After several months of planning, Valerie and I finally got a chance to do a family shoot in the park.   We went to Humbolt and found some shade and had some fun.  Kingston, their little one, was as cute as they come and full of energy, as you might be able to tell!    Valerie is a doula.   For those that don't know, a doula helps comfort and prepare the woman during the preganacy and all the way through the birth.   A must have for many couples!    Her website is http://www.bellylovedoulas.com/ so be sure to check it out if you're expecting.   As a bonus if you contract her services, I'll give you 20% off your package price!  

Anyway, we both found out we have an interest in green living and swapped some stories and tips.   In keeping with the natural theme, I decided to shoot all natural light, looking for areas of even shade to help balance out the lighting.    I really just wanted to be a passive observer of their "day in the park" and catch them naturally interacting as a family.   Check them out and let me know what you think!

I was recently in Pittsburgh and was able to squeeze in a quick engagement session with Tara and Shawn.   They have big plans to get married in style in Las Vegas (can't wait for that one!!) and have plans for their big party just about wrapped up.   We picked a blazing hot day to do the photos (which seems to be the norm everywhere this summer) so we were dealing with some difficult high-contrast situations, but they were troopers.    I tried to incorporate some urban grit, a stock-photography feel and the city skyline into their Pittsburgh themed shoot.   I like how Tara's dress matches the Steeler's color scheme.   I'm sure she meant to do that!  

Anyway, they were great and super photogenic and I'm pretty certain Tara has a modeling gig on the side that she's not telling anyone about.  

Here's some results.  

I had the good pleasure of working with my cousin, Francine from TimeSmart Images (www.timesmartimages.com) on a wedding in Pittsburgh a few weeks back.     Francie was a blast to work with...I think we made a good one-two punch if I do say so myself :)     Anywho,  I had so much fun and wanted to post some of those images up on my blog to share with everyone.  

On a side note, I've got a ton of stuff coming up so be sure to check back frequently over the next few weeks.   I'll be posting results from my recent engagement shoot with Shawn and Tara soon and I've got lots of weddings coming up, so stay tuned!

Jessica and Chris got married in New Jersey and I was lucky enough to be invited by to provide coverage for their special day!   When I first learned that they'd be getting married in Chris's aunt's backyard, I was skeptical.   But, I was pleasantly suprised that they actually pulled it off.    To the tune of 225 people, no less!    It was a magical (and emotional) day for the bride and groom.   

Man, I hope all my future couples are this photogenic!  

Here's a few from the wedding. 

Rick, a talented photographer in his own right, asked me to shoot his wedding.    Well, not his REAL wedding in Vegas (which I WOULD HAVE BEEN happy to shoot too!), but his ceremony for his family who couldn't make the trip.    I just wanted to post a few images I got during the ceremony and festivities so here's a sample.   Enjoy!