Photography is Boring - Queens, NY Photographer

Wait!!

Before you think I’ve lost a couple marbles, this post is not what you think it is. I LOVE photography!! I don’t think its boring at all. I do know though that what inspires me to follow my passion as a photographer is very specific. Let me do a little explaining …

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been trying very hard to start a 365 project – long story short, this project requires the photographer to take a photo of something every day for 365 days in pursuit of developing and expanding ones creative eye as well as improve photography skill by “practicing” daily. Now that sounds really great and all but this is a huge commitment.  I’m always really hard on myself, so rather than set myself up to let myself down I thought I’d start with something a little more realistic for my schedule (and attention span) - a 30 day project.

Well, let me tell you …  I carried my camera and 50mm lens around all week long, and was not inspired by ONE single thing!! Its not that I took bad photos. I didn't take any. Arrrgh! I know that's pretty terrible, especially since I’m a firm believer that there is beauty surrounding us everywhere. Life is beautiful! But I made no photos to prove it. Some photographers can sit on a park bench for hours waiting for the exact moment to capture the most beautiful sunset. Others can go hiking in the woods or in the mountains and take breathtaking images of the landscape.  I just can’t find something to shoot! I'm trying. I’m doomed! My eyes are wide shut …

Then I got to thinking. What I really enjoy most about photography is capturing energy, emotion, and beauty. I don’t want to take pictures of landscapes, sunsets or things … BOOORRRINGGG!!!

While images of inanimate objects by photography legends do move and inspire me to grow and improve as a photographer. I’d totally rather take pictures of PEOPLE!!  I love taking portraits and capturing subjects personalities, their style and I LOVE more than anything bringing out ones natural beauty (even the guys). The personal interaction at a photoshoot is so much fun. Doing your makeup, dressing you up, and bringing out your best – I take great pride in making everyone I shoot feel and look their best whether they're a model, actor or not. Make you laugh, make you sultry, make you, YOU. 

WEDDINGS!! I also find weddings to be one of the best places to do exactly just that. Everyone is full of love and happiness, dressed to the nines in personal style, emotion and energy are flowing everywhere and there are tons of beautiful things to photograph throughout the entire day from the bridal gown, to the wedding cake, right down to the tiniest detail like the gorgeous guestbook the bride spent so much time having designed. There’s a whole story unfolding before your eyes! Things are HAPPENING and MEANINGFUL. Yeah, that’s way more exciting than shooting a tree or a parked car.

So, with winter looming, and my desire to open my creative eyes a little wider, I know I’m going to have to rethink my approach to this 365 (more like 30 day) project … 

And because blogs are much more interesting with a photo, here is one I took not too long ago. You might remember Ashley from one of my previous post. Just as the shoot had wrapped, I had this genius idea to take a few frames with my strobe. It was my first time giving it a go with indoor lighting. My apartment wall, my alienbee, an octobox, and a reflector. What do you think?

Exotic Beauty, Layla - New York, NY Lifestyle Photographer

This is Layla. She's represented by Model Service Agency in New York. I mean, what else is there to say except she's absolutely gorgeous!! I'm literally dumbfounded by her unique look. Large deep set green eyes, full pout-y lips,  a fiery mane of reddish curly hair AND gorrrrrgeous eyebrows (anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with fabulous eyebrows).  A true definition of "exotic beauty", Layla currently holds the crown as Miss Caribbean United States 2010, and oh yeah, she's a third degree black belt in Seido Karate with 17 years of training. 

Ummm, watch out!

Makeup, and Styling: Jasmine E.

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Assistant: Aloysius E.

Showing Love to My Love - New York, NY Photographer

I have a lot ot be thankful for. My terrific boyfriend. My cute little apartment exactly where I want to live. My awesome cat (with the personality of a dog) Jenny. I've been a plus model for the last 5 years, lost over 80 lbs, and now I've ventured into one of the most creative outlets ever - photography.

But, I'd like to post this special thank you to my boyfriend and best friend. We are partners in life, and now in business.  Aloysius has literally been my backbone through so many things over the years. When I decided I wanted to try my luck as a plus size model, guess who accompanied me on my visits to each modeling agency. When I decided I wanted to to lose over 50 lbs, guess who automatically transformed into the perfect gym buddy and ate salad with me every night for dinner. And when I decided I wanted to go ahead and be a photographer, guess who spent hours online researching the best camera I could afford. He truly believes in each of my goals, and gives himself entirely to make it work for us.  Now, when I watch photography tutorials online, guess who’s watching with me.  When I’m shooting portraits for a client, guess who’s holding the reflector or blocking light from the subjects eyes. When I’m experimenting with a new lighting setup, guess who my model mannequin is. And when I’m frustrated, lacking confidence, and having a meltdown because “I suck”, guess who recomposes me and believes I can do anything. Yup, Aloysius.  We work together on everything. He’s there through it all.  Knowing I can trust in him to back me up through the day on shoots and keep me in control when I start freaking out is the most comforting feeling of all.

So, Thanks Babe!

And now I should probably get ready for bed since we've agreed to start our 5:00 am winter workout plan tomorrow ... eeeK!

The Wedding of Kathleen & Jason - New York, NY Wedding Photographer

I remember when Aloysius and I first met these two back in March. My stomach was in knots. I so much wanted to secure them as new wedding clients, but I had never done this part before - I had no idea what to expect, or what they were expecting of me. With sweaty palms,  I hoped for the best.  Within a few minutes of meeting them, I felt like they had always been good friends!! So easy to get a long with, easy to talk to, amazing personality, and they were absolutely in love! Right off the bat, I shared  my story about how I came across photography, and why I wanted to be a wedding photographer.   I let her know I was just getting started in the wedding department, and yes, I was hoping she would give me the chance to pursue my passion.  That day, after coffee, breakfast and chit-chat, I left that meeting with my first wedding date for 2010!

I can’t believe 8 months has passed since our initial meeting.  On October 16^th I photographed one of the most beautiful weddings I had ever witnessed! We busted our butts for 10hrs to get every single shot we could, and it was A-MAZE-ING! The bride and groom were the most handsome couple ever, the reception hall was immaculate, the guest were all smiles and the DJ played great music - I’ve never had so much fun taking pictures of people dancing and the bride can really cut-the-rug on the dance floor. All in all, it was such an amazing experience. 

I want to give another Hugeeeeee Thank You to Kathleen and Jason for letting me share your day with you.

Without further adieu – below are just a few of my faves. 

Click HERE to view the full slide show!