front the entire time. Oh! At the end of the ceremony, they walked down the isle to the organist playing the theme from one of the Star Wars movies! I can't remember which one it was, but my assistant and I looked at each other and thought... "Star Wars? Star Wars! Awesome!" From there, the reception was at one of my favorite places, the Goodwin Hotel. I've been fortunate to have a great relationship with the Goodwin as they have recommended me to many brides to be.

Adrianne had white shoes for the ceremony, then the purple ones for the reception.

The elevator security camera view.

Adrianne rocking the shades.

Someone did NOT want the camera pointed at them!

My point of view.

They didn't say I couldn't go out the door I had to stand next to!

I went outside the church to go in back and grab this one.

This has been wedding announcement #166!

RE:WORKSHOP Testimonials

2008-07-18T14:19:00.004-04:00

I've been getting a lot of great responses from the RE:WORKSHOP in Sacramento. How can I not share a few?!?!?!

If anyone wants to host the RE:WORKSHOP at your studio, let me know! I'm available across the US!

"I first wanted to thank you for the fabulous workshop in Sacramento. You were great! ... Your workshop was just what I needed. A good kick in the pants to get going! I've had a website that I've been meaning to update for a year. Plus, no real "plan" set. Thanks. You've inspired a few sleepless nights already because I'm just too excited & motivated! So thanks! I am so grateful! More that you'll ever know!" - Jo Merandi

"Thank you so much for sending all this information. You taught me so much during our time together. Thank you for being so open and candid. I truly appreciate all that you did for me. And sharing your files so freely has just saved me so much time. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" - Jennifer Moon

"Thanks so much, RE. It was great to meet you and learn from someone who takes the business of photography so seriously. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us as it really was refreshing to learn what you do without any hesitation. I never felt you were just telling us a few little things to get us by.... I've already used the materials you provided to gather more details about the day and to help keep me on task. I love it and I feel like the bride already sees more value in what I am providing her. Thanks!" - Caryn

"Thank you so much for your presentation and ever giving spirit. You were so generous to go over the extra hour and to give us so much information. I was most interested in the organizational aspect of your presentation. I have started to check my email twice a day and keep my inbox clean. This is an example of it. I just sat down to check emails and I am now dealing with them. That has created a huge space in my brain because once I have dealt with the email, I don't have to keep trying to remember to do it...IT'S DONE. I'm still working on folder structures, but I'm progressing. Thanks also for the extensive examples of the technical camera setting stuff... Thanks again so much for your time." - Mark Dong

"Thank you sooo much! These are going to be so helpful as was your workshop. I'm totally overwhelmed and feel so unorganized but at least now I know where I want to end up. You gave us tons of good and needed information and I can't thank you enough. I hope to see you soon" - Crystal Jones

JibJab!

2008-07-18T10:28:00.001-04:00

I know I never put this stuff on my blog, but I love Jib Jab stuff.

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Random CA

2008-07-15T17:19:00.003-04:00

I just loaded a few pics off my Canon G9 that I was carrying during my recent trip to CA. Here's a random few that I wanted to share...

First off... I left San Francisco Tuesday around 5pm and it was a cool 72 degrees. By time I got to Sacramento the car was reading 107!!!!

After the RE:WORKSHOP about half of us from the workshop went out for dinner.

Leaving Sacramento the next morning I wanted to see the capital building. It was just a drive by, I needed to get back to San Francisco.

On the highway I spotted a '72-'73 Volvo 1800 ES. I'm a car fanatic, and a former Volvo owner myself. My wife now has a XC90. But what struck me about this 1800 ES is the similarity to the new C30's. And I thought Volvo was trying to put out something "new."

The haze from the wildfires was evident almost the whole drive. You can just about smell it too.

Some of the fires were pretty close to the highway! I even hit some traffic while some fire trucks were spraying foam on a burnt tree.

Before leaving CA I had to gas up the rental. And I though CT had high prices at $4.37 a gallon. CA was at $4.69!

Then the most confusing thing happened on the plane. This was on all of our screens on Jet Blue:

Everyone was confused and commenting on it. We were on a Jet Blue plane!!! After 15+ minutes of seeing this, the video finally played. It seems we are no longer flying... we are "jetting" with Jet Blue.

Jen & Brian!

2008-07-11T01:29:00.004-04:00

Jen and Brian got engaged in February! The last time I saw Brian he was a groomsmen in my cousins wedding a few years ago. He's known my work for a while. Now I get to come out to San Francisco to photograph their wedding next June. I can't wait! San Fran is starting to feel like a second home, so any reason to come out here is a good one.

It was a pretty cool day today and the Golden Gate Bridge was completely fogged in. The fog started to break while we were taking pictures.

I had to post some pics before I left... I'll be flying back to CT in the morning!

Ahhhh... San Francisco.

How can I not come out here and photograph a steep street?

Pier 39! It was tough shooting around all the tourists.

A great view of the city from the Palace of Fine Arts.

RE:WORKSHOP Sacramento

2008-07-10T03:07:00.003-04:00

I'm back at the hotel after a really long and TOTALLY AWESOME day. The RE:WORKSHOP took place today and I couldn't have been happier about it. It was a great group of photographers. I crammed so much information into the day. It even went an extra hour! That was followed by more Q&A over dinner! I've never talked so much before. It was awesome. I'll get some pictures posted when some of the photographer's send me some :-) I'm headed back to San Francisco in the morning and meeting up with Brian and Jen for their engagement session!

Ruby & Tony!

2008-07-10T02:37:00.004-04:00

I made it out to San Francisco! I got no sleep on the plane... I can never sleep on a plane. So I went right from the airport to meet up with Ruby and Tony at the Golden Gate bridge to do their engagement shoot. It was a little hazy from the wild fires, and the wind was kicking up on the bridge. But I guess the wind is normal? Then it was off to the beach! Ruby has a thing for jumping. It was her big request to get some jumping shots.

Thanks to Ruby for taking the long walk up to the bridge columns in her heals!

They only had one side of the bridge's walkway open so the bicycle riders were on the pedestrian side. They were going through non stop.

Great for the album layout!

We went as far as taking shots UNDER the Golden Gate Bridge.

Ok Ruby... you can jump.

Sacramento Here I Come!

2008-07-08T07:02:00.003-04:00

I'm sitting here, very tired, in the Jet Blue terminal in NY. It was a late night last night getting everything together for this trip. I finally got to sleep around 1am, only to have left the house this morning at 4am! 3 hours of sleep! I can't wait to sleep on the plane.

When I get to San Francisco I'm meeting up with Ruby and her fiance to photograph their engagement session. I'll then do the hour and thity minute drive to Sacramento to meet up with Carmen Salazar who is hosting the workshop.

I've had a few last minute signups for the RE:WORKSHOP. It's going to be a nice group of people. Can't wait to meet everyone!

Back in CT, And About To Leave!

2008-07-07T02:54:00.002-04:00

So it wasn't so much Maine that I spent my time in. It was mostly New Hampshire. Our night out with Kelley and her friend Sara and Sara's brother Scott was quite amusing. Stories to be told... stories, and mainly photos, that shouldn't be shared! I'll have to really review those pictures before posting any. Portsmouth NH was a blast!

From Maine, er New Hampshire, to Boston to see out friend Christina for lunch. She's an amazing pastry chef at Flour in Boston, the one near the Children's Museum. I just ate all the deserts we brought home in 1 day. They are that good.

Then all in the same day we drove down to Mohegan Sun to meet up with my assistant Greg and his wife Melissa for the Billy Joel concert. It was AWESOME! This photo was taken from my iPhone.

I'm finishing up work on the RE:WORKSHOP! I fly out on Tuesday!

Goin' to Maine

2008-07-03T15:46:00.004-04:00

As you can probably see, the past month was packed full of weddings for me. I just photographed 7 weddings in the last 5 weeks. Amazingly enough all the weddings are online, all the products are ordered, and some of those brides already have their proofs in hand! I'm now working on some of their album layouts.

After all that, I'm taking a break! I even played golf yesterday afternoon. I shot horribly, but at least I got out there. Right now Kelley and I are about to head out the door on our way to see our friend Sara in York Beach, Maine for the 4th of July. I can't wait for fireworks and a cookout! On our way back down to CT on Saturday we hope to stop in Boston for lunch. Then we'll be on our way to Mohegan Sun for the Billy Joel concert.

The trip won't be all fun for me though cause I'm bringing my laptop to finish working on my upcoming workshop, the RE:WORKSHOP, which is on Wednesday in Sacramento. I'll be really busy out there! I leave on Tuesday for San Francisco. I go right from the airport to meet up with Ruby and her fiance to do their engagement photos. Then drive the hour and a half to Sacramento to meet up with Carmen Salazar who is hosting the workshop. Wednesday is the all day workshop! Then I go back to San Francisco the next morning. I'm going to do a little sight seeing before meeting up with Brian and Jen to do their engagement session! I'll be photographing their wedding in San Francisco next June.

So a busy next 2 weeks! I hope to post some images from the road!

Christine & Adam!

2008-07-01T10:06:00.004-04:00

The weather wasn't looking good. It rained all morning and the radar showed more to come. But this is New England! If you don't like the weather, wait an hour! Somehow it stopped raining when we got to Aqua Turf. There was even blue sky! This was such a fun wedding to shoot because everyone just wanted to party.

This has been wedding announcement #165!

Daniella & Thomas!

2008-06-30T11:45:00.004-04:00

You never know how your going to find your clients. I was photographing a wedding at Waterview last year and someone who was touring the facility for their daughters future wedding approached me. After a quick conversation I gave the father my card and we went on our way. Next thing you know I'm photographing their daughter Daniella's wedding! It was supposed to rain all day, but it held up at all the right times. It even down poured as we pulled out of the church, only to stop when we got to Waterview!

Great detail on the dress strap.

The nerves.

The guys were hamming it up.

Everyone commented on this photo during the reception slideshow.

LOVE the blue arch of light.

After a few interruptions, the ring bearer was told to get out of the picture. He was so sad about it.

I know I have a thing for rings on leaves. I seem to do it at every wedding now!

This has been wedding announcement #164!

Corey & Cameron!

2008-06-26T02:29:00.003-04:00

I knew when I did their Get To Know You session that their wedding was going to be a blast. I was soooo right. It was a beautiful day for a wedding too. It was also nice to be back at Great River... for once I was shooting there instead of playing golf there!

I've never had a ceremony in the round before. It was so cool!

What happens when you have an idea and the only way to photograph it is to toss your camera high in the air, have it take a picture midway as it's pointing straight down, take 12 times to get it, drop the camera twice, and bruise your hand catching it the other 10 times? This:

I love fun wedding parties.

This has been wedding announcement #163!

Sarah & Doug!

2008-06-25T00:58:00.004-04:00

We've had some crazy weather lately here in CT. Everything looked good for Sarah and Doug. The ceremony was set to be outside. Then just as soon as the first groomsmen walked down the isle, it started to rain! But it didn't phase Sarah and Doug! The ceremony, and all the portraits, were done in the rain! By the time I got into the reception hall I was soaking wet. The room at Waters Edge was packed, full of energy, with non stop shooting.

Here comes the rain!

Sarah was all about taking pictures on the beach, despite the sand being all wet.

Sarah & Doug! S&D! It's my iMac Keyboard.

There were surprise fireworks from Sarah's mom!

This has been wedding announcement #162!

Jenn & Mike!

2008-06-18T14:46:00.005-04:00

There's going to be a lot of pictures in this post because Jen and Mike know how to throw a party! I was exhausted at the end of their wedding. Good times.

We'll start with some of their details.

There was no place in the room to hang the dress so I took it out in the hall of the hotel.

No peaking!!!!

Mike's first reaction when he saw Jen standing there. I had to go in close for the reflection.

The ceremony and reception was held at The Woodwinds in Branford.

This was my first wedding trying out a photo booth. It was a HUGE hit. Here are just a few including one of yours truly!

This has been wedding announcement #161!

What A Weekend

2008-06-16T13:51:00.003-04:00

I had 2 crazy weddings this weekend, one Friday and one Saturday. It was just non stop shooting! Saturday's ceremony ended up outside in the rain... I was soaked! My absolutely amazing and wonderful wife Kelley ended up bringing me a complete change of clothes. I usually bring some, but the one day I don't! Go figure.

Just as quick as the weddings went, so did the compliments. You can't beat the reception slideshow and having their wedding previews online the next morning!

"Just had to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful, amazing job you did on my son Michaels wedding this past friday evening. Your work is the best.....I have been bragging to everyone since the minuite I viewed the pictures online..you are truely the best photographer !!! Thank you again for ALL the wonderful pics and amazing moments that we will be able to look at for many years to come. Thanks again, A very grateful Mom of the Groom, Roseanne Kazakewich"

"I was a bridesmaid in the Hoffman/Kazakewich wedding party this past weekend. I thought you did an outstanding job with the photos you took for their wedding. I've never seen anything like it before.
My boyfriend and I plan on getting engaged soon and would love to possibly have you as our photographer. Even though we're not engaged yet... we wanted to know what your schedule is like for later next year... I know this is very early but we REALLY like your work. - Jessica"

RE:WORKSHOP

2008-06-07T23:55:00.006-04:00

Here it is! I can finally announce the RE:WORKSHOP being held in Sacramento California. I will also be doing the same workshop for PPA's Super Monday classes in October here in CT. The website is launched! It is www.rephotodesign.org (for organization)! Signup has begun!

Kara & Michael!

2008-06-07T12:50:00.004-04:00

Kara said something to me at our final meeting and again at the house that makes me feel good every time I hear it. She said she was worried about things like the florist, limo, etc., not being on time or not right, but she knew she didn't have to worry about me and what I was doing. Even my last wedding, I had the bride on a swing set in her dress on her wedding day, and they didn't even question doing it. They trusted me that it would be a great photo.

There's only one thing I ask of my clients: trust me. Lucky for me they do. And when they do their photos come out like Kara and Mike's.

This has been wedding announcement #160!

Photo Of The Month

2008-06-05T11:10:00.004-04:00

The Wedding Photography Directory has awarded me Wedding Photo of the Month!

Catherine & Carlos!

2008-06-04T15:26:00.004-04:00

I don't know who was more excited to have me there photographing, Catherine or Carlos. Carlos never stopped smiling! Some of their family came from all the way from Maui. Kelley and I hope to see you guys again when we go back to Maui next year! Mahalo for everything!

This has been wedding announcement #159!

Carlos Rivera's 13 Questions

2008-06-02T14:41:00.003-04:00

While out in Vegas in March I made a few new friends. One of them being Carlos Rivera. He has this thing on his blog where he asks photographers 13 questions. CLICK HERE for his blog post about me! Thanks for the shout out! I'm planning my Sacramento workshop now!

Recovery (Not The Lightroom Slider)

2008-05-31T11:30:00.005-04:00

So... the wisdom tooth swelling caused a problem with the nearby nerve. It has caused the left side of my face to become weakened or pretty much paralyzed. My wife and I have been relating it to Bell's Palsy. It is the left side of my face that I cannot move, barely able to even blink an eye. I am seeing slight improvement as the days go by. Recovery can take a few days, weeks, months, even up to a year. I am on medication that should help a little.

It is an unfortunate situation that will keep me away from being in front of the camera for a while which is why .tv hasn't had any new posts. Not just because I look like I had a minor stroke, but because it affected my speech as well. So until I am able to be on camera again and regain full speech functions, .tv will be off the air. HOWEVER! you can always e-mail me your questions as so many of you have been doing.

One things is for sure, I will continue to photograph! I've already shot 2 weddings with my left eye, since that one stays open. Normally I look through the lens with my right eye. I would love to be able to do that, but I can't close my left eye. I have thought about wearing a patch so I can shoot, but what bride wants to see their photographer show up with a patch over one eye?!

The other dificulty is staring at a computer screen all day. Photo editing has become a slower and somewhat painfull process. I am working on photos as much as I can on a daily basis.

That's all for now. I personally think it's going to take 2 more weeks to recover.

Not So Wise

2008-05-26T12:36:00.005-04:00

The only wisdom I'm getting from my last remaining wisdom tooth right now is "you should have taken me out last year when you had the other one removed."

So Friday it decided to no longer be impacted and to come right through. The area got swollen, and a nerve is being bothered to the point it looks like I had a stroke. The whole left side of my face just doesn't want to work. I can't even blink!

Somehow I shot Catherine & Carlos's wedding on Saturday with my left eye instead of my normal way of shooting with my right eye. Thank you to Kelley for coming along with me to help! I can close my right eye, but not my left. So shooting right now isn't exactly fun. The wedding came out fantastic and I can't wait to post the pictures!

But for now... I have to wait until tomorrow to see the dentist and hopefully get this thing yanked. :-(

**UPDATE
Tuesday 8:30am So I wake up from hearing a big truck drive through our complex thinking it was our new washer and dryer (which they never called ahead for a delivery time)... I stretch out... hit the shelf above the bed.... everything falls down, including the glass of water that went right on top of me. The doorbell rings, the washer and dryer are here. And at that point I needed both. While bringing them in they put a hole in the wall downstairs! 6" x 6" triangular shaped hole. The dryer isn't completely hooked up, I have to shorten the exhaust pipe. I'm thinking today would be a great day to have a tooth pulled. Oh wait... that's at 10:30.

See you all in a few days!

5D Mark II

2008-05-26T12:26:00.004-04:00

My photographer friends are hearing rumors of a 5D Mark II. Amazon has listed a 5D Mark II Field Guide!

CLICK HERE for the Gizmodo Rumor on the camera specs.

I'll wait for a 1D version.

PHOTOBOOTH!

2008-05-21T14:58:00.003-04:00

The fabulous Mrs Carla Ten Eyck brought a photo booth setup to our wedding in May. Her assistant Mike was there snapping away! Thank's to Mike and Eyck! They are sweet like candy!

Give it a little time to load the 209 photos!

More Pictures From Our Wedding!

2008-05-20T11:53:00.006-04:00

These were taken by my friend Cynthia Brown, who was also assistant for the day to my main photographer Matt Grazier.

FIRST PLACE! #1! NUMERO UNO!

2008-05-17T17:51:00.004-04:00

Last year it was #2, This year it's #1! The New Haven Advocate Readers' Poll was announced and R.E.PhotoDesign was given FIRST PLACE! There was no multiple choice or anything. It was just a matter of people putting my name into the ballot. CLICK HERE to see the article on the New Haven Advocate website.

I can't even tell you how awesome it is to have had everyone vote for me. I can't thank all of you enough!

Here's my ad in the paper!

Also, congrats to my good friend (and sometimes assistant) Jacklyn Greenberg at JAG Studios for getting second place!

Debbie & Allen!

2008-05-17T10:54:00.005-04:00

It's not often that I photograph a wedding for as little as 2 hours, but since it was for Debbie I was all for it. Debbie is the younger sister Rob, of a friend of mine from high school. It's kinda funny that Rob and I became friends because, if I remember correctly, my mom and Rob's mom not only went to high school together, but even shared a locker! So when I got the call for Debbies wedding ceremony, I couldn't say no! I certainly wasn't planning on doing anything the day after my own wedding reception!

This was also my first chance at seeing some of the renovations at Anthony's Ocean View. They are still doing work on the place, but it's looking good! I hope they do some remodeling on the inside.

This has been wedding announcement #158!

Natalia & Alexander!

2008-05-16T19:38:00.004-04:00

I photographed Natalia's wedding the day after Natalie's wedding. I'm so happy I didn't call Natalie, Natalia, or Natalia, Natalie!

Natalia and Alexander booked me 4 weeks before their wedding! Lucky for them I was available. Lucky for me, I got to photograph a very sweet wedding for two of the nicest people I've ever met. Alexander owns a limo company called Best Carriage. I saw their Cadillac sedan and Escalade... I'll be calling Alexander next time I need a ride.

This has been wedding announcement #157!

Natalie & Jeffrey!

2008-05-15T10:43:00.004-04:00

This is the second wedding of the wedding season for me, and the first wedding coming back only a few days after my own wedding and honeymoon! One of my favorite parts about the wedding was doing some photos around downtown New Haven. I got another ring & leaf shot that I love. Natalie and Jeff couldn't wait to start partying! It was a great time for all.

This has been wedding announcement #156!

Tiffany & Jeffrey!

2008-05-13T09:02:00.003-04:00

I photographed Tiffany and Jeff's Get To Know You Session around the Yale campus. The great thing about Yale, besides being downtown, is that there is something different around every corner. I don't mind when other people are in the shot, or cars start driving by. Although Tiffany says she needs a little direction when taking photos, I think she did just fine on her own!

Jennifer & Michael!

2008-05-13T08:50:00.003-04:00

I met up with Jennifer and Michael for a quick Get To Know You session down at a private beach area in Branford. For some reason I didn't think twice about going right into the water for an angle to take a shot. The water was REALLY COLD! I'm not in Hawaii anymore. Michael and I are car guys, so when we saw an old rusted tire on the beach it was only right that I photograph the ring on it. I will be photographing their wedding in June!

Our Reception!

2008-05-11T09:44:00.003-04:00

Friday night was our CT wedding reception! What a party. There's plenty more pictures to come, especially from Carla's photo booth! How many photographers were at the reception? CLICK HERE FOR THE REST!

Matt Grazier, our official photographer.

The women photographers!

Paul and Krystal.

Candace & Josh Jeffery.

Kelley and I with Steve DePino.

Carla Ten Eyck and Paul.

Our Honeymoon!

2008-05-09T02:21:00.010-04:00

This will be a very long blog post with a lot of pictures... and totally worth it. Pictures from our honeymoon in Hawaii! I'll give you the brief tour...

This was our last picture taken on our wedding night.

After our 13 hour flight delay we made it to Kauai as the sun was rising. We took a little snooze then it was off to the beach at our hotel.

Then we took a drive up to the north east part of the island, stopping along the way.

I know this looks weird. I shot it with a wide angle lens, but I wanted the lighthouse to be straight up without the lens curve.

Next day we played golf at Kauai Lagoons, the championship course. The coolest thing was the golf carts that had large GPS screens that told you how far you were from the hole, the bunkers, and even the golf cart of the group in front of you! I shot an 87! Kelley did pretty good too.

Back at the hotel as the sun was setting. The view from our room...

A self portrait at the restaurant we had reservations at.

Next morning we took a huge catamaran around the Na Pali coast. It's the only way to really see it. The sugar mill was running.

A school of Spinner Dolphins were swimming along side us. I have some video of them jumping out of the water and spinning in the air.

I believe they filmed parts of King Kong here. They say Kong is still here (see the outline of his face?)

Lots of movies were shot along this coastline. This is the sand dune filmed in the opening of one of the Star Wars movies. I believe it was C3PO that walked down it.

"The Spires" It's hard to judge the size of this mountain in pictures. If you can see the few little specks in the beach, those are people camping. The moutain is just huge.

We eventually snorkled, swimming with not only fish, but a turtle. Then back to land for a drive up the mountain.

This is the Grand Canyon of Kauai.

When we got to the very scenic end of the road, we were all clouded in.

Full credit for this photo goes to Kelley as we were driving back down.

That was about it for Kauai, besides the numerous times we just laid on the beach or by the pool.

Then it was off to Maui and the road to Hana. The road is about 44 miles long, from where it really starts. It took 3 hours to drive it! You don't get much of a chance to do more than 20-25mph. It's all curves and one lane bridges. We loved our jeep! We had one on both islands.

Some of the views along the way. I have a photo of the road later in this post.

We stopped at a bunch of waterfalls along the way.

Our room at the Hana Hotel was awesome.

We totally recommend staying here at least 2 nights. There's not much at all to do in Hana, but the food and disconnect are well worth it. There's no TV in the rooms, and only a few places for internet.

One thing you have to do is take the 2.5 mile hike up the volcano. You'll see a few waterfalls along the way.

The best part was hiking through the bamboo forest.

At the end of the trail is a huge waterfall. Both Kelley and I walked right up to it. The water was really cold!

After we hiked back down we went for a swim in the 7 sacred pools. We then went back to the hotel. As Kelley would say, "National Geographic" time.

The next morning we went to the black sand beach for a swim.

It was just like regular sand.

We stopped for a few pics along the way back down the road from Hana.

We ate at the popular Mama's Fish house. So good you can't even explain it.

We drove to our next hotel in Kaanapali. We went to the "best luau in maui" It was missing fire dancers! Every other luau had fire dancers. I was bummed. But it was still good.

After the Luau it was straight to sleep. We got up at 2:00am to catch a van to the top of the Haleakala Volcano to watch the sun rise. It was completely spiritual, and 10,000 feet up.

Our stylish yellow jackets to keep us warm. It was really cold up there.

Then we rode bikes down the mountain on a curvy downhill road. We got some good speed!

The view from our hotel. I didn't get to play the golf course there :(

We finally saw a good sunset over the water! Most of our trip was vogged in. That's fog due to volcanic ash in the air from the big island.

Next morning we took a helicopter tour of the island.

Oprah's place on Maui.

The top of the volcano we had gone up to the morning before.

Part of the crater where the flow came from.

We saw more waterfalls than we could count. This one was one of the big ones.

Here's the road to Hana.

The vog finally cleared enough for us to see the nearby islands.

Then it was back to San Diego! We went to our favorite breakfast place, followed by a long walk from La Jolla to Mission Beach.

So that's the express version of the trip. There are many stories to tell! I didn't take a whole lot of pictures... it was my honeymoon, and I just wanted to spend it with my honey.

Workshops Being Planned!

2008-05-06T15:52:00.003-04:00

I'm in the process of planning two all day workshops! It seems the dates are just about set. Both seminars will be the same, just on different coasts!

I want to tentatively announce one that myself and the coordinating photographer, Carmin Salazar, are planning for Sacramento, CA. The date should be July 9th, we are still going over plans.

The second will be in October and is being setup by Professional Photographers of America, PPA. Pre-Registration is $99. I will let you know how to register when I find out.

Both seminars are 8 hours long and will be about:

First half
- Keeping track of your business life
- Having a productive day
- Organizing and scheduling your clients wedding day
- Digital organization

Second Half
- Preproduction
- Shooting to minimize post production
- Workflow
- Open Q&A

I look forward to seeing you all there!

WPD 2nd Place!

2008-05-01T17:43:00.004-04:00

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I entered the Wedding Photography Directory's annual contest. There were 2,500 entries and 75,000 public votes! I had 3 images place in the top 100, and 1 of them got 2nd place! It's my most popular image too. Use the link above to see the top 3 winners. Here's my winning info!

I'm Back!

2008-05-01T17:29:00.007-04:00

Kelley and I have made it back to CT. Compared to Hawaii and San Diego, it's still cold here!!! I'm working on all the photos from our honeymoon and will have them up soon!

This was one of our favorite things we did. We watched the sun rise from 10,000 feet up on top of Volcano Heleakala. It was like being on Mars.

A little perspective on how big this area is, that's a group of people watching on the right side.

Then we rode bicycles on the roadway down the mountain. The bikes had really good brakes.

To all my clients, I'll be back in the office on the 12th!

Still in San Diego...

2008-04-19T20:42:00.006-04:00

We've been sitting in the terminal for 9 hours now. The plane is loaded with luggage, the crew is on board, and there are people working on the engine right outside the window here. The airline just put up a sign about compensation for the flight. They still say they are just waiting to hear from the crew fixing the engine. The crowd here is getting rowdy. We do know that our connecting flight will be there in Honolulu to Kauai for the passengers on our flight. From what I hear, if they can't finish fixing this plane, there is an empty plane coming from Hawaii to come get us, but it won't get here until about 10pm. Hawaii, here we come?

UPDATE: It's 7pm and we were just told our flight should be off! Our connection is held for us, and the rental car place is staying open until the flight gets in. Hawaii here we come!

UPDATE 2: Cancel that! Just like our flight. There is another plane coming for us. It lands here at 9pm. We may have to stay in Honolulu over night. It's now unsure about the connecting flight that was waiting for us. Where ever and when ever we're going, here we come!

UPDATE 3: I guess the third time is a charm! Kelley and I landed in Honolulu at 2am local time, 5am San Diego time. We got our sleep on the plane. Our connection is at 5:10am. We were given hotel and transportation, but we'll just stay in the terminal. What's another 3 hours of waiting in a terminal when you've already done it for 13 hours. Unless something else happens, this will be the last blog post until I get back! Aloha!