CITY LOVE : TOP OF THE ROCK

Today's post is short and sweet.  If you are looking for the best view in the city, nothing beats the "Top of the Rock".  Standing on the 56th floor of Rockefeller Center, you will be able to take in AMAZING views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.   Don't get too close to the edge, it is a long way down!

Check out this picture of my husband Matt and I, taken on my iPhone at the "Top of the Rock" earlier this summer.  I can't get over the view!  HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY!

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT : WEDDING WEDNESDAY

This past weekend I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful and very unique couple, Kerry and Mike. While their wedding had many traditional aspects, Kerry and Mike took a few chances on their day, daring to be different.

When I first entered the reception space to photograph the details before the guest arrived, I noticed there was no wedding cake.  I assumed since Kerry and Mike had decided to forgo many traditional wedding activities, they might have chosen to go without a wedding cake as well.  Boy was I wrong.  As the guests were finishing dinner, not one, but twenty-five wedding cakes appeared, creatively displayed near the center of the room.  Talk about a statement!  Beside each hand decorated cake was a short description listing the cake flavor, icing flavor, and filling flavor.  There were at least four different combinations.

Once the bride and groom cut their cake, the remaining twenty-five cakes were distributed to the tables around the room.  Guests had the option to enjoy the wedding cake placed at their table, or visit neighboring tables to sample other delicious flavors.  Being a cake lover myself, I can't think of anything sweeter.

The best is yet to come.  This grand display was actually less expensive than a traditional wedding cake!  Talk about a deal.  You can find out more about these individual table masterpieces at Buttercooky Bakery, located in Floral Park, NY.  Not only are they super creative, their cakes are absolutely delicious!  Happy Wednesday!

SECOND SHOOTING : A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

Second shooting.  It really can be such a valuable experience.  This weekend I had the pleasure of acting as Betsi Ewing's second shooter for Kerry and Mike's wedding at the Queens Country Farm Museum.  Betsi was absolutely AMAZING to work with.  Her calming demeanor and natural way of capturing the day as it unfolded served as a great example of how I always imagined a wedding photographer should approach the day.  As I reflect on the weekend, I want to talk about the top five things I learned as a second shooter.

1. As a second shooter, you are there to assist the main photographer. Period.  This can mean anything from gathering stray family members for portraits, to grabbing a glass of water for him/her when things heat up during the reception. You want to find opportunities to make their day run as smoothly as possible.

2.  Just because you are a second shooter, doesn't mean you have to become a mute on the wedding day.  If the photographer you are working for asks your opinion on shooting locations, detail shots, etc, GIVE IT!    Two heads are always better then one.  Together, you might come up with a totally unique idea that you might not have thought of separately.

3.  Push yourself to capture a completely different angle than the main shooter.  You are not there to stand over his/her shoulder and take the exact same shot twice.  Your time will be better spent thinking about how to shoot the same scene in an alternate, but equally beautiful way.  For example, if all the bridesmaids are in posing with the bride, it might be a good time to get a cool shot of the bouquets.

4.  Try to always be aware of the lens the main photographer has on their camera...and use a different one!  This goes back to finding a different way to capture the same shot.  The story created when both sets of photographers are put together will be much more interesting and will give the bride and groom a couple of different looks to choose from.

5.  Most importantly, you want to be a friend.  Weddings usually last anywhere from eight-ten hours and you want to spend that time with someone you like!  Having a friend you can talk and relate to will put you in a great mood, allowing you to capture the wedding day in a way that will put a huge smile on the bride and groom's face when they see their wedding photographs for the first time.

Betsi was wonderful to work with.  She was so kind and acted as a real friend throughout the day.

Thanks again for everything Betsi!  Your relaxed personality has a way of putting everyone at ease, making the day run effortlessly.  It is a quality that I hope to embody and bring to my future weddings.

CITY LOVE : BRYANT PARK

It was spring, one of the first really nice spring days that year.  I took the train into the city for an early morning massage at Bliss Spa, one I had received from my ever so thoughtful husband Matt for my birthday.  After 90 minutes of complete heaven, I walked the 10 blocks to Bryant Park.  On the way I picked up a Crumbs cupcake for lunch (I know it is ridiculous but I have a MAJOR sweet tooth).  I meandered around the edge of the park until I found a perfect spot in the sun to read.  With my kindle in one hand and my cupcake in the other, I sat there for hours enjoying one of the most perfect days I can remember.  

Every time I look at this photo, I am reminded of this amazingly relaxing day in Bryant Park.  HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY!

PLEASANTDALE CHATEAU : WEDDING WEDNESDAY

Today I had the pleasure of second shooting with an amazing photographer, Marian Rubin!  Marian was one of 25 photographers selected to capture a 24-hour photo documentary called, "A Day in West Orange".  The goal of this documentary was to showcase the beauty and diversity in West Orange, NJ.  The best photos will be selected for an exhibition next March.

One of my favorite locations of the day was the Pleasantdale Chateau.  As soon as I walked on the grounds I knew this would be a perfect location for a wedding.  This Dutch inspired chateau is a rare find because it is grand and intimate, all at the same time.  Located just outside New York City, Pleasantdale Chateau is the perfect location if you desire a serene getaway that is exclusively yours for the day.   If you are a bride and still looking for a one-of-a-kind reception site, check out the Pleasantdale Chateau.  You and your guests will be treated like royalty and your day will be picture perfect.

Thanks again Marian for inviting me to second shoot with you today.  Your kindness and constant support is much appreciated.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING

One year ago today, my sweet baby girl Kylie was born!  My husband Matt and I started out her celebration with a can of gourmet cat food and a few rounds of the ever so famous happy birthday song, probably sung off tune. After Kylie's belly was full, we presented her with a birthday present.  It was a scratching post with a perch on top for her to sleep.  As you can see, she LOVED it!

Kylie getting ready to blow out her candle.  

Playing with her birthday present.  She is a wild one!

Kisses from my baby girl.

After a long day of play, Kylie curled up in her perch for a little cat nap.  Happy birthday sweetheart!

CITY LOVE : THE BOW BRIDGE

The Bow Bridge. To me, it is one of the most romantic places in all of New York.  It could be it’s graceful shape, or maybe the breathtaking views of the weeping willows.  More magical than the views are the lovers seen happily rowing their boats under the bridge, or whispering a sweet proposal on top of it. To be honest, I believe it is the way this bridge makes me feel that is so special.  Every time I come across it, a calm smile spreads across my face as I think, this is a place that has seen true love.    

The Bow Bridge makes a beautiful backdrop for engagement pictures. 

HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY!