Syracuse Program

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of sharing my presentation with the Central New York chapter of the Professional Photographer's Society of New York in Syracuse. The program was on blogs, websites, slideshows and of course, Trash the Dress sessions. We did a very short session with two models and a Harley Davidson. What a great group of people. I'm looking forward to hanging out with them some more at the state conference in Albany at the end of March.

Fall Foliage Photos

Despite the wind and rain overnight, there is still plenty of color on the trees. We are running a Fall Foliage package for as long as Mother Nature allows. We will do a one hour location session (reg. $150) and a mounted 16x20 wall portrait (reg. $295) for a package price of $199. Think Christmas!!!! Also, watch for our new custom Christmas Card designs that Amanda has slaved over for hours creating. We will have samples of those on the blog in the next few days.

Staying Positive

I'm all about being a positive thinker. I would definitely consider myself an optimist. It's pretty much a way of life for me. This week however, I have bitten my cheek or lip so many times I want to throw something. Honestly, who do you get mad at when you bite yourself so hard your hear the skin crunch? So I've decided to rant a little, more for the humor value of it all than anything else. Here is my top ten useless annoyances, some of them dating back to college when I was writing a book on them.

10. Tongue paper cuts while licking envelopes.
9. Sneezing so hard I pull a muscle in my neck.
8. When my wheeled luggage starts walking like R2D2 until it rolls over and plays dead.
7. Door dings.
6. Slow computers.
5. Slamming my toothbrush straight into my gums while brushing my teeth.
4. Public bathroom toilet paper that rips in finger print size increments.
3. Stepping on a wet spot with my socks.
2. Walking in to the edge of a door when it hits my foot and stops.
1. Biting my cheeks and lips. I hate that more than anything. You do it once and it sets the stage to bite the swollen nugget for the next week.

There, I did it. I feel better now. Have any of your own? Add them to the comments section.

Not So Trashy

Earlier today I headed down the west side of Canandaigua Lake to meet up with Gina and Dan at their family property for a Trash the Dress session. The location was spectacular. As I tell most people who are a bit apprehensive about doing a Trash the Dress session, you don't have to actually trash the dress. Gina was very willing to go to some fun locations that she wouldn't have done the day of the wedding, but they were not super risky. We used a shallow creek bed, a canoe and the families 100+ year-old cabin on the lake. The photos came out great and the dress is no worse for the wear.

Tom and Stephanie

Amanda and I put the finishing touches on a spectacular weekend for weddings with the wedding of Stephanie and Tom. We were back to St. Mary's today with the reception at Steamboat Landing. The wedding featured some very talented individuals. Tom's mother sang during the ceremony with a voice that should be in an opera. At the reception, Tom's brother Ben played the guitar and sang "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", to the bride and groom.

Chelsea and Josh

I first met Cheslea and Josh quite a few years ago at another wedding I was shooting. They were both in the bridal party and today they finally got to be king and queen. Two of the couples in today's bridal party were past wedding clients, so it was like a cool reunion. The reception was again at Bristol Harbour. After the ceremony at St. Mary's in Canandaigua, we went over to the VA and then the boat houses on the city pier for photos.

Michelle and Vince

Last week, I had a great, but cold e-session with Michelle and Vince on the pier in Canandaigua. Today we headed south for their wedding at Bristol Harbour. The setting could not have been more perfect with brilliant sunny skies and autumn colors kissing the waters of Canandaigua Lake. Michelle and Vince not only got married, they created a family with Michelle's 6-year-old son Hunter.
The reception kicked off with the music of the Jim Roberti Band from the Poconos. I saw them play at the Bull wedding last summer at Granger Homestead in Canandaigua, so when Michelle needed a referral for a non-traditional band, there was no other choice. They have a sound that is a cross between the Barenaked Ladies and Dave Matthews. They're awesome to say the least. You can find them on iTunes.