2007 is kicking.. and for more reasons than one.

Last week we had our first board meeting for the local Professional Photography Guild www.ppsnf.org and have already scheduled some very exciting events. Most notably Greg Gorman will be speaking at our membership reception on Feb 8th. The event is sponsored by Canon, admission is complimentary, and its open to the public.. There is, however, preferred seating so if you’re planning to attend go to the website and sign up to get a great seat.

If you’re just getting into photography, Greg Gorman is huge in the industry and will be an inspiration across the board regardless of your specific photographic discipline. Definitely worth checking out.. and Canon has picked up the tab…

In addition to our kickoff reception, we host and sponsor various events throughout the year for our members with a focus on education and advancing our photographic skills.

There is no better way to become a better photographer, and our guild is known nation wide, not only for its incredible talent, but for maintaining a spirit of support and regard for our fellow photo comrades… we have an open door policy.. and that not only benefits each of us as photographers.. but our clients as well.

And speaking of clients.. if you’re not already in love with me (or I’m already booked) and still need an awesome photographer.. our guild has some of the best around. Check them out.

Back in the day, among the artists we studied in school I seemed to gravitate towards Johannes Vermeer. Not that my work bore any resemblance to his or that we necessarily shared any deep artistic connection. I really just think its because we studied more of his work since a collection of his paintings were on display at the National Gallery in DC.
It was a once in a life time exhibit of that many of his pieces in one place at one time. As we studied his body of work the piece for which I had the least regard was entitled “The Little Street“. It seemed quaint but rather “unspectacular”, especially compared to some of his other paintings. That was until I viewed it in person. Words cannot do justice to the wonder which is Vermeers Little Street. For me all the other paintings, while amazing in their own right, paled in comparison. It was absolutely electric and I stood in front of it… mesmerized.

So one day as I was walking around my little hometown burg, I came across this scene and it took me back to the National Gallery on a rainy winter day in 1996. Here’s my “tip of the hat” to Vermeer which I’ve entitled “Little Alley”.

The daily grind has gotten the better of me and I have not posted in over a week. There are at least three people who’ve been hanging on my every word.. well… at least two not counting myself.. ok maybe not two.. but hopefully if you find yourself here you’ll become inspired to take more photographs and tell all your friends.

To get back into the swing of things here’s one of my favorite personal photos.

Several years ago as we were waiting to board our plane, Tyler was saying goodbye to his grandparents through the glass which separated the passengers from the visitors at the airport. They lived across the country and our next visit would not be for several months. As they both placed a hand on the glass, Tyler instinctively matched hands from the inside and I was able to capture it from a distance.

Its hard to single out the one image which means the most.. but this one would be pretty damn high on the list.

Just finished up an album proof for Jessica and Louis Angotti from their wedding last year. They were married in St. Augustine at the lovely Casa Monica Hotel. They saved a little time for us to walk around a bit and explore some of the shops on the street. As we made it back to the reception I don’t know that I’ve seen the dance floor pumping with so much energy as when Louie started breaking it down. These guys were so much fun to get to know.

I’ll post a slide show from the finished album in a bit, but here are a few of my favorite pics from the day to tide you over…

He’s known in some circles as “King Louie” so its really no surprise that when we saw a “throne” in the Casa Monica we had to play around a little.

This post is dedicated to my good buddy Gossette. Who has been giving me a hard time about not being publicly recognized in my post for the “official blog launch” a couple of days ago.

Across the board I have the best clients in the world.. period.

I hear horror stories from other photographers about “bride-zillas” and situations that I would pay to get out of… but for some reason the people I work with have always been amazing, a lot of fun to photograph, and great people to know. Perhaps its because we stress how important it is to find a great client/photographer connection… or maybe its because some people are afraid of my hair and go elsewhere .. either way.. I’m the lucky one.

So I said all that to say this…great clients are one thing.. but then you have amazing people like Dave and Diane Smith, who take it to the next level..

The Smith home is no stranger to guests… and last night Joi and I were again privileged to eat delicious food, drink fine wine, enjoy some fine tea, and spend the evening with a family who enrich the lives of everyone they come into contact with. Among other things Dave and I share a mutual desire to preserve the moments that mean the most.. and throughout the night I was able to witness and capture some truly special times. The moments which connect the minutes which are sometimes overlooked.

Dave and I met a few years ago and this past summer we reconnected and he asked me to capture some photos of a family outing..

We headed down to Washington Oaks, a beautiful State park just south of St. Augustine, which has been a special place for their family through the years.

It has a garden section with beautiful winding paths, trickling brooks and lily pad ponds.. all contained in an oak canopy overhead. Basically a photographers candy store.

Then we headed to the beach.

I’m always looking for the “in between” shots. This is one such moment and one of my favorite pics from the day.

This was one of those shots where everything just came together.

I could go on.. but I’ll save some stories for the next “Smith Family” post.

Tune in next time… Cheers.

It’s been a long journey.. but we made it. As of this post my blog is live for the world to see, enjoy, reflect upon, and make fun of.

I’d like to thank all the great people who have allowed me to share in and capture the special moments in their lives along the way. It is because of you that I can continue to do what I love.

I’d also like to thank the two people who have inspired me to share my life with others as they have with the rest of us. Two amazing photographers, Mike Colon and Becker. One I’m proud to call an acquaintance and the other I have not met but feel like I know him through his blog. If you only have time for two photographers blogs in your life.. read theirs.. If you can squeeze in another… you know..

Let me know what you think of the site and if you have any questions or topics you’d like discussed.

Thanks for stopping by.

I can’t believe its already 6 days into ‘07.

For New Years Eve we headed down to Orlando for the annual Art Trade. A grass roots movement focused on the promotion of Art, creativity and finding that artist in each of us… and also drinking good beer.

Its a great time and a fun group of people to know. Check out the website www.rossism.com to see what its about.

From there we headed downtown to hang out with some fellow photographer friends at Curt Littlecott’s new studio/winebar. Curt has made quite a name for himself in the photo world and rightly so.. Check him out. www.nuvisionsinphotography.com The bar is only open when he’s not shooting so if you see the red carpet on the sidewalk in downtown Orlando stop by for a glass of wine.

Self-portrait style of Joi and myself.

Clockwise from the bottom… Me, Joi, Teresa & Sam Sacks, Sherri & Larry Ebert.

Both Teresa and Sherri are also both great photographers.. not to mention lots of fun. I actually worked w/ Sherri while I was getting my feet wet in this wedding photography thing. She’s great.

For some reason people keep asking my fiance Joi if I’m gay.

Curt spinning some records at the studio.

Sherri and Larry bringing in the New Year with some fine noise makers.

Some line dancing British style.. where you sit on the floor like a long snake. Only Curt could pull this off. He’s behind his girlfriend Stephanie.