Photographers Photographing Photographers

Recently I got together with an old friend, Stacie (a very talented real-estate photographer), because we both needed new headshots for our websites, and both wanted something fun to break up the winter doldrums.

She had a great location we could use, though to e honest we probably spent more time chatting than working.

It’s always fun getting together with other photographers to exchange ideas, try new things, and just generally mess around without as much pressure to have a perfect end result.

(Clearly we both really liked this window…)

That said, I’m pretty happy with how my portraits of Stacie came out, and really love the photos she got of me! It’s not often I’m in front of a camera, but I find as I get older and a bit less self conscious that it can be a fun place to be.

We’ve already got plans in the works to meet up again if it ever snows for some chilly outdoor portraits. Should be fun!

You, Me, and the Animals

Chris contacted me about doing a photo session as gift for his wife Jaci. As you’d expect from a bride who’s only request for wedding photos was “sheep!”, animals had to be involved!

We started at their home, with their trio of dogs, and a visit to the chicken coop.

Then we were off to the farm where Jaci works and where they held their wedding - an absolutely beautiful backdrop.

But lets be honest - we were there for the sheep!

Such a fun day!

Head Over Heels

I was really excited for Rosie and Haohan’s wedding - I could tell they’d be a lot of fun to work with. Smart, funny, and you should see the way way Haohan looks at Rosie! So cute.

The day started at Tarrywile Mansion, a venue I’ve been to often and always enjoy, for prep photos and a first look.

Then it was off to St. Peter Church a few minutes away for the ceremony.

They also did a big flower-petal exit, which was amazing!

Back at Tarrywile, we had a perfect day for lots of fun couple’s photos.

Then it was time for speeches, cake, and dancing the night away.

Congratulations Rosie and Haohan!

Ailish at 2

When I joined my friends Shannon and Andy for their daughter Ailish’s first birthday, she somewhat defied their plans by having little interest in smashing her cake.

When I met up with Shannon for Ailish’s second birthday on a beautiful summer’s day, she defied them again by… really having no interest in summer, fields, nature, or the guy with the camera.

But she did give us a few good smiles here and there, and then got to go have fun with her grandma, which I’m sure she was much more excited about. Plus, she gave me maybe my favorite photo I’ve ever taken, which should definitely be the album art for her first hit single some day:

Sometimes you just gotta roar.

Roses in Bloom

Decked out in my professional mask, I met up with Lisa and Dan for a summer engagement shoot at Elizabeth Park back in 2020.

It was a bit more of a hassle than normal - we had to park outside and walk in - but it was also the emptiest I’ve seen the park during peak rose season. Lucky for us!

It was a great preview of their beautiful wedding day!

Back at the Simsbury Inn

The Simsbury Inn is one of my favorite venues, so I was disappointed when Andrea and Mike had to delay their 2020 wedding. But it worked out great - their new date in June 2021 went as perfectly as you could hope!

After some getting ready shots at the Inn, they had their first look at the recently decorated Flower Bridge. A passing gentleman offered this sage advice for newlyweds: “To avoid fights, have separate bathrooms.” Make of that what you will.

Then it was time for the ceremony at St. Catherine of Siena across town. It was a beautiful ceremony with an abundance of cute kids.

After a few family photos and cocktail hour, it was time for the reception. Cake, speeches, dancing, plus a trivia game that was really fun!

And remember: nobody puts Andrea in a corner!

Congratulations Andrea and Mike!

Twins on the Way

I was so excited to hear that Sophy and Jeff were expecting again, and even more excited to hear they were expecting twins!

We lucked into a beautiful spring day - but were unlucky in that Jeff was getting hit with a nasty bout of food poisoning. Not that he let it show!

We let Jeff go rest while Sophy carried on with some help from their beautiful daughter Ophelia, who was all smiles!

A few photos by the stream (which Ophelia REALLY wanted to swim in) finished up our session.

Love in the Time of Corona

Greg and Klaudia’s wedding was my first during the Corona quarantine. Like many couples, they had to make some drastic cutbacks to their plans, but that didn’t stop them from having a beautiful wedding.

The day began with some quick posed photos at Klaudia’s parents’ house.

Then it was time for the ceremony at Holy Cross Church in New Britain, a beautiful old building. The pastor was very helpful, pointing out some ideal spots for photos, and the ceremony was beautiful. Though the crowd was necessarily small, a wider audience got to watch from home on a zoom call.

The weather wasn’t totally cooperating, but that didn’t stop the couple, wedding party, and I from heading to nearby Walnut Hill Park for some fun posed photos. Everyone got a little wet but no one seemed to mind very much.

Then it was back to Klaudia’s parents’ house for a backyard reception. I didn’t stay long - just through a first dance and the start of dinner.

My favorite thing was the steady stream of friends and family making video calls to say congratulations. Even though many couldn’t be at the reception, there were a hundred little parties happening all over the country and even as far as Poland.

Congratulations, Greg and Klaudia!