Elusive Steelhead

My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it. ~Koos Brandt

After years of winter fishing for Steelhead, I finally caught one today on one of the Lake Ontario tributaries. I actually hooked up with two of them but was only able to land one. They are so strong it's unbelievable. I told Daryn that I am not buying my own steelhead rod until I catch one on the equipment I already own. Shhh, don't tell Sue I have to get one now.

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths. ~Author Unknown

Chesler Photography Weddings

Renee and Dean's Animoto

Being Mom

With Sue on a cruise to Cozumel, I have the opportunity to live in her shoes for the week as Mr. Mom. I am faced with the challenge of feeding the kids semi-nutritious food, making sure they get enough sleep and have clean clothes to put on. So far so good except for Sarah forgetting her helmet for her hockey scrimmage. The house may not be spotless, but I wouldn't be embarrassed to have a surprise visit from Grandma either. I did take the week off from work since the kids are on break this week, so the normal stresses of getting on and off the bus while dealing with a normal weekday schedule are not there. When Sue returns, I think I will have her take my job and I'll continue my Mr. Mom life. I may even take up baking.

To all you moms out there, especially Sue and my mom Sandy Chesler, thank you for all that you do on a daily basis without getting the credit and thanks you deserve. Moms make the world go round.

Valentine Wedding

What better way is there to celebrate Valentine's Day then to get married? Amanda and I photographed the wedding of Renee and Dean today at Belhurst Castle. What an amazing day for a wedding considering it's the middle of February. We were able to go down to the dock along Seneca Lake which is not something we would normally consider in the dead of winter. It was a great way to kick off the 2009 wedding season.

February 14th is the anniversary on my first date with Sue. It's hard to believe that it was 17 years ago. Happy Valentine's Day.

Congratulations Kate Lee!

My friend Kate Lee, the young musician from Webster, has won the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's Search for a Star competition. Kate auditioned with her original, "On Your Way", which will now be adapted for Orchestra Play by Jeff Tyzik,
while Kate Lee will be singing in front of the RPO with Jeff Tyzik conducting. The performance will be on May 31st at the Eastman Theater. Way to go Kate! For more information on Kate Lee visit her website at KateLeeMusic.com.

Winter Wedding Website

Our new winter wedding website is alive and kicking. I wanted to create a website devoted exclusively to winter weddings to differentiate it from our regular website, but at the same time, tie in to the main site. The new domain name is www.winterweddingphotography.com. It is in it's infancy at this point, so check back and see how it grows over the next few months.

Canandaigua Ladies

I had the chance to photograph one of Sue's hockey games last night at the Civic Center. The Canandaigua Ladies beat the Webster women's team 4-2, with a goal and an assist by Ellen Chesler and stellar goal tending by Sue Chesler. The photo below of Ellen shooting on Sue is in warm ups, I just thought it was cool to have my wife and sister in the same photo.

My Little Fisherman

We took Cade to Bass Pro Shop in Auburn today to get his first fly rod. He received money for his birthday from my mom and he immediately said he wanted to buy a fly rod with it. I can't wait to take him out on the creeks and rivers this summer. I want to be there when he catches his first trout. It's a milestone; a right of passage for every budding fly fisherman. I totally cherish every minute he wants to spend with me. He's growing so fast. Last week we went out on to Honeoye Lake to go ice fishing. He didn't fish much but he had a blast out on the lake for over five hours. Here are some photos from Honeoye.

Pet Week Success

Although the numbers weren't huge, I would consider our first ever Pet Week a success. We did a total of 5 different sessions, but more than that, we had a lot of positive feedback as well as suggestions as to what could make it better. We have decided to do Pet Week periodically throughout the year to accommodate those who don't want to bring their furry or feathered friends out in the snow. We will also be offering location sessions for when it's just not practical to bring the pets to the studio, such as multiple dogs, or going to horse stables. This would also be a great opportunity for themed photos, such as a hunter and his hunting dogs in the woods. (I smell a Father's Day gift ladies.)

Because this was our first attempt at this, I feel the packages offered and the choice of the session or 5x7 in exchange for a donation to the Humane Society was a bit confusing. We will be tweaking the concept for the next go around. Our next Pet Week will be later this spring, however if you have an event or reason you need photos sooner please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate the situation.

Print Sale Starts Today!!!!!

Until midnight today, we are having a One Day Only Sale. Take 50% off print orders! This is good for all of our beautiful luster and metallic prints 8x10 and larger. So go ahead and order that 30x40 wall portrait for over the fireplace, it's half off! Have you been putting off getting that great portrait above your couch, or in the entryway? Now is the time. Remember, it's one day only, February 4th!

Did you miss the one day sale?
From February 5 through February 13, you can still take 40% off all prints 8x10 and larger. You have a whole week to enjoy 40% off of any print 8x10 or larger.

Don't forget we are running our Just for Him special through Valentine's Day for a 1/2 hour boudoir session with a DVD slideshow for just $59. A female photographer is on hand for anyone who request it.

Sarah's hockey game slideshow

Sarah's team won 6-0 today against Brockport. It was their last league game and now the team is gearing up for the playoffs in Olean, NY and Bradford, PA.