Tuesday
May142013

Stacy + Dan Engaged

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Sometimes, if you want to uphold traditions you have to go through great lengths, like Stacy's mom who went to Korea and bought hanbok's for Stacy and Dan to wear just for the engagement shoot. They are the most traditional of Korean clothing, made of 100% silk with very intricate embroideries and beautiful colors. Nobody seemed to notice Stacy and Dan's in hanboks and even Dan's bright pink pants as we walked around Harlem and Central Park. Maybe it was indifference, but I'd like to think that they are just embracing the diversity of New York City. I love this city and this couple. Looking forward to attending (not shooting) their wedding in California on Saturday!

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Thursday
Apr252013

Puerto Rico 2013

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It was 1:30 am Sunday morning and Eric and I were sitting in a whirlpool at the Doubletree in San Juan because a plane malfunction kept us from taking off at 5:40PM earlier that day. The flight was now at 7AM. We took advantage of an extra night of vacation and over handmade Puerto Rican cigars and a great bottle of scotch, we had a chance to debrief about the trip we just had.

It was booked on a whim, Sarah was essentially bribed to come on the trip, and it was Becky's first vacation ever. We trekked the jungle to swing on ropes and jump off cliffs into a watering hole. We took a ferry to a private island, and then snorkeled to another island about a mile away. We ate monfongo, chuleta, rice and beans; some of the best food we ever had. And then it all ended with a 13 hour delay.

But that night at the whirlpool we talked about the difference between a vacation and an adventure; what it meant to be comfortable and what it meant to have an experience. If you're looking for a vacation that makes you comfortable, there are many things that can go wrong, that is unless you spend money for a business class ticket and a five star hotel and even then it's no guarantee.

But if you're looking for adventure and an experience, everything that happens, good or bad or worse, is welcomed. Because that's when you're able to jump off a cliff even though you are afraid of heights and that's when even the stress of delays makes you more humble and grateful.

And in the end it doesn't even matter where you go, Puero Rico, Hawaii, or even upstate NY. The right perspective and expectation make all the difference. It also helps when you're with amazing people.

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Tuesday
Apr232013

Minnie + Bo Married

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One of the reasons I love to photograph weddings is because it's a day filled with such hope. Every guest there hopes the best for the bride and groom and their new life together. No matter what it took for them to be there, or what it will take from that day onward, there is hope. 

And with everything that has happened in Boston, from the carnage to the capture, hope was alive.  I've had the privilege of visiting Boston a number of times the past year for weddings and each time I went I've fell in love with the city a bit more. And it was no different for Minnie and Bo's wedding.  They were smiling the whole time during their wedding, but I suspect it's true every other day as well. 

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Monday
Apr152013

Diane & Giancarlo Preview

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Tuesday
Apr022013

By Way of Brooklyn | EunJean Song

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Sometimes in order to do something great, you have to start it without any expectations of greatness. That may mean walking up to David Chang and offering to help in any way, without knowing that Momofuku would become the Momofuku.  It leaves room to be honest and genuine about what you do and not be distracted by the glitz and glamor. Because when you meet EunJean, she is just that: honest and genuine. She doesn't see herself as the person who, as Director of Operations, holds together one of the most famous restaurants in New York City.

Sarah and I realized this trend on By Way of Brooklyn where most of who we've featured have spent more time behind the camera than in front of it.  They are the ones who do the hard work behind the scenes and don't want be in the spotlight, but should be.  And so on a perfect snowy friday morning, we walked around her neighborhood, down her favorite blocks and shot in front of old houses and bus stops, all the while listening to her amazing story. Head over to By Way of Brooklyn to read about it.

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