Faces of Harlem: Sneak Peak!

Yesterday I had the good fortune of shooting a few new faces for my personal project entitled Faces of Harlem. I was elated when three young bachelors were sent my way because I typically get more inquiries from women. They all had fresh, distinct looks which helps diversify the project. Since this is just a "sneak peak," I won't write too much though the icing on the cake was shooting a a third generation Harlemite in her family's Central Harlem Brownstone. Can we say "WHOA?!" That couldn't have been a more perfect fit for this project inspired by Congolese Dandies and the late James van der Zee. Stay tuned for separate features on each of these Faces of Harlem and if you would like to partake in this project or know of someone who would, please email me: ilene {dot} squires {at} gmail {dot} com. 

Faces of Harlem: Lucy | Harlem Portrait Photographer

With the help of my friend Lucy, the Nigerian beauty pictured here, my most recent personal project entitled "Faces of Harlem" was conceived. I am planning to shoot people based in Harlem (that means you too, transplants!) to compile a photo essay about young professionals that will be submitted later next year to The Studio Musuem. Lucy teaches English as a Second Langauge in the Bronx. She has a vibrant personality with deep Nigerian roots, by way of Wisconsin. To see more images from our shoot, CLICK HERE. Of course, if you would like to partake in this project or know of someone who would, please email me: ilene {dot} squires {at} gmail {dot} com. 

I Still Believe Networking Party/ New York City Special Event Photographer

Last weekend my dear friend Chester Asher, founder of the nonprofit Transform America, invited me to shoot one of his infamous networking parties. The party was co - sponsored by Our Take, The Foster Parent Advocacy Foundation, and Community Lab. Chester and many of the co - sponsors are Harlem based, as am I, so naturally a Harlem rooftop to showcase each organization's cause was in order. Talk about some of Harlem's most beautiful, albeit intellectual, young professionals! To see more images from the soiree, CLICK HERE. 

The Salmeron Family Portraits/ Eagle Rock and Los Angeles Family Photographer

You just never know who you're going to meet these days. While I was visiting my family in LA a couple weeks ago, I met Lupe, an accountant, at a mutual friend's dinner party. We immediately hit it off when I told her I was the "Jane-of-all-trades," and that I worked with children (she has a 16 month old toddler) and that I have my own tax business. As we were peeling shrimp in our friend's kitchen, she mentioned wanting to have some family portraits taken. Well I had the perfect person in mind, namely, ME! So we set up a shoot at Occidental College at 5:00pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon. After sitting through an hour of dreaded LA traffic to get there, I was greeted by Fernando, Lupe's husband and their cutie - patootie son, Sebastian. Sebastian was definitely rambunctious; a little rascal, if you will. Needless to say, we immediately hit it off! The Salmeron Family was photogenic and genuine and they almost made me want a child. Almost. I always say that I hope to be a bit more bi-coastal at some point in my photography career, so here's to my new friends, the Salmeron's and to shooting more beautiful families on the West Coast! To see more images click here. 

Gideon & Lauren's Cape Cod Fete/ Cape Cod Wedding Photographer

I met Lauren through mutual friends back in California and we couldn’t have had more in common. Coincidentally we both lived in NYC, worked in Chelsea and were getting ready to marry native New Yorkers. My first meeting with Lauren was in my favorite coffee shop, Grey Dog, where I felt as though I was catching up with an old friend. I mean that, too! Lauren is a charismatic, natural beauty who has a magnetic energy and inviting smile. Gideon really is her better half; calm, hospitable and sincere. Together, they are some of the most passionate, creative people I know and I’m glad their wedding allowed us to meet. My wedding packages include an engagement session which is as beneficial for me as it is for the couple. During the session, I’m able to gauge small nuances to better prepare me for wedding day coverage. Lauren was clear in our first meeting that Gideon wouldn’t be game for an engagement session and she also forewarned me that he wasn’t “camera friendly.” Naturally I was bit worried. That was until they invited me out to one of my all time favorite New York eateries, Pio Pio, where we proceeded to “get to know each other” over 3 pitchers of sangria and a Peruvian feast. I know, classy but maybe not the most professional! What can I say? Being foodies was just something else we had in common! In our short time together, I learned Lauren and GIdeon’s story; one in which they’ve shared some of life’s most intimate moments of joy and sorrow. They had an electric chemistry which came to life during their Cape Cod fete on Saturday July 10th, 2010. Though I traveled overseas to cover their bonfire on Friday evening and then their wedding on Saturday, I did not have one regret about this job. Lauren and Gideon’s relaxed and thoughtful ceremony in the Edgewood Farm meadow was as eclectic as it was personal. The Childs - Frankel union was one which will leave an indelible impression on me as an emerging wedding photographer. And for the record, Gideon was beaming with pride and glee in every portrait despite his bride’s warnings! Mazel Tov to Lauren and Gideon! For more images click here.

Dress: JCrew
Flowers: DIY
Hair and Makeup: Jonathan Williams Salon & Spa Provincetown 
Accesories: Brides own/ vintage
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Catering & Desserts: Cosmos Catering Provincetown 
Venue: Edgewood Farm, Truro MA 
Photographer: Ilene Squires 
Band/ Musicians: Clinton Curtis Band 
Officiant: Jerome Raik 

Invitations and Programs: Jamie Nuzbach Designs