Archive for April, 2009

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

A message to my peers. (in my area)

Preface – You’re going to read this and think, “my God this guy is an ego maniac.”  That might be true, : ) but, on the contrary, I’m just frustrated. I try very hard to stay current and ahead of the curve.


A message to my peers (in my area)
So recently I’ve noticed that you are all changing your websites. May I say it has been long due!
We all look at each other’s work, so lets not pretend. Truthfully, I’m happy to see you all stepping it up,
and this has given me the opportunity to see how your styles are evolving.

It has been said that imitation is the best form of flattery and trust me I’m flattered!
But Instead of being a “copy cat”, try this: when you see something on my blog and you love it, use it to inspire you. Don’t just do the exact same thing. Put your twist on it. We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. But that’s the best part of our jobs. Every day is something different. We wake up in different moods; sometimes there is sun sometimes there’s not. Our subjects are all very unique. So, get to know them – we owe them our best effort. Not every bride belongs sitting on the floor. Don’t just follow the recipe that is working for me; because, you are not me. You are you. Now go develop that.

How many times have you arrived at the popular place for photos to see 3 other photographers fighting over the same spot? That’s the best opportunity to go for it and break the mold. Some of the best photos I’ve taken are in locations I have never shot before.

Anyway, the purpose is not to rant. However, you know who you are, I need not mention names. I’m glad I set the bar higher this season now go out there and create something outrageous and unique to yourself.

Ricky

P.S. – If you get nothing out of this and I’m still your “inspiration” at least be smart and don’t post those friggin’ shots on your site : )


This is how I feel!

Posted in Business, Weddings | 11 Comments »

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

last weekend

I’m finally back to a regular schedule. Last weekend was a true test to what my crew and I are capable of. Next time someone hears me complain about working too much, remind me of this weekend. Nothing will ever be like this again.

It all started Thursday afternoon when I shot Joe and Maria in NYC. Engagement sessions are always more relaxed than weddings, simply because I’m not wearing a suit and there is no white gown. We had a great time and I used some spots in the meat packing district that I have never used before, so we got some new angles on a familiar spot.

Friday was Jackie and Nicks wedding. I met them through Jackie’s sister Diana, whose wedding I shot a few years back. I was right at home in Jackie’s house; after all I shot there already. Jackie was a great subject and I tested myself to create completely different images than I had for Diana. After the ceremony, it was off to Glen Island park and again I tested myself. Glen Island is a park that is completely overshot at this point. So, I picked different locations (well for me at least) I’m sure other photographers have shot in these places. But it felt great to not go to the water and the rocks!

Saturday. The marathon begins.
Christina and Marc’s wedding was one of those highly anticipated weddings for me. I have shot a few times now with them and we have gotten pretty close. Marc is a creative director for an advertising firm in the city and he had me shoot some stuff for them. So we are like old friends and they totally understand my shooting style! We shot all the formal photos at the reception hall. If you follow my blog you know that I think Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle has the greatest grounds! In addition, we stopped at a park in Rye that Christina’s sister scouted a few days before. I’m so glad that she did. The park had the most beautiful cherry trees I have ever seen and they really lent themselves to photos. We also found a fallen tree that was really cool to shoot. After the photos the reception went off without a hitch.

Now, Sunday. The fun begins.
Ronnie and I needed to be in Ashtabula, Ohio on Sunday at 1 pm. I never cut weddings this close EVER. But Sunday’s wedding was Seth Lederer, the brother of a former groom, Eric whose wedding I shot a few years ago. Destination weddings usually require me to be free the day before so I can travel and not have to stress about the traveling part. But I was already booked and they really wanted me to do the wedding, right Eric?? So, I decided to cut things close. Seth and I planned this trip perfectly. Ronnie and I got home from Saturday’s wedding at 2 a.m. (I made him sleep over) We were set to leave my house at 4 a.m. to make a 6 a.m. flight. So if your counting, that’s TWO HOURS OF SLEEP! I planned to sleep on the plane. Yeah right!

Everything was cool until we got to the Triboro Bridge toll. Total lock down. We sat in traffic until 5:55. The plane leaves at 6. While we were sitting there deciding what to do I decided to put Ashtabula into my navigation. 7 hours. “I can do it in 6″ and off we went. We drove straight through, stopping only for a coffee and gas.

Once we arrived in Ashtabula, I needed to scout the area. We made a quick lap around the town and decided on our four spots. That awesome photo with the metal structure in the back is in front of a lift bridge; Ashtabula’s claim to fame. Apparently there is only a few of those in the country. I am really pleased with the series of photos, considering I had never, ever shot there before. So, for all you brides that are concerned that I have never been to your catering hall…I hope this proves that your in good hands!

Posted in Business, Weddings, portrait | No Comments »

Monday, April 27th, 2009

alexandra + seth : 2009.4.26

slide show music is their wedding song Aint That a Kick In the Head by Dean Martin

Tags: Ashtabula Ohio Wedding
Posted in Weddings | 3 Comments »

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

christina + marc : 2009.4.25

slide show music is their wedding song truly by Lionel Richie.

Posted in Weddings | 2 Comments »

Friday, April 24th, 2009

jacqueline + nick : 2009.4.24

slide show music is their wedding song Let It Be Me by the The Everly Brothers

Tags: Knowles video
Posted in Weddings | 1 Comment »

Friday, April 24th, 2009

maria and joe : engaged

Its been a while since I posted an engagement session. To be honest once the weather changed last season the demand has gone down. But Spring is here and were back ! Ronnie and I shot this yesterday in the city.
This will be the first of four consecutive posts. This weekend I have two weddings in New york (Friday and Saturday) and Sunday morning Ronnie and I fly out to Ohio to shoot a wedding, yeah the same day!
So keep checking in its going to get interesting.

Yeah I know I have a foot thing. But joe’s feet are in it to!

How sick is this next shot! Its already on the main section of my site.


This next one is for the parents!


Ronnies shot..

I was really excited about these photos thats why I posted so many. Hey guys we had a blast, can’t wait for the wedding. Oh and thanks for driving!

Posted in portrait | 5 Comments »

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

lauren + marco : 2009.4.20

Oh man I totally forgot to post about Lauren and Marco. So sorry. I got wrapped up in album designs this week and never looked back.

Lauren and Marco are two very special people, I have been anxiously awaiting this wedding as I’m sure they have to! I wanted it to be perfect and it was. As soon as I arrived at Laurens house I started scoping locations for photos and was immediately drawn to her fathers leather wrapped bar! Perfect. The next big decision was the location for photos in between the church and the reception. Considering how many times I shot at the Marina Del Ray (reception site) I needed something else. I hate to do the same thing over and over again. We were originally going to shoot up to Pepsico in Purchase but time constraints changed those plans. I got it, my new spot, Its going to remain a secret for now but if your getting married at the marina or the villa we need to talk! Lauren and Marco have been in so many weddings that I photographed, they were like old pros. We got a bunch of shots and we were off to the marina for the dinner. Have a great honeymoon guys, call me when you get back.

I’m trying something new with the slideshows. This was there wedding song. Good idea, what do you think?

P.S. – I love comments!

Posted in Weddings | 2 Comments »

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

jackie + brad : 2009.4.11

So Jackie married Brad, from the first consultation through the engagement session and then to the wedding Brad and Jackie have made me laugh. We always have so much fun when were together. It makes me sad that they are finally married. Were going to have to look for excuses to hang out!
The wedding was perfectly planned and executed. Except for the rain. But as you all know that does not stop us. We took most of the photos at lambert castle. They have a great rain option, you can rent the inside of the castle! Jackie being the perpetual planner she checked the weather forecast 14 days in advance and called me immediately after. “looks like rain” I know Jackie but its two weeks away! (I checked to) Yeah so it rained but she had the permit and we got some awesome photos. We finished at the recently renovated Venetian in Garfield, By the way If your having your wedding there pay extra for the light show, its insane!

Anyway hopefully now that your wedding is over Jackie you and Julie oh and mom will still read my blog : )
Oh yeah if you check the comments below you will see that Jackie beat me to the blog. She commented before I could post my comments.
And Dave from moving pictures did the video, I expect it to be a work of art as usual.

Tags: moving pictures llc, the venetian caterers
Posted in Weddings | 8 Comments »

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

any cinderella fans out there?

No not the 80’s hair band the Disney classic of course!

This weekend kicks off another huge year of weddings. My awesome team and I will photograph some of the coolest people in the tri-state area. We promise to make every one of you look like rock stars. And NOT 80’s rock stars, thank you!

This year presented some awesome opportunities for me.  I’m lucky enough to photograph a friend of mine from kindergarten. Also, I will be working once again with the Balbi’s, Babcock’s, Tamucci’s and Sarbo’s. I photographed 6 weddings in these four families over the years and now, this year, the last of them are getting married. All together that’s 10 weddings in four families!!
We will be in the usual locations and some new locations like, Ashtabula, Ohio (that’s coming at the end of this month) and Cape Cod (in October).  So faithful blog watchers prepare yourself for an awesome year in weddings and check back often, we kick it off this weekend in the newly renovated Venetian in Jersey! (hi Jackie)

Posted in Business, Personal | 14 Comments »