We Are Family!

Thanksgiving is an annual American Federal holiday to express thanks for one's material and spiritual possessions. What is the most important spiritual possession one might have? Family! There is nothing more important in the whole wide world than your family. This is the exact reason why we fell in love with this family.

A couple of weeks ago we received a call that went something like this:
-Hello, this is Tony.
-Hi Tony, I am looking for a photographer to take some portraits of my family on this date. Are you available by any chance?
-Great! We are available and would love to be of help.
You get the idea, it was a regular inquiry, but what immediately stood out to me is the phrase at the end of our conversation - There is going to be a lot of us and we just LOVE each other!

Fast forward to the day of the shoot. Picture this - cold rainy day with no prospect of sunshine (according to forecast) - we are supposed to start the shoot with a game of touch football. You can imagine what was going through our head ... Once we were inside the house with our cameras set and ready to shoot we looked at each other with these huge smiles on our faces. Why the smiles? It was the "scent" of FAMILY that was in the air. Sorry, but this is the best way I can describe it. The amount of love and joy shared was overwhelming. Right then and there we knew that we'd hit the jackpot and there was nothing that could stop this family and us from having a blast together :)

The day was so-well planned out, from a hockey game early in the morning to some football, to a balloon toast...to some awesome turkey preparation (deep-frying! yes!)...to a lovely dinner.

The girls are looking at the balloons flying high in the sky right after the balloon toast

We love this simple moment between father and son that will be treasured forever.

Stephanie and the gang! This Thanksgiving was twice as special for us than usual, we truly felt like a part of your big happy family. You've touched our lives with your love and warmness (is that a word?), and for that we are so thankful! Please, keep up the good work and we hope your tradition is not going to be forgotten like some others and will stand the test of time through generations to come.
Please, enjoy this slideshow and visit the entire gallery from the day here.

Maine Strobist Shoot Part 2

Here is another set of images from the Strobist shoot we attended in Maine in November.

To see the entire gallery click here.

Jaimison+Julie

This happy couple tied the knot a week ago, and I was honored to be a part of their big day thanks to my friend and a talented photographer Bob Pattison. We worked together before, and everything about shooting a wedding with him is enjoyable. If it wasn't for the camera in his hands, it would've been so easy to mistaken him for a regular guest - great attitude, lovely smile and astonishing calmness. In one word - impressive :)
I'm posting some of my favorites from the day, but you should definitely check out his blog for more.

Jaimison was very emotional during the ceremony what made my heart melt...

No spying!

I love this image, it makes me think :) I don't remember what the toast was about, but it clearly made each of them travel in time and remember something from the past or dream about the future...

Very ready for that cake!

What about this cute face?

Kessa in South Boston

Full write up to follow soon. For now, kindly enjoy these images :)

Our Girl is 3!!!

3 years ago on a cold November morning we rushed to BWH in Boston to have our lives changed forever. On that amazing day a little princes was born into our world and what do you know, she is the best thing that ever happened to us! Can you really beleive it?! Our little bundle of joy then is a little miss now - she just turned 3!!!

3 years ago ...

This picture explains it all. They don't call it labor for nothing, right!? Tony was very active in the delivery room, and at some point the doctor even asked to pass him one of the tools or something during delivery, it was very cute. The next day I left the room, and here is what I saw when I returned. I adore this image, it is my 2d favorite from our hospital set (the 1st one exposes Tony crying like a baby holding his little bundle of joy) After Tony's parents saw this picture they humorously suggested to explain who, in fact, was giving birth. Tony's explanation went like this - I worked very hard in that delivery room, so I deserve some down time too!!! :)

a couple of months ago ...

We have a huge print of this image on the wall right between the 1st and 2d floor, I smile every day looking at it as I'm running up and down the stairs

We have so much fun together

a couple of days ago ...

Yay! presents!

3!

Maine Strobist Shoot

If you are a photographer, than you have probably heard of Strobist. If you are not a photographer, than this probably won't mean much to you, but don't leave just yet, as we have some cool images down below. Strobist is a site dedicated to off camera lighting and nothing else. In a short couple of years it has become the mecca of information about flash photography, so if you are interested in creative lighting head on over there and spend as much time there as possible :)

Anyhow, about a week ago we attended a photographers get together in Maine that was put together by our fellow strobisters (that sounds weird...) Mark, Andrew and Nate. Guys, thanks a ton for organizing such an awesome event. So, last Saturday morning me, Anna, Doug, James and Shyla rented a minivan and drove all the way to Topsham, ME for the event. I have heard several people say that they hadn't had that much fun in a long time and I would have to agree with that. It was wicked fun! Alsmost 30 photographers, a dozen models, professional make up artists, loads of awesome lighting gear...what else does a photographer need! :) Thanks to everyone who showed up and made this event a success! Can't wait for the next one. If you are interested in attending one of these in the future, make sure you check this site and check it periodically. Well, here are some images that I had a chance to edit, more to come in a couple of days.

Allison

Cody

Kessa

Ginger Cricket

Cassa

Ashley

A Happy Family: Revisited

This blog post comes right on time, because today is a big day for one of our past clients -a wonderful mommy whom I proudly call friend. We bonded the minute we met, so our business relationship almost instantly transitioned into a personal one. I couldn't be happier that our paths have crossed and we stay in touch, because I have such adoration for this family. Happy Birthday, Betina! We wish you a lifetime of unconditional love and happiness, a zillion of laughs and smiles...and may your family always stay strong and healthy!

Not so long ago we were invited for dinner and some family fun. Betina wanted us to try some Dominican food, and as it turned out, she knew all about my love for potatoes (thank you, Tony :)) I couldn't believe that she chose several recepies that included potatoes just for me, and I thank her for that! The food was absolutely delicious and we all had such a great time playing, chatting and simply enjoying each others company.

Here are some pictures that surely won't prove you otherwise :)
I hope that the next time we get together I will be able to learn some martial arts from the kids, can't wait!

JJ patrolling

Ohh, these games require such concentration, but bring so much joy !

Time to eat the cake!

I wonder what JJ was thinking about...

DiDi feels very comfortable here

What a cutie!

BFFs

Have a great Birthday, darling, I'm sure the kids have some killer presents for you :)

I love you guys and hope to see you soon! And now, Cheers :)