A CT Wedding Photographer' s rambling nonsense...

Jonathan Edward's Wedding - Laura & Kyle

2011-08-17T20:32:00.000-04:00

Where do I start? Awesome couple, awesome wedding..awesome day. Kyle is the brother of one of my other favorite grooms Todd. I had the good fortune of getting to know this family when I shot Todd & Christina's wedding back in July of last year. (You may recognize them from the "Love in an Elevator" image that did so well in the last print competition.)Since then, I've felt that I was part of the family, which is truly a pleasure.

The wedding day started at The Mystic Marriott where Laura got ready. The room was flowing with energy and there was excitement in the air. This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day to photograph. Get a load of Laura's shoes...

On to the ceremony, which was held at The Mystic Congregational Church. Steeped with charm & history, this old New England style church was the perfect start to a day filled with character.

Another thing I love to photograph is candids during the receiving line. There are tons of opportunities to capture images with emotion. There is so much going on that I can blend into the crowd. It's like fishing in a barrel!

Talk about character. Can you go wrong with an antique Rolls Royce?

How about getting in that classic car and ending up on Jonathan Edwards Winery? Just when you think it can't get any better. Jonathan Edwards is seriously the perfect backdrop for a wedding and is truly one of the gems when it comes to wedding venues in CT.

Dawn & Claudio's engagement session at Harkness

2011-06-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

Sarah & John's wedding at The Ocean Cliff in Newport, RI.

2011-06-09T22:39:00.002-04:00

Here is a little slideshow of Sarah & John's wedding at The Ocean Cliff Resort in Newport, RI a few weeks back. What started out as a nice sunny day quickly turned into pea soup! The great thing was, Sarah & John didn't let it affect their day one bit. As they say...when God gives you lemons...make lemonade. We took the fog and managed to create some really cool images. The fog added a mystical quality to an already incredible venue. Add in an awesome bride & groom....recipe for an awesome wedding day. Scope it..

Sarah & John from Sam Chinigo on Vimeo.

Sarah & John from Sam Chinigo on Vimeo.

CT Professional Photographers print competition

2011-05-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

I got a bit burnt out at the end of last year and took some time off from entering competitions. I was fed up with the lack of quality judging and decided I needed to rethink whether or not I wanted to put myself through it anymore. Mentally, I just wasn't into it and needed to regroup and recharge. After distancing myself a little bit, I came to the realization that although the judging quality had been poor, I had also gotten too used to winning and slacked off a bit when it came to my entries. Revitalized and re-focused after the "off-season", I decided to get back in the game and enter some images. Well, I guess the "mental health day" paid off, because I had the good fortune of doing extremely well in the CT Professional Photographers print competition last night with the following 3 images.

This first image titled "Sweet Escape" took Best In Show.

This second image titled "Love in an Elevator" took 1st place...

And this 3rd image titled "Are we done yet?" originally took 2nd place, but after a judges debate..2 points were taken off for the vignette and skin texture. Ugh!! I may correct the issues and see how it does next time.

Not bad! Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come this year in competition. Just an example of walking away when you get frustrated and coming back to it with a clearer head. As artists, we have an emotional attachment to the images or works that we create. That is a wonderful thing, but it can also cause us to overlook minor flaws or imperfections. Walking away and coming back allows us to see things through different eyes.

It can also work in reverse. As photographers, we have so many images to process and the workload so massive...that we can fly right by an outstanding image during the editing process. This was actually one of those times. Typically, when I come across images that I think may be competition worthy..I will put them in a separate folder appropriately named "Composs". Then when it comes time to enter, I will go through and find a few that I think have a good shot. Well, like I said...I got a bit burnt out and went through a phase where I just felt my stuff was crap! I didn't really put anything into the "Composs folder". With a clearer head and new eyes, I decided to go back through and see if there were any images that I forgot to add. That is when I came across the image of this little girl. A simple shot that I grabbed when I was moving through Alexis & Dave's wedding ceremony. As most children are during a wedding ceremony or religious ceremony, this little girl was bored out of her gourd and couldn't wait for it to be over so she could get to the party. I always liked this shot, but when it comes to competition or images I feature, I tend to go with images from what I call "The Masterpiece series". Images I "created" instead of images that in my opinion...were handed to me on a platter. This is just one part of what I love about my profession within the world of photography. There are so many facets to it. And you have to be good at many things to be a great wedding photographer. You need to have creativity and artistic vision, but you also have to have perfect timing, acute awareness, and the ability to see the extraordinary within the ordinary. Then you need to know what to do with it. I hope this inspires and helps someone to break through the creative barrier and try to see things from a slightly different angle. The things that are closest to our face, are usually the ones that are the most out of focus to us.

Jennifer & John's wedding at Amarante's Sea Cliff - New Haven, CT

2011-03-25T16:49:00.002-04:00

Here is a photo slideshow of Jennifer & John's wedding at Amarante's Sea Cliff in New Haven, CT. The beautiful weather and oceanside setting created the perfect backdrop for this intimate wedding. Congratulations again guys! Hope you enjoy the show.

Jennifer & John from Sam Chinigo on Vimeo.

Alexis & Dave's wedding at the Aquaturf Club in Southington, CT.

2010-08-06T14:28:00.001-04:00

Here are a few photos from Alexis & Dave's wedding at the Aquaturf Club in Southington, CT. What can I say? These guys just ROCK! Congratulations guys!

Michele & Steve's Wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills

2010-07-20T17:55:00.000-04:00

Here are a few images from Michele & Steve's wedding at The Barns in Middletown, CT. Michele and I used to work together at Sonalysts Studios (back in the day) and it was a real pleasure to be involved. The wedding ceremony was held on the lawn overlooking the pond and the weather was simply glorious! Check them out..

Steve putting on his boutonniere...check out that lid!

I'm digging this shot of the wedding ceremony..

Then there are the weeping willows...

What bride wouldn't love their man playing them a tune?

Yeah...Steve is rockin' it...

Love the colors in this image. I've been wanting to create this image since the last time I shot a wedding at The Barns..

This is the guitar Steve played when Michele was walking down the aisle, so I figured why not incorporate it into the ring shots. Love the way these came out..

It wouldn't be an ArtImage wedding without a couple of night moves..

Andrea & Jeremy's wedding at St. Patrick's Cathedral / Stonington Meadows

2010-07-01T14:07:00.000-04:00

Here are some images from Andrea & Jeremy's wedding ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich, CT. I absolutely love photographing at St. Pats! First because it is just an architectural masterpiece, but also because the officiants are always so, so cool and let us photogs do our thing. Oh yeah, and it is only a couple of miles from my house...nice. Anyways, check them out...thanks to Kerri & her staff at Coastal Gourmet for a killer meal!

As Owen Wilson said to Christopher Walken in Wedding Crashers..."stogies? Why not!"

Christina & Tristan - E-session at Jonathan Edwards

2010-06-08T14:09:00.000-04:00

Here a few images from the ChrisTrist e-session at Jonathan Edwards Winery in Stonington, CT. JE is one of my favorite places..for photos and fine wine of course!! We had an a spectacular day..and what's betta than strolling around the vineyard sipping wine? Can't wait for the wedding guys!

Paula & Ian's wedding at Wright's Mill Farm

2010-06-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

Here are a few from Paula & Ian's wedding at Wright's Mill Farm in Canterbury, CT. Taken back in April. I went a little crazy with the texturing but thought it worked with the rustic feel of the locations. Hope you enjoy...

Rebecca & Scott's wedding at Mahan's Lakeview

2010-06-02T14:05:00.000-04:00

Here are a few images that I forgot to post from Rebecca & Scott's wedding at Mahan's Lakeview in Wolcott, CT back in March. The cold, dark night made it challenging to be creative, but we managed to get some pretty cool images with dramatic lighting. Check them out.

Portrait of America - Hartford Project

2010-05-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

Hartford's empty storefronts will be filled with the faces of it's people this summer as Lyme based photographer Joe Standart fulfills his years-long effort to install his public "Portraits of America" show on Hartford's city streets. Check it out!

Zack Arias-Transform

2010-05-14T21:06:00.001-04:00

For those photographers out there that haven't seen this yet. A definite must see. Watch & listen..

Images of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano

2010-04-22T16:57:00.000-04:00

Apparently... I must be living under a rock! I knew about the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano (yeah that's a mouthful)..but hadn't seen these Rueters images until now. Check these out...I love the lightning shots!

Rangefinder Magazine feature

2010-03-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

I am deeply honored to have a 7 pg feature on me included for this year's "Wedding Issue" of Rangefinder Magazine! For those of you who are not familiar with Rangefinder...it is the professional photography magazine of WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). It is truly an honor to be included among the other incredibly talented artists that have been featured. A couple of my fellow CT wedding photographers were also featured...Justin & Mary Marantz...congrats guys! You can check out both features online here.

Jennifer & Paul - St. Clement's Castle Wedding

2009-11-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my faves from Jennifer & Paul's wedding at St. Clement's Castle in Portland, CT. It was a rainy day, but that didn't stop us from creating some wonderful images. To all my brides out there...don't stress about rain!

Cory's Urban Session

2009-10-27T12:09:00.000-04:00

Ok, check out this little dude! Here are a few images from my recent urban session with Cory who just turned 6 last week! Cory was a tough nut to crack, but we managed to create some really cool images once we got going. For those parents out there looking for something different for children's photography in CT, this might be a great option.

Kristen & Brad - Pearl River Hilton

2009-09-23T14:03:00.000-04:00

Here are a few images from Kristen & Brad's Wedding at the Pearl River Hilton in Pearl River, NY. Makes sense I guess! Hope you enjoy.

Angel Into Light

2009-08-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

Don't know if I posted this one before, but just found it again. This one is called Angel Into Light.

Best in Show - CT Professional Photographers Assoc.

2009-08-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

I was delighted to learn that a few of my favorite images did very well at the CT Professional Photographers Association print competition last week. This image titled "Vintage Goodbye" took Best in Show.

This next image titled "For Better or Worse" placed 3rd

This image titled "Glamour Girl" also merited

Lastly, this image simply titled "Bianca..also did very well

Cherise & Tom

2009-05-14T12:53:00.000-04:00

Here are a few little diddies from Cherise & Tom's wedding a few weeks ago.

Absolutely love the Old World feel of this image

Another of my faves. Being added to the ArtImage Masterpiece Collection..coming to city near you.

As everyone knows, Hartford City Hall has become one of my favorite places to photograph. I just love architecture, and there is plenty of it there to incorporate. A lot of my clients want to bring me there because of what they've seen on my website, and it has become a personal challenge to me to come up with something that I haven't done yet...or to improve on past concepts that I've done. It's getting tougher....but I think we did it this time.
A different twist on one of my classics..

Another one for the ArtImage Masterpiece Collection..

The hits just keep on coming!!

2009-03-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

I just found out this morning that one of my prints was awarded a Court of Honor award at the PPARI (Professional Photographers of Rhode Island)convention this weekend. The Court of Honor is awarded to the highest scoring print in the blue ribbon category. This was my first time entering the PPARI competition. Thanks PPARI!!

Best of Weddings competition

2009-03-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

The suspense has been killing me since WPPI but I finally found out today that I actually won first place (Romance category) in the Best of Weddings international competition sponsored by Eventpix & WPPI. The judging was held last week at the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International convention in Las Vegas.

I really love this image..and this couple! We created so many wonderful images from that day. Special thanks to Anna & Sebastien for allowing me to be a part of their special day.

As a category winner, I win the following

- Asukabook 10x10 40-side Hard Cover Book-Bound Varnish album
- Complete Set of Kubota Image Tools Photoshop® Actions
- $150.00 lab credit with H&H Color Lab
- One Doug Gordon Workshops DVD (1 DVD) and Flow Posing Guide

Not bad! Thank you Eventpix & WPPI!!

www.samchinigo.com

And the honor goes to...

2009-02-25T15:28:00.001-05:00

I am very honored to have been awarded "Photographer of the Year" in the wedding category again this year by the CT Professional Photographers Association. Here is a photo of myself with CPPA President Grace Cribbins who graciously made me look taller again this year. :) Thanks Grace!! Btw..if I am fortunate enough to win again next year..could I get a leg lamp instead?

Congratulatons to my fellow photographers Julia Gerace & John Hill for their awards as well. Their work never fails to inspire.

Connecticut Coyote in the backyard

2009-01-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

This is an image that I took of a coyote in my backyard the other day. Wish I had a 500mm!!

Best of Weddings finalists

2009-01-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hey - I just found out that I placed 4 images in the semi-finals for the "Best of Weddings" international competition! 2 images in "Best Dressed" and 2 in "Romance". Wish me luck!! Grand Prize is a Canon 5D (among other things). I'm not a Canon shooter but I could certainly be converted!

My fellow CT wedding photographer Robert Trenske also placed an image in the Humor category, nice job Robert! Good Luck!

There are some really great images in the finals, so I don't expect to win, but I didn't expect to win last time either, so who knows?

Fall Food Stroll - Downtown New London

2008-10-06T11:40:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 5:30-8:30 PM Fall will officially kick off in the District at New London Main Street's annual Fall Food Stroll. This year has the largest number of participating businesses in the historical waterfront district! Taste and shop in over 55 venues. Whether you are a real foodie, or just want to check out The District, this Stroll will be sure to have something to offer for everyone.

Chefs are creating tantalizing tastes of seasonal delights with some of the freshest ingredients. Sample signature menu items from over two dozen restaurants and cafes. Over 30 specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and salons will be offering snacks and new fall merchandise specials. Enjoy promotions and demonstrations at several venues. Stroll to the eclectic and diversified music of some of our best local talent.

Admission buttons are $25 in advance, $30 on Stroll Day. Admission includes a free drink coupon. Buttons for children and students are $15, but do not include a drink coupon. Button purchases also include Main Street's Map & Guide, and a Stroll Map showing the location of each participating venue. Stroll Maps will also be provided in each venue. Buttons may be purchased online; at the Main Street office in the Atrium at Harris Place at 165 State Street, Suite 101, Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-5:30 PM; or by sending a check with name, address, and email made out to New London Main Street.

One World, Five Photographers

2008-09-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

FYI for anyone who is interested. The Mystic Art Center will present an exhibiton titled "One World, Five Photographers" featuring National Geographic photographers Ralph Lee Hopkins, Bob Krist, Jim Richardson, Eddie Soloway and Michael Melford. More than 50 matted pieces will be on exhibit.

Hopkins, Krist and Melford will be in attendance at the opeing reception on Friday Oct. 3 from 6-8p. The reception is free and open to the public.

An informal Q&A with the photographers is scheduled to begin at 5pm.

For more info visit Mystic Art Association or call 860-536-7601.

The The 30th Annual Photo Show is also taking place in the gallery at the same time, so there will be more than just the 50 prints on exhibit.

My wife and I are planning on going Friday evening, so if anyone is interested in linking up..let me know!

Urban Image Session w/Brittany!

2008-09-12T16:27:00.001-04:00

Here are a few little diddies from Brittany's Urban Image session. We did some other stuff at the beach as well, but these are some of Brittany's faves. We had a blast. Thanks to her mom Heidi for being my assistant!!

Another Best in Show!

2008-09-10T17:06:00.000-04:00

Surprisingly, I managed to place Best in Show again at the CT Professional Photographers Association's (CTPPA)quarterly print competition with my print titled "Anchored" on Monday night. I guess it does pay to bribe the judges! ;-P All kidding aside though, out of the 3 competitions held so far in the state this year, I placed "Best in Show" at all 3! There is 1 more in January, so hopefully I can do well in that one as well. A special "Thank you" to the judges (Jeff Dyer,Joan Genest,Marty Seifert, Ann Curtis) for their always insightful critique on my prints. The input really helps us all to become better photographers.

Next stop on the competition tour is the regional PPA sanctionaed competition at the Professional Photographers of New England (PPANE) Convention this weekend in Nashua, NH where the competition is pretty fierce. I actually won the prestigious Fuji Masterpiece Award there last year, but I am not getting my hopes up. To win it once is quite an accomplishment. Wish me luck..

Broad Brook Dairy..the end of an era..

2008-09-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

If you are from my neck of the woods, then you have probably know of the old Broad Brook Dairy in Preston. I remember going there many times in my youth for good ole fashioned hand made ice cream. Stepping into the dairy bar was like stepping back in time. Nothing was ever updated. In it's late years, the dairy was only open a few short months, and it seemed that there was no ryhme or reason to the season. One day you'd drive by and the place looked like it had been abandoned for years. Then, a couple of days later the grass got cut and they were open for business! It was truly a cherished landmark by those of us from the area and has since been replaced by Buttonwood Farms, which many of you from outside the area may know of, from the attention it receives for it's sunflower fields and campaign for the Make-a wish Foundation.

I drove by Broad Brook a couple of weeks ago on my way back from a photographic seminar and much to my dismay, they were tearing it down. The back was ripped of the building and the place cleared out. I had always wanted to get inside and photograph it, but it looks like I waited a little too long. In all honesty, I figured that there had to have been plenty of snakes, rats, etc. living in there, so I wasn't stroming the doors to get in there. ;-P

Anyways, I happened to have a few spaces left on my card and managed to take a few images of what was left when I was passing. There were 3 rusted out milk trucks left in back that hadn't yet been hauled away. Last registered in 1968. Back when then milk man still delivered. I hope these images can give you a glimpe of days gone by.

Raw Culture and IMA fashion show

2008-08-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

FYI - there will be a fashion show here in New London tomorrow evening (Friday) inside the Atrium at Harris Place. Local designers Cristin Gallagher and Jesse English will be debuting some of their new fall designs, and the opening reception will be held at ArtImage (my studio), which is directly across the street from the show at 170 State St. The show starts at 8p (opening reception at 7p)is free and all are invited to attend. I will be shooting the show, and if all goes well, there will be more shows like this to follow. So come down and be a part of New London's blossoming arts district!! IMA/Raw Culture

Art Leather at ArtImage

2008-08-27T13:41:00.000-04:00

FYI - In case you didn't get the email blast. I am hosting a Art Leather "Get Together" here at the studio today from 4-7p. Please feel free to stop down and check out the latest and greatest products from Art Leather. Colleen Nolan will be here to answer any questions you might have. Studio address is 170 State Street in New London. Everyone is welcome!

Master Photographers Exhibit at The Met

2008-08-19T18:26:00.000-04:00

I am wondering if anyone is interested in getting together to go check this out at The Metropolitan Museum of Art within the next couple of weeks. Only runs to the end of the month. Let me know!
Framing a Century: Master Photographers, 1840–1940

The exhibition tells the story of photography's first 100 years through the work of key figures who helped shape the aesthetic and expressive course of the medium: Gustave Le Gray, Roger Fenton, Carleton Watkins, William Henry Fox Talbot, Julia Margaret Cameron, Nadar, Édouard Baldus, Charles Marville, Eugène Atget, Walker Evans, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Brassaï. The exhibition presents 10 to 12 iconic works by each of these artists to convey a broad sense of their contributions to photography. Many of the works are drawn from the Museum's 2005 acquisition of the Gilman Collection.

Loan Collection!!!

2008-07-29T18:31:00.001-04:00

Wow, Wow, Wow! I just got word that 2 of my prints were accepted in Professional Photographers of America's International print competition. One was chosen for the prestigious "Traveling Loan Collection", which is basically the highest honor that can be bestowed to a print through PPA. And my other print was accepted for the Showcase Book. Both are incredibly tough accomplishments, and this was my first time entering PPA's Int'l print competition, so I am truly elated to have done so well. This is really a big deal in my world. Thank you PPA!

CT Wedding Photographers rule!

2008-07-29T18:08:00.001-04:00

Well, Connecticut Wedding Photographers continued to kick butt in the WPD's Creative Photo Contest! Out of 2500 images entered, all 3 of my images made the top 100 and my fellow CT Wedding Photographers who also placed were Steve Depino, Robert Trenske, Rich Esposito and Lunell Troy. Great going gang!

Voting is now open to the public, so please go cast your votes here: "Wedding Photography Directory Photo Contest .

Jenny & Al expecting

2008-07-27T21:45:00.001-04:00

Here are a few from my session with Jenny & Al's maternity session. I had the good fortune of shooting their wedding last year and they will bringing in their baby girl Alana in next week for a session. I am really looking forward to meeting little Alana, and it is so wonderful to have the opportunity to document these special moments in people's lives.

"The Urban Edge" session

2008-07-27T21:21:00.001-04:00

Here are a few images from an "Urban Edge" senior session I did with Amanda. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for being such a great model Amanda!

Back to da blog!

2008-07-27T20:19:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been about 4 months since I posted anything..mainly because I've been so busy..but also because I didn't think anyone actually read this stuff! I have had a few people comment on the blog so I am back to posting! Ok, since my last post, I have have had the good fortune of winning a couple of more awards! First, in April, I won "Best in Show" at CPPA's print competition with my print titled "Sophie's Smile" (below). Then, I won "Best in Show" again in June with my print titled "Midnight Rendevous". Totally unbelievable... and these 2 wins puts me a very strong position to win "Photographer of the Year" again this year...which would be very awesome.
In other news, the new studio is open for business and I am plannning to have a Grand Opening party so that everyone can come on down to check it out. I have been having fun doing some high school seniors, babies, maternity, etc. and will post some images from those sessions for you to check out. So stay tuned!

WPD

2008-03-06T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Wedding Photography Directory continues to be very good to me. As I posted a while ago, they selected one of my images for March's "Photo of the Month", which can be viewed on the home page here. But I also got word that out of 1600 entries in the Annual Photo Contest, the 3 images I entered all made the top 100. A few of my fellow CT wedding hotographers made the cut as well. They were Steve Depino, Tommy Martin, Robert Trenske, The Troys & Richard Esposito. CT Wedding photographers ROCK!! Great going gang!! Keep up the GREAT work.
Voting is now OPEN TO THE PUBLIC so if any of you would like to vote for any of my/our images...it would be MUCH appreciated. Here is the voting link. My images are below:

Best of Weddings Contest

2008-02-22T12:03:00.000-05:00

Some of you may remember that I was fortunate to win the Best of Weddings Contest last year which is sponsored by WPPI & Eventpix. Well..it appears I got lucky again!! Out of 469 entries...I just found out that I placed 3 out of the top 10 finalist in the Romance category in this year's competition!! (Last year I placed 4 so I better pick it up a notch.) Anyways, I already win a few things for just being a finalist like WPPI tickets, lab credits, etc., but here are the prizes for category and grand prize:

Grand Prize:

- Fujifilm S5 camera
- Asukabook 10x10 80-side Hard Cover Book-Bound EX-Laminate album
- $500 lab credit with H&H Color Lab
- Six months free online hosting service from Eventpix.com
- Complete Set of Kubota Image Tools Photoshop® Actions
- Complete Doug Gordon Workshops DVD set (8 DVD's) and Flow Posing Guide

Best of Category Prizes:
- Asukabook 10x10 40-side Hard Cover Book-Bound Varnish album
- Complete Set of Kubota Image Tools Photoshop® Actions
- $150.00 lab credit with H&H Color Lab
- Three months free online hosting service from Eventpix.com
- One Doug Gordon Workshops DVD (1 DVD) and Flow Posing Guide

WISH ME LUCK!!! Uncle Sam could REALLY use another S5!!

A shot of my ugly mug...

2008-02-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

Here is a shot of my ugly mug accepting the CT Photographer of the Year Award from CPPA President Grace Cribbins...what a dork! I USED to be kinda cool at one time in my life...really. BTW Grace...thanks for making me look taller!! lol

Blue, Blue, Blue

2008-02-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I just got back from the CT Photographers Association's annual convention and discovered (to my extreme surprise & delight) that 3 of my prints were awarded Blue ribbons and another a Red Ribbon in the print competition!! The Blue's were a total surprise to me because I basically entered all the prints that didn't score well during the quarterly competition. I only entered them because I didn't have anything else ready! Thank you to Julia Gerace for talking me into entering...thanks Jules!!! My good friend and collegue Charleen Larkin "one upped" me and took home 4 Blue Ribbbons!! Way to go Charleen! Anyways, here are a few of mine...titles: "Flying High Again", "Towering Inferno" and "Where Art Thou?".

Kerri & Paul

2008-02-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple from Kerri & Paul's wedding in October. It was an intimate ceremony with only a few family & friends. I call this first one "Marilyn Moment". It was incredibly windy that day..as you can see! Congrats again guys!

Stephanie & Stephen

2008-02-08T13:40:00.000-05:00

Man am I am on a blog roll today! Get it? Blog roll? Man I am too much! Here a few little diddies from Stephanie & Stephen's wedding on January 5th. Thanks for braving the cold temps guys! Ceremony at Providence College and reception at The Biltmore Hotel.

Gina & Chris images

2008-02-08T13:28:00.000-05:00

I was just going through Gina & Chris' gallery to find a few images and found some that I thought I'd share. The wedding was June 29th at The Waterview in Monroe, CT. Hope you enjoy...

CPPA Trade show this weekend

2008-02-08T11:39:00.001-05:00

FYI for anyone interested. The CPPA convention is this weekend at The Crowne Plaza in Cromwell...and there is a free trade show on Sunday. It's nothing huge but feel free to stop by and check out all the latest whatchamacallits and doohickies if you're in the area!

Latest Studio Pics

2008-02-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

Well..it is FINALLY ready for me! Get the keys on Wednesday which is good since I will be at seminars today through Tuesday. The only thing left is lighting fixtures.
Here are a couple of images of the workroom and the lobby. (The camera room, my office and projection room aren't much different.)
Can't wait to bring in some furniture and put up some prints. Will hopefully transform the place. Will post more as it progresses!

How about them Giants?

2008-02-04T13:38:00.001-05:00

Let me preface this by saying that I am a Cowboys fan, but just wanted to say congrats to our rival Giants fans! Way to represent the NFC East! I knew you could do it!

Nature or nurture?

2008-01-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

While at the Mystic 3 convention on Monday, one of the speakers posed a question to the group titled "what is talent" or something like that. I don't know if the question was truly ever answered (or if it can be) but I replied that I felt that passion for something was what drove someone to become talented or to reach their true potential.
So I pose this question to all of you out there.."what is talent and where does it come from"?
I DO believe that everyone was born to be great at something, but only a few lucky ones discover what that is. And then, there are people who are not born with the most natural ability, yet their passion or desire to do well at something takes them to another level. For example, Larry Bird was not born with wonderful athletic ability, but he worked harder than everyone else to overcome his shortcomings and still excel at the highest level.
All of this is not to say that some don't have a "God given" gift to do something well...because some obviously do. But when someone tells me that I am gifted (which is very rare, trust me!)..my response is that the true "gift" is that God allowed me to discover my passion...and that I work very hard to be the best that I can.
So what do you think? Are great musicians born with the natural ability..or did they just work harder at it than most? Maybe it's a combination? Does it go back to the "nature vs. nurture" thing. I am curious to hear your thoughts out there.

Best in Show..Photographer of the Year!

2008-01-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Well...I am elated to say that one of my prints titled "Meet me at Midnight" was awarded "Best in Show" last week at CTPPA's last monthly print competition..which also awards me with Connecticut's "Photographer of the Year"! It was quite a year for me...not only in competition, but in personal & professional endeavors as well. And I truly feel blessed to be able to do what I love to do. I hope that I can continue to improve upon this great start in print competition...and that the opening of the new studio will help me to better serve my clients, as well as help me bring my photography to a new level.
I had never entered a print competition until 2007...but I have to say that it really has been a wonderful learning experience for me. It has opened my eyes and truly helped me appreciate all the knowledge and implementation that goes into the making of a successful image. For all of you photographers out there who have not entered competitions yet, I encourage you to start. Throw your work out there and see what happens..but most of all, try to learn from the critiques. It will really help you grow as a photographer.

More Wild Kingdom!

2007-12-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest in the Wild Kingdom shots..a coyote taken this morning in our back yard. I would have gotten some better shots if I wasn't running around the house looking for my camera again!!!

Wild Kingdom!!

2007-12-18T21:15:00.001-05:00

As some of you know, we moved to Preston, CT this summer, and what a change it has been moving out to the country. We now have an array of wildlife that visits frequently. So far we have had a flock of turkey, tons of deer, red foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and now...a Red tailed Hawks. My daughter Gabriella is loving the sights, but I think I enjoy them the most! I missed a shot of a red fox (it's the big one Elizabeth)in the snow the other day, by the time I ran upstair to get my camera..it trotted back into the brush. It was about 20 feet from the house. Anyways, the following shots were taken off our back deck today. Man, I need to get me a longer lens!! Hope you enjoy!

Studio interior photos

2007-12-18T19:10:00.001-05:00

Here are some photos of how the inside is progressing. The walls still need to be capped on the top, the floors finished and a ton of other things..but it's getting there!!

Studio Update!

2007-12-16T17:44:00.001-05:00

Well, it looks like it is really happening!! After months of delays..I will be finally getting the keys to the new studio at The Crocker House in New London on January 1st!! I was actually happy that it didn't happen sooner as my plate has been just too full this season to take on anything else. 45 weddings, new house that I had to get ready to move into, old house to get ready to sell, family, etc. etc. etc. The new venture is both extremely exciting for me..and insanely scary at the same time. But you won't get anywhere in life without taking risks!
Walls were painted this weekend and I will be stopping down to check them out tomorrow. I can't believe how hard it was picking out colors!!! I wanted a edgy contemporary feel, yet also wanted to keep it warm & inviting. I really hope I am on the right track.
The studio will have a lobby with reception desk,plasma screen, couch, & Eames lounge chair. Then, as you proceed down the brick hallway, my office, then the camera room. At the end of the hall is the bathroom/changing area, and screening room (projection area). Lastly, there is a production office where all the work will get done! There are 14 foot black ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Location is awesome and I will try to post some recent pics tomorrow of it's progress. Until then, here are some images on the outside of the space.

WPD Photo of the Month!

2007-12-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

Here is the image that was just selected as The Wedding Photography Directory's Image of the Month! Titled "Bright Future" , you can read the story behind creating the image at the WPD's site when it's posted in a few weeks.

Fun with zooming

2007-12-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a image of my Xmas tree. I shot it handheld at 1/4 second and zoomed the lens during the exposure. Pretty coolio. Happy Holidays!!

PPANE Conference

2007-09-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I just got back from the PPANE conference in Sturbridge, MA last night and to my pleasant surprise..won the Fuji Masterpiece Award for my print "Beautiful Day" ! I actually had 2 prints take Blue ribbons and 2 take Red! It is quite an accomplishment to win the Fuji Masterpiece Award and I feel very honored to have won.
I also got to see a ton of great speakers at this year's conference like David Jay, Mark Garber & Jennifer Gilman, Vicki & Jed Taufer and Jeff & Julia Woods whom I had the pleasure of sitting down to lunch with! Also, thanks to Dan Doke..it was great finally meet you. Thank you to all of the speakers..I picked up some very valuable tips from everyone.

The latest...

2007-09-12T11:48:00.000-04:00

Yeah..I know..I promised to blog more regularly but my life has been so insane for the past few months..it was put on the back burner. We recently moved into our new home in Preston, CT and I still need to get our old home ready to sell! Then, ArtImage (new studio) is due to happen Oct 1st. I will have the keys but I doubt that the studio will be open for anothe month after that...just too much on my plate right now!!
Will keep you updated!

Eric & Jamie

2007-07-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

OK gang..I am really going to try and be better at blogging regularly here and have alot of catching up to do, so I will be posting images from some of my recent weddings. Here are a few highlights from Jaimie & Eric's wedding taken at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven, CT. Jamie & Eric are a really a fun couple and Jamie was definitely a bride that was determined to ENJOY her wedding to the fullest! You GO Girl!! Congratulations again J & E!!

Caitlyn & Greg

2007-06-16T19:57:00.000-04:00

Here are some images from Caitlyn & Greg's wedding held at St. Clement's Castle which was also on Saturday June 9th. They went with a super cool celestial theme! I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with the both of them and their wonderful families. Thanks guys!! I went through and picked out my faves but there were about 300 of them! Here are a select few..

Wedding marathon weekend!

2007-06-16T19:36:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was a marathon for me as I shot 2 full weddings on Saturday and another full one on Sunday! Here are a few images from Monica & Will's (wedding #1). The weather wasn't cooperating and it's not super creative...but they were troopers and trounced around in the rain with me. Note to future brides: no one wants rain on their wedding day, but it doesn't have to ruin your photos!!

Studio delay

2007-05-10T12:58:00.000-04:00

Well, we had our offer accepted on a new home this weekend, which means that I will have to put off the studio for a few months. I am setting a new date of Oct. 1st now. Would have LOVED to have been in for the summer but everything is happening at the same time and I can only do so much! We are due to close on the new home June 15th, and need to do some work on it before we move in on July 1st. Then, I have to get our current home in shape to put on the market! Combine this all with my busy season, and something has to give! I will keep you posted!

Even More Ink!

2007-05-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

Thank you to The Norwich Bulletin for the feature article "Photo Finish" on the front page of the Living section yesterday!! I must say, the photo was better than the one in The Villager article..but it just confirms that I definitely belong BEHIND the camera instead of in front of it. Thank you to Amy Lawson for doing such a nice job on the article.

Getting some more ink!

2007-04-26T14:51:00.000-04:00

Just an FYI that there will be a feature article about me coming out tomorrow in The Villager Newspapers! Hope I don't sound like a complete knucklehead, but it's hard when you actually ARE a knucklehead!

A couple of more wins!

2007-04-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems that the hits just keep on coming!! I finally entered some prints for the first time in the CT Professional Photographers Association print competition last night and placed 1st in the Candid category for "With you every step" (which is the same image below that won the Eventpix/WPPI competition last week) and actually placed Best in Show for my image titled "Beautiful Day" !! My colleague and friend Charleen Larkin of Charleen's Portrait Studio also placed 2nd in the Portrait category for her print titled "Fierce!". Way to go Charleen!! We are making some noise in the Quiet Corner!

Freitas/Diaz fight

2007-04-19T22:47:00.000-04:00

Just a little FYI that I am now getting the pleasure of shooting boxing matches for Northeast Boxing News and will be covering the Freitas/Diaz fight next weekend that will be televised on HBO. Can you ask for a better seat or what? Ringside! I will try to keep my Rocky Balboa impressions at bay. "He'll knock ya into tomorrow Rock!....this guy's a wreckin' machine!". Thanks to Sandy & Ron for giving me the opportunity..thanks guys! And, remember...Mickey loves ya.

Planet Earth on The Discovery Channel

2007-04-16T14:16:00.000-04:00

OK..so has anyone been checking out the Planet Earth series on The Discovery Channel? Talk about incredible photography!!! These guys will basically do anything to get the shot. As a photographer, I just marvel at the viewpoints and unique footage these guys are able to get. Last night's chapter was related to fresh water, and there was some footage of monkeys that swam under water...incredible. This is really a wonderful project and I really advise everyone to watch. It will make you look at our planet and its' life forms ina whole different and beautiful way. Hope you enjoy as much as I do.

I WON!!

2007-04-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

Ok all, this little ole CT wedding photographer is simply walking on air here since I just heard that I was the Grand Prize winner of The Best of Weddings Contest through Eventpix/WPPI out in Vegas!!! I win a new Fuji S5 Pro, a full set of Kevin Kubota's actions, some framed prints of my images, and the winning image posted on the Eventpix site for 6 months. (I was really hoping for a leg lamp). This really is a major accomplishment considering the talent/images entered in the contest and I am speechless. All I can say is WOW!

The Knot & Macy's

2007-03-29T12:17:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys,
I just got asked by The Knot for permission to use one of my images for their CT web page. Very cool. Also...I have been asked to be the only photographer in Connecticut to showcase at The Macy's Bridal Event at West Farms Mall on April 19. I am honored to have been chosen and am really looking forward to it. Hopefully these kinds of things will continue! On a different note...still waiting for the contest results from Vegas. Keeping the fingers crossed.

2007-03-27T22:45:00.000-04:00

OK..some of you know about this already but I entered the Eventpix/WPPI Best of Weddings Contest and low & behold..4 out of the Top 10 semi-finalist selections in the Romance category are by yours truly!! Hopefully I can actually win something this time! I actually took 4th place in the Wedding Photography Directory's national contest, which is great considering there were 1200 entries...but what can I say? I am not out to be a bridesmaid..I want to be the bride! Say what?
Anyways, I was supposed to be at WPPI in Vegas for the week but just couldn't leave the Mrs. with a 3 year old and a 4 month old. As I always say..1 child is a fair fight..but 2 and you are outnumbered! Maybe next year.

Hello World

2007-03-27T22:37:00.000-04:00

Hello Planet Earth!
First blog post here...looking forward to keeping you up to date! Ok..let's get this party started. First, just got back from New London today and I am pleased to announce that I will be opening up a brand new studio in July! I am psyched! And a bit freaked out of course! It is going to be upscale, hip, trendy, cutting edge, chic, non-traditional, whatever you wanna call it! To sum it up...COOL. The sky is the limit my friends.