Chelsea Family Portraits | The Kimmels

The holiday season was very good to me and as the year draws to a close, I am reflecting on how much my business has grown. My clients have been not just loyal but generous in referring me to their networks. So, thank you to all the clients, readers and fans out there! 

In my last post, I mentioned how difficult lighting indoor shoots has been. This is mostly because I had coined myself a "natural light photographer," but the reality is shooting in mixed light situations really tests a photographer's technical skills. This year {and NYC weather!} have really forced me to hone in my skills using a variety of lighting options. 

The Kimmels came to me looking for more traditional holiday portraits and were anxious to finally have "good" ones, as Sarah described. With a more photojournalistic style, I decided to meet them halfway but I knew my on camera Canon 580 flash would just not cut it. The Kimmel's Chelsea abode had just one window and 12 ft ceilings, making it a large space to light! With a little help from my friends at Adorama, I rented a Chimer Super Plus Pro White Softbox with a Dynalite 1000. Definitely not as strong as the strobes I used here, but perfect for lighting a family of five in a private residence. 

Without further adieu, the Kimmel's Holiday Portraits...

Julie - Theva turns 1!

After working together for Maudelyne & Edenson's wedding last year, Valerie contacted me about shooting her beaut, Julie - Theva, as she turned one this past November. The weather took a turn for the worst and it was too cold to go outside, so we shot the birthday girl in her Long Island home. The colder months here in the Northeast are really testing my lighting skills, but with a muse like Julie, who wouldn't feel inspired!?

Los Angeles Family Portraits | Rebecca and Company

You may remember Stephen from that great Santa Monica shoot last winter. This year, him and his family were blessed with a little angel of there own, Rebecca. We shot at the Los Angeles Science Center's Rose Garden at USC and at just 6 months, Rebecca sure is a cutie! Enjoy!

Southern California Newborn Photography | Maya

The last few weeks have been a douzy with lots of work and travel so my blog hasn't gotten much love. After a whirlwind trip to CA, I couldn't resist jumping right to today's post. My childhood best friend recently gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Maya. My trip was primarily for business so I squeezed in a few mini sessions, Maya's included. She is simply delectable, with giant eyes and giant personality (!!!) to boot. Enjoy!

Fort Tryon Family Portraits | Watfa, Peiton and Noah

The fall in Fort Tryon Park is a dreamy location for a photog, and I return there as an alternative to Central Park, time and again. Watfa and her two munchkins were game for my suggestion and we topped our shoot off with an ice cream, which put a smile on everyone's face. Enjoy! 

Central Park Children's Portraits | Sergio and Victoria

As summer came to a close, I celebrated a year with Groupon clients in true hustler fashion. On one of the hottest, most humid days of the summer, I had back to back, albeit fun, Central Park children's shoots. 

Sergio and Victoria's shoot may be one of the most memorable of all the Groupons, as we (me, Mom and Dad) worked overtime for a smile from Sergio, underscored by Victoria's funny little sayings. When we put her in the swing she said "Get me out of here! I feel like a stuffed little piggy!," and the buck didn't stop there. Oh, no! As we wrapped the shoot, Victoria was sure to redeem Mom and Dad's promise for an ice cream and when she proceeded to eat it, she looked and me and my camera and asked "Are we done yet? I need a little privacy!"

It is for small anecdotes like this, that shooting children is my absolute passion!