Ok, so in the spirit of trying new things….  This Spring I’m teaming up with Karen Zebuion, owner of GUMBO, to host a Mother’s Day Portrait Session.  Gumbo is a really cool children boutique located in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.  Besides clothing, you’ll find things that will exercise your child’s mind and body.  No video games, or flashing light toys.  Not sure if anything in there is even battery operated.  I’m talking about wooden toys, puzzles, books,  dance, and art classes.  All the things that cause your child to use their mind and move their butts from one spot to the other.   So take a moment, make the time, and check her out.  Don’t worry I’m going to tell you the address, and phone number.

Well as I was saying, April 17th and 24th, we’re offering portrait sessions hosted by Karen @ Gumbo, and shot by moi!!   (French for me, I just learned that).  Here’s a flyer.

The session fee is $150 for a sitting that will last up to an 1/2 hour.  After editing the images will be place in an online password protected gallery for viewing.  You’ll receive:

- a 5×7 print of your favorite (5) images

- (1) 11×14 wall art print of one of those favorite images

Here’s were the word “Special” kicks in, because you’ll also receive:

- (1) CD with the files of those favorite (5) images

- a 15% discount off any additional images you decide to purchase from this session.

So come have fun, and document a moment in your life with the ones special to you.  Please call Karen @ GUMBO to grab your spot. (number on the flier).  And feel free to contact either of us for more details, and any questions you may have.  Or just to say “Hello”

I thought I’d try something new this year. Throughout my wedding season I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many great vendors. But usually they’re not from my part of town. So at least once a month I’m going to do a spotlight on one of my neighbors. They each have the own twist to help make a wedding day special. So stay tuned.

Some of my first runner ups, (faces only). Their stories are coming soon.

I use to have something in common with two of them.

Ok, so I didn’t find out first hand that my friend Yasmine was with child, but that’s what Facebook is for. I didn’t hesitate to call, and ask her and Shaun to allow me the honor of doing a maternity shoot with them. I’ve known Yaz for a few years now, and adding her character to that of Shaun’s I knew that the session would be awesome. And I’m happy to say that they didn’t disappoint me.

When I showed up at their door the first thing Shaun said after greeting me was “Let me introduce you to Syrus.” He swung open the door, and there he was, chiling on the couch like he owned it, this horse that Yaz, and Shaun seem to think is actually a dog. Shaun called him over, and after getting the seal of approval from Sy, I was introduced to Poopie. Shaun warned me that this was key because she “Poopie” could get Sy worked up, and I really didn’t want to worry about getting trampled by this massive, horse sized dog with the cool name. Only after these introductions did I get to see Yasmine and “baby in waiting” Brooke.

The vibe these two people give off is infectious, and we had a great time. I do admit, I laughed a lot at the site of Yasmine with child. To see her actually slowed down “a little” and recalling a post she put in facebook where she quoted a phrase from a book; that having a baby is the equivalent of shitting a watermelon, kept me laughing at her expense. Watermelons aside, Brooke is in for an awesome life with Shaun and Yaz for parents. I congratulate my friends, and wish them Peace and Blessings.

So enjoy these preview images of a life that’s just beginning. Make sure you check back in a few months for Brooke’s next photo session. And if you’re looking for an event planner to transform your dreams into reality look no further….. Yaz is the genius behind POP! Event Planning. What she can do to a venue….. OUCH!!!!

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of joining thousands of photographers, makeup artist,  and volunteers all around the world to take part in Help Portrait Day.  What is Help Portrait Day?  In a nut shell, families and individuals that maybe less fortunate than others,  received portrait sessions, prints, and fun for free.  If you’d like to learn more about it just check out the HELP PORTRAIT site.

At our location we were able to photograph 40 families, and even had make up stations for those that wanted a little extra kick.  For some of our families it’s been quite awhile since they’ve had portraits taken, for others it was actually their first.   The expresions on their faces, and genuine gratitude for the day was priceless. And it’s those expressions they’ll be able to share for generations to come.   From cave wall drawings, Egyptian Hieroglyphics,  European paint portraits, to glass plane images, civil war era tin type photos; portraits have always recorded who we are for those yet to come.

If you’d like to see the expressions of happiness a portrait captured on the faces of our families,  I’m sorry those are private.  You’ll have to get your own.   For now you’ll have to settle for the expressions on our faces, one of the side affects from  sharing a day with these awesome people.

OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS, MAKE UP ARTIST AND VOLUNTEERS!!!!!

GO GET A PORTRAIT TAKEN!!!