Grand Central Station, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Grand Photo Ops

Had an opportunity to spend an hour or so just walking around there this weekend.  There are so many incredible things to see and photograph in the magnificent buildings in NYC.  Grand Central Station itself is such a truly grand old building.  Each time I visit I try to see it differently.  I wanted to find the fine elements that most people might overlook.  Couldn't help taking some of the "standard" photos as well.  Hopefully, my treatment of those makes them somewhat unique.  Here are just a few of the images that intrigued me...

I hope that you enjoy them!

Nikki & Kevin are Getting Married

Nikki and Kevin were engaged in September. Last week, I was asked if I would photograph their wedding day in August of 2010. I was honored and thrilled to be chosen to provide this very important service.

There is so much preparation involved with a wedding. The church, the reception venue, the menu, the cake, the dress... There is so much decision making and preparation for what will be the most important day in their lives. That "most important day" will be over in just a single day. Many, many months, weeks, and days to prepare, and only one day to make it all happen.

The photographs that are taken on their wedding day will be such an important part of the event. The ceremony will take place, everyone will dance to the great music, and the food and the cake will all be consumed. On the following day, the tux will be returned and the dress will be cleaned, preserved, and tucked away. The photographs however, will be enjoyed over and over by the newly weds, their parents and grandparents, and eventually by their own children and grandchildren.

I am very excited to be involved with this very special couple. It will be a most memorable day...

Click on the title above to see a slideshow of some of their engagement session photos.

Beauty Is...

My  own little "Mini Me" wanted to create a photograph to submit to the PTA "Reflections" contest.  Students are encouraged to "create an original work" of dance, photography, film, music, literature, or other visual art.  This year's theme is "Beauty Is..." 

With cameras in hand we set off in search of beauty in our community.  The flora and fauna found in and around a few local lakes offered plenty of beauty to be photographed. 



I was quite impressed with my son's ability to evaluate his subjects and the quality of the available light.  He certainly knew what he was doing and why he was doing it.   He was intent upon his mission to show us what "beauty is."  In several of my photos above it is obvious that he is quite confident and totally in control of his process.  In several other photos it is equally obvious that he is still just a little kid.  When we came upon the playground area, his face beamed as he darted off quickly to run, jump, climb, swing, slide, and simply be silly.  He concluded his romp and then proceeded to take several more beautiful photos.

I'm sure that the "Reflections" contest will astound us with the submissions of the students.  The lesson I learned is that "Beauty Is" the mind, heart, and spirit of an innocent child.  That's a tough one to capture in a single photo, but I'll surely keep trying...

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

October 4, 2009 - Jones Beach State Park

The fund raising walk to support the efforts of "Autism Speaks" was held on this beautiful day. I heard that there were 25,000 families in attendance. There had to be 50,000 people there showing their support. Hundreds of volunteers worked hard to organize this event. There's no way that this could have been anything other than a huge success!

I was there to simply take photographs. The results of my work can be found by clicking on the title above. It will take you to a page on my web site where one more obvious click will take you to the photo album. There you will see photos of cute kids, supportive families, enthusiastic teams of walkers, talented musical performers, and a guest speaker or two. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day!

You too can help to support this great organization in its efforts to find a cure. Just visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/ to find out how.

Operation: Love Reunited

What a heart-warming, and emotionally moving event. It was an exceptionally beautiful day for friends and family to gather with this Army Reserve unit before their deployment to Iraq in September. Both the sense of family and the sense of Army pride dominated the day.

I was one of several photographers that heeded the call to preserve some good memories for these wonderful soldiers and their families. From family portraits to intimate candids there is certainly a wealth of images that documented the day. I hope that they all enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them. This was just a small way that we, the photographers, were able to give back just a little bit to these brave ladies and gentlemen who give so much.

You can click on the title above to view my segment of the album of images.

We all send our prayers and best wishes for their successful mission and safe return.

An opportunity to say "Thank You!"

On Saturday, July 11th I will be afforded an opportunity to use my photographic talent to say "Thank You" to a very special group of families.

"Operation: Love Reunited" pays special attention to members of our armed forces and their families. I will participate with a group of professional photographers who will take portraits and candids of the families of 70 Army Reservists who are being deployed to Iraq in September.

These brave men and women will receive a number of beautiful portraits of themselves and their families as a keepsake to remember this special day that celebrates their bravery and sacrifice.

I was honored when asked to participate, and am truly blessed to be able to share in this very humble way with those who are willing to share so much of their lives with us. Additional thanks goes to my friend and colleague, Alex Wolff who worked so hard to organize the crew of photographers for this event.

May God bless and protect all of our service men and women, and guide them safely home.

Beautiful Boy!

This precious little boy is the newest member of a family that has been very special to me for a very long time. His grandfather and I were college classmates and have remained dear friends ever since.

I have photographs of his mom when she was a newborn. Time certainly does fly!

With all of the craziness going on in the world today it is important to remember that there are still plenty of special events that bring joy and happiness into our lives. The birth of Connor was one such special event.

We send our love and congratulations to Mommy and Daddy and to the proud circle of family and friends. Welcome, Connor. The world is yours. We look forward to watching you grow. Just take your time...don't do it too quickly!