Tim Coffey Photography

New Boudoir & Engagement Albums Now Available!

2011-12-13T17:19:00.004-05:00

I'm very pleased with the new line of albums were able to offer for boudoir sessions and engagement shoots. They make wonderful keepsakes and gifts. With the boudoir sessions, I've had brides give the albums to their husbands as a wedding gift. The response has been extremely positive. With the engagement albums, we're really able to tell a love story about the couple, their connection, their relationship. It's lovely to see the finished product.

Triathlete Is A Super Hero In Training

2011-11-01T07:04:00.002-04:00

Triathlete Ryan Matherne is literally a super hero in training. His goal in running triathalons around the country is to raise money for children's charities and be an example to kids. And he does this barefoot! I think he's well on his way to being a fine role model and a great guy for kids to look up to. Check out his page to learn more and follow is progress: www.facebook.com/SuperheroInTraining. It was wonderful being able to document his accomplishments so far by photographing him in his "cape" and triathlete gear. Up, up and away, Ryan!

Thanks For A Wonderful Halloween Event for Toys for Tots

2011-10-30T18:25:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who made our Halloween weekend for Toys for Tots such a resounding success. The snow may have slowed some people down. But they finally made it. We photographed 262 kids this weekend and collected a ton of toys for Toys for Tots. All the donated toys will be distributed to needy kids in our area. It's a great cause. And I'm so appreciative of everyone's generosity. THANK YOU!

Free Halloween Portraits for Toys for Tots - 2011

2011-10-17T10:29:00.004-04:00

We will again be doing free Halloween portraits for Toys for Tots. It's one of the highlights of our year. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy for a donation to Toys for Tots. That program is superbly run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Their tireless work and your generosity brightens the holidays for so many kids each year. The dates and times are as follows:

Friday, October 28th: 9 am - 3 pm
Saturday, October 29th: 9 am to 3 pm
Sunday, October 30th: 9 am to 3 pm

No reservations are needed. See you soon! And thank you in advance.

Lauren & Lee's Yale Wedding

2011-04-07T17:11:00.005-04:00

Best wishes to Lauren and Lee on their recent wedding. They tied the knot at Dwight Chapel on the Yale campus. It was simply gorgeous. The reception was a short walk across the quad to Union League Cafe. From start to finish it was a beautiful day. They seem to be such a good fit in the Couple Department too!

Olympic Speed Skater Apolo Ohno & Congressman Jim Himes Speak At Cloonan Middle School

2011-04-04T18:03:00.005-04:00

Olympic Speed Skater Apolo Ohno and Congressman Jim Himes came to Cloonan Middle School today. They were there to talk to kids about the dangers of underage drinking and how to handle the pressures they may be under in the future. Himes spoke about when he was a teenager and he got to ride along with paramedics. He saw too many accidents where drinking played a factor. It scared him and showed him the stark reality of drinking and driving. Ohno talked about how he got into speed skating at a young age. But his training kept him away from the true dangers of underage drinking. He encouraged the kids to stay healthy and go for their dreams in life like he did.

The event was sponsored by The Century Council, a non-profit group that promotes awareness against drunk driving and underage drinking (centurycouncil.org). The Council representatives brought along a Wii-type interactive game about alcohol awareness that the kids and Ohno had fun demonstrating.

Angela Lansbury & David Hyde Pierce Among The Stars At The Center's Dinner

2011-03-24T10:14:00.017-04:00

Stars from the Broadway stage and TV came together with politicians and supporters to help NYC's Gay & Lesbian Center. The event was The Center's annual dinner, which took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The guest list included: Angela Lansbury, David Hyde Pierce, Alan Cumming, Charlotte Rae, Playwright Terrance McNally, NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Barney Frank and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

The buzz was palpable when Broadway legend Angela Lansbury arrived along with friend and playwright Terrance McNally. Actress Charlotte Rae, from "The Facts of Life," had arrived just before her. The two TV stars from the 80's greeted each other warmly. As all of them lined up for a group photo, only the photographers got to see Lansbury's classy act. She had slipped off one of her high heels so she could appear shorter next to the petite Rae. She saw that we knew what she did and we all shared a chuckle.

Senator Gillibrand received a standing ovation when she took to the podium. She spoke of her work repealing the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and the need to repeal the Defense Against Marriage Act. It was moving to hear her speak about her efforts in these regards. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn followed Gillibrand. Quinn saluted Congressman Frank, who was in the audience. She gave him credit for her being able to stand there as an out politician. She said he led the way for all gay politicians in this country.

Frank and Lansbury took to the stage together to present an award to the evening's Honoree, Tom Kirdahy, a civil rights attorney and Board Member of The Center.

Then David Hyde Pierce sang three songs, the last a tribute to Kirdahy and his husband, Playwright Terrance McNally. It was a moving moment.

Alan Cumming helped close out the evening with a live auction. He also attended the after party social of the Pavilion's second floor.

If you've read this far, what I'm about to say is quite obvious. It was a fabulous evening from start to finish for a great cause.

If you would like to learn more about The Center, check out their website: www.gaycenter.org.

Diana Ross Center Stage at The Palace

2011-03-22T10:45:00.006-04:00

Diana Ross wowed the crowd at The Stamford Center for the Arts' Gala Night!!! Singing many of her signature songs, Ross sounded amazing. It was such fun seeing her interact with the "hometown" audience. She said if you saw her in a Greenwich market, you'd see Diana. But now they were seeing "Diana Ross" and she outstretched her arms to show off her stunning outfit. Ross was presented with SCA's "Arts Legacy Award" after the performance by Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Stamford resident Frank J. Mercede was honored for his charity work and given the "Arts Ovation Award."

I also had the pleasure of photographing the Gala Chairs days before the Gala. The women did an amazing job creating a spectacular event for SCA and were fun to photograph. Lynn DiMenna was the Event Chair. Maureen Pavia was the Co-Chair. Sandy Goldstein and Tracie Wilson were Vice-Chairs.

Wonderful Wedding With Great Locations

2011-01-27T06:39:00.011-05:00

Congrats to Diane and Dave on their marriage. The new Mr. and Mrs. actually got married in Hawaii and then came back to New Jersey for the party!!!! We went to Newark's Penn Station for pictures of just them before the reception. It was fun to see how even busy commuters were so congratulatory to them. We went to various cross tunnels for interesting backgrounds and ended in the main waiting room.

Then it was a short cab ride to The Mezzanine, a glorious art deco ballroom that used to be a bank. (http://www.frungillo.com/frungillo_new/mez/) It is on the second floor of the Newark Building. It's really an amazing setting for a wedding reception.

Here's wishing Diane and Dave all the best in the years to come. They're a great couple. Their laughter comes easily and often. You can see their love for each when they lock eyes. They fit in each other's embrace.

Holiday Highlights

2010-12-20T22:02:00.012-05:00

Here are a few family portrait highlights from the Fall. Many of these families planned these shoots so they could include a photo with their holiday card this year. I trust these precious faces have brought smiles to countless people this year with wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Recent Shoot with Amanda

2010-12-17T08:53:00.004-05:00

Simple can work quite nicely! Check out the images from a recent shoot with Amanda. First, it does help if you start out with a pretty woman like Amanda. Once you have that, you already have a lot and don't need much more to create beautiful images. Her wardrobe was quite simple - a black halter top with a sparkly necklace, an over-sized man's dress shirt, a cool gold top, and a tank top with white jeans. It's all in how you wear it; and Amanda wore it very well!

Model Shoot With Axita

2010-12-07T07:45:00.005-05:00

Here are some highlights from a recent model shoot with Axita. She is quite attractive, as you can see. I think the images came out beautifully.

Recent Photo Shoot With Jessica

2010-11-29T17:33:00.005-05:00

It was a real pleasure photographing Jessica. She is such a sweet person on the inside and quite beautiful on the outside. The combination made for some lovely images.

Recent Model Shoot With Francesca

2010-11-14T04:54:00.004-05:00

Francesca has a really cool look and positive energy. Fedora Elie did her makeup (www.makebyfedora.com). Hope Morgan was the stylist on the shoot (hopesb@gmail.com). Hope brought wonderful wardrobe and jewelry choices. It was great working with all three women.

After the studio shoot we went on location to do some business lifestyle images.

Kate & Vlad's Brooklyn Wedding

2010-11-13T12:40:00.004-05:00

I loved having the time to photograph Kate and Vlad's wedding. I started at their apartment as Kate was getting ready. Then we met up with Vlad and went to the DUMBO section of Brooklyn. Dumbo is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. We were able to shoot with the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan in the background. Then we walked around the side streets scoping out cool backgrounds. Then we met up again with the bridal party - who were staying warm in the limo - and we went to the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The ceremony and reception took place at The Rivera close to Coney Island. Everything went smoothly and was lovely.

Engagement Shoot @ Rye Playland & Waveny

2010-11-09T06:09:00.008-05:00

Sandra and Steve are a fun couple. We just laughed and had a lot of fun at their engagement shoot. They had asked to do the shoot at Waveny Park, one of their favorites places. I suggested we also go to Rye Playland. I love the pier and art deco design of Playland's buildings. Unfortunately, the park was closed for the season, but there were still plenty of great locales to shoot from.

After Rye Playland it was time for an outfit change and then off to Waveny in New Canaan. We walked the trails and waded through the tall grasses. It's fun going in pursuit of great locations. We joked that the image of them in the tall grass looking all J Crew-like looked like a magazine cover. They really did look fabulous there.

Sandra and Steve's love is so visible. You can see it as they look at each other. It's wonderful to witness. I wish them all the best as they enjoy the rest of their engagement, plan for the big day and then enjoy many, many happy years together.

Paul Simon @ Stamford Hospital's Dream Ball

2010-11-08T17:23:00.007-05:00

Here's one photo assignment that definitely goes into the pretty cool column - I photographed Paul Simon's performance at Stamford Hospital's Dream Ball. He was awesome. He treated the 900 + guests to seven of his classic songs. He was also kind enough to autograph two guitars which were auctioned off on the spot. The winners were ecstatic to get their new guitars from Paul himself! I loved the starry night feel inside the tent. Kudos to the lighting and creative team and clearly Paul for giving so generously of his talent. It's pretty amazing to hear songs you've heard for years be sung live.

Bobby Valentine emceed the night. It was stunning to see how the Tully Center's parking lot was transformed into such a beautiful space. I know it takes months and months of hard work and planning to pull it off. It was terrific to see it come off so seamlessly. It was a tremendous night that raised a lot of money for Stamford Hospital, which is a great thing for our community.

Recent Shoot With Agnes

2010-11-04T13:21:00.003-04:00

Agnes admitted to being a little nervous the day before the planned photo shoot. Not that she has reason to be - I'm a very nice guy. She was worried she wouldn't do well in front of the camera. She clearly did great - as you can see by some of her images. When we were done she said she had lived out a dream to be able to have her own personal photo shoot.

Branford Engagement Shoot

2010-11-04T13:11:00.003-04:00

Who knew Branford, CT was such a cool place to shoot? I found out recently when I did an engagement shoot with Sarah and Brendan there. They're an easy-going couple. So they were game as we just drove around town - stopping at an old warehouse, the town center and the water front. They were game to even go into the high grass down by the water. I do so enjoy these shoots as it gives me time to get to know the couple more, see their connection and play with the camera. Sarah and Brendan have a very nice relationship. I look forward to photographing their wedding next year.

Photographing President Clinton

2010-11-01T15:38:00.009-04:00

Last night I photographed President Clinton. It was amazingly cool. I don't consider myself a partisan photographer. I've gladly photographed both Democratic and Republican politicians in Connecticut this year. I think there are good people on both sides of the aisle. However, for a political junkie like me, I was very excited to have the opportunity to photograph my first President. Clinton was in South Norwalk, CT for a rally for Congressman Jim Himes.

My assistant and I arrived early to set up a VIP photo area on the second floor of the Sono Field House. The room's windows were drapped so no one could see in. I was to photograph 70 people who had donated to the campaign to get their portrait taken with Clinton and Congressman Himes. Once we were set up we had to leave the room so the Secret Service could check my equipment. They also brought in dogs to sniff out any possible explosives. It's very interesting to see the behind the scenes workings at events like this.

I was surprisingly relaxed. This past year of photographing politicians was great training. The VIP guests applauded when Clinton arrived. He was extremely gracious with people, but the line moved quickly. Normally, as a photographer, they say just take one click per group. But I had asked one of his advance people if I could take two quickly. She said okay as long as I was quick about it. So I got my two shots per group. If Clinton started chatting with people I tried to get a shot of him then too. After all the VIP's were done he posed with some police officers, State Troopers and campaign staff. I thought that was real neat. And then after we were totally done, he looked at me and said, "You want a picture?" Sure and I passed off my camera to my assistant. And then he asked him if he wanted a picture too. I took my camera back and took two shots of him with President Bill Clinton. Very cool!

The campaign had previously given us wrist bands to identify us as having permission to roam the rally space. All the press were corralled into one location for the whole rally. So it was great being able to roam freely, get up close and shoot from different vantage points throughout the room.

Himes gave a passionate introduction to Clinton. And then Clinton, without notes, spoke for a good long time. The crowd loved what he had to say. He had great things to say about Jim Himes, as well as Dan Malloy and Dick Blumenthal, who were also in attendance. Malloy is running for Governor. Blumenthal was Clinton's Yale classmate and is running for the U.S. Senate.

After his speech was over he came down and worked the line shaking hands. I hung out for a bit, checked in with my campaign contact and waited to be able to go back to the VIP room to pack up my equipment. But security wasn't letting anyone exit the room the way I needed to. I imagine they needed to keep that secure for Clinton's exit. Once he was done shaking hands, they opened up that exit and we headed upstairs. But I didn't make it far before a staffer called me back. They took me back stage to take more pictures with Himes' district staff and some of Clinton's advance team members. Back stage was full of Secret Service people. When I got back there Clinton was seated and signing autographs. Then we took the group shots. He spoke briefly to each group. And then he was on his way.

All in all, a fabulous experience.

Best Wishes To Stacey & J.P.

2010-10-22T16:20:00.004-04:00

It was a tad cool and windy, but Stacey and J.P. still looked fantastic! And it certainly appeared that all their friends and family had a terrific time. Waveny in New Canaan is such a lovely setting for a wedding. The main hall had been a family estate and the town converted it into a public park. I photographed J.P.'s sister's wedding there a few years back. So it was nice to see be invited back for his wedding.

A neat thing about being a wedding photographer is you get to observe people for hours. What I particularly liked seeing, in those quite times watching them at their table or when they caught a moment alone somewhere, was how Stacey and J.P. looked into each other's eyes. You could tell they were gazing at someone they loved dearly.

Stacey and J.P. were great! They are a very sweet couple. I wish them all the best in the years ahead.

Recent Model Shoot With Dee

2010-10-18T17:01:00.012-04:00

I had a really cool photo shoot recently with Dee. She posed effortlessly and was great to photograph. For the last outfit we pulled her hair back. It was amazing the transformation in mood it created along with the wardrobe styling. All the looks were terrific, but the last one was icing on the cake! Dunia Ghabour did a wonderful job with Dee's make up (www.makeupbydunia.com).

An Engagement Shoot @ Coney Island

2010-10-13T19:02:00.006-04:00

It was lot of fun photographing Kate and Vlad at Coney Island last weekend for their engagement shoot. We shot Saturday morning to take advantage of the morning light and also the shuttered atmosphere before shops opened up. Kate and Vlad were game for everything, and Coney Island offered so much photographically. I'm really looking forward to photographing their wedding.

Recent Shoot with New York Actor/Model

2010-09-24T17:25:00.003-04:00

Brad was really cool to photograph. He has a killer smile, but he rocked even when not smiling. He has such a strong look. And he's a nice guy on top of that. It was a true pleasure photographing him.

Recent Model Shoot

2010-09-24T17:17:00.003-04:00

Combine striking features, goregeous blue eyes and funky, blonde hair = a great model to photograph!!! The results speak for themselves and show tremendous range: from Snow Princess glamour to dark and edgy.

Recent Family Shoot @ Waveny in New Canaan

2010-09-19T11:06:00.005-04:00

This was the second year I got to photograph this sweet family. It's so nice when that happens. As you might imagine, I'm a very visual person. I have a visual memory of their first photo shoot in my head until the next time I see them. So when I see them the next time, suddenly the kids are a year older, a year taller, a year cuter. It's so great to see how they've grown in the year since I photographed them last. Plus, it's fun to see them again! Kids are just so perfect.

High School Senior Portrait - Pear Tree Beach

2010-09-19T10:57:00.003-04:00

Here are some images from a recent high school senior portrait session at Pear Tree Beach in Darien, CT. The beach is a great location that offers a mix of rocks (at low tide) and beautiful, sandy beach. Of course, it certainly helps when you have a pretty or handsome Senior to photograph. By the time I knew we had plenty of great shots for the needed yearbook submissions, I suggested she wade into the water for some more fun shots. She was game, as was her mom who was along with us. It's always great to have those types of pictures to look back on.

Recent Shoot With Catherine

2010-09-16T15:01:00.007-04:00

This was a real treat - being able to photograph Catherine. I've known her and her family for years and years. One of the interesting aspects I really like about photography is being able to see someone grow up over time. Catherine was always a pretty girl. She always photographed wonderfully and looked her age. But now it's so cool to see her blossom into this beautiful, young woman. She carried herself so well in front of the camera. It was quite enjoyable and great fun to photograph her. Paula Ortega of Blast Makeup did her make up. (www.blastmakeup.com)

Recent Photo Shoot with Bella

2010-09-09T13:30:00.005-04:00

I got to work with another terrific model recently. She was excellent. It was actually tough narrowing images down as she had so many amazing poses to choose from. Yes, it's a nice problem to have. Clearly she is goregous, but just the right clothing and accesories really compelted the whole package. Professional Makeup Artist Dunia Ghabour did a wonderful job on the makeup - very natural and clean. (www.makeupbydunia.com)

A Wedding in the Woods

2010-09-08T18:27:00.006-04:00

Congrats to Dana and Lenin! They recently got married at a family member's home in the CT woods. It was lovely and very intimate. The home's modern design offered many interesting backgrounds and the flat roof was a dream location for photographing the bride before the ceremony. Forks & Fingers Catering (www.forksandfingersct.com) handled the decor and food. Both were excellent. Dana and Lenin seem like such a sweet match. I'm very happy for both of them.

A Little Girl's Birthday Photo Shoot

2010-09-03T05:16:00.005-04:00

Want to do something special on your child's birthday? How about their own private photo shoot to mark the occasion? This little girl loved her birthday photo shoot. And she was lovely to photograph - enjoying the sun and the spotlight. The shoot took place at Irwin Park in New Canaan, which I recently found thanks to another client. The park was only opened in 2005. I really like the sculptured trees and the barn area. It's a unique park with a contemporary feel. (http://newcanaan.patch.com/listings/irwin-park)

Polish Beauty Strikes A Pose

2010-09-01T19:44:00.003-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a NY model named Aggie. She was such fun to photograph. We started out with a clean, simple white t-shirt look, followed by a stylish print dress. Andrea Repko of Eye Candy Makeup in Stamford did a sweet job on the makeup. (www.eyecandy-makeup.com)

Model Photo Shoot @ The Falls

2010-08-25T06:39:00.004-04:00

It feels like we got this shoot in just under the wire in these waning days of summer. But it was a great photo shoot with a terrific model named Adrienne. This was the second time I got to photograph her. Shooting at the waterfall was really cool but challenging. She had a lot to navigate in terms of working with the water and trying to hear directions over the sounds of the rushing water. The end results were worth it though.

A Wedding Shoot in Binney Park

2010-08-23T02:33:00.004-04:00

It's not uncommon to see wedding couples in beautiful Binney Park in Old Greenwich on any weekend day during the summer. What made this particular Saturday special was Yaderia and Darrell. They had just gotten married. The party wasn't until that evening. We now had ample time to take some lovely portraits of them. It was great roaming the park with them and making special memories for them of their wedding day!

The Sunflower & The Soccer Ball Get Married

2010-08-23T02:00:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Melanie and Paul on their summer wedding. They were blessed with gorgeous weather as they exchanged vows at the Stamford Nature Center and then celebrated at The Saltwater Grille in Stamford. The evening was full of toasts and stories. Melanie's mom summed it all up in her toast as she described her daughter as a sunflower and her new son-in-law, a soccer fanatic all his life, as a soccer ball. The two themes were represented in the stunning wedding cake. Here's to you, Melanie and Paul: many years of happiness ahead!

Congrats to Nicole and Sheldon

2010-08-23T01:41:00.003-04:00

Nicole and Sheldon couldn't have asked for a nicer evening to get married earlier this summer. Their sunset ceremony was on shores of the Sound at Greentree Country Club. It was lovely and wonderful to witness. They make a good match. I wish them all the best.

A Model With Style = Dazzling Images

2010-04-02T10:15:00.003-04:00

It was so wonderful to work with Kathie, an experienced model and fashion stylist. Every turn, every look was a new revelation. Her images were dazzling. She was an absolute dream to photograph.

Laughter Creates Magic

2010-03-23T17:09:00.003-04:00

Cynthia came by this weekend for a model photo shoot. We got some terrific images. My favorite though is one of her simply laughing. It was a spontaneous reaction to something we were talking about; I don't even remember. But the image just captures such joy in the moment. It feels like cover art for a music CD.

The Camera LOVES Her!

2010-03-19T18:00:00.004-04:00

Wow, Adrienne was just amazing to photograph. She looked fabulous even in front of a gray background. She can certainly sell an image. We photographed in studio and on location. She sparkled in the sun. Regardless of the location she had so many stellar images. These are but just a few.

Model Takes Center Stage

2010-03-19T17:57:00.002-04:00

Ayo came up from NYC for his photo shoot. I was very pleased he made the trip. He was very comfortable in front of the camera, and his images show it. I like the range of emotions and looks in his images.

Nice Article from The Stamford Advocate

2010-03-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Here is a very nice article on The Art of Politics exhibit that appeared in The Stamford Advocate. Thanks to writer Christina Hennessy for taking an interest in the exhibit and doing such a lovely job with the article.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/default/article/Portraying-leaders-in-a-different-light-399836.php

FOX CT Morning News Interview

2010-03-03T15:55:00.003-05:00

Sarah French of FOX CT Morning News interviewed me this morning about The Art of Politics photo exhibit. She was very nice. It was wonderful to be able to talk about the project.

As nice as it was, I'll be happy to remain on my normal side of the camera.

Here is a link to the interview:

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/?watchId=9d8f7be2-80c8-4c90-a9db-040cec9b62c6

The Art of Connecticut Politics

2010-01-07T18:55:00.003-05:00

Wow, it's certainly going to be an exciting year in CT politics. And I have the added pleasure of photographing many of the top politicians in the State for a project I am working on - The Art of Politics. I will have an exhibition of the work at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford this March. I'm probably halfway there in either photographing or receiving yeses to participate in the project. So the next couple of weeks are going to be jammed packed. Please be on the lookout for information about the exhibit. You can follow my progress on twitter. The link to my twitter account is on my Contact page.

NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo

2009-10-22T12:59:00.006-04:00

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.

Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson

2009-10-13T07:13:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-13T06:53:00.003-04:00

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.

Faces of Light (R) - Stories From Breast Cancer Survivors

2009-10-12T09:25:00.005-04:00

Faces of Light (R) shines on light on breast cancer in a most unique way. The Foundation of Light created and produced its third Faces of Light (R) collection which was presented to the Stamford community on October 5th. I was blessed to be asked by the Foundation of Light to be the photographer for this year's Faces of Light (R) collection focusing on Stamford survivors. Twenty-three women and one man all share their very personal stories and journeys of discovery. The exhibit is on display now at the Tully Health Center in Stamford. Accompanying their portraits are their medical histories and quotes from each survivor about her or his own lessons that they learned through their experiences with breast cancer. The three components - portraits, history and lessons - combine for a powerful impact. I encourage everyone to check it out.

A personal note of thanks to everyone behind the scenes who made this project such a pleasure to work on. And the biggest thanks goes to the survivors themselves. They were dream models! Each one was nicer than the other. They beamed in front of the camera, which made my job so easy. Their stories are reflected in their eyes and their faces. I thank you all for allowing me to create such intimate portraits of you.

Finally if I can humbly reiterate a lesson I heard countless times during this process: take control of your own health. Be watchful for any signs of problems and deal with them immediately. We have such knowledgeable and loving health care professionals in our community.

For information about the Foundation of Light or its Faces of Light (R) collections contact info@facesoflight.org or call Pam Zangrillo at 203-655-3225.

Altanta Mayor Shirley Franklin - Behind The Scenes @ Photo Shoot

2009-09-14T17:14:00.006-04:00

On Friday I flew to Atlanta to photograph Mayor Shirley Franklin. She was a photographer's dream subject: personable, engaging, and charismatic. Her Director of Communications, Beverly Isom, kindly showed me and my assistant to the Mayor's Ceremonial Conference Room in City Hall. We moved furniture and set up lights and backgrounds. Atlanta make up artist Karen Tascon did a terrific job applying the Mayor's make up. I'd highly recommend Karen to anyone in the Atlanta area needing a professional make up artist.

The Mayor herself gave me a choice of outfits and even a choice of her signature flowers that she wears on her lapel.

She was fantastic to photograph - at times expressive, pensive, or exuberant as the moment dictated. We've already worked on some of her images. They just came out amazingly (yes, I'm biased)!

I have to give a huge thank you to Mayor Franklin for agreeing to participate in the project I'm working on. She was so generous and lovely to photograph. I also want to thank Beverly Isom, Elaine Rose and the rest of the Mayor's staff. Everyone was so great to work with.

FYI: The second image is of me stopping down trying to make the Mayor look taller. We both had a good laugh over it. :)

Beautiful Wedding @ Inn At Longshore

2009-08-31T22:17:00.006-04:00

With the summer we've had, Katonja and Andrew were blessed with gorgeous weather as they exchanged vows underneath blue skies. The Inn at Longshore in Westport is such a lovely location for an outdoor ceremony.

I wish Katonja and Andrew years of happiness. They are a finely matched couple. Easy laughter, comforting embraces, knowing glances. Surrounded by loving families and friends. And they can dance!!!! Their first dance was just fabulous. They took lessons and it showed. They wowed their guests. (I highly recommend couples take dance lessons if they want to improve their skills on the dance floor. Have fun with it.)

Bar Mitzvah Cover Boy!

2009-05-12T23:02:00.003-04:00

I was very excited to learn that Westchester Family wanted to use one of my images for it's just published Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide. Thousands of copies of the Guide are being distributed throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

This image was taken the week of this boy's Bar Mitzvah. When possible I really do prefer to take the Temple portrait images a few days before the Bar Mitzvah day. I do this for a combination of reasons:

1) It's less stressful for the family.
2) It allows me more time for creativity.
3) We don't have the distractions of guests arriving early for services.
4) And it keeps all the focus of the big day on the big day. There's enough going on without having to take pictures.

That all being said, some families do opt for the portraits before services, provided the Temple permits it. And it works out just fine that way, too.

You can pick up the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide at area temples, Jewish Community Centers and select supermarkets.

Jeffree is a Great DJ!!!

2009-04-06T18:18:00.005-04:00

If anyone is in need of a great DJ, I highly recommend Jeffree Kiley Stroffolino of More Than Music. Jeffree was actually the first DJ I worked with when I moved to Stamford years ago. It was the wedding of Tina and Jeff at the Stamford Hibernian Club. It was more of a luncheon type wedding rather than a big reception. Jeffree provided wonderful background music throughout and then one song for Tina and Jeff to dance to. But the main thing that stood out for me was the few words he said about Tina and Jeff. He spoke of how nice a couple they were. It was a real special moment.

I've seen Jeffree at plenty of other events over the years. And he's always impressed me as a class act. He can get a party rocking and he can keep it more low key depending on the setting and the family's request.

He's also looked out for me to make sure he didn't have a couple start cutting the cake while I was in another part of a reception hall. He's pointed out when key people were dancing on the dance floor, which is so helpful. While looking out for me, he's also looked out for his clients.

So if you need a DJ or think you may in the future, write down Jeffree's name and number. He definitely provides More Than Music to any party I've seen him at.

Model Shoots = Making The Model Shine

2009-03-23T07:21:00.003-04:00

My goal with any model shoot is to make the model feel comfortable and look amazing. This woman, who's trying to break into modeling, really began to shine as the shoot progressed. I really encouraged her to be playful and show her personality. Positioning her on the floor created wonderful angles. I like both color treatments of the horizontal image of her lying down. It's amazing how the post production process can create different moods in an image. And the last image is very sexy. I love bringing out that sex appeal without being graphic.

Swedish-Irish Wedding in Ireland

2008-08-22T10:21:00.003-04:00

It was a wonderful wedding to photograph. The bride was from Sweden and the groom from Ireland, where the wedding took place. They were so much fun to photograph. Congrats Karin and Mike! It was a true honor to be your photographer and share in your day into night into morning...Irish weddings go on and on. They're a blast!!!

The Westchester WAG Puts On The Ritz

2008-04-01T09:58:00.005-04:00

I had the honor of photographing the first social event at The Ritz Carlton in White Plains. The Bat Mitzvah got very nice coverage in The Westchester WAG. The family really did throw a fabulous party for Zoe! Congrats again. I took all the images featured in the article. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the image and read the article.