Halloween - Toys For Tots THANKS!!!!

It was a record year - 225 kids dressed in their Halloween best! I am just amazed how this event has grown over the years. I've been blessed to know some really wonderful people. It's so great that they come out to support this worthy cause.

A huge shout out of thanks to all the parents and kids who came by this past weekend for the free Halloween portraits. Not only were the kids absolutely adorable in their costumes, we collected so many toys that will be donated to needy kids in our area. I love thinking how a donated toy can brighten a child's holiday season. It's that ripple in the water - you never know who it will touch.

My studio will be a drop off point again this year for Toys for Tots. If anyone would like to donate a new, unwrapped toy, you're more than welcome to stop by the studio to do so.

I will email parents when we will have the Halloween images ready for pick up.

THANKS AGAIN, EVERYBODY. You certainly made it a fabulous Halloween. And your generosity will brighten the upcoming holidays for other kids.

Free Halloween Portraits This Weekend To Help Toys For Tots

Halloween is almost here. We're gearing up to see a whole bunch of kids in their costumes this weekend. It's our annual free Halloween portraits for Toys for Tots. Just bring a new, unwrapped to donation and I'll take your child or children's portrait in their costume. It's an extremely fun event. Come by and bring a friend. The need will be especially great this year for donated toys in our community. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo

NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo spoke at the Princeton Club in NYC this week. I was the photographer. His speech and Q & A focused on his record as Attorney General and work with the State Legislature. He was quite engaging with his audience. It was interesting photographing him knowing that so many are predicting that the Governor's Office could be in his future.

Best Wishes to Cindy & Julian

You get to know a couple when you photograph them. And from what I can see Cindy and Julian are an excellent match! That's what made their wedding day such fun. Not only did they look spectacular, but you could sense from family and friends that they knew these two people had found the right Mr. & Mrs. for their lives.

The weather held off for them as they got married at St. John's in Stamford and had their reception at Woodway Country Club in Darien. Woodway is one of my favorite locations. They have so many beautiful backgrounds. I seem to find something new each time I get to photograph there. Plus, their staff is the best.

Here's wishing Cindy and Julian many years of happiness ahead!

Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson

I was very pleased when former CT Congresswoman Nancy Johnson agreed to participate in a project I'm working on about politicians. Given her busy travel schedule, the most convenient location for the shoot was her home, which she graciously opened up to us. We set up the background and lights in her living room. We even used a wonderful D.C. inspired, wooden chair that her Congressional staff have given her. The added plus was her husband. Halfway through the shoot he started making faces at her behind my back. That brought out some terrific smiles and laughter.

After the shoot, we got to talk. I was quite impressed by her insights and observations of Washington politics.

Vice President Biden & Congressman Himes in Greenwich

It was a very fascinating photo assignment: Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Jim Himes. Biden was the featured speaker at a Greenwich fundraiser for the Connecticut Congressman. I was the photographer. It was a cool experience.

I had to be there hours ahead of time so the Secret Service could inspect all my equipment when they did the full security check of the home and property where the fundraiser was taking place. While I wasn't surprised by all the Secret Service precautions and planning that went into the VP's visit, it was really interesting to see it all up close.

The Vice President was extremely friendly and down-to-earth. All the planning and communication went smoothly.

Free Halloween Portraits for Toys For Tots

I'm very happy to announce that we will again be taking free Halloween portraits this year to help collect toys for Toys For Tots. This is an annual event here at the studio and one of the year's highlights. The kids are just oh so adorable. And in the process we get to help brighten so many other kids' holidays with beautiful toy donations. And this year, as we can all imagine, the need will be even greater. So I ask everyone who comes to try to bring a friend. This way we can collect more toys, plus your friend can get great pics of his or her kids, too! All the toys collected will be distributed locally to kids in need. The U.S. Marine Corps runs the Toys for Tots program. I am so appreciative of the generous work they do! "Semper Fidelis!"

The hours for the free portraits are as follows:

Friday, October 30th: 12 noon to 4 pm
Saturday, October 31st: 9 am - 3 pm
Sunday, November 1st: 9 am - 3 pm

No reservations are needed. First come, first served. Thank you in advance for supporting Toys for Tots!