Tanya Arianne Malott

Pinterest Matters: The Next Social Supersite.

2012-01-30T15:27:00.002-05:00

I spent my weekend at a social media conference, hosted by Sree Sreenivasan , Professor and Dean at the Columbia School of Journalism. I felt like the newbie in the room, to be sure. I have all of the requisite social media accounts: Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, but I am far from proficient at using any one of them.

I am a photographer. My world is beautiful pictures, and for that, one of my favorite sites is Pinterest. I joined in March of 2011. That makes me an early-ish adopter, though I quickly learned that Pinterest is the sort of 'time suck' site that a good business coach will likely tell you to shed from your schedule. I use it less than I would like and try to limit my time in the candy store.

But my first question this weekend, in a room full of serious social media experts was "What do you think of sites like Pinterest as social media sites? As a photographer I have more followers on Pinterest than I do on Twitter" (Note at the end of the weekend, I had more followers on Twitter!). Pinterest was clearly not yet a household name, and some people had never heard of it.

My sense is, this is about to change. A few minutes ago, I saw a tweet by Guy Kawasaki asking "Is Pinterest the next social commerce game changer? He has nearly half a million Twitter followers, so even if "No one will hear most of what you have to say on Twitter" as Sree told us, I am pretty sure a few people heard that one.

I use Pinterest with caution. I already suffer from information overload, and this site feeds one of my core addictions: the consumption of beautiful imagery. I also see how Pinterest can be leveraged by bloggers, designers, photographers and beautiful thing makers of all sorts. I could post a lot more photos on my lowly little blog, then pin them selectively and strategically on Pinterest, and drive a LOT more traffic to said lowly blog (think store/website/widget maker). There are already posters with followers in the hundreds of thousands. What is that exposure worth?

Love my dancers page!! Note one of these pins came from my own blog...

I hear this shameless self promotion is becoming a bigger and bigger problem on Pinterest. In time, I expect the retailers who see the value in Pinterest will get more clever and subliminal with their 'advertising'. This is still a relatively new world.

Sree says "The scarcest resource in the 21st century is human attention". If so, Pinterest manages not only to grab our attention, but to push more information through that tiny window faster. If you believe that a picture is worth 1000 words, then Pinterest is a shortcut to high speed communication. You are lucky if you can get a reader to stick with you for 1000 words. Why not say it with a picture? Or three.

I love the way Pinterest allows people to paint visual pictures of themselves in a way that Facebook can't. Rather than only posting images you have taken (let's face it, we aren't all photographers), or linked to on Facebook, Pinterest allows users to gather (steal?) truly stunning imagery from anywhere and everywhere and make it your own by creating infinitely clever "boards". I love the way people identify their hopes and dreams and aspirations by the images they choose to post. Of course, big posters tell me they are also big time wasters!

I think a great next step for Pinterest would be to allow people to print these boards in mural size (on self stick paper!) so we can put an "instant inspiration board" on our walls at home....but one that is drawn from the world wide web instead of the magazines we happen to have on hand. (Did I mention I am a bit of an idea factory?)

If I had more time on my hands (or an intern!), I would certainly have a much better developed Pinterest profile. In the meantime, I have added my Pinterest link onto other bio pages. I think 2012 is the year Pinterst pops into the mainstream.

My Photography Heroes: Mark Shaw Capturing Everyday Life

2012-01-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

One of my photography heroes was Mark Shaw. Anyone who knows me will certainly see a bit of him in my work. I believe in simple pictures that capture simple moments....the kinds of moments that change and disappear with time.

Mark Shaw was a Life Magazine photographer and it shows. With a journalist's eye he captures moments that speak to us all. Children being children, rather than posing and smiling for a Sears portrait. These are the kinds of photos that are so meaningful to me personally. These are the days we forget to capture on film because they are so routine, so ordinary. In time, I find them among the most valuable.

For me, the ordinary is almost more special and important than the big events. Yes, I will always love weddings and birthdays and big celebrations....but I wish I just had more photos with my dad on the beach.

Jackie Swings Caroline with a Young Kennedy Cousin Looking On, ca. 1963

I recently saw this photo for sale at a local gallery. I wish I had the $5,000 to buy it. (Please feel free to buy it for me!) To me, this image is timeless and universal. I remember my dad doing this with me. I wish I had a picture of it. I would settle for these two strangers, who feel like people I know.

I take photos like these for my clients, because I know deep in my soul that in 20 years from now those same photos will be absolutely priceless. I take the photos I wish I had of my own life. They aren't the most original or clever photos you ever saw. I don't go Photoshop crazy. I don't make people hold strange objects. I let kids run, and swing, and giggle and cry. We play and have fun (and yes we get that 'perfect' shot for the Christmas card!). Mom and dad get involved.

I realize just how extraordinarily lucky I am to be invited deep into the lives of my clients (who I universally think of as my friends). We are creating history together. We are growing up together. Every year, I feel like my photos get more valuable, particularly the ones I took ten and twenty years ago.

Alex giving Olive some love.

Rarest of them all: my family in Shiraz, Iran 1970. Posed, but barely so.

Wish I had more of these! 1970 candid and perfect.

Black and white and really adorable!

2011-12-14T17:53:00.000-05:00


Sparky's modeling debut!

While driving from Atlanta to Sag Harbor last summer, I stopped in Maclean, VA to visit my friend Jill and take a few photos of her and her beautiful house for her very successful home decor blog, Live Like You.

When I arrived Jill wasn't home so I went inside with my dog Sparky to introduce him to her dogs and escape the record breaking heat outside. The dogs got along so well that eventually they fell asleep together in Jill's living room chairs, so I quietly turned the moment into a photo opportunity. Of course, Sparky always knows when I am snapping his picture...

Below is the result of that fun little photo session....a lovely 20 page spread in Ivy and Piper magazine. About half the photos are mine. I'm looking forward to more of these fun shoots with Jill. Her interiors are so inspiring.

Open publication - Free publishing - More decor

The Juiciest Lessons Make You Cry

2011-11-01T13:47:00.000-04:00

I read a blog post an hour ago from Laura Roeder about facing fears....or at least, that's the way she tells it. In her story, someone criticized her on a very personal level. She called it her worst fears come true, and it drove her to run away and sob in her room.

I wrote a thoughtful comment and tried to post it to her blog. Not only could I not post my comment, I now can't get on to her page at all. She must be burning up the web!

I saw some other people's comment about how to get back at that woman who made the hurtful comments (about her age, her voice, etc). And I came to my own conclusions, which are exactly the opposite of much of what I was reading.

Laura's 'tormentor' gave her an incredible gift. Someone told Laura that to be taken seriously, she would have to "be different" (speak differently, act differently, etc), or at least, that is how Laura heard the message. Laura didn't truly believe she was ok just the way she is. She didn't truly believe that her age was not an issue. And along came someone to test Laura's beliefs about Laura. Guess what? She was deeply mortified (her words), driven to tears (her story), and yet look at where she is now: stronger, more confident, and wiser. She was given the gift of experience, which usually (but not always) comes with age. In that painful moment, she grew. She grew wiser and more confident.

How wonderful to really learn this lesson before you are 30! I'm not sure there is an easy way to learn this lesson, particularly if you are a child who grows up in a family of chaos like I did (divorce, addiction, whatever). I believe there are people who go to their graves never truly believing they are ok, just as they are. They might 'think' they are ok, tell themselves they are ok, but never 'FEEL' they are ok. I have felt inadequate for enough time in my life (not always, but enough to feel the debilitating effect). I am hard on myself and I know it. I am just tired of it now.

Age is just time passing. Sometimes we learn from our experiences, sometimes we don't. As women, I think we learn the most from the experiences that make us cry. I know I do. Tears only come when our egos get out of the way. We cry when things are true, maybe not so pretty, and deeply painful. Tears are a sign of an emotional response. I love tears. They always tell the truth.

Sometimes, criticism hurts. Sometimes it rolls off my back. So when it really hurts, I want to remember to thank the person who saw deeply enough into my soul to recognize some inconsistency between what I was saying about myself, and what I was truly feeling about myself. Those are the wounds that need healing. Once I allow myself to see these wounds, and open them up to fresh air, the healing can begin. The more healed I become, the more strength I have to share with the next person who needs a lifeline.

I'M NOT AFRAID

2011-10-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU TO ALL MY RHH LIVE SISTERS

THANK YOU, MARIE FORLEO

THANK YOU, JOSH PAIS

THANK YOU, JULIE COTTINEAU

THANK YOU, KRIS CARR

THANK YOU, RAMIT SETHI

THANK YOU, DANIELLE LAPORTE

THANK YOU, RUSSELL SIMMONS

THANK YOU, LAURA ROEDER

THANK YOU, DEREK HALPERN

THANK YOU, SIMON SINEK

THANK YOU, REGENA THOMASHAUER

AND A PERSONAL THANK YOU TO AMY OSCAR WHO MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE FOR ME

Have you heard of The Happiness Project?

2011-10-10T09:58:00.000-04:00

The Happiness Project

Get it, read it, join the project!

This is a book I have been reading lately. I haven't even finished it, and I already know I need to read it again. There is something in it for everyone....particularly my fabulous but somewhat frustrated female friends who are searching for answers to questions they can't even fully form (you know who you are!). Read the book, follow the blog, and sign up for the 'Moment of Happiness' quotations. There is a lot of great stuff here!

I am ready to start my own happiness project!

Montauk Surfers

2011-10-05T19:02:00.000-04:00

A perfect summer evening at Ditch Plains, Montauk.

Danielle G.

2011-08-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

I have known Danielle for years, but this is the first time I ever photographed her. I still have a specific project I would love to shoot with her, but in the meantime, I had an idea for a series of underwater photos I have been doing, and I was hoping she would be game.

Danielle told me about some of the posing she does for an art photographer friend at SVA, and I thought, "Well this is going to be so much easier!" That was before I had her treading water for two hours, turning into a prune, wrapped in heavy-when-wet fabric, and relaxing her limbs while trying not to drown.

She really is an incredible model for any artist, with gorgeous long limbs, extraordinary red hair, beautiful features, and above all, the perfect temperament and personality for this kind of work. She is patient with my plans, generous with her own ideas, and moves like a pro.

Who knows, maybe she can get some work modeling to help her pay for that fabulous education she's pursuing at NYU (did I mention she's really smart too!?).

At the very least, she is going to have a stunning collection of photos to choose from for her new Facebook profile picture!

She really went so far above and beyond what I could have expected. For the last pictures we took, it was so dark and hard to focus, that I needed her to smile so that I could use her white teeth to find some contrast in the picture.

Underwater Goddess

2011-08-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

silent beauty

fleeting grace

Live Like You....before and after the Jill Sorensen home makeover!

2011-08-16T13:55:00.002-04:00

Jill has such a great sense of style and color! Have a look at her full post on Live Like You to see all the cool 'before and after' photos of her own house. Her bedroom goes from 'blah' to 'wow!' with just a few high impact changes and a lot of fun paint colors.

These are just a few of my 'out takes'. Above, she is laughing because her dog, Bubba, manages to get in every shoot she does. I can attest that he indeed just walks on set whenever and wherever we are shooting. This dog likes to be at the center of everything!

The funny thing is, so does my dog, Sparky! Sparky is the black flat coat retriever on the right. Lucky is her dog on the left. They all met that day and got along fabulously. Who knew my dog would have such a great play date in Washington DC? Don't you love how the dogs match her outfit? I wish I could say we planned that...

Of course, I think nothing says 'comfortable chair' like the image below! We were sitting in the living room, waiting for Jill to come home, and Sparky helped himself to one of these lovely chairs. Bubba soon followed, and not long after, they were both asleep. I had to keep the shutter clicks to a minimum to let them get their beauty sleep, but I found it pretty hard not to shoot this!

Underwater Heaven

2011-08-15T13:08:00.001-04:00

Lately, I have been too busy for blogging, too busy for Facebook, too busy in general. But really, this series of pictures stopped me in my tracks.

I have been on a serious roll for the last month. It started in Santa Barbara, with a wedding that really sparked a few things in me. I was inspired by the place, the people, and their enthusiasm for just about everything. Since then, I have been in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Sag Harbor, Centre Island, Greenwich, Montauk, back to Sag Harbor, back to Atlanta, back to Sag Harbor, back to Atlanta....you get the picture.

I have photographed two weddings, multiple families, countless interiors, many different fashion and beauty portraits, surfers and clouds in Montauk, my dog, my son, flowers that took my breath away, and this....

This woman is a former wedding client who I have continued to photograph over the years. This is her fourth pregnancy (I have photographed them all). She has been an incredible subject, willing to go the extra mile to do wonderful things in the name of art and photography. She made time to do these last Saturday morning, amidst her crazy schedule and preparations to return to Hong Kong (where she is now living with her husband and three little one) the next day. I am forever grateful that we took the time to make these amazing images.

This is the beginning of something wonderful and new that I can't wait to do more of. It has been a long time coming. I am absolutely thrilled with all of the new and exciting photos that I have been making recently. I look forward to sharing more.

Love in Santa Barbara....the story in stills.

2011-08-12T11:40:00.001-04:00

In case you aren't a slide show lover...or just don't have the patience for one.

Definitely worth a trip: the Demetria Estate...a private family owned vineyard in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Always beautiful: Victoria's Secret and Vera Wang

A girl's gotta have her Louboutins!

Ana and Walter, I love you guys! You are the coolest. You know I am coming to that first anniversary party! (Who can wait for the fifth!?) and really, can we bring your DJ, Gavin Roy, and all of those wonderful friends of yours too? Glad you enjoyed your mini-moon. The island you should have a look at is Rangiroa (French Polynesia). I have it on excellent authority that this is an incredible place. (I still have a valid passport, in case you need me with you!)

Sources of beauty for this wedding:
Seriously beautiful paper products by the talented, and gorgeous Robyn Steward at House of Monarch.
Event designer extraordinaire, Debra Hiebert, at Tres Fabu Events with a crazy attention to detail that is impressive by any standard!
Stunning flowers by Toast Santa Barbara
The Four Seasons Biltmore, a place I have loved visiting for almost four decades! I still remember my great-grandmother's 90th birthday in the main restaurant. A perfect place to celebrate events you want to remember and re-visit many times.
A huge thank you to my fantastic second shooter, Stephanie Hogue! I couldn't have been in two places at once without you. Thanks for having my back!

Love in Santa Barbara

2011-08-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

More photos of the gorgeous Ana Chuckovich and Walter Delph, married July 23rd at The Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara.

The Gloss Magazine: Janet O'Brien In Montauk

2011-08-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

Here's a nice little piece I photographed that just appeared in The Gloss Magazine (Ireland) about Janet O'Brien...a fabulous caterer, event planner and friend of mine from Sag Harbor. I was just in Montauk again last Monday. Ditch Plains is such a beautiful slice of heaven, and Janet has this perfect spot right on that beach!

2011-08-05T23:25:00.000-04:00

A little sneak preview for Ana and Walter.....

2011-07-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

The story of a wedding this beautiful should be told with many images, but you will have to wait and see where they end up. Ana and Walter Delph were married last Saturday at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. I learned a lot about this couple from a little quiz I sent to the wedding party. Number one reason they all love Ana and Walter: loyalty. These two are loyal friends with extremely generous hearts. They have very close and loving friends and family and all that support was evident as they were married under the palm trees that evening. I can't wait to show more. I also couldn't have done nearly as complete a job photographing this gorgeous wedding without the incredible talent of my friend and fellow photographer, Stephanie Hogue from from Santa Barbara.

Random acts of kindness

2011-07-06T15:36:00.003-04:00

Bono. Superstar in more ways than one.

We all have seen or heard about that crazy moment during her show when Oprah says “reach under your seat” and everyone ends up with a new car. When a superstar reaches out and touches an ordinary person with a gift of genuine kindness, it touches us all.

I never had the privilege of sitting in the audience during ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’, but I was in the audience for the 100^th performance of U2’s 360 Tour in Nashville last Saturday night. The show ended with the song, ‘Surrender’, and all 45,000 of us there were about to leave happy.

My son, Alex, was going to leave happier than most concert goers, as he had not one, but TWO guitar picks in his pocket. The came unexpectedly from Adam Clayton’s guitar tech as he circled the outer stage during a check. The second came a few minutes later from Dallas, Edge’s guitar tech who we were calling by name. It turns out that second pick has Bono’s signature on one side, and a Superbowl insignia on the other. Cool. Even cooler if you are 12.

Alex at the gate to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville

Here we are! As seen by the U2 Fan Cam

Alex up in the stands, overlooking the stage, and our great seats down below.

Adam Clayton's guitar tech

Dallas, Edge's guitar tech, gives Alex a pick.

Eason and Alex with pick #1.

Alex with his picks, and the band about to walk onstage.

Then again, it was Eason who had orchestrated everything, and was certainly happier than most concert goers as well . This was his sixth concert on the tour. He had been in the Red Zone for the 360 Tour in Dublin, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami just three days earlier, and now Nashville. He knew where to stand and what to look for. He knew when there were diplomats in the audience because he spotted the security. He knew the usual set list, and when they deviated from it. He knew Dallas, and he knew he often gave guitar picks to kids. Eason is a pro concert goer and a huge U2 fan, and this was his second concert in three days with a 12 year old in the front row of the Red Zone. Three picks for two different kids in three days. Not bad.

Edge on the bridge, with Bono in the background on the second bridge.

Bono passing right in front of us

Show #100 on the U2 360 Tour.

But at the end of the show, it was not what we received in booty that made the event all the more memorable. It was Bono's personal gesture that was at once so small and so huge that it simply defied explanation in the moment. I was thrilled and stunned to watch as Bono approached the front edge of the stage after the finale (we were off to stage right) and lean over to someone and yell “What do you want to play?”. Seriously? How could he even know if someone in the audience could play anything?

A second later, he was hauling a rather large guy (at least 6 inches taller than Bono) up onto the stage. Was this really happening? Bono said “Get this guy a guitar. Give him my guitar”. And to the guy, “What’s your wife’s name?”. The poor guy could barely reply, “Andrea. My wife’s name is Andrea”. And before you knew it, Bono was singing the intro to “All I Want Is You”

“You say you want diamonds on a ring of gold.

You say you want your story to remain untold.

But all the promises we made

From the cradle to the grave

When all I want is you…”

When I think of it, I still get goosebumps on my arms. Imagine: Random guy from the audience is hauled up on stage, is holding Bono’s guitar and playing it (quite well), and Bono is singing with him and the band has now joined in. Imagine the audience going crazy. Now imagine twice as crazy as that. I thought about making a video, but frankly I just wanted to enjoy the moment. I was singing too, at the top of my lungs. We all were. When it ended, I was screaming. We all were. Bono and the guy hugged. Adam (we learned his name the next day), took off the guitar and handed it back to Bono.

Adam Bevell plays Bono's guitar while Bono sings

Then Bono gave him back the guitar! “You keep it” he appeared to say. More screaming with whatever voice I had left. Can you possibly imagine the thrill? I kept thinking I was witnessing the experience of a lifetime, and we were all thrilled to share the experience. I was so happy for this guy, and so happy to be there.

We learned more the next day, and the story only got better. Adam is blind. Bono was reading his sign “Blind guitar player. Bring me up!” when he first approached him in the audience. So while Adam never saw the stadium go wild, he most certainly heard it and felt it. He was nervous at first, but he did a great job in spite of the nerves. I am certain he will always treasure that guitar.

Over and over I thought of that moment. I thought of Bono’s simple display of kindness. I thought of how he had already finished an incredible concert with the band, and that was enough. Then he went the extra mile, and did something extraordinary for one person, which became extraordinary for us all. And the ripple effect continues. Even in that moment, I was in awe of the gesture, and asking myself how I could do the same in my own life.

Instead of leaving the concert thinking about what an amazing experience I had just been given, I left thinking "How can I give someone an experience that feels like THAT!!?" Bravo to Bono and U2 for shifting my thinking.

New York Magazine Weddings

2011-06-27T15:24:00.002-04:00

I get these on a regular basis, and for the most part, I cannot submit anything because my clients are too private. However, I think there are a lot of photographers out there who get left out of the loop and never hear about these open submissions. If so, then this post is for you.

Branding. The answer to everything?

2011-06-17T11:09:00.001-04:00

An upcoming ad for the Sag Harbor Express

It has been happening slowly, over the last year or two, but now I see the tidal wave. If I were getting started in the wedding photography industry today, I would not choose to be a photographer (at least initially)....I would start a company that does "branding and design" for other photographers. And I would be rich in no time....and then I would pursue the less lucrative, but infinitely rewarding career in photography.

New logos, inspiration boards, new colors, a fresh look, a new message....who doesn't want all of these things? In fact, I would love them myself. I am constantly falling in love with other people's websites, logos, blogs and 'brands'. I get easily bored with the one I have, and inspired by all the goodies around me. It doesn't help that I have ridiculously high standards for myself, so of course that means that most of what I do is never good enough (for me).

But when will enough be enough? When do I have enough shoes? When have I lost enough weight (don't get me started here!). When is my website 'good enough'? If it isn't broken, do I need to fix it? When is a new website not the answer to ...well....everything? I recognize this feeling.....the feeling of "as soon as my website is done, you will all know how great I am".

As it turns out, every time I think I need a new "look", some friend, colleague, or complete stranger reminds me that I don't. They remind me that my work is lovely (even on the days I am not feeling that way), and they don't need to see a new website to know that. They remind me that there is no perfect new look. They remind me that 20 years of timeless photos really speak for themselves.

I think I have the most incredible group of clients on earth. I love what I do because I love the people I get to meet through my work. So many have become my friends. Many are people I work with year after year shooting family portraits. They love photography almost as much as I do. Many of them could hire anyone...and I mean anyone...including Annie Leibovitz (who has a Wikipedia page, but not a website), and they choose me. That is a huge honor which makes me a bit nervous, and a huge responsibility which I do not take lightly. I put my heart and soul into every shoot. Not every day is my most brilliant day, but like I said, my standards are impossibly high. I should learn to feel more satisfied that my best on any given day is as good as it gets. I certainly give it my best shot.

Much of my greatest work cannot be shown, even on my own website or blog. Believe me, I wish I could, but my clients need privacy more than I need publicity, and so most of my photos are seen only in private homes. But I know the photos are loved, and that makes me happy. I know that they tell their friends and family about me, and that word of mouth referrals are the only advertisements that have ever worked for me. This is just as true in 2011 as it was in 1991 when I shot my first wedding, or in 2001 when I built my first website.

I may feel invisible sometimes, but the truth is I am anything but. I feel like I need to advertise, need more editorial, better SEO, more more more....but none of that ever seems to make a difference. If you Google "New York Wedding Photographers/New York Photographers/NYC Wedding photographer", you will likely find me on page one...for now....and yet I am not sure if it matters. I would rather spend my time making my existing clients happy. More than once, a bride has said to me, "You were my first call". Seriously? Before a planner? Before a venue? First call? Dang. I am flattered. But I need to take this as a sign that my work speaks for itself, and no one is finding me because of Google or my website.

I recently asked one of my good friends, a former bride and client, what she saw in my work. I should have recorded her answer, because a lot of it surprised me. She felt I had the gift of empathy in my photography, an ability to see and feel people in a way that not everyone does. She said it was like I was taking pictures of people from the inside out. I told her that I thought I just took the snapshots that people's friends would take if they knew how to use a camera better. She said it was so much more than that. Perhaps this is the core of why I can't "re-brand myself". I don't even seem to understand what I do as well as my clients do. I should ask more of them what it is that they think I do.....and put them on my new and improved website.

I still feel like I need new branding. I will probably always feel that way. Clearly I am not alone. I just read Lara Casey's blog post about "Making Brands Happen", and she is fully booked for the rest of 2011 and into 2012. Three weeks ago, I had the option of a spot in June this year. What does that tell you? It tells me I should team up with some designers and start a new company!

As it turns out, my goals are much higher than I initially realized, and a new logo and website are not what I really need to get me there. I would see this all differently if I were just getting started, but I am not. Don't get me wrong, branding is the buzzword of the moment because it is very valuable stuff. In my case, a little clever branding wouldn't hurt and might help, but I'd rather have a Wikipedia page than a website any day. My goal is not to just make pretty pictures, pictures worth keeping for a lifetime, but to make a difference. In that department, I am just getting started.

2011-05-27T12:14:00.000-04:00

Check out this post for the launch of a new model agency. I think their whole website is fresh, and fun and creative. Right now, so many photographers I know are struggling with concepts of "branding" and image. I love the way this agency has turned that on its head, with models no less, and stripped away the artifice. There is a lot of fun stuff on this website.

I like the model "rankings", adn that fact that Kate Moss is #2. That is some serious longevity, given the average "lifespan" of a model.

What should I wear?

2011-05-24T11:40:00.005-04:00

Maggie suggested I share some of my secrets with you.

I photograph Maggie at least once a year, usually with the kids in Canada. Going to visit her is a highlight of my summer. Maggie is like sunshine and Eason always says it is just unfair how photogenic she is.

We decided to shoot in the afternoon when we could wrangle the whole family before heading out to dinner. Maggie put on her favorite summery white dress and I took a few shots to warm up.

After a few frames, I stopped. I knew this wasn't the best I could do. Even though she looked really pretty, I asked her to change. I felt the white was washing her out, the square neckline was taking attention off her face, and the dress wasn't flattering her figure much.

And this is what happened next:

A year later, this is still her Facebook picture. Needless to say, I think she liked it. Her favorite dress just wasn't the best dress for her, for this photo session, and she appreciated my input which helped her see what a difference a darker color made. Another tip I gave her that day....keep your arms away from your body....better for your body, better for your arms. That tip works well for most people...PARTICULARLY brides in strapless dresses!

We call this "Workin' It!"

Love you Maggie!!

From my time in Moscow, old photos re-discovered.

2011-05-10T11:16:00.000-04:00

In November of 1995, I arrived in Moscow, Russia, as a new bride. In the previous three months I had moved from New York City, married in Florence, lived briefly in Milan, and now relocated indefinitely to Moscow with my British husband. Just after we landed, we went to a Guy Fawkes party at the dacha of a colleague of my husband. I remember the burning effigy in the back yard, the kilts worn by a few of the men, and the four feet of snow on the ground. Moscow is not an easy place to live.

I lived in Russia for two more years, and during that time, tried to continue working as a photographer, even though the simplest things, like getting a roll of film developed, were unbelievably challenging. I would shoot a roll of color negative film, take it to Itar-Tass (the news agency), and get bits and pieces of contact sheets (in black and white) in return. One roll would be contacted on two or three sheets of paper.....whatever they had, it seemed.

I shot this fashion story near the end of my time in Russia. It was a scorching summer day, and we had to shoot Fall fashion. These photos ran in the first or second issue of Marie Claire. It was the first major international fashion magazine to arrive in Russia. Vogue came later. Most of the pictures they used in the magazine were taken from other editions and the text was translated to Russian. This was a rare photo shoot that took place in Russia, with a Russian team of models, a makeup artist and a stylist. The art director was French, as I recall. I remember casting the models and having them try on the clothes for the story to make sure they weren't too thin. Several of them were!

The great part was how easy it was to shoot in a great location like the Pushkin museum (blonde model in black/camel story). We shot all day there in a sort of stealth way, and only got kicked out at the very end of the day. The priests at the monastery where we tried to shoot the brown/navy story were much tougher. They wouldn't let us shoot inside their walls at all, so we just had to work with what we could find in the street.

I thought these photos were gone forever, lost in one of my six or seven moves since that time. And then they just appeared, in a box marked 'tearsheets' on the shelf of my newly organized office that has been a work in progress for the last few months. I keep finding lovely old things that were all part of my life before everything could be stored or shared on the internet. Back in Moscow, I was lucky when I could get a dial tone and use my AOL dial-up email for 30 minutes. I would write massive letters to friends back home (8-11 time zones away), log on to send a letter, and usually wait a day or two for a response. I am glad the systems have improved, though I would argue my letter writing was better back then.

New Fashion Line by my friends....as seen on Vogue.com!

2011-05-08T21:48:00.000-04:00

With and Wessel is the beautiful new clothing line started by my good Norwegian friends Cathrine and Stian. They have barely launched, and already they are on Vogue.com as "The New Favorite Basic"! Wonderful! Cathrine is one of the most talented photographers I know (and have had the pleasure of working with), and I am so excited to see this new venture. I love seeing my friends follow their dreams. I can't wait for my first pieces from the first collection!

How I Frame It

2011-05-05T16:23:00.000-04:00

I am often asked to show how my fine art images look when framed. This is one of my favorite techniques: 'The Plexi Sandwich', I call it. The image is mounted directly onto a thin sheet of aluminum or plexiglass, or sintra board (different prices, similar effect) and is then laminated with a sheet of 1/4" plexi over the top to give it a sleek, modern look, and a stiff enough body to be supported with aluminum braces across the back. These braces allow the image to 'float' about an inc off the wall.

Yes, I can frame things a thousand different ways, or not at all. But this is my favorite. I hope the explanation helps!

'Oil Paint' in my hallway. 4x6'

'Gibson Surf' in my living room. 3x5'

Behind the scenes. The aluminum braces.

My Royal Wedding Favorites....

2011-04-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

What else would a wedding photographer do while sitting on an airplane? Make a little wedding album! These are some of my favorite images from what I have seen so far.....grabbed from the Daily Mirror and my own tv this morning, then doctored a bit for fun. For me, the little private glances and unguarded moments are the best. What a beautiful, happy day for a lovely couple. Princess for a day....and happily ever after....and all that.

Timeless moments......

2011-04-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

I have always sought to make wedding images that would withstand the test of time. I aim to remind people of a specific moment or feeling in a way that is real and timeless. I try to avoid all photography gimmicks and trends in favor of shooting the most honest and straightforward way I know how.

I shot this image on April 17th.

Happy sixteenth anniversary Dan and Nanna!

for Yvette

2011-04-12T19:37:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to post a larger version of this image for my friend Yvette Roman, an amazing photographer based in Los Angeles who liked it. Thank you, Yvette. I like it too.

Who wants to do engagement photos in Paris?

2011-04-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

Now that's a silly question! Who DOESN'T want to do engagement photos in Paris?

Note the sweet tradition of locks attached to the bridge, left by couples in love....

I travel a lot for my work, and a lot for fun. This couple travels more, much more. As I write, the bride-to-be is in Mozambique, and her fiance is in Yemen. The wedding will be in the Bahamas, and she is planning it all long-distance via email and phone from Washington DC, with a planner based in Boston. Really, these are people after my own heart!

We had discussed an engagement shoot in New York City, but Paris was actually the easiest place for the three of us to meet. I was on my way back from Morocco (fun travel!), and the bride-to-be was visiting her man in Paris (he lives there, she doesn't). Before packing for the trip, she took the wise advice of a stylish girlfriend from New York, and bought this lovely red raincoat, which couldn't have been more perfect against the backdrop of a typically overcast Parisian day.

We spent the day walking through some of places they love. We started in the Tuileries and ended by the Eiffel Tower before grabbing a Metro back to the lovely Crillon Hotel (I booked a room here, on sale via Tablet Hotels, in order to have a backup plan for a rainy day). We walked for about 6 hours that Sunday.

The biggest lesson I learned is that walking and taking pictures all day is EXHAUSTING. We were all pretty useless by the time we had dinner, even though we had stopped for lunch in a Brasserie, and champagne at a friend's rooftop apartment as well. We were smart to shoot on a Sunday, since the streets were far less crowded (even if the Eiffel Tower was a zoo), but even so, we only made it to about half of the places on our list. The last time I did portraits in Paris, it was on a couple's wedding day, and we had the advantage of a car and driver, but the disadvantage of shooting on a Saturday in July (traffic and tourists everywhere!). I can't emphasize enough how important it is to consider these kinds of variables when planning an ambitious shoot like this.

These two were such troopers and really great sports about the whole day. We had a lot of fun, and took all kinds of great photos. I love photographing an engagement session in a place that is meaningful to the couple. Lucky me that Paris was that place for this couple!

morrocco still on my mind

2011-04-11T13:08:00.000-04:00

the last packages haven't arrived. why did our shipments from india arrive in atlanta within a week, but those from morrocco are still not here a month later? in the meantime, i am still having fun playing with all the colorful photos...

Marrakech: A Hipstamatic Journey

2011-04-06T17:50:00.000-04:00

Marrakech by Tanya Arianne Malott | Make Your Own Book

think pink

2011-04-04T22:29:00.003-04:00

Beauty in Motion

2011-03-26T13:27:00.000-04:00

I see in frames. Frozen moments. I capture these images to suggest something more, something longer. For me, it is the frame that suggests the story and lets your imagination run. Every once in a while, I come across a person who can do the same with images in motion. I don't shoot video very well, so I truly appreciate a master when I see one. Kristen Bliss is one of those masters. I am mesmerized by the beautiful way she combines still moments, and moments of only the most subtle movement, with music, to create something else....something soft, magical, and special, that still leaves room for the imagination. Watch this little video of a fashion shoot, (photographed by the supremely talented and soulful Elizabeth Messina)

The Bride & Bloom :: Spring 2011 Shoot from bliss* productions on Vimeo.

The Diamond Cutter

2011-03-21T19:27:00.000-04:00

I read this book many years ago, on the advice of a friend and fellow photographer. As I listen to so many of my friends struggle to find their way in their businesses, I am reminded that I would like to read it again...and recommend it to all. There is even an interesting blog/discussion group now built around The Diamond Cutter.

Stepping toward a dream: I'll take Manhattan

2011-03-01T15:56:00.003-05:00

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step"

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

I have focused my mind and my lenses on New York for the better part of two decades. For me, the place has become almost a state of mind, as much as a real place. New York embodies creativity....on the street, in the air, in the people, and in every nook and cranny. It is the place which inspires me to be my most creative self. It is the place I love to go for a special event, or no reason in particular. It is a place where I love to walk. And walk. And walk.

The street is so full of energy in New York. The skyline is so full of energy in New York. I AM SO FULL OF ENERGY in New York. And when I am feeling creative, I am also finding creative. Here is something beautiful I found on my last trip:

I bought this image from a Japanese photographer, Naoki Okamoto, who was selling his work at Union Square. I bought 5 pieces, and wanted even more. The images are so sensitive, so lovely. I asked him which were his personal favorites. He said the New York architecture sold the best (I certainly loved it), but the fashion images were his favorites, so I bought more of those. I concentrated on getting images that showed his range, and told a beautiful color story. These some of the other images I chose:

OVERCOMING DARK DAYS

2011-02-15T17:32:00.000-05:00

IF YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER, WATCH THIS.
IF YOU ARE NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER, WATCH THIS.

The speed of success...

2011-01-31T14:18:00.001-05:00

William Kimball it the man with "it". He has that thing the judges are looking for on American Idol. The full package. He has the talent to write and play and sing a song, of course, but more than anything he has the authenticity to feel a song and in doing so, become a star. William Kimball is just William. He's funny, quirky, goofy and intense. He's a creative singer and a passionate surfer. He goes for it. He's fearless. He takes risks. He has good ideas, and not so good ones. His heart is wide open and he's willing to let you in.

Keep your eye on William. One day you will say you saw him here first.

(Disclaimer: I only met him because of a friend who saw the spark, and asked me to take a few photos. But I see what she sees, and the spark is about to burst into flame)

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN, A WORKSHOP ABOUT....

2011-01-23T00:22:00.003-05:00

BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL ASK WHAT IT'S ABOUT......

It's not about where you've been. It's about where you're going next.

It's not about the pain you have, it's about having the courage to let it go.

It's not about just following your heart, it's about first letting your heart crack wide open and expand.

It's not about what you take away, it's about what you have the guts to bring and share.

It's not about what you can get, it's about what you can give.

It's not about what you show Lara, it's about what you let Lara show you.

It's not about holding back the tears, it's about letting them flow.

It's not about how much money you are making, it's about what is holding you back from making more.

It's not about your age or years of struggle, it's about your wisdom and willingness to learn.

It's not about your gifts and accomplishments outside the room, it's about being present in it.

It's not about what Lara and her team can do for you, it's about what you can do for yourself.

It's not about what you do in the next year. It's about what you do tomorrow in the first 20 minutes.

It's not about having more, it's about feeling more satisfaction.

It's not about getting busy, it's about tuning out, turning down the volume and disconnecting from all the chatter and social and electronic media that distract us, in order to reconnect with ourselves.

It's not about "friending", it's about connecting.

It's not about the circumstances you can't change, it's about the changes you are willing to make now.

It's not about griping, it's about finding gratitude.

It's not about making things perfect, it's about making them happen!

Keep your eye on the ball.....Havana

2011-01-19T08:52:00.002-05:00

Havana, Cuba

No matter what I do, this image is not posting as well as it should. The high resolution original amazes even me. Yes, the ball is there, caught just before the shade. I confess this is one of those lucky images that really looks better when you get it home than you ever imagined it did at the time.

These two were among the boys that inspired us to go an buy as many baseballs as we could to give away. Most of the kids we saw playing did not have real baseballs or bats. We actually saw one game where at least six boys were playing"baseball" with a stick and a bottlecap.

Casa De La Musica: Salsa Booties

2011-01-17T18:20:00.000-05:00

The title says it all. We had a front row view to all the locals who arrived early to dance. Unfortunately, it meant we could not see the band unless we, too were standing and dancing.The girl is Cuban, the guy seemed to be a foreigner, practicing his salsa. He had a different date for the evening, but enjoyed a dance with this perfect stranger....all about 2 inches from our table, and yet they never even bumped the table. Impressive control.

‘I, too, have a story about Richard Holbrooke’.-Hillary Clinton

2011-01-14T22:28:00.004-05:00

In one of those moments that made me grateful for Facebook, I noticed Sarah Holbrooke’s post that the Kennedy Center memorial service for her late father in law, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, would begin in about 35 minutes on CSPAN. Thanks to Facebook, I saw she made the post 40 minutes earlier. I turned it on and began recording immediately. A slideshow tribute to this great man and incredible statesman had already begun, and within minutes, I saw one of my own photos in the slideshow!

I immediately thought of how many other great photos I had of Ambassador Holbrooke and his family, and I started digging through my files.

As Kati spoke, she said “Richard was a very good husband”. I had seen that with my own eyes. I had so many photos of them looking so happy together. I thought of how lucky I am to be able to participate in such intimate family events, and yet step back as the observer, photographing people in some of their most natural and happy moments.

I get to photograph people when they are almost unaware that they are being photographed….thus capturing things that are too often left to memory, and yet seem nearly impossible to conjure once those moments have passed: little glances, warm hugs, knowing smiles and loving kisses. I believe these are all moments we treasure and eventually miss the most when our loved ones are gone. Kati’s tears brought tears to my eyes. As she said “I will miss him forever”, I felt her immense sadness, because I had seen his incredible warmth, with her and with all of his family.

I met Richard Holbrooke on the occasion of his stepdaughter Lizzie’s wedding. I don’t think he ever knew that it was really his doing that I was there. As he was accepting Hillary Clinton’s appointment as special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, I watched on CNN as he thanked his “beautiful wife Kati”, his children, and his stepdaughter Lizzie and her fiancé, David. Because I was friendly with several people close to Holbrooke, I figured there must be a way to meet this unknown future bride. It was really out of character for me to initiate contact with a potential client this way, but once I met Lizzie Jennings, everything felt like it was meant to be. Lizzie seemed like an old friend. After a few exchanged emails, I flew to New York just to have lunch with her. She was beautiful, brilliant, funny, serious, and busy.... planning a wedding in France and another in Bridgehampton while finishing up two masters degrees at Columbia in international affairs and public health. She was my kind of woman, and I was so thrilled my instincts were so strong and positive about her. Apparently the feeling was mutual, and I spent many days photographing wedding related events for the family.

I think it is one thing to have photos that document an event, but my goal is always to catch something deeper. I try to capture the essence of people being most themselves, no matter what the event. I look for the way that people look at each other, hold each other, and communicate with each other. I want to catch people laughing, smiling, dancing, or whatever it is that they do when they are not posing for a camera. Photos like these tell me so much more about who a person really is.

Sometimes I wonder why I take some of the photos I do, why I look for these moments in-between, the gestures and glances that don't even seem worth photographing. None of this seems monumental. If anything, I specialize in the mundane.

For me, these photos capture a side of Richard Holbrooke that was not the statesman or the diplomat, but rather the man that was very loved by and loving toward his family. I feel so lucky to have seen this happy side of a man who did very serious work.

Kati said that Richard taught her "that a life of meaning is worth more than a life of ease". Though my contribution to the world is tiny by comparison, I feel my life has more meaning because I can share photographs like these that help us remember our loved ones just as they were.

Club Tropicana: Havana

2011-01-10T17:08:00.002-05:00

The Tropicana was the ultimate spectacle in a pre-Vegas world. A Cabaret Guide issued in 1956 described The Tropicana as, "the largest and most beautiful night club in the world...."

Americans once flew from Miami to Havana JUST to catch this show. There was a special Club Tropicana tourist package: Cubana Airlines' Tropicana Special began a round-trip flight that ferried club customers from Miami to the Tropicana and returned them to Florida at 4am the following morning. The plane featured a wet bar stocked with a bevy of cocktail selections, as well as a scaled-down version of Armando Romeu’s orchestra for anyone brave enough to dance in the aisles.

I would have loved arriving in 1956, surrounded by glamorous women in colorful evening gowns, with meticulously coiffed hair, long gloves and handsome men in white dinner jackets! A front row seat might have been impossible back then (even at $4.50 a table), but a glimpse of Marlon Brando in the audience might have been enough of a thrill for one night.

When we arrived last Thursday, 2 hours before showtime to get our front row seat, some tourists were posing out front with a beautiful vintage Cadillac convertible taxi that had dropped them at the door. The radio was blaring a Lady Gaga song, the the girl was wearing a micro mini skirt. So much has changed. Sadly, none of the guests today dress very well. We are all tourists, and the price tag today (about $100 per person including a small glass of sparkling wine and a half bottle of Havana Club) is beyond the reach of almost any Cuban. Besides, they all know the place is for tourists.

I'd say my expectations were modest. A Cuban friend had rolled his eyes the day before when we announced we were headed to the Tropicana on December 30th (December 31st was $250 a head, cash only!). The entrance felt more tarnished and almost tacky, than tasteful, and the food....well, no one goes for the food.

But our table was touching the stage on the left side, and Eason paid our $5 fee so that I could legitimately take photos from the audience. I was pretty hungry and devoured a few of the appetizers they offered at outrageous prices....sad cold cuts and stale bread for $15....but finally the place filled up and the show began.

Wow. I had no idea I would love it so much! I enjoyed watching each subsequent routine, convinced that each dancer had removed an article of clothing below the neck, and transferred it to a spot on her head. What a spectacle indeed! I loved every minute, every costume, every move. It was a riot of color and music and movement that looked about as I expect it looked circa 1956. Dancers nearly fell on our table and we had feet and derrieres right up close and personal for many routines. Nearly 200 dancers in all participate in this show. Sometimes they dance on two separate stages....with the distant dancers resembling tropical birds from my vantage point. I had a ball taking photos and getting creative with my less-than- ideal equipment for the task.

I can't wait to go back and do it all again! If I could, I would definitely fly from Miami to catch this show....but then I would stay longer because Cuba is such an interesting place to visit.

These are just a few of my favorite images....

Two Brides in Cuba

2011-01-05T15:22:00.002-05:00

These two Cuban brides married on the same day, at the Club Habana, just as we happened to be visiting the Club.

The best vintage American cars are rented to brides in Cuba every day. Convertibles preferred.

Later that night, we saw them again when they arrived at the Hotel Nacional for a drink in the courtyard, overlooking the ocean.

What you don't see here is the groom in white, holding his tiny black and white Chihuahua.

There he is!

Junebug Weddings Best of 2010: Honorable Mention

2011-01-05T09:17:00.001-05:00

I prefer to promote others rather than promote myself, but I have to mention this Junebug Weddings blog honor because ALL of the photos they are showing as the "Best of 2010" really impressed me. I can't believe how sophisticated wedding photography has become. Most wedding photographers have no idea what wedding photographs looked like back in the early 1990's, but overall it was not good. Now, I think wedding photography rivals the best in fashion, journalism, portraiture and still life photography. Oddly, that is exactly the reason I fell in love with weddings.....I didn't have to specialize in any one kind of photography, because weddings presented such a full range of opportunities.

The "West Coast" aesthetic of daylight, overexposed, highly styled and posed photography seems to be the dominant trend of the moment, and I love the look and envy the beautiful natural light and the amount of time those 'Westies' get to spend with their couples. I notice, however that my real favorites are darker, more mysterious, and highly emotional. I am always impressed by an expert handling and control of lighting, combined with an intensely emotional image. Call it the Scorpio in me.... Soft is beautiful, but I love the power of strong chiaroscuro. I love images that make me STOP and wonder, "How did they DO that?", or just simply, "Wow!". Clearly, Ben Chrisman is a real master in this area....not only did he have two winners among the 50, but both of his winners are among my favorites.

There are so many exciting styles to look at and so many amazing photographers at work. I am looking forward to meeting some incredible new talents at WPPI in Las Vegas this year. Last year, I met a wonderful group of photographers at Elizabeth Messina's workshop in France, and I look for ward to a re-union of that group in Vegas.

Do not miss this Best of the Best for 2010 blog! Of the 50 winners, here are a few of my favorites:

Quinceanera in Havana

2011-01-03T23:34:00.001-05:00

We found this beautiful girl posing for photos with a local professional photographer in the driveway under the arch of our hotel. She was preparing to celebrate her Quinceanera, or fifteenth birthday next month. Apparently the photos are done well in advance, and the Hotel Nacional de Cuba sees many brides and Quinceaneras come to do photos every day of the week.

When he finished, I asked the photographer, and the girl, if I could offer some suggestions, and took her out in front of the arch for a spin.

We had already finished shooting, when a lavender Chevy pulled up.....naturally, I made her go back to work! Her photographer didn't bother to take this shot, and I didn't think to get her contact info until it was too late.

She had disappeared to change into her next dress for another portrait. We saw her again from our 7th floor window at the Nacional, posing in a red dress, with the Malecon and the Caribbean in the background. By the time we rushed downstairs to trade addresses with her, she was gone.

From the hotel concierge, we learned that some girls change over half a dozen times to do these portraits, the dresses are usually rented, and they spend all day taking photos (not to mention doing hair an makeup). Sometimes the girls rent a space in the hotel for the multiple outfit changes. I guess that means sometimes they don't. I wonder which dress she would choose to wear for the party? I loved the lavender.....and I would definitely rent the car to match!

Stay tuned for the day we saw the two brides who got married together. We ran into them twice, in two very different locations, on the same day!

Elf Flash Mob, Union Square, NYC

2010-12-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

In honor of my upcoming trip to NYC for Xmas with Alex (and our visit to Union Square to check out all of the Christmas shops), I wanted to share this flash mob video from last year (2009). We should be so lucky to run into one of these one day....

Photo, please!

2010-11-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

I don't often start a post without a photo, but in this case, that is exactly my point. Yet again, I have received an inquiry from a would be second shooter/assistant/do-you-have-a-job-for-me kind of person. To be honest, the ones that look like form letters rarely get a response from me. If the letter or the website are intriguing enough, I might reply....if I remember (note: sometimes you should write twice to busy people!).

I recently heard from a student who would like to be an intern, and when I saw the photo on her resume it reminded me of something I have been meaning to mention for years.... I need to see what you look like, folks!

I work in the image business. I shoot high end events for people who are highly successful and highly educated. They dress well, speak well, and generally look like they could be speaking on television momentarily . It is NOT ok in my workplace to have crazy hair coloring, excessive tattoos, or body piercings. I have dressed like a guest at every event I have ever photographed for the last 20 years. If the wedding is "black tie", that is my dresscode. Blending in is a key part to what I do. If you want to work with me, I need to see what you look like and I need to know if you can blend in too (do you have a suit? or can you get one in a hurry?). Of course I would like to meet you and see if you are a friendly 'people-person'. Yes, I care about your photography skills too.....but honestly you have to pass all those other hurdles first.

One of my favorite assistants recently wrote to me just after Halloween to say his head had had a close encounter with a razor in the name of a better costume, and he was trying to find a hair stylist to fix the issue, but basically the sides of his head were hairless. He was scheduled to work with me a few days later, at a corporate event for a new client I had never worked with. He had lined up a replacement, just in case I didn't like the new 'do. I asked him to send a photo, and I didn't like what I saw....so I hired his friend at the last minute. I was SO grateful that he had that much foresight and thoughtfulness to ask!

Note to all you would be great assistants out there: I give HUGE points for YOUR ability to anticipate and problem-solve. It is what I used to do best as an assistant myself. It is what I like to see most in anyone who is working for me. I hired him again about a week later for a different job in Florida. He gets an 'A' in my book for anticipation AND problem solving! He is very skilled as a photographer and as an assistant and he's a lot of fun to have around.....but I am glad he knew that a crazy haircut might not be appropriate for the kinds of clients I have.

Oh...and how did I find my current favorite assistant? I asked a friend in the business who runs her own photography company and hires a LOT of freelancers. So, when you impress one boss....remember you are impressing many.

Eyes, hands, and other things to celebrate.

2010-11-29T15:44:00.002-05:00

I spent my morning putting these images together for fun, and maybe a new website homepage. I enjoyed searching through many years worth of photos to find the right mix to tell the story of what I do. There are photos here from 1991, 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2010....all images of celebrations I love to photograph and a few of the beautiful things I celebrate. My own family belongs here, of course, but I had to draw the line somewhere before I fell deep into my files and never came out again.

This page reminds me of the essay I wrote for my college application to Wellesley about the importance of my hands and my eyes for me. Looks like not much has changed since I wrote that essay 25 years ago....I am still in awe of the expressive qualities of eyes and hands....and the way that I use my own eyes and hands in everything that I do.

paintings by my dad, the renaissance man.....

2010-11-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

Paintings by James Malott

I just received a beautiful postcard about my dad's latest show of his paintings. The reception is at the Tiburon Town Hall on Wedsnesday, Dec. 1st from 6-8pm. I wish I could be there. The cover image on his card is outstanding: an aerial view of San Francisco Bay with all of the water done in gold leaf! It takes my breath away and I might have to commission one for myself, since I can't imagine the original will last long.....

baby love.......

2010-11-24T12:50:00.001-05:00

little henry at two months

a little romance

2010-11-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

Samantha and Hans

drag race in mumbai....

2010-11-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

check out your competition....

before you agree to race

a page from my travel diaries....

2010-11-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

these are just a few images from our days in udaipur last year....none of the big monuments, none of the grand scenery.....just a few of the little private shots....one of the ubiquitous monkeys, the lobby of my new favorite hotel, udaivillas in udaipur, an old woman at the local temple, some flowers left in our room, a girl at a temple, and one of the lovely elephants i wanted to take home with me. i just read that travel and leisure readers voted udaipur the best city in the world in 2009. i couldn't agree more!

Hit$how, the band

2010-11-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I flew to Juno, Florida to do some photos of the band, Hit$show. I am not a music photographer....or I wasn't, but I had so much fun with these four guys that I will reconsider. I like their music (think Green Day, Blink 182) but most of all, I like the guys.....four great looking surfers with a lot of talent and energy, an endless supply of humor, and great biceps! I haven't even finished downloading the photos....and there are hundreds of them....but along the way I just wanted to start playing with the images. William, Neil, Kevin and Virgil....you guys rock! I think we have far more than one album cover here. I can't wait to post more.

Neil, Kevin, Virgil and William

the surfer dudes

harmony in the tunnel

storming the beach....


jump!

up in the air, again

2010-11-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

Above NYC, the George Washington Bridge and beyond

tiny feet

For the last several weeks I have been on the road shooting in NYC and Juno Beach, FL. I have photographed a family of six (2 sets of twins!), a corporate event at the NYC Library, a two month old baby, a brother and sister, beauty/publicity photos of a lovely working mom, a band of four, and a solo singer working on his own music. Never a dull moment.


the NYC public library

Brother James, Sister Caroline

2010-11-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

A day in the garden, with mom, dad, and the neighbor's dog.

New York City Weddings

2010-09-27T14:59:00.000-04:00

None of these weddings are new to my blog or website, but I love showing them all together because they are so different, aside from the fact that each wedding took place in New York City. Every one has a story, and each is romantic in its own way. Rob and Layla had two witnesses (plus me), while Ali and Tim had over 200. I love weddings in New York City, particularly when brides or couples interact with the public....whether standing outside a church, or riding a bus all over town. New Yorkers are so enthusiastic and supportive, and everyone loves a beautiful bride!


Married in the Village, and a double decker bus ride to Brooklyn.


A surprise engagement in Soho, then to City Hall for a license.

Married in her childhood home, then off by subway to the airport.

Dressing at the Greenwich Hotel and married at City Hall.


Married at Riverside Church. An elegant dinner at the University Club.

a goddess in the water

2010-09-24T18:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I find the unseen qualities of an image more interesting.

New York, I Love You!

2010-09-20T19:44:00.000-04:00

I'm having another one of those sentimental, "I miss New York" kind of days. I came across these photos that I once posted to Facebook (what happens to them if I stop using fb??).

I can't believe this trip to NY was only in January. it feels like it was so long ago. Every journey to that city gives me so much creative energy. I'll share a little of it here...

Good thing I'll be visiting again in a couple of weeks! An October birthday party and a date in the apple orchard in Bridgehampton are calling me. That, and my favorite Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese at MacBar!

Hi RD! That's my first NY friend....he used to call me "his little 21 year old". Wish that seemed more like yesterday, but it doesn't....

Homer is painted on the side of the Cooper Square Hotel (right) If you love 50's modern, this is a fantastic place to stay! I haven't stayed at the Standard yet, but I will.

Country Rose

2010-09-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

warm....romantic....beautiful....country wedding


pink roses and gowns


admiring her sister's wedding dress

lemonade and roses for arriving guests

roses from head to toe

samantha

waiting to enter

best friends and family

feathers and flowers

instant gratification

connecticut sloe rider, created for sam and hans


golden light and gazpacho

let the party begin!

For all you photographers giving away images.....

2010-09-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

I was having a moment of procrastination this morning when I read and email about maintaining your digital rights as a photographer, and followed the links to more and more information on the subject. I tried to find the original post and add that here. I couldn't, so I am going with the cut and past method.

I did, however, find some other really interesting articles, like this one about photography usage, and blog posts which gave me pause. How many times have I heard a magazine, or even a (brainwashed?) photographer say: "It's good publicity" as they excuse themselves from paying for/being paid for their images? A LOT. And I am still hearing it.

Ten years ago, Vera Wang was writing a book on Weddings. We, the photographers were expected to contribute our images for free. ("It was good publicity".) They didn't have the money to pay usage fees, they said. I stood up and said no. ( I was in the middle of a divorce, so I wasn't in a very good mood at the time, and was tired of feeling taken advantage of). Then I asked my friends, most of the other contributors, to sign a letter and say no, and that we deserved at least standard usage fees for the use of our work. In the end, I was paid modestly. When they added up a my images, and the sizes of the images (I was one of the main contributors), I think my usage fees amounted to a couple thousand dollars, or less than the profit on a single VW gown. My colleagues who signed that letter were also paid.

Image used for free here

That book is still in print, still being re-printed, still making money for someone, and is a huge marketing tool for Vera Wang. I can't say the same for the photographers, though I can only speak for myself. I need glasses to read my name in the credits, and ALL of the information about me is incorrect (the credit reads Tanya Lawson, which is no longer my name, and leads to a porn star if you use Google, has a disconnected phone number, an old AOL email address I don't use). The book gets reprinted, but the information on the contributors does not get updated. Good publicity, right?

I like what Melcher says about fighting for your rights now, and not for some imaginary future where your "free images" are "good publicity" and will lead to some big future payoff. If not now, when? If no one thinks your images are worth paying for now; if people would pay more for a cup of coffee than an image you made as a professional who earns a living selling images, maybe we professional photographers should all open coffee shops. If a million people see your images for free, how is that a living?

I wish more photographers would stand up and say no, or at the very least, get something useful in return. I like how proactive a blog like Junebug Weddings is with their credits. They don't pay for the images they use, but they provide links to everything and say all kinds of nice thing about the work and the photographers. Maybe that is because the blog was started by at least one photographer.

Screen shot with images used for free.

Food for thought.

Photographers, you should bookmark the blog of Paul Melcher.

10 Ways to Fight for Your Digital Rights as a Photographer © Paul Melcher

Fighting for your digital rights would seem to be an uphill battle these days. Let’s face it; the rights of photographers have been badly battered.

First came Google, when it won the case to publish images in its search results without paying anything. Then came National Geographic and others, republishing entire issues on CD-ROM without paying additional fees. Even today, the magazine industry poor-mouths its way to paying pennies for images on Web sites that now have bigger circulations than the corresponding print editions.

And yet, many in the photo industry still view the Web as their savior. The question is, How so?

An image posted on the home page of a site that receives one million hits per week is not licensed at the same price as an image on the cover of a weekly magazine that has one million readers. Why is that?

What makes publishers believe that images online are worth less than those in print? What makes photographers and photo agencies agree?

Most of the discourse is about how a magazine’s online edition generates far less revenue than its print edition. Since when has that been the concern of photographers and agencies? Is this now one of our responsibilities — to guarantee revenue on top of licensing images?

It shouldn’t be.

Here are 10 ways we — all of us in the industry — can fight back.

1. Stop treating “digital rights” as an add-on to a license. Maybe we should make “print rights” as an additional right. We should treat Web usage as a full-blown license of its own.

2. Stop licensing images online as “one week on home page” or “one day inside, 1/4 page.” A Web site is not a magazine; it doesn’t work that way. We should also stop making a distinction between commercial and editorial usage. Most editorial sites have a hundred times more traffic than corporate sites. We should treat the Web as an entity. It has measurable traffic — much more so than a magazine. Charge a license based on traffic; that is how sites charge advertisers, isn’t it?

3. Don’t buy into the poverty talk. Many editorial sites today have a budget bigger than their print siblings. As publications close their print editions for online only, they shift their budgets. Some with the biggest traffic charge $400,000 for a one-day banner ad.

4. Don’t buy the “it’s good publicity” argument. How many images have you ever licensed because one of your images appeared online? Would you offer your images for pennies to a print magazine because it’s “good publicity”?

5. Stop believing that because the image is of a smaller size and only 72 dpi, it has less value. That is like saying that if an image is used in B/W, although it was shot in color, it has less value. Where does that come from? The value of an image has nothing to do with the numbers of pixels it has — nothing. Does a Cartier-Bresson or Leibovitz image lose value with fewer pixels?

6. Stop waiting for others to act. Stop expecting someone else to show you the way. Google is taking your rights away, yet you turn a blind eye. Call that association to which you pay a hefty membership fee, and tell them to act. Tell your agency to stop giving away your rights and your images. And if they don’t, leave them. This is your problem, now. Not someone else’s in the future. It’s not going to go away; it’s only going to get worse.

7. Focus less on what to shoot next — and more on licensing what you already have. Unless we start dealing with the issues at hand, those magical pictures you plan to shoot in the future will only generate a fraction of what your existing images can.

8. Stop being beggars. Your images are needed. In fact, they are the core value of many publications and Web sites. These publishers are not doing you a favor by using your work; you are bringing them the value they need in order to run their business. What you do is unique. Trust me, if they could do it themselves and shut you out, they would. But they can’t.

9. Stop being technophobes. It’s not cute anymore. All the information is at your fingertips. Read, learn. Saying you don’t understand is no excuse anymore. You shoot digital, don’t you? So stop the crap about how you do not understand RSS feeds or HTML, or anything Web-related. No one buys it — and if they do, it’s only so they can squeeze more out of you.

10. Stop being afraid. Stop being afraid of losing clients, afraid of tomorrow, afraid of big corporations, afraid of your own decisions. The images you shoot or that you license have the value you give them. Bargain if necessary, until you have no breath left. And leave the table if you have to.

Your images are like your children. Don’t let them be mistreated.

Paul Melcher brings more than 17 years of experience in technology breakthrough and leadership roles for world-renowned photography agencies and was named by American Photo as one of the "50 most influential individuals in American photography." Mr. Melcher is currently the C.K.O. of Zymmetrical.com, the first midstock visual art marketplace, and strategist for Adbuynet, an on-line, self service, video advertising agency. He also a consultant for a variety of high tech software service companies that are involved in the image licensing world. For more information about Paul Melcher visit his blog at blog.melchersystem.com

Book Junkie Goes Shopping

2010-08-31T10:52:00.000-04:00

I love books. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE books. I have been collecting photography books for at least 30 years. Sometimes I have too many, and sell a bunch of them, only to regret it later. But I tend to keep the goodies, and I often buy two copies (or more) of a book I expect will become valuable one day (SUMO by Helmut Newton sold for $1500 when printed, $15,000 today).

This week I received two copies of my latest favorite from Taschen, a gorgeous Limited Edition book on Audrey Hepburn by Bob Willoughby. If you love Audrey too, you might also enjoy this link I found....a whole blog devoted to her.

Now I could really use some larger bookshelves!

Country Flowers

2010-08-30T18:23:00.000-04:00


For Samantha. Endless circles and flowers.

Oldies and goodies

2010-08-23T20:52:00.000-04:00

I asked a current client for guidance about things that inspire her creatively, and things she loves that I can use as information for the direction to take her album. I learned that one of the things she loves is my old website (Tanya Malott Photography 1991-2001). I was surprised, to say the least.

Now, I am grateful that my new site did not entirely replace that one, and that the old site is still viewable, even though hardly anyone would find the domain if they were looking for me (it uses my middle name....which even my friends don't tend to know).

If one person liked it, then maybe there are more and I should keep it alive for a bit longer. There is much to be said for hanging on to old portfolios.....and as I approach 20 years as a wedding photographer, I find that these old images (all shot between 1991 and 2001) still feel relevant and timeless.

BACK IT UP AGAIN....AND AGAIN!

2010-08-15T09:31:00.002-04:00

A shocking snowball of events.....first, my 3 year old (vintage?!) MacBook Pro hard drive begins to fail. I buy a new laptop (13", easier for travel). While transferring files and working on backing up some jobs, a loose port on the NEW machine, causes my 4TB GTechexternal drive (containing all of 2010...and backup) to FAIL (yes, I have more backup...just not as neat ). I don't have time to fix the 4TB, so I go buy a NEW one for the meantime. This morning, I am setting it up to use as my 2010 backup...again....and when I open Disk Utilities, I get a warning message that my relatively NEW 27" iMac hard drive is failing, cannot be repaired, and needs to be backed up as soon as possible. That is 3 massive hard drive failures in about 2 weeks!! How is this even possible? So just when you think backing up everything once is enough....you realize you need to backup everything twice...or three times....

The Mushroom Man and the Sag Harbor Farmers Market

2010-07-18T16:06:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Eason and I took a nostalgic early morning walk around Sag Harbor which ended at the farmer's market, now located farther down Bay Street past Rysam Street, and one of our favorite local places, The Dockside restaurant. Of course I was snapping photos all morning, but not in my usual big camera way. I have been in love with my Hipstamatic app on my iphone since the day I bought it. I use it constantly, probably to excess, and I have converted my son and many friends to its beautiful, romantic, over saturated and vignetted images with funky colors, cool borders and a particular vintage feel that really doesn't remind me of anything specific from my childhood, but is more fun to use than anything I remember. People are constantly asking, "What is that cool effect?" This is it.

After we left the market, I knew I had some nice images, and goodies. I drove away wishing I had thought to get some names and addresses from vendors there....the woman who sold me citron-salt, or the one with the beautiful bouquet I shot and bought, or the guy with the gorgeous mushrooms I would have bought if I had been planning to cook any day this week (I'm not).

I saw a "real" photographer shooting at the market and didn't think too much of it, until just now when I opened the Metropolitan section of the New York Times and saw the full page article: "Specialty Foods Find a Traditional Niche" That's the mushroom guy! Good to know.

I'll have to go back next week to find out who was selling that beautiful fresh pasta, the fairy eggplant, the salt and 'day boat' fish. By then I should be ready to throw a real party and indulge in all my favorite foods.....starting with those mushrooms.

Back in Paris

2010-07-06T17:01:00.003-04:00

Almost exactly six weeks after my last stay in Paris, I have returned, for one night, to the same hotel and the same room. I find myself sitting here, editing images from that trip for a blog about the workshop by one of its organizers. This is the view from my bed (standing on the bed to be exact). I am struggling with the images I want to submit. The ones that sum up my experience. The ones that tell my story best. I have so many stories to tell...and more of them to tell here. I love the story of the place, the Chateau in Poitiers, the empty spaces, the beautiful light and the quiet moments. But a workshop has such an interesting energy and dynamic that is created by the participants. In the end, it is the people who make the workshop....sometimes the organizers, sometimes the participants, and often never what you expect. The workshop was not what I expected. I guess my favorite photos from it won't be what I expected either.

Before You Die

2010-06-09T18:48:00.003-04:00

Make sure you live.

What is it about being 40 something that makes me think so much about death. I am definitely feeling life is too short. So much has flown by, and I want some time back. I spent a night in New York and felt twenty. Until midnight. Then I felt forty.

As I re-discover boxes and boxes full of old photos, I am transported back to other times: happier, sadder, thinner, fatter, and all....younger. Old photos conjure such mixed memories. I have been showing a lot of baby photos to my son, who is now 11. He doesn't remember, but he enjoys the stories that go with the images. He is enjoying my old wedding photos, which I saved for him even after I divorced his father.

I have been doing a pretty good job of living and loving, traveling and sitting still, laughing and crying, feasting and fasting. I am too rarely content with where I am or what I have done, seen , felt , been, tried, etc. and I could certainly be more patient with myself.

I think now might be intermission. Time to talk about the first half. Time to anticipate the second half. No one really talks about the end of the play, except in terms of what they want the playbill headline to read.

I am just in that middle place, not sure what to make of it all.

Photos of Photos

2010-06-07T21:13:00.009-04:00

This may not make sense to most of you who are born and raised in the digital age, but I am a crossover child. Sometimes I feel I was born at exactly the wrong time: too late to be a luddite, and too early to be a fully techno-savvy computer, internet and camera user (though I'm doing pretty well). I have to work hard to keep up with technology before it steamrolls me. I borrow my sons Flip, but I have stacks of stored Super 8 film around here too. I have converted an entire closet into storage for my negatives, and that is not yet enough space, but I have been shooting only digital images since 2005. For four years before that, I was shooting film and scanning it to CD's. Now the files are so huge that I buy entire hard drives just for one job.

I have been working for the past several months on a huge reorganization of my office and files. In the process, I have discovered all kinds of prints and negatives that I had forgotten. A print stored in a box is no better than a digital file stored on a hard drive, and so I am on a mission to share.

One thing I have done for much of my life is to take pictures of pictures. I know it seems silly. Once you have the photo, why do you need another one of it? But there is more to it than that. I don't always have the original photo. They aren't always mine in the first place.

These photos can only coexist on my shelf. My mom and dad don't speak (these are photos of them circa 1958), my grandmother has passed away (I have one of her young, and one with my dad at a cousins wedding that I shot, and my first day of first grade with my sister and my favorite cat is a treasure to me. All these different times, brought together in the present, and now preserved as a group into the future...with some money and my own carved treasure from India.

I find that our photo collections change over the years. We add a wedding or a child. We subtract a husband or honor a father who has passed on. I love to photograph whatever is taped to the refrigerator, or sitting on the piano or the mantel, or the bedside table on the day a woman gets married. It marks a moment in time, usually when her mother's wedding portrait was the only bride on display. It might be the last day she will spend in that room surrounded by photos of her most beloved friends and family.

I have also noticed something important as I see the losses suffered by people whose homes were destroyed by disaster or computers just suddenly died. The internet is a great place to store your personal photos. My boyfriend lost most of the photos that were important to him, not once, but twice. They weren't backed up, and a simple computer fix turned into a hard drive erasure that was emotionally devastating for him. Decades gone in a blink. I worry about fire and water damage. I worry about theft and technological failure. I have triple backups of all my digital files. But of most of my negatives, I have the negative, and a print...maybe....in an envelope in a box. If I lose one, I likely lose the other.

Today I pulled a batch of photos from my voluminous piles of prints and found a few worth scanning and emailing to myself. I will sleep better at night knowing that somewhere, out there, my photos exist in a safe place, even if I have no idea where that place is.

I am inclined to start a website for my son (I had the foresight to buy him a domain name several years ago) as a sort of virtual scrapbook that I can add to over the years so that he will always know where his baby picture are. I might save the most incriminating ones for his wedding, of course.

I will always take photos of my photo displays, because it reminds me of where I lived and what was important for me to show to and about myself at the time. Last weekend I was shooting a wedding with a friend in Cumberland Island, and I loved the photo displays in the houses there. These displays included paintings, photographs and all kinds of memorabilia going all the way back to their Carnegie ancestors. There were bones and found objects among the faded color and black and white images. I took photos of Gogo explaining some of those family photos to me. How amazing to see those same locations occupied by a different generation. Apparently, Bruce Weber had recently been there to photograph her. I knew he must have loved the same displays. The layers are incredible. I have a photograph of the bride getting her makeup done, while sitting under the wedding portrait of her father's mother. Those kinds of layers are so priceless to me. Few people think to take those pictures, because they see them every day. That is why I shoot them....it reminds you of what you saw every day...because one day it will be gone. I am an archivist at heart.

None of these individual photos are mine, only the overall views. I took these while shooting a wedding at Hammersmith Farm, in 1994, for a descendant of the original owner of the property and the photos were in the house. Jackie Kennedy was married in this house, which belonged to her stepfather. Most people think of it as a Kennedy home, though I think of it as an Auchincloss home. Most of the people in the photos are gone. I think that makes the faded, torn photos that remain all the more precious.

Glass Overflowing

2010-06-06T08:45:00.013-04:00

Kim Bamberg’s glass is not just half full, it is overflowing and making a big mess all over the counter and she is laughing hysterically because it is all so funny to her. Kim never stops laughing. Or talking. Or bouncing for that matter. There were times I though she and Tigger might be related. Kim is a wellspring of bouncing, boundless, happy energy. And no one works harder than she does to make sure that everyone else is taken care of. Except maybe her husband Adam, who clearly takes very good care of her.

Note her recent facebook post: Still dreaming of Paris... woke up to a fresh croissant (still warm!) and a cafe creme made by my husband... LOVE.

Saying that Kim writes a blog, or is a photographer, or is some kind of amazing travel planner, or any one thing in particular doesn’t do justice to her wide range of talents.

Before I met Kim, she was words on a page, informational emails about how to get to Poitiers, what to bring, and what to expect. Elizabeth deferred to Kim on most matters relating to the logistics of the workshop. I had seen her blog, Junebug weddings, a few times and liked it so much I tried to apply to join (turns out they only did West Coast vendors at the time, so I was out of range), and beyond that I knew very little about her, except that she was married a few years earlier at the chateau in Poitiers where we would all be staying. Her mother came too, working endlessly like Kim and Adam, behind the scenes, to pull off the wonderful productions of food and beauty for our constantly ravenous crowd.

I was a little surprised, then, to see her book, “Je t’aime” which was the product of a self-directed fashion shoot she did a few years back shot in and around the same chateau, using our same talented hair and makeup artist, Erin, and photographed in collaboration with Adam (also a talented photographer). No, I was a lot surprised, and completely unprepared. The book was so inspired and so beautiful that I could not really bear to look at it with the group of people that were hovering over it and ooohing and aaahing as it was passed around.

I waited until early the next morning to creep into the library, when it was quiet and empty. I sat alone in the big curvy chair with my coffee and her book in my favorite room in the chateau. I looked through the book forward, and backwards and randomly. I even took a few photos of some of my favorite pages. I felt transported into another, more beautiful world….the world through Kim’s eyes: sensitive, sensual, strong and sexy. I wish I had a better way to say I was blown away by this book. I have come to believe that, particularly among women, the photographs we take are a reflection of the people we are. I learned a lot about Kim that morning that surprised and intrigued me.

The book is a fashion story, complete with ‘behind the scenes’ photos of Erin touching up makeup, and Kim taking pictures. It was perfectly laid out and produced. Its small size made it precious. The matt paper and flexible leather cover gave it a supple tactile quality and a casual air that contrasted so elegantly with the power and weight of the images within. I had a whole new respect, bordering on awe, for the talent and sensitivity of Kim and Adam. And that was before they became our models for the day.

They “played” the bride and groom for one of our daily rotations. Mostly they kissed and played for a pack of eager photographers.

Often Adam waited patiently on the side while Kim, the bride, became the focus of our attention. They walked into the thorny bushes for us. They went anywhere and did anything we asked….with enthusiasm. Kim told the story of their wedding, and got the date wrong (Adam laughed). She told the story of her grandmothers wedding ring, which she wears, and she cried.

I think we can all learn much from Kim and Adam. I certainly aspire to have that kind of enthusiasm for life. No challenge or request seemed too big or small for them. Kim lives every day like there is no tomorrow, and then she can’t wait to get up and go again the next day. She is fearless. She is not afraid to laugh and cry and be goofy and not know the answers. She is very real, and very lovely. Adam treats her like she is a princess, and yet she is anything but. She was often schlepping people and things around, cleaning up, and doing laundry. They both worked like mad to make everyone else comfortable.

Kim loves to learn about people and places in order to share that knowledge with others, and then, every once in a while, she just makes stuff up. She tells a colorful story that could have been true, mixed in with some nice historical facts, and you never quite know where the lines are…..until she confesses. It occurs to me that this is where Kim lives….in a beautiful fairy tale world somewhere between truth and fiction….in the very best way. I love Kim’s happy world. I wish I could go more often.

On the day when everything shifted for me, she understood immediately. She didn’t want to tear me away from the nearby towns we visited, or the cemetery I found so inspiring. She intuitively understood how everything shifted for me and she wanted to do everything she could to respect and honor that.

I’m not sure what it means, but I shot 300 photos of Kim and/or Adam in a week in Poitiers. The camera loves this couple; people love them. They are magnetic.

New eyes

2010-06-01T17:16:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Elizabeth Messina, I have more courage to post what is relevant and beautiful to me, even if it serves no greater purpose. If you like them, great. If you don't, I still like them.

A Lovely Workshop: Leah

2010-05-27T10:25:00.026-04:00

"In one way and out another"

“I came in one person. I left another person, and for that I am forever grateful.” Yesterday I posted this quote by Evangeline Lilly on my Facebook page. It said everything I wanted to say about my experience at “A Lovely Workshop” in Poitiers, France with Elizabeth Messina. I don’t think the sentiment is all that original, but maybe a link to a famous person will do wonders for my web traffic. Ha! The truth is, I find that aspect of our culture terribly annoying, even though I am as guilty of reading Page Six as the next person. (that’s NY Post gossip for those of you not as addicted to NY as I am).

I’d like to believe Leah Macdonald doesn’t read tabloids or gossip. She seems too much herself to care what celebrities are doing. She was celebrating something more important. Just for now, I’ll leave her on that pedestal I have made for her. I went to “A Lovely Workshop” largely because she would be teaching there. I had no idea she and Elizabeth were such longtime friends; I only knew I had seen one example of her encaustic paintings (wax paintings) at a friend’s house the previous summer in Canada, and I wanted to know more about it. I always wished I had gone to art school and learned more about the various techniques and processes of making art. It is one thing to study the great frescoes of the world; it is another to try to paint on wet plaster.

In high school, I wanted to go to a school in San Francisco called Lick Wilmerding where every student took wood shop and machine shop and a bunch of other hands-on courses that sounded like heaven to me. My mother forced me to apply to a more academic school nearby, and so my path was set in a more academic direction. I had one art teacher at University High School that really inspired me. John Bloom was my photography teacher, and his personal work could best be described as paintings on giant photographs, similar to some of the work one of my now favorite artists, Gerhard Richter. As a teenager I just thought his work was a bit weird and I didn’t think the photos were particularly good. I would really like to seem them again now. I imagine I would love them.

When we went to Leah’s makeshift studio at the chateau, I thought of Richter and Robert Rauchenberg, two of my favorite artists. For me, both men are playing with layers and things that are seen, and unseen by the viewer, and a photograph covered in wax and oil paint must be related to that. I knew I was in the presence of a great talent, and I was so aware of this that I could barely stay in the room. I felt my head was about to explode as so many doors and pathways flung open at once.

"Old Church"

The encaustic wax session was our second rotation of the day. Our morning activity was a trip to a nearby medieval church. Pretty, yes, but honestly I have seen so many amazing old towns in France that I felt a bit lost in this church. I really didn’t need any more old church photos to file away. Why was I here? Was I supposed to take photos? I wasn't really feeling any. I played with a few of my oddball lenses, the 15mm fisheye which does very wide angle distorted images, and the Lensbaby, which does very selective focus if it is in focus at all after squeezing and tilting the bellows. I was messing around with gimmicks, but feeling nothing inspired in my images. Most of our group ended up lying on a stone wall in the sun, just enjoying the improved weather in France.

In Leah’s mobile studio, she had several examples of her work laid out on the tables. They were so beautiful, so full of soul, that I could barely look at them. I understood a lot about Leah from those books. I forget the exact story she gave us, but I remember she said how much she liked to work with her hands and get dirty. I used to love that too. Where had I buried that part of myself? Why did I abandon that desire to fingerpaint and make a mess? Leah had turned that into a business, no, two businesses: Bliss Books and Waxworks.

I was falling in love with these amazing women I was meeting through Elizabeth Messina. They were all so damn authentic, and I couldn’t believe how they were really following their passion. I had done that off and on over the years. I became a wedding photographer out of that kind of love and passion. Twenty years later, I was only feeling it from time to time, always while traveling, and mainly at weddings where couples were truly, madly, deeply in love (which is not every wedding, if you ask me) In the name of having a business, I was losing some of my passion. In the name of giving my clients what they wanted, I was forgetting to create what I wanted. Only when you are older, do you truly realize that life is not getting any longer. The Nike slogan, "Just do it" still resonates with me because it is so simple and free, yet complex and heavy all at once. I told Leah I had always wanted to go to Yale for an MFA. Guess what she said?

It turns out, Leah teaches encaustic painting at her studio in Philadelphia. I could have read a lot about her on the internet before I went to France, but I’m glad I didn’t. She studied at the Art Institute in San Francisco, an enchanted place (I thought), that I regularly passed as a child on my way to the original Gap store on Chestnut and Columbus. How often have I passed by a wellspring of art on my way to buy clothing? I remember peering into the school’s courtyard through iron gates. I wanted to go in, but that place scared me. Art and clothing have always motivated me to dream, though too often the pursuit of clothing has blocked my impulses to be more creative. Too often, I find myself wearing the uniform, and hiding my feelings (my figure?) Not always, but too often. I kind of love the fact that I had all the wrong clothes in France. I had planned a perfect wardrobe of sunny dresses, only to change to more practical cold weather gear after reading the weather forcast. In the end, none of it mattered as much as I usually think it does.

Leah’s arms and chest are covered in tattoos. She wears a permanent dress of this particular design. I wish I had that level of commitment to a single design. I don’t. One day I love modern architecture, the next I want a vintage car. I love a clean and simple website design, and then I want to photograph decaying peonies in a stone niche and cover them with wax and oil paint. Leah made it all ok. Her thinking was so free. “Add and subtract, add and subtract. If you don’t like it, change it. You can always melt all the wax off the page and start again” she said. So I made a mess, didn’t care, used big brush strokes and gold paint and just went with my instincts. So what if it wasn’t the most beautiful painting ever? It was a lot of fun to do.

We were painting on photographs that Elizabeth had made around the chateau over the previous week. I loved the layering implied in this: a blend, a fusion, of three artists in one piece of work. The two of them were inspiring the artist in me. Perfect.

"My thinker"

We each chose a large and a small image….one color and one more monochrome/sepia. Of course I agonized over these choices. I was intrigued by the psychological component of the exercise. What did my choices say about me and my experience? As I look at it now, I think I chose the right photos for me. The larger one was the easier choice. I picked an image of a statue of a woman in a pose close to that of “The Thinker” by Rodin. This was a statue I knew well from my childhood. We even had a sort of mini version in our home. I was taking my ‘thinker’ and making a mess of her, thoughtlessly layering wax and paint over the woman frozen in thought, or possibly grief.

I am tempted to go on and on about Leah and what she was unlocking in me. Suffice it to say that she gave a little talk after dinner that night, and opened it with a slideshow of her work on her laptop (the small size did not do her work justice I am told by people who saw it large in an auditorium). During the show, she read the words that were part of the work, written across the images, but illegible at that small size.

From about the second slide, tears began rolling down my face. Midway through, I could barely see through the blur, but I was too embarrassed to try to wipe off my face….and for what purpose? She kept reading, the images of the 27 dresses continued, and the tears kept falling. I could barely breathe. Since I was in the front row, I figured no one would know.

But Leah did. After her talk, I had to go to the library and write. I tore a page from my journal to write a letter for Leah. In my 43 years, not a single piece of art has moved me like hers did, and I thought she should know. She said, “Of course it touched you, because you are a woman”.

"Leah"

She photographed one dress, over several years, worn by many different women, photographed by one true artist who was able to reveal all of life through her art, which had nothing and everything to do with the dress. When the project was done, she burned (cremated?) the dress. I hope she has the ashes in her studio somewhere. Leah taught me a simple, profound lesson about things I have always known, but have been hiding under beautiful dresses for years.

I just finished writing. Surprisingly, or not, the time is 10:23, also the day of my birth. Leah knows what this means to me.

Point Au Baril

2010-05-26T14:33:00.002-04:00

My head is swimming with new ideas, creative projects, and so many possibilities. I have so many more stories of France to tell, but I find I can't rush it. If I still lived at the beach, I'd be taking a walk there. The best I can do for now is to see Canada in my mind.

Sans Titre

2010-05-25T15:40:00.004-04:00

Chairs and Light

2010-05-25T15:20:00.006-04:00

Stairs and Views

2010-05-25T15:09:00.006-04:00

A Lovely Workshop: Yvette and Elizabeth

2010-05-25T10:02:00.021-04:00

"Pathways"

About six months ago, I heard the garbage truck approaching my house, and knew I had another bag to take outside. I grabbed it and ran out the front door. I held it aloft like a prize, and flew down the stairs. I flew, until I fell. After catching one foot on the opposite pant leg, I tripped and fell down the stone stairs, onto the concrete path, tore my pants and gashed my leg. The garbage man came running, not to get the bag but to see if I needed an ambulance. I honestly didn't know. I saw some blood, couldn't breathe, and was in pain all over that I couldn't identify. It is a miracle I didn't break both wrists as well. He took the bag, and I managed to get inside to the sofa and my laptop.

I was scheduled to fly to California to see family and friends the next morning. Instead I spent the entire day under ice packs and bandages, and made plans to undo my plans. The first thing my aunt said was, "Maybe this is a sign you need to slow down. I can't even keep up with you on Facebook". She was absolutely right, and I knew it. I have been running and chasing I don't know what for I don’t know how long. Sometimes I am running toward something, and other times I am running away.

France was one of those mixed up experiences. I wanted to be a part of Elizabeth Messina's Lovely Workshop since the day I learned about it. I was running toward it, and away from something else at the same time. Imagine my surprise when Elizabeth said, on our first day at the workshop, "slow down". I knew I was in the right place. I still didn’t know exactly why I was there, but I was getting some good messages. Sometimes my intuition is better than my logic. In fact, it always is, but often I forget to listen to myself.

On our second morning at the chateau, I got into a conversation with Yvette Roman about her website. I hadn't seen it, didn't know her or her work, and was asking questions because I was feeling frustrated about my own website that was recently completed and about to go live. I had approved the design, but I didn't really like it. I was frustrated that the process took me a whole year, and still the final product didn't feel like me.

When you meet and listen to Elizabeth Messina, you understand that her being infuses everything she does. She pours herself into her photographs, her website, her art, her workshop, everything. One night, she said she is always photographing herself and her life through her images. She sees and shoots women the way she see herself. I noticed that long flowing hair plays a big part in this. The paradox here is that she despises being photographed, and yet she is in every image she makes (more on that later).

"Gina's smile"

I wasn’t sure what I was seeing in my work. I can’t even say whether I have a style. I have many styles, many interests, many looks, and a lot of passion. I really like to capture real moments between real people. I want them to move and laugh and run. I don't want them to sit still for me. I want them to look like I am not there, and they do not see me. If I had a show, I might call it “Searching for Intimacy”, because I am always looking for those fleeting moments when people are being most themselves, and I am the voyeur.....able to show them something about themselves or their loved ones that maybe they don't always see. Or maybe the show is called "I Am Not Here". Ouch. It hurts to say that, but I know it is true on a few levels. Not being there certainly played a role in the failure of my own marriage.

Yvette said she gave her website designer one sentence to work with: "I want it to smell like an old book", she told him. Of course, when you are married to your website designer, a single sentence will do. I would love that advantage any day. I looked at her website and from the very first page I was swept away by the beauty of it. To say that he "got her" is an understatement. Surprisingly, she didn't know that 'Roman' in French meant 'novel' in English, but she seemed pretty thrilled when I told her. On a very deep level, Yvette Roman's website reflects who she is. If I could only figure out who I am, I could probably have a nice website too.....but honestly I have been trying to get to the bottom of that question for decades.

"Carnets du Voyage"

In a separate conversation, I showed her a picture I took of my hotel room in Paris where I stayed for a night before heading to Poitiers for the workshop. It was just a bad snapshot I took with my iphone, but I was really moved by the place. She said, "show that to your web designer", and THAT was the beginning of the unlocking of my mind and heart in a way that I could never have anticipated.

Suddenly I was talking about incorporating sketchbooks into my website...travel journals…. because so much of my life and work is about travel. I can't draw, but my father has a real gift for sketching, nurtured for about 60 of his 70 years on earth. I mentioned to Yvette that the one thing my sister and I will fight over when he dies is who gets his sketchbooks. (Sorry dad, we don't want you to go at all!) And then it suddenly came to me that I can scan them now and incorporate pages of his work into the website of my dreams. I can even ask for more. Yvette said “Do it!”

My father gave me my start in life as a person and as an artist. I've always seen him as a sort of Renaissance man. He knows a lot about a lot, speaks a few languages, and is a true artist in many media, though he an architect by trade. When I have a medical emergency, I call my father. he knows what to do. He gave me my love for travel (we went around the world in 1970 when I was 4 and my sister was 2). He nurtured my creative urges with clay, crayons and pastels. He taught me to make jewelry using lost wax when I was 15. He has always been part of my inspiration, and my foundation as an artist, and it seems right that my website would incorporate him in a big way.

Of course I am now even less happy with the site that is about to launch, but at least I know where to go next.

There is one book I read in high school that affected me deeply: "The Garden of Forking Paths" by the Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges. I didn't understand it. I sat in the hallway crying because I had to write some paper on it and I had no idea what it was about. My teacher saw me, took me into an empty classroom, and tried to explain it to me. Everything fell into place and I understood. Years later, in college, I ended up dating that teacher (now THERE is a story), but it was that moment of clarity that really gave me what I needed.

I understood the garden of forking paths, the endless series of stories that can be created in our lives due to the choices/paths we take or do not take. I have been so overwhelmed by choices, that I have felt unable to choose. Elizabeth talked about the importance of editing ones work. She talked about how she publishes/posts things that are a reflection of who she is. She said she started her blog: Kiss The Groom, as a way to publish what she liked, for herself. (All of us who have had work published know that art directors always choose to publish the images we like least) It turns out when you are 100% authentic in what you say, people tend to like it more. No wonder we are all so drawn to Elizabeth and her work.

I still wear a pretty ugly scar down the length of my right shin. It reminds me to slow down, be patient with myself, and let the inspiration come quietly. My first day at the workshop frustrated me because I wanted someone to give me some answers and direction. By the second day I knew I already had them. Yvette and Elizabeth gave me a flashlight for my path, but the path was there.

The Workshop of a Lifetime

2010-05-23T02:32:00.006-04:00

As I sit alone in my Paris Hotel, Hotel Apostrophe, anticipating my mouth watering breakfast in bed, I have to chuckle at my little exchange with Roman, at the front desk, who just said "no wonder you are always glowing". Ha! A week ago I thought I was near death. My creative fire was nearly extinguished and I only knew that I had come to France with some small hope of rekindling it. An experienced photographer heading to a photography workshop? My friends asked why. Good question. This was not an inexpensive whim. I think I just really needed to feel inspired again, and Elizabeth Messina's work truly inspires me. It is so different from what I do, and I love different. If I were an agent, I would want to represent her. Selling the talent of someone whose work is so beautiful is easy.

I am only beginning to reflect on this workshop that ended yesterday at our lovely chateau in Poitiers, France for 18 lucky-to-be-included photographers from all around the world (USA, Switzerland, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Japan). My life will never be the same after meeting Elizabeth, and her powerful circle of friends, particularly Leah Macdonald. Every person I meet after today will benefit because I have met these women.....and the many others who worked so hard to make this workshop the unbelievable success that it was: Kristen Bliss, Yvette Roman, Kim Bamberg and her husband Adam of Junebug Weddings, Ulrica Wihlborg from People magazine, Jacqueline Tobin from Photo District News, our gorgeous models Julie Falconer and Gina Moore, our makeup artists Erin Skipley and Lauren, and our amazing set designer Eden Rodriguez, plus many more behind the scenes working hard on our enormous feasts and endless need for amazing french bread and cheese.

It was an enormous undertaking a year in the making by Elizabeth. No doubt it was well publicized and over-subscribed on her "Kiss The Groom" blog. I happened upon it quite late and almost by accident. I saw a tiny mention by Elizabeth on Facebook about Waxworks, a company I had always wanted to try out, and Leah was going to teach her encaustic wax painting technique. Between that, and a chance to meet Jackie Tobin, I was determined to attend. Jackie wrote an important book on wedding photography,Wedding Photography Unveiled that explored the evolution and look of the current wedding photography and highlighted the work of twenty top wedding photographers. Though I was sad not to be a part of that project, I was really looking forward to meeting a woman who deeply understood and appreciated the work of wedding photographers all over the world. For nearly two decades, I have been waiting for someone to write about all of the incredible women who have changed the way that we all look at wedding photography. I know that "wedding photojournalism" is the big buzzword of the decade, but I would have to argue that an equally important, though less obvious trend has been the contribution of the feminine perspective. Jackie seemed to get that, without necessarily calling it by name. I wrote to her about this "trend" if you will, and learned much later that she was afraid to meet me because she thought I wrote her a "scary letter". Geez. Sometimes email is not your friend. I was the one who should have been scared. She is the photo editor of the best photography industry magazine out there: Photo District News.

For me, Elizabeth's workshop, and her work, embody this theory. You can be a woman, shoot like a woman, see like a woman, and it can be different, and it is ok. It is powerful. It is beautiful. Sixteen of the eighteen attendees, and all but one of Elizabeth's team were women. Girl power! I wished I could have experienced this 20 years ago, when I felt deeply alone in a world of male photographers whose perspective and opinions couldn't have been more different from my own.

I love to learn new things, and I love Elizabeth's photography, so while I had "no business being there" (Elizabeth's words, spoken with kindness and a wink) because I have been shooting stunning weddings all over the world for the last 20 years, I had a lot to learn about being kind to myself, and finding my own voice, and doing things that I wanted to do instead of things I felt expected to do.

I'm not sure I took many good photos at the workshop. In fact, I was so frustrated (plus jet lagged?) after the first day, that I thought I should quit and go home. I didn't like the pictures I was making, and wasn't sure why I was making them anyway. I was disappointed with my portfolio reviews, because we were all so tired and honestly no one felt I needed any help with my photography. But I did. I wanted direction. I wanted someone to tell me what to do or how to do it better. Something. Anything. I went to bed in tears, and sent a sad little text message to my wonderful man at home who was looking after my son for ten days so that I could do this workshop. As I reflect, I can't believe I had the nerve to complain. He reminded me I was in France. Sleep was my only option. I decided to wait for the church bells in the morning, and try to have a better attitude about everything.

The next day, my life changed forever. All the usual cliches about death and rebirth apply.

But if I don't get to the marche down the street soon, I'm going to feel like a real bum for sitting on my computer in a hotel room in Paris all day.

Evolution of an album cover

2010-05-13T14:39:00.005-04:00

These designs show a typical evolution of wedding album cover. The album style has a contrast linen binding so to help the client visualize the book, I added the binding color and matched the type to it. Typically, I send 2-3 options to the client to get feedback on what she likes...the type style, the strength of the image, the colors. Sometimes we have multiple image ideas for the cover. In this case, we knew early that we would design using a photo of her bouquet. The design process started with the bottom image, and ended with the top image: grey type and spine, less close up on the image, and a little texture and layering to soften the overall look. I love the way the text is not too bold and legible, but blends softly with the image. I'm no master designer, but I think the evolution of these is pretty interesting.

YOU WILL LOVE THESE!

2010-04-28T15:14:00.005-04:00

If you have an iphone (or itouch, or ipad) you will want one of these....maybe two or three. I made one for myself, then Alex wanted his own. Just about everyone who sees one, wants one!

A Soldier Returns From Iraq

2010-04-26T09:40:00.007-04:00

I first posted these photos on Facebook as a way to share them with this family that we met at the Jacksonville airport. They went to a lot of effort to welcome home Shawn Bourland from Iraq, and it seemed only right to stay for a few minutes and document this reunion. I didn't expect so many other people to see the photos or notice them, but the responses have really surprised me, so I am posting them now on my blog in order to share them with a larger audience. I think the photos pretty much tell the story. This was the first time Shawn was seeing his baby boy, who was born while he was deployed in Iraq. Clearly his girls really missed him. I love that the girls wear "Welcome Home Daddy", and his wife wears "Welcome Home Baby" on their shirts.

Before and After

2010-04-25T15:04:00.003-04:00

After posting my last image, a friend asked if the image was originally shot on film. I couldn't remember, but I thought it would be worth showing the original image, next to the version I posted. The original may have been a scanned bit of film, but the finished image is something I created using Photoshop. Needless to say, I think the enhanced image is the one worth printing.

The Glow of The Pregnant Woman

2010-04-25T13:21:00.002-04:00

Every so often, I have the chance to photograph a woman who wears her pregnancy beautifully. This image was made many years ago, but I came across it again recently and it reminded me how much I love to photograph a pregnant woman. I did a series of self portraits when I was pregnant 11 years ago, and I think having a beautiful portrait of this miraculous time is a real treasure.

2010-04-05T11:39:00.006-04:00

I love this post by Kirsten at Weddings Unveiled
She did a really nice job with Nicola and Matt's wedding photos. Then again, how can you go wrong with such a gorgeous location and beautiful couple?

Here is the full post for Nicola and Matt

Happy birthday dad!

2010-04-04T11:39:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Alan's birthday. His wife Becky wanted me to make a few father-daughter photos of them before she heads off to medical school in New Orleans. I can't think of a better present for a dad.

HOT MAMAS

2010-03-25T12:48:00.005-04:00

I first posted these images on my Facebook Fan Page as "Beauty over 40". But these women are so much more than beauties of a particular age. These "hot mamas" are both dear friends of mine, and people that I have photographed for well over a decade each. I think they have never looked more beautiful than they do now. This summer, I plan to do a lot more portraits of women my age....the women over 40, who no longer look and feel thirty-something and are lamenting the aging process, yet doing it so beautifully by being such interesting, creative and dynamic moms. I think they all look great and I intend to prove it....most of all to them!

Wondering what camera to buy?

2010-03-25T12:27:00.002-04:00

I get questions about what camera to buy about once a month, and almost without fail at an wedding. I wish there was an easy answer. There isn't, because a lot depends on what you shoot, what you want to be able to shoot, how much you know about photography, and how much you want to spend.

For SLR equipment, I shot Nikon when I was a film user. I have been with Canon since I switched to digital in 2005. I think today, the two are more balanced and either is a great product.

Lenses are more important. In general, I think the body you buy is not as important as the lens. Once you decide on your brand, get the very best lenses you can afford. You may upgrade the body several times over the years, but a great lens can be forever. Canon makes a nice 24-70mm F2.8 which is a great all around lens, particularly for travel. It is not great for portraits. I like to shoot with 85mm or longer for that purpose.

I like the Canon Powershots for pocket sized point and shoot cameras, though I recently switched to a G10 for more control. Eason's Panasonic Lumix is very impressive as well.

I was a very loyal customer of my friend Steven Kay at Lens & Repro on 17th St., NYC since 1988. He has been in business for 41 years and is a true pro. He now sells rare and hard to find cameras, and high end digital for pros. I love these kinds of things, but they are not for everyone.

My best advice: Call Allen in Delaware . I was introduced to Allen, of Allen's cameras near Wilmington several years ago. I like Allen for modern equipment because he knows the cameras well and you won't pay sales tax on your purchase (unless you live in DE). He also has a good range of used equipment, which I buy from time to time. He always gives me good advice, he ships quickly, and I like his prices. He is still building his e-commerce site, so you have to actually call to order.

A MODERN ROMANCE WITH VINTAGE CARS

2010-03-22T18:36:00.007-04:00

I always notice a special car at a wedding. Not only are these cars beautiful, but they create a very special space and frame for newlyweds. Far from being just another limousine or a way to get from point A to B, each one of these cars added a little fun and character to the wedding. The point here is all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. There is something magical about traveling around Paris in a vintage Rolls Royce, Manhattan in a classic Checker Cab, Capri in a racy red Fiat taxi, or the Bahamas in a decked out golf cart! Most of the drivers own the cars, and they, too, are full of amazing stories to tell. I am always grateful if I can hop in the front seat for a ride and take a handful of photos during these intimate journeys.

BOUQUETS FOR BRIDES AND BRIDESMAIDS IN THE HAMPTONS

2010-02-02T17:43:00.007-05:00

After hundreds of weddings over two decades, I have never seen the same bouquet twice. This is a tiny selection of beautiful bouquets from May through October weddings over the last couple of years in the Hamptons.

September in Southampton. White roses for the bridesmaids, gardenias for the bride. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design

August in East Hampton. Pink peonies in East Hampton. Amagansett Flowers by Beth

July in East Hampton. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design

October in Bridgehampton. Amagansett Flowers by Beth

Two bridesmaid bouquets. June in Bridgehampton and May in Quogue. Flowers by Ron Wendt Design

Goodbye January?

2010-02-01T17:40:00.007-05:00

Where did January go? I have been so busy at the computer and behind the lens that I didn't notice how quickly the days passed. I have redesigned my entire website (only 10 years after putting up the first site!), I have created a new Facebook fan page full of photos, learned all kinds of new photo and computer tricks, and photographed a few fun portraits and events. This Christening took place in the first week of January. Baby Poppy didn't seem to mind the freezing temperatures and was pretty cheerful all day. Her lovely parents Cecilia and Tim are the same couple you might have seen in my Paris wedding photos. I was honored to photograph brother Freddie's Christening last January, so of course I love the continuity of capturing Poppy as an infant as well. I also appreciate the loyalty of Tim and Cecilia, and their continuing support and endorsement of my work. It makes me so happy to see my photographs scattered around their apartment, and to know they will be adding a few more after this event.

Hardly a tear during her Baptism.

Poppy during the service.

Kisses and giggles with dad.

Poppy makes everyone smile.

A little love from bunny and big brother.

Water and Air

2010-01-17T15:04:00.004-05:00

Sometimes the journey to and from work is the best part of what I do. These clouds were breathtaking on a flight from Atlanta to France. After a hard weekend of shooting in Cap Ferrat (I know that doesn't sound very hard!), Valerie Barnes and I walked to a lovely pizzeria on the quai near our hotel (The Royal Riviera). These boats in the small bay were the backdrop for one of the best pizzas I ever ate, along with a well deserved glass of wine. Or did we drink the whole bottle. I remember we were the last people to leave, and as we did, I was wishing I could have a second pizza! I shot some lovely portraits of Valerie that night by the water, lit by the streetlights. It was a magical night in a wonderful place that we were both sad to leave.

Cap Ferrat Wedding, as seen in Grace Ormonde Weddings

2010-01-07T16:43:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Grace Ormonde for this lovely spread in the January 2010 issue. Thank you to Mike Colon for the inspiration and introductions. And thank you to the lovely Elizabeth Jennings and David Janke for including me in all three of their wonderful wedding celebrations. My life is richer for knowing you both and your remarkable families.

2010-01-05T11:16:00.008-05:00

Before I put away the Christmas and New Year's cards, I wanted to post a few on line. This was a busy year for cards, and different from previous years. I would say I designed more cards and sent fewer stacks of prints. As recently as last year and the few before that, so many of my clients ordered prints and affixed them to pre-printed cards. This year I saw a lot more printed cards. Here are some of my favorites.

This is the front, double spread inside, and back cover of a beautiful pair of twins on their first Christmas.

Another set of twins I have been photographing for about three years. This year I was stunned to see the way they communicated, almost without talking. They are magical together....but they have a ton of energy. Their mother and I got a real workout chasing them down the beach.

I have been photographing this family in Southampton for four or five years now. The first year was before the youngest daughter was born. Now the girls have a baby brother. I think they are planning to stop at four! Since he was born in the late Fall, we didn't use the summer photos we took this year, but rather a quick shot from mid November so that Lucas could be included.

This is another family I have been photographing in Greenwich, CT for about 4-5 years. I love watching them all grow. The oldest is about the age of my son, and the youngest wasn't even crawling when we first met and now she is showing off her ballet skills. The accordian card is 17 inches long by 5 inches high. It folds into 5 panels front and back and is a great way to send a lot of photos in one card that stands up well.

This accordian book for Elizabeth and David was a wedding favor for their wedding celebration in Bridgehampton, and showcased images from their two previous events. It is a rare thing to be able to share wedding images with guests. While not technically a Christmas card, it was a fun piece to create, with linen covers in three different colors to match the wedding party color scheme.

This is the third year I have done a card like this for Maggie and John. Each year she thinks the card gets better than the last. We shoot in Canada every summer and it never gets old. Point Au Baril is truly heaven on earth.

New Website Underway

2010-01-02T10:37:00.003-05:00

Irina in Italy, Susanna in London

Riverside Church, New York City

Villa Mansi, Lucca, Italy

Covo dei Saraceni, Positano, Italy

The Meadow Club, Southampton

Cathedral of St. Sophia, London

I think I am on a staycation. The phone barely rings because either my friends are all on real vacations, or they expect that I have am in some far flung corner of the globe enjoying colorful coctails and sunshine. Usually they are right. But this holiday season I am more pajama blogger than camera snapping traveler. Does Indian food for dinner count as exotic?
I have been remarkably productive in the last week. Without all the usual disruptions, I have managed to create an entirely new website in about five days. I have included fantastic destination weddings from London, Paris, New York City, Capri and Positano, Lucca, The Bahamas, Sonoma, Southampton and Bridgehampton. Those are just some of my favorites of the last seven years. The Cap Ferrat wedding of Elizabeth Jennings and David Janke is now published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style , so I will include those once I see the magazine.

Next up, I will add some of the portraits of all the wonderful children I have photographed over the last few years. This year I was particularly busy with both family portraits and Christmas cards.

In the past month I have seen a surprising resurgence of interest in my fine art photographs, so that means I'll need to include those in the new website as well.

Perhaps I am only halfway finished, but at this point, the new website is almost ready to replace the one that has served me so well for the last ten years. I can hardly believe that this is my nineteenth year as a wedding photographer. I am looking forward to a special celebration in 2011 to mark my twentieth anniversary as a wedding photographer. Come to think of it, Marc and Karen will be celebrating their 20th at the same time (since they were my third clients). Perhaps we all celebrate together.

St. Jean Cap Ferrat, France

2009-09-25T10:07:00.006-04:00

How lucky I was to be a part of this beautiful destination wedding at the Royal Riviera Hotel on St. Jean Cap Ferrat in the South of France. The wedding was small and intimate for family and close friends. Elizabeth (Lizzie) and David couldn't be better suited for one another. Lizzie's dad (Peter Jennings) was deeply missed, but we all felt him there in spirit. The slide show prepared by David's sister Sacha brought the room (and the photographer) to tears. The bridesmaids jumping in the pool was an inspired moment that put the men to shame...

Sandra Nickel in Switzerland

2009-09-22T20:15:00.005-04:00

Initially, Switzerland seemed like a long way to go to shoot a portrait of an author, but in retrospect I'd say it was worth the journey. Sandra Nickel has written a fantasy tale for young adults (to be published in 2010) that is set in 18th Century France. As an American living in Switzerland, she needed a portrait that would convey a sense of her unusual and exotic daily life. I loved every minute of our time together....shooting, eating, sightseeing, and catching up on too many years apart. Our kids had a ball together and I sense my first trip to Chexbres will not be my last. Maybe next time I can bring home one of Dharma's kittens.

Wedding in Cap Ferrat, France

2009-09-08T14:04:00.003-04:00

On a scale of one to ten, I told David (the groom) this wedding was a 15! Elizabeth (Lizzie) and David married on Saturday evening, part of a fantastic destination wedding weekend on the Cote d'Azure that included a dinner at Paloma, on St. Jean Cap Ferrat, and a rehearsal dinner in the hills overlooking the entire bay of Cannes. What made it all so perfect was the people involved. I felt really honored to be a part of all the celebrations created by and for these two lovely families. Lizzie and David make a beautiful couple both inside and out.

The Girls of Bunny Beach

2009-08-05T23:03:00.007-04:00

Karina, Sofie, and Isabel
I have been photographing these three amazing girls for a few years now. Every year we reunite at the beach in Southampton and I see how much they have grown, changed, and matured. Every year Kathy just trusts that I will get great photos.....and of course I thrive under pressure so I think 2009 was no exception. I haven't even seen all of the photos from our family portrait session and these just jumped out at me. Baby brother is expected in October. I don't know how he will ever keep up with these three!

On the Boardwalk

2009-08-05T12:57:00.004-04:00

Aidan and Charlotte are such fun kids! I have been photographing them for about 5 years now. I think Charlotte was wearing diapers when we first met. We shoot in NYC or in Ventnor City (which always makes me think of Monopoly!).

I love to see what Elizabeth and Chris do with all of the photos each year. Elizabeth has made the most beautiful "Wall of Fame" in their Upper East Side apartment....photographed entirely by yours truly. Nothing makes me happier than seeing people enjoy my work, because I have so much fun photographing this gorgeous family every year.

New York City Baby

2009-08-05T12:49:00.003-04:00

I had a great day photographing Nora at 4 months. Ali and Tim are great parents. They make living in New York with a child look easy (which is isn't!) How two doctors do it, I have no idea. Ali's beeper went off a dozen times. Tim came all the way home from New Jersey just to have lunch with all the girls. I guess I hadn't seen him since the wedding back in 2007. I love photographing babies, especially when they are as happy and smiley as this one.

25 Random Things

2009-08-03T15:34:00.001-04:00

I did this a few months ago for facebook. I enjoyed re-reading it so I thought I'd post it on my blog....

1. Matchmaking is one of my favorite activities. I love introducing people who can help or love one another.

2. I met Eason on a blind date. My first thought as he stepped off the train was "Wow! He's taller and more handsome than I expected from the photo." A few weeks later, when he shared his old match.com profile with me, I said I never would have contacted him because there was a typo in the profile. Almost four years later, I realize he types faster on a Blackberry than I do on a computer (with only limited typos), and I wonder if the magic was in the picnic dinner Fat Ralph (Pagano) made for us that day. I am hoping the typos kept other would-be suitors away!

3. Eason is afraid to introduce me to his military friends, especially the special ops guys because he knows I have a thing for uniforms and crew cuts. Lucky for him, they all look too young to me now....and he always keeps his hair short. I can get him a uniform if necessary.

4. I was born near Boston and traveled around the world at age four as we moved to San Francisco. I still love to travel and usually feel very happy on airplanes. Happiest up front. On my first trip to Moscow (1995), the Alitalia pilots let me sit in the jump seat for landing. Stuart was not pleased.

5. I remember 2 compliments that have touched me deeply...both are more than 10 years old. The first was from Sigrid, the first photographer I ever assisted. She said I was the most European of her American friends. I knew what she meant and felt flattered.

6. The second came from a client in 1997. Upon receiving his wedding photos, he said "Anyone can take a great photo if they shoot enough film, what impresses me is the percentage of amazing shots you took". I never forgot that, but I also know they made it SO easy....beautiful everything on a perfect day...a blind person could have done well. That is when I realized what a collaboration a wedding is.

7. I can almost always tell which couples will stay married....and the weirdest thing is that about 95% of all my couples (over 18 years) are still married. I can't explain it, but I think somehow we find each other for a reason. When a couple I meet chooses another photographer, then gets divorced a few years later, I'm glad I didn't shoot the wedding. The parents of my best friends from high school are still married, but my dad was married three times, and my mom, twice.

8. I lost my sense of smell about 15 years ago when I fell in my loft building. I never missed it more than when Alex was born. I wish I knew how he smelled. I figure if I had my smell, I never would have married his dad, a cigar smoker, so I have no regrets because Alex is the light of my life.

9. When I was 11, my great grandmother said I should be a writer based on some story I wrote for school (she was probably just being nice) but I always remembered that. Other friends have said the same. I have written several articles for the East Hampton Star because I don't really know anyone who reads it and I can write about things I love: weddings, photography, and architecture.

10. I learned far more in high school than I did in college. I thought college was a waste of time and money, but I still secretly want to go to Yale for an MFA and Harvard for an MBA. It all seems sort of pointless now, and I'm afraid to apply because I doubt I could get in.

11. I love technology, gadgets, puzzles and problem solving.. I don't know anyone who can do a Tangram puzzle better than I can. Some people call it freaky. I can fix strange things...mechanical things mostly. I like to pack the trunk of a car too.

12. I always thought I was a cat person. I had one Siamese from K thru college. We had dogs too, but I didn't really love them. I am surprised how much I love our new dog, Sparky.

13. I would really like to spend the night at the White House with the Obama's. Alex and Malia are the same age and would have lots to talk about. I would be speechless, so Eason could do the intelligent talking. Maybe I'd be more comfortable on a long Air Force One flight, given my love of flying in luxury. I'd like to do both.

14. I think I am really un-photogenic. It is better when I am super skinny, but those days might be over. I sympathize with my clients who don't love being photographed, but I like to stay on my side of the camera.

15. I snore. Or so I am told. Worse after margaritas. Or so I am told.

16. I'm not really sure what I am good at, but I know it isn't cooking....even though Eason and Alex lie and tell me what I cook is good. Unless it is chicken picatta, then I know they are telling the truth. Tough when you can't really taste anything.

17. I have owned only 3 cars since I was 17. All Fords. I only bought the last one and I chose it for the name: Focus. I felt I needed more of that in all areas of my life at the time.

18. Before I die, I want to see my photographs in a museum. I'll settle for one. But I am always happy to see them on the walls of my friends....maybe that is better.

19. Some days I think I suck and I want to give up photography. Other days I think I'll take my last breath with a camera in hand...better yet, by that time, I'll have camera implants in my eyes and I can blink to take the shot. That is how it works in my dreams. Someone else will have to edit though.

20. I love Astrology, Tarot cards, psychics, numerology, and mystical things that guys don't believe in. I loved it when Julie read my palm. I love the reading Layla just sent me. Frank Andrews was/is my favorite psychic who told me many true things about my future. I believe in past lives and reincarnation. My closest friends tend to be Scorpios, Libras, and Aries (women). Tell me there is nothing to it!

21. As a teenager I wanted to live in prison or on an island. I liked the idea of having lots of time to read, and not having to work. (I'm not sure the island fits that description).

22. It saddens me that I lived a mile or less from my maternal grandparents for most of my life and never got to know them. The only cool thing I remember was riding on my grandad's "caboose" as a kid (it was his private jet...only better, I thought). I loved going to Disneyland in LA every year with my paternal grandparents. They did every ride with my sister and me.

23. I feel better after a movie that makes me laugh, but I don't usually choose to see comedies. I prefer going to see tragic stories that make me cry. Benjamin Button made me cry so much I was embarrassed to walk out of the theater.

24. I have an irrational love of rearranging the furniture. I have been doing it since I was about 7. Nothing is too big or too hard for me to move alone. Ask Lise or Mary, or even Alex. Sometimes I don't like the new arrangement, and a few days later I move everything back.

25. Other careers I always thought I would enjoy: jewelry design, renovating houses, furniture design, being a detective, being an archivist for a photographer or a president.