Suit Up

Granted, this image isn't as flashy as my usual shares, but this is my first client sans head, arms & legs, and I figured that, in and of itself, made it reasonably post-worthy. I think the session went pretty well, the herringbone suit and I shared some killer chemistry, and I'm really looking forward to all of his promised referrals. Socks, shoes, ties... bring it on.


The Andover Shop is a premium men's boutique located in (you guessed it!) Andover, Massachusetts, and the shop was in need of some photography of a sports coat slated for their 2008-2009 inventory. It was a fun assignment and, of course, a rewarding bonus to see the image debut in their new catalogue -- these are some classy Bostonian threads!

Start Those Engines

Happy New Year, everyone!

Okay, I realize, this already being January 13th, that if I were in Times Square, I'd be the only dingbat left throwing confetti in the air. But, seeing as how this is my first post for 2009, Happy New Year still seems like a fair salutation. The good news is, I've been pretty focused on some exciting behind-the-scenes happenings, but then it hit me: "The Blog"! Sort of like when you pop some Pillsbury rolls in the oven, start vacuuming, and then, forty-five minutes later, you're like "The Blog!".... well, actually, "The Rolls!"... heck, you get the idea!

This morning, as I was driving past (key words, driving past) the Spectrum Health Club -- draped with its big, loud annual "Feel Better In Sixty Days" banner -- I'm reminded that January is the honorary month-of-change. Change around here, as well. It's that time for new galleries to be hitting the main website (check back later this week!). It's also the year we'll be offering new books, albums, and canvas prints to make your images shine. It's the year to meet some wonderful new faces and friends, to share and capture some great experiences, to jet off to our first destination wedding, and to explore some jazzy new changes on the blog, including the sharing of more personal work and the occasional photography tidbit or two for those readers who might find it of interest. All of this might not happen in Sixty Days, but hey, let's shoot for the moon and see where Apollo lands.


Most importantly, I want to thank my clients -- past, present, and future -- for blessing me with your spirit, enthusiasm, kind words, and generous referrals -- and for making all of this just such a blast to be involved in. It has been, and continues to be, a great privilege to share in your most precious moments. I also want to shout a big thanks to my fellow photographers, for their wisdom and friendship, for checking in on me and offering their voice, and for keeping me inspired. I'm looking forward to meeting more of you this year, and, as for myself, giving back to the community that has been so helpful.

Thanks for staying with me, and for tuning in. I leave you, for now, with a few fun snaps from my holiday on planet Hoth.






And, of course, a big hug and thanks to my biggest fan, Gian. R.I.P., Frosty.

Wonderland

Oh Man, Santa must be palming the biggest lump of coal with my name on it. I suppose I've been a pretty naughty blogger, having not posted much this month. But this elf has been busy -- shipping out holiday print orders, re-designing next year's merchandise, and uploading some new snaps to the website. That said, let's shift gears to another Santa -- Santa Barbara.




Santa Barbara is classic California beautiful, and I don't think Gian and I could have picked a better escape nook for our weekend getway than the Cheshire Cat Inn. Now, I know some out there aren't really into B&B's, but if that's your flavor, or you are game to try one out, definitely give this Victorian time machine a shot. The inn is inspired by a tastful Alice In Wonderland theme (don't worry dudes, it's not at all girly), and believe you me, all that nasty, clingy stress that hitched a ride with us up from L.A. was tasered away Ghostbusters-style once we breezed through the front doors and into the parlor. Seriously: cozy corner nook, killer breakfast brought up to your room, walking distance to State Street, jacuzzi under the stars, chocolate chip cookies in the foyer to greet you when you return home at night -- need I say more? Plus, the place reminds me of New England, and nothing sells better than a slice of home.

This was also my first time wine tasting. Now, I confess I'm not much of a drinker, so I felt like a bit of a rube sloshing around vino like some bit player from Sideways. That said, Gian and I had an A+ day, picked us up some tasty sweet wines, soaked up the stunning landscapes, and there was still a nice cold Coca-Cola awaiting me at day's end.




I also wanted to use this trip as an excuse to take some pictures, for pleasure, which is a really important ritual in keeping one's core love for photography alive. I packed a lean gear bag -- Canon 5D and 50mm -- sure, I'd miss out on those shots better served wider or tighter, but there were still plenty of fun discoveries to be made while staying vacation-minded.

We'll miss Santa Barbara. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, but she should.

What's It All About?

December, already? Essh, where did the year go? It's that time for family and friends, and I feel pretty fortunate to be able to put the brakes on work a bit this month and spend some quality time with those who are always there for me, even when I'm neck deep in photo bliss.

Gian and I have just returned from a fantastic weekend getaway at a B&B in Santa Barbara, and, as much as I might have liked to have escaped all that is photo-related for a few days, I still brought along my trusty camera and took in some amazing sights. I'm glad I did, and we'll share some of those goodies later.


In the meantime, I offer up just a single image today -- the Garcia family -- and I can't wait to see how your holiday cards turn out, guys! It's always a privilege to be asked to capture an image like this. See, while staying at the B&B, I couldn't help but admire the collection of family portraits lining the wall of the old staircase leading down into the den. I had no insight as to who these folks were; the images were from a time gone by, absent of any fancy footwork or camera trickery, and yet my eye was always drawn to them, and I'm reminded that the ultimate value of an image is the content. Family. Friends. Significant other. Forget Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these are the real, timeless values.... and they don't expire in 24 hours.... well, usually.

End of Hallmark -- but heartfelt -- moment :)