The 12 Best Photos of 2012

2012 has been a year of great fortune not just for my business but also for me as a photographer. Having procured clients who are generous in spirit, I successfully booked and shot 125 projects! Yes, I've done the math and that equates to a very limited personal life, but having an interchangeable career and personal life make that distinction arbitrary. I love what I do and find myself documenting all the time, revealing stories anxious to be told. 

When I started my business 3 years ago, I dreamed of a long, successful career as a wedding photographer. Life is funny sometimes and I now receive 75% of my business from lifestyle and portraiture, my true photographic niche. Sometimes life chooses you instead of the other way around, so, if I have learned anything about entrepreneurship, it is that sometimes one must just buckle their seat belt and hold on for the ride. And oh, what a ride it's been!

Please help me celebrate the arrival of 2013 with the 12 Best Photos of 2012.

The first shoot of the year came out with a bang and I was commissioned to shoot the Dennes Family on NYC's first snowy day of 2012 in Central Park. 

In February I shot Al & Kate's Engagement photos in Chelsea and they were later featured in the New York Times Style Section!

Diana & Drey are not just clients, but also very good friends and I was flattered to be asked to shoot their maternity portraits in March. 

Shooting a destination wedding is every photographer's dream and I loved shooting this  Curacao wedding!

As the weather in New York began to break and spring rolled in with the afternoon breeze, my dear friends the Cimmiyotti's, commemorated nearly a decade in NYC and their move to California with a family shoot. This picture of Pablo is a favorite! 

By the time June rolled around I had grown accustomed to a seven day work week. Just when I thought I might lose my mind, I learned my Faces of Harlem Project (!) would be featured in the inaugural Harlem Arts Festival. Here was my promo piece created by the amazing, Yeri Yun Designs. 

My very best friend from childhood was expecting her second addition and we opted for a beautiful, timeless shoot on the exclusive Pt. Mugu Beach in July. What a busy month but this was my favorite shoot by far!

I spent most of August on a month long journey to Indonesia and Vietnam. Unfortunately (tsk, tsk!) I have not published any of my DSLR photos due to my workload upon return stateside. Here is my favorite Instagram photo from Bali.

Scott and Fio have shot with me twice now, both times to celebrate their anniversary. Their 2nd Anniversary West Village Shoot was as classic as it was romantic. 

The fall months were very, very busy with lots of weddings. First was Robbie & Katie's wedding at Mt. Gulian in Beacon, NY. 

Another favorite fall shoot was Dayna & Ryan's engagement in Harlem. SWOON! Timely as the iconic Lenox Lounge shuts its doors after five long decades. 

2012 ended with a bang and I couldn't feel more blessed to have a thriving, bi-coastal business. With a re branded website on the way (2/1/13, stay tuned!), sold out minisessions in NYC and another show at The Shrine, I'd like to close this post by sharing an image that exudes love and another favorite theme, urban renewal.  

The most refined works I've churned out are usually shot in my favorite neighborhoods and LouAnn & Roland's Fort Greene shoot is no exception. 

May this be a year of great prosperity to all my clients, fans, family and friends! Happy New Year! 

2nd Anniversary Shoot | Scott & Fio in the West Village

On the eve here of my 100th booked shoot and it's no wonder these last few weeks have been a time of deep reflection. This "career" is something I always dreamed of and am finally realizing. Most important though, is that It's a true labor of love, especially when my clients become friends and we work together time and again. After all, clients are inviting us photogs to document the most intimate relationships in their lives! Scott and Fiorella are really no exception here. They came to me about a year ago through Groupon for their One Year Anniversary Shoot in Central Park. Those images were stunners, but wait until you see their newest photos! 

When clients trust me as the expert, it is a win - win situation. I suggested an evening shoot and we got to the West Village just in time for the Golden Hour, my absolute favorite time of day to shoot. Scott and Fiorella are beautiful people on the inside out and genuinely, some of my favorite clients. Their images are flawless, perfect, personal and I can't take all the credit. Happy Friday readers. ENJOY!

 

Central Park Anniversary Portraits | Scott & Fiorella

I love shooting couples that inspire me with their infectious love for one another. Scott and Fiorella did just that. They were married last Labor Day weekend at the Bronx Botanical Garden and wanted to celebrate one year of wedded bliss with portraits in Central Park's Conservatory Garden and nearby surroundings. 

The sunset was jaw - dropping the evening we met and it never hurts to have beautiful subjects. In fact that makes my job much easier. Scott was such a gentleman and insisted on carrying my camera bag and I was truly impressed when they generously offered me a ride home too. Really, the evening was like catching up with old friends I hadn't seen in a while. That said, I hope this is just the beginning of many shoots together, Scott and Fiorella. 

Congratulations on one year of marriage, Scott & Fiorella! May this be just the first chapter in your story together.