David Toth Photography

meet my friend Summer

2008-12-03T19:00:00.001-05:00

Hey no pictures?

I have a lot of pics of summer but I really want you to visit her site instead of hanging around here.

I did this shoot a little while ago with my good friend Summer, she is a fashionista and was/is a very talented designer as well. She has worked for all of the top names, and you might even be wearing something she designed right now.

Anyway she is stepping out on her own and started a personal styling business.
Lucky for me she is my friend and will be helping me out. I sure need it.
Although after all the press she is getting lately I might have to be patient and get in line.

Check it out!
I rocked all of the photos on there. She rocked the style.

Her blog is also helpful. And popular.

Ok just one.

Meet Summer

Joe Iurato

2008-12-01T10:56:00.001-05:00

Meet my friend Joe

For me he is one of the most talented artists I know in real life. I mean I know there are great artists, but I can eat dinner with Joe. That is when he invites me over which lately with his new baby boy has been a while. I also get to call Joe one of my best friends. I haven't met anyone who can draw with their opposite right hand (he is lefty) using a mouse and just nail the art first try. That's just one of many things, the list is long. His talents are multifaceted. He can do anything beyond well, and when he focuses on it for more than a month, well then its just amazing.

I actually have a really talented group of friends, I am so lucky. Its really one of the driving reasons I made it to where I am now. Having all of them to draw from. I am so lucky.

So last night I had the honor of being invited over for some amazing clams and some shrimp and pasta (he is also a world class chef) and of course some amazing Longboard Syrah.
After dinner we headed into his garage to "make art"
Of course I watched, I cannot "make art"
He has been stenciling for a while but he has had a resurgence now that he as found a lamp for his garage, and his son sleeps nicely now without the need for constant vigil.

Here is "the garage" setup

The tool box

the workbench

the artist at work

the testing wall, and spray can check

close to finished

quality control

trim to fit

SO there you have it. Joe is having a gallery show in Bridgeport Connecticut this friday the 5th.

I highly recommend you come and pick up some art. The pieces are really going to be fantastically awesome. Some pieces of course are just outrageous and I have to have them. I have lots of Joe art all over my house. I am really lucky.

You can be lucky too.

click the banner for the link to Joe's announcement on his blog
Click here for his blog proper

pick up some longboard while your at it

Dawn and Relentless

2008-11-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

Hey its been a non stop couple of months with so much to write about and no time.
I will do up this one because its hot.
Last Friday/Saturday for a massive amount of hours and at an unhealthy hour I was shooting a new clothing company catalog. Also did some behind the scenes stuff for the record. Friday ended at 2am and I was one of the lucky ones who got to sleep till 7am ish the next day. I was unlucky though because I then had to stand in 20 degree weather for about 5 hours shooting some climbing stuff for the site.

Check it out, they are planning to launch this black friday so keep your eye locked for it.

Dawn and Relentless

Some of my behind the scene stuff made it to some blogs.
ne2c
the parent company

and I also made it onto one of my favorite sports/action/fashion/ type shooter
Tim Kemple
check out his stuff, its always good.

Amy and Colin

2008-10-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

Wow whats is up everyone!
Its been wayyy too long since my last blog.
I have been on an extremely busy pace the last month or so.
We have LOTS to blog about.

First up is Amy and Colin.
They had a perfect day at a really great location.
Davids Country Inn in Hackettstown
they had a rocking reception with almost non stop dancing, it was so hot in there!

Here is the slideshow!

Matt and Megan

2008-09-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

What can I say.
my camera takes to me to fantastic and awesome locations.
I get to spend time with people in love.
I get to document said love.
I get to meet the people they want to share in the documentation.

Its fabulous.
I am the luckiest.

Click here for the Slideshow!!

Hey everyone!

2008-09-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

SO we are heading for Hatteras NC for a super intimate awesome wedding.
I am beyond blessed and humbled that I was chosen.
You can call and email me, just wont be able to see you in person until monday.

I am going to be facebooking a bunch so check it out.

I am cram packed with things to do, I will be taking a meeting on the way down to eventually solidify the entire look here. Some of you have seen and used some of the new features and I am hoping to tie it all together soon.

October is going to be my busiest month.
November is looking to be my quietest (getting some climbing trips in hopefully)
December I have a wedding that is just going to be ridiculous (in a really good way) I cannot wait for that one.

See Ya!

fashion

2008-09-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, one of my dear friends just started a new blog.
Check it out!
What would Summer wear

Carm and Cat

2008-09-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

Hey, well here it is.
I have known Carmine for quite some time. We have gone on some amazing climbing adventures.
Our crew of climbing friends are inseparable, (even if we don't get to climb as much as we want to anymore) We have helped each other in any way possible and will always have each others backs.
Cat, you are an amazing person. Every where we go people just hug you. You almost require it as your form of communication. Whenever I am around you I cannot help but smile. I find the hugging thing awkward sometimes with others, but not with you.

Love you both.

Oh yea

Check out the Slideshow...

fav shot

2008-09-03T22:07:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I am getting ready to unleash!
I have three jobs I need to blog here.
Check out this kick ass ring shot we did at the last wedding, a 10 dollar staples led flashlight is my new friend. I cant wait to break it out again. I really had it in my bag of tricks for something totally different, a spark of inspiration and viola I went from something lame to dramatic.
Thanks to Cindy for sticking it in the bag, and letting me steal it from her in the first place.

Stay tuned for a completely new look soon.

That week flew by

2008-08-22T22:49:00.000-05:00

Wow where does the time go?

Cheryl and David, a fantastic event.
I had a really great time doing this one.
My right hand associate (hero) really did an out of the park job. I couldn't have done it without him.
Literally

So check out the show!
I am in the middle of changing alot of things around here.
The slidshows are one of them

Hey everyone

2008-08-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

I am so behind in blogging.
The last wedding was fantastic!
And yet there were challenges, my car died on the way there, then I lost my wallet and my house keys.
SO of course I am dealing with all of that, getting all of my replacement items, some of course easy, some take hours(the dmv), and trying to get my car back on the road.

Its all good, I am just behind. Its not like I wont catch up or things wont happen I just need time.

Jasper, anytime

2008-08-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

Meet Jasper.
He has amazing neck muscles, and fantastic hair.
Both of his parents are really really nice people. I always enjoy any amount of time I get to spend with them. I was lucky enough to get invited over this sunday and was honored that they considered me to capture some moments with little J.

Just a couple while the rest are still cooking in lightroom.

Wow

2008-07-29T22:19:00.000-05:00

All I can really say is a very large piece of my puzzle was given to me today.
I am really not good at being inquisitive asking questions and such, I think my quality is making the leap to go and listening. Always at some point the golden nugget appears that i was not even thinking about.
the aha moment.

And then we went downstairs to the wine cellar...

I cannot put into words

2008-07-28T21:59:00.000-05:00

Where my head is at right now. I am in my hotel room. I am trying to get my head right for tomorrow. (chocolate, coffee, water) yea the wines have been flowing. I am in a good place. I am beyond words Tuesday is a 12 hour learning day. I need to be focused.
I know where I want to go.
I am so glad i am here

ear to ear grin

if you really want to stalk me

2008-07-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

I dunno why I never posted this before.
Actually its because I just found the time to start using it. I registered early to save my name, but like always just let it sit there. It wasnt until recently when one of my wedding friends added me as a friend, then the wave came on when all my other friends saw me I had to catch up.
So I am using this alot and will be posting about my adventures here also

Facebook

next week

2008-07-26T15:54:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody, I will be in ATL next week until wednesday, meeting a true wedding master.
Denis Reggie. I am beyond psyched. It wouldnt be possible without all of your support. I plan on bringing back some insane knowledge and skillz. Denis is really one of the top wedding photojournalists, maybe the top. I have been following his work for a long time. I will try to post some things during my trip. I have been so lazy lately hopefully a change of place will energize me.

From your end it will look like I am not gone, email and web stuff and phones all work there...
:)
I just wont be able to meet you in person.

Things are changing here and really exciting things right around the corner.

See Ya!

Amy and Colin breakin the ice

2008-07-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

I always forget that I can put the slideshows right in my blog here, I am kinda lazy and its a whopping three extra steps...
Amy and Colin, I love that we walked right in and just started. And you trusted me to pick a decent spot. I never shot there,and its really 5 mins from my house, but scoped it out the day before. Its has a lot of really nice nooks to get some really great looks dont ya think?

Looking forward to your super special day in October!

new addition to the world

2008-07-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

Connor!

Loved meeting this clan. Really super fun people and I felt instantly like I was supposed to be there, and welcomed beyond expectation. Meeting people like this, how could I not love this "job"

A great family and lil' Connor has a fun future with awesome parents.

Slideshow!

Later
the shadow

Hill country BBQ

2008-07-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

Just got back form the Launch party of Hill Country BBQ in the city. They are now doing all kinds of catering for parties and events, on and off location.
A great idea for the more casual wedding and really fun events
Check It

the PB&J cupcakes are beyond fantastic. Out of control good.
Of course we got to try every single rib/meat/salad.
Everything top notch.

Thanks to the wedding salon
and 4pm events for putting it together and inviting me!

See Ya

Cheryl and David anytime

2008-07-14T21:29:00.000-05:00

Cheryl and David's trip through the arboretum.
It was great finally meeting you Dave and getting to know each other. I cant wait for your wedding, your fun easy going people. With great smiles and great looks to boot!
A great spot

click here

My Inlaws Pets

2008-07-07T21:43:00.002-05:00

Who knew that when I married into this family, my wifes parents would become a pet rescue haven. I certainly didnt. They had owned many animals before but never were really into the whole indoor pet full time thing, and now the pets they have are really not pets but more like little children. Completely spoiled (but well behaved) Treated like royalty.

Meet Kiki: The previous owner abused poor kiki. The usual physical type stuff, throwing, flyswatters, etc. Nowadays Kiki is the princess of the hill. Number one to her mommy, Kiki is the most spoiled. But the most loving. She loves kisses.

Chances are if you spend ten minutes with Kiki this is what you will be seeing.

Meet Skippy: The most rescued of the three. A junkyard dog(literally) A little blind, a little deaf, was almost poisoned to death from antifreeze at the yard. On his last leg but of course now living a mega cush life. He gets lotsa love. I must say since I have known Skip, this last time I saw him he was actually jumping around and playing for the first time. He was nipping me and doing the doggy lunges at me. Totally psyched to see that. Lucky dog.

Meet Thomas: What? a cat!? The last people I would have seen with a cat, and an indoor cat? C'mon. It seems like down south once you are not a puppy or a kitten its see ya later pally. Almost starved to death and flea riddled when the rents decided enough of him hanging around the yard and took him inside for good. It appears like Tom is really a rare breed of Tabby cat with all the right colors and no flaws, well maybe one black whisker.

Nowadays if you spend any time around Tom this is what he enjoys doing most. Saved from the trials and tribulations of hunting for food he no longer has any worries at all. Probably the most well mannered cat I have ever met. He lets you do whatever to him. A hint of tail flick and then back to sleep.

Ok I guess those are my cousins? Or something
Had a great relaxing weekend. Some fireworks shots later on this week.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-02T19:06:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I am making the annual trek upstate to the Catskills. Cindy's parents have a house up there and we always spend the 4th of July weekend there. Well when we are not working anyways. We have not missed too many in the 14 or so years we have together.

Anyway Internet is non existent and Cell service is in one spot on top of the neighbors hill.
I will be trekking up there twice a day to check my phone messages, so if you need something. anything call me instead of email.
If the weather holds out any hope I will be making a trip or two to the Gunks for some sweaty hot climbing.

Ok

Have a great weekend. I will be back monday!

Wine Train!

2008-06-29T18:23:00.001-05:00

This weekends adventure was the Warren County Wine train

If your into great white wines I suggest taking this short but nice trip.

The train ride starts in Phillipsburg NJ and heads for about 20-30 mins then stops, a short bus ride and your at Alba winery. The train is basic, no a/c or heat so dress accordingly.

The winery is casual and the wines are all really really good. Under priced I might even say.
The home runs are their Rieslings and their dessert wines. Although only maybe one of the dozen we sampled were not to my liking.

The train ride is also worth looking into if you have kids, they run a bunch of winter runs all Disney inspected. The Polar express. I heard it was really popular. Check it out!

Steam engine, made in China

Below our tour guide, its run by all volunteers, the mechanic is the only one paid.

Tickets Please!

Alba winery tour, "these are grapes"

Lots of grapes

Cindy trying to look like she cares, its ok I know you were sick. And wine is not really her thing

Me on the other hand... "how many can we fit on the bus?"

The friend/photographer /wine enthusiast we went with.
Honestly we both tried to sit down and chat with our wives. Lasted all of maybe two seconds

When you get back to town its right after lunch, there are a couple really nice cafe's right there. Check them out. We ate at cafe verde. Good food. BYOB

The End.

A couple from last weekend

2008-06-22T20:51:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody just a couple from a recent pool party
Carpe Diem!

Emo baby just really needs some food

See !

I see you looking Pam, no worries I have a disk for ya, and I am planning on making my triumphant return to the climbing gym on Tuesday!

For you photogs looking these were processed using the new totally rad actions
TRA2 the revenge
wish you were here!

this wekend

2008-06-15T13:51:00.001-05:00

I shot some video for another photographer. He is in the works of totally revamping his website. Actually his entire life. He is moving from here to Atlanta. He is about to make a big splash in that area for sure.
Anyway John it was a blast following you around all day and now that your leaving the area I am going to be using your signature shot (j/k)
I hope I caught enough of you in action to make it work. I am certainly not a vid master.

So the reception was at the Salt Creek Grill I didnt see Billy Joel or Bruce Springsteen but probably drove past his house on the way there, although following a local you really dont get to slow down to see the sights.
I had the Salmon (which I would never do at a reception) but when in a place where seafood is what they specialize in you almost have to get it. It was fantastic, especially for a reception. I would definitely check them out if your into good food as a detail in your event. I actually got to eat with the guests. Top notch place

D&D

2008-06-06T21:06:00.001-05:00

A select few of my very favs from the super fantastic wedding in Lancaster!
The wedding was at a large family estate so of course details were a plenty.

above getting ready, she just meditated and let the girls work the magic

below the ring bearer getting ready

Old chair like from a castle

comfy (but still elegant) shoes are a must when motoring around a huge estate

C'mon a covered bridge?

ring bearer in action

right as the ceremony was in full swing the neighbors drove by

could be one of my favoritist
or the one below...

Dan and Danielle I feel so blessed that I was there to be a part of capturing the really special day you had. Everything was awesome and it was fun, the best part about having a wedding at your own place is the ability to just be flexible with the times.
loved it

Check out the slideshow!

I edit better

2008-06-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

How great is my "job" when I get to bring home probably one of the greatest wedding gifts ever.
Beer! Not just any beer but a home brew. Not just any old home brew but a dam good one at that. That editing sesh was a breeze, flew through a bunch of pics I am posting tommorow
SO the only thing I am now is sad because it is all gone...

next time life isnt going your way

2008-06-01T13:53:00.001-05:00

Just imagine that you are blessed and very fortunate if you are reading this.

homebrewz

2008-05-25T22:43:00.001-05:00

Homebrewz

A rep from the quality control department was on scene

Making sure the grooms pour was up to standards

I must say having just finished mine while on the couch here downloading pics, I give it rave reviews. It was as good as any premium beer (or better) Refreshing!

off to lancaster

2008-05-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

Super excited about this next wedding. Stay tuned.
I will be gone even when I come back sunday, need to get outside for some real rock climbing.

Sunday eve I hope to be hangin with my boy Hudson
Then monday find some of my crew members to hit the gunks.

See Ya
Dave

2008-05-17T22:28:00.001-05:00

Mike and Renee, your day was fabulous. Days like these warm my heart and reaffirm that I am in love with what I do. The only thing I wished for was more time. I could have spent many hours in the gardens but I think we got some good ones.
Thank you for your gracious and generous hospitality.

The amazing people who made it all come together
The stylists: Gloss Style
The Rings: antiqueengagementrings
Flowers: By Yukie
Dress: Brides and Grooms
The awesome location: Winterthur Estate
also they have a wedding blog

no photoshopping on the above pic, thats just plain old fashion good looks

no photoshopp.... :)

my first try at texture overlay

a cindy pic of course

sometimes you stumble into a great spot

I could post up another dozen or two or three of my favorites but these are it for now

Mike and Renee

2008-05-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

V2.0

The main event
It was a location to die for. The flowers burst open at exactly the right moment, 1 day before the event. The weather was holding out and it did, creating that perfect soft overcast light.
Wow

Click for the show

Stay tuned for me coming back here and doing this blog proper

Colin a sneak peek

2008-04-24T23:28:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you walk into a baby sesh and you just know its not happening. Other times you just don't have enough hours to spend shooting. This was obviously the latter.

Candee & Kevin, you have created a little piece of heaven. A lovely family and I enjoyed every second. Looking forward to doing this again.

Rachel and Bruce

2008-04-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

First off let me thank you for choosing me to document your awesome day, the weather was perfect, chilly but that just made us less apt to stand around. The location where they got ready was perfect and facing the sunny side so the light was great. The 7am start was rough but who is complaining when you get to hang out with people you want to be with. Not like going to a job. I get to have fun! Especially when the father of the bride is a laugh riot. Loved him.

Some of the awesome vendors they chose
Stylist: Vanity & Mascara
Dress: Arlene's Bridal
Flowers: Petals Premier
Rings: Helzberg
The DJ that kept us moving: The Pro's
and of course The Oakside mansion

A few of my favorites:

Hmm what did i forget, nothing. Very well organized bride with impeccable timing

Handsome Groom

"Brides in elevators"
always create a scene

Speaking of scene, she owned the lobby heading for the limo.
None of these onlookers are in the wedding

For the entire goodness check out the
Slideshow

Yum

2008-04-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

I like wine, my friend got me hooked a few years back and now I am obsessed.
So I had this one the other night, thanks to a recent 6 month old I photographed there happened to be a very nice wine store on the drive home. Now maybe it was because I have been working non stop and haven't been able to sample but I cruised the store checking the shiraz section since its my new fav, I picked this one. I dunno but I think I hallucinated as I was relaxing having dinner after two weeks of madness. It was heaven. Not the greatest wine but it really hit home. Maybe it was the reward of jobs accomplished or just being over tired.
A good evening sunday night was

Soo tired

2008-04-20T22:36:00.001-05:00

2 weddings and a 6 month old baby sesh.
I am beat, see the post below for one of the slideshows, more to come soon.
I might be tired but I feel beyond blessed to have this couple choose me.
anyway click the pic below!

Rachel and Bruce
Thanks!

Slideshow!

2008-04-17T22:11:00.001-05:00

Click the pic
or click here for the slideshow!

Climbing Comp

2008-03-29T00:44:00.001-05:00

Comps are fun to watch and photograph.
Lots of action, spills and this comp is always the best.
Big show
Big problems
These are just the qualifiers, but I find I can get the best pics during these because its usually not crowded. I get to move around and get a good angle.

Hmm all but one are girls. It appeared this year the girls had the best problems to photograph. Not to mention I showed up right in the middle of all the ladies qualifiers. Its too bad there is no career type money to be made. I do it for the publicity and keeping my name out there. And of course the sport is something near to my heart. So I give back to it. Well I cant say there isnt career type money, but I would rather sleep in a bed than in a tent or on a couch, or on a mountain. Basically you have to dedicate most of your life to be able to make decent coin.
http://www.myspace.com/ne2c

Hey there!

2008-03-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone, Logan's super duper first birthday was a little while back.
It was right before I left for WPPI.
Time is still a luxury for me but here a just a few.

The place was a real train station!

Ok more later, ( they are done I just have no time to blog em)
I seem to keep adding to the image pile.
Major climbing comp this weekend so lots to do!

fascinating

2008-03-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

Found this post on Joe Photos blog and like him I find how the brain works fascinating. Its a 19 minute clip I think you will not turn off.

Leaving today!

2008-03-15T10:40:00.002-05:00

I wll be leaving today (saturday) for VEGAS!
Heading for one of the largest wedding trade shows ever.
AND a great seminar given by the great Dane Sanders.
I will be returning tuesday and as soon as I land I will be right back at it, bringing back a bagfull of knowledge and a clearer vision of where I want to take this adventure.

And maybe some photo toys!!

Hudson

2008-03-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

Contemplation

got sumthin to eat?

Of course I will by stylin, my crew requires it

later skater

tonights lesson

2008-03-06T19:39:00.000-05:00

Listening is Learning.

Sometimes all you have to do is make an effort, buy a lunch, and show up.
Smile and be quiet.

Thanks Coach, learned a ton today.

second thing tonight

2008-03-02T22:42:00.001-05:00

"99% of the time, in my experience, the hard part about creativity isn't coming up with something no one has ever thought of before. The hard part is actually executing the thing you've thought of."

someone is obviously telling me something. I just keep stumbling across these quotes that have similar painful connotations. Painful in that I am still sitting here not getting things done. Well almost not true I did make a list of ideas that I want to do on actual paper, not just floating around in my head to be forgotten until a customer reminds me that I had an idea for that.

thanks to Seth Godin

lifted

2008-03-02T20:46:00.002-05:00

Yea I am totally lifting this post from Joe Photo
As I sit here on a sunday night with just hundreds of ideas running through my head, all I did was laundry and some dishes. I have a long list of ideas I need to implement so I can make the vision come true. I need to actually start doing some of them.
here is the post from Joe Photo

"Rule Eight... for a Better Way to Live:

Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. This applies to play as well as work. A day merely survived is no cause for celebration. You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine. No more busy work. No more hiding from success. Leave time, leave space, to grow. Now. Now! Not tomorrow!"

power of light

2008-02-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

The vertigo must be mind bending, when I first saw this post, I thought they might be on the side or a top platform. It didn't even occur to me that of course there was a bulb at the top of the pole.
Watching him visualize the shot even before he has any idea of what is up there is fascinating.

In need of video?

2008-02-27T23:21:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend visiting this site.

workflow

2008-02-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

Testing workflow options so I can blog faster and when you copy my images to your blog(which i totally ok) now my name and logo follow! So hey you get to use a cool pic and of course your friends find me!

My newest lil buddy

2008-02-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

I love coffee

2008-02-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

Coffee, I love it. I can have a cup around 11pm and hit the sack no problem.

I have really cut back over the last 5 years or so but I used to have hmm several cups a day.
Now maybe two.

On most normal days I am not a morning person. Noon is just about when I about get my personality in order.

Here is where I get my fix.MMmm dont mind if I do right now...

I forgot to mention my favorite flava.
A good friend of mine once proclaimed this one is soo good its better than sex.
click the pics to go there

gym rat

2008-01-26T00:08:00.000-05:00

Come join Logan and me for a day at the rock climbing gym, if you think you can keep up.

I think I can send this

Just remember I am only 9 1/2 mnths old

And were off and runnin

Luv my kicks

my mom can keep up and she loves me alot

Wow

2008-01-10T07:05:00.000-05:00

I am so behind, I have this low level cold that is just waiting for me to make a mistake. The holidays were busy for me. I finally got these pictures done! It was alot to go through, most ever for me.

This wedding was awesome, the time of year, the locations, the people in it.
The location: The Park Savoy really really nice
florist: the garden shop, montclair
the dress: Kleinfields designer: Justina McCaffrey
Stylist: Tania Fuse Salon- Randolph, NJ
Time machine for the band/dj of course they are great
the video company was great and I highly recommend them, they were saving me all day, i was really tired and they kept me in the game all day. Creative Unlimited

Ok check out the Slideshow!!

See Ya!
Stay tuned for more

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

Yep its 2008.
I guess I should post up some resolutions here to make it official like.
Some of you know what type of person I am so if you do you know I am not a "resolution" type guy, for the most part I just put my head down and get at what needs to be done. In certain areas of my life though I am very complacent, lots of unfinished home projects and stuff.

SO I suppose I should start with that.
1. Try to be less complacent, and actually finish projects I start.

2. Be less pessimistic in my personality, it serves me well but sometimes people think I am depressed when in reality I am very very happy.

3. Less web surfing and more of resolution #1. Its easy to get off what I went to the computer to search for and end up on some climbing site or shopping for nothing, checking email....
whoa! three hours have passed?!

4. Take this business to the next level.

5. Figure out why I cant remember peoples names at all, need to work on that.

6. Oh yea, the goof resolution. Learn French

Here is to dreaming big in 2008!
See Ya

Wow!

2007-12-31T17:22:00.000-05:00

I just never have enough time, maybe that will be a new years resolution. Make more time!
latest wedding was absolutely stunning. The weather was perfect. Locations, perfect.
I just (and i mean just) got finished downloading all the cards. I ran through and picked out just a few of the ones that I liked.
Here we go!
See ya next year(wacka wacka)

Hey!

2007-12-23T00:37:00.000-05:00

4th of July weekend just opened back up again for me.
I know I know its my wife's favorite, actually, only holiday she truly recognizes.
She doesn't like that it is a popular weekend for weddings.

I must be crazy but I went shopping today, it wasn't that nuts out there.
Luckily I only went for for item. I love the internet and have been shopping online for a long time.
But the last couple years I have been just lagging behind and having to run out at the last minute because I just cant get in the shopping mode.

Happy holidays everyone!!

2007-12-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

You are not this hip

You don't have this much fun losing

you are not this cute

Its Ok you've got time to work on it

holiday rush

2007-12-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

Its a rush around this time of year no matter what I am involved in. The weather is perfect for really hard climbing, so trying to get out as much as possible but also trying to cram as much work in as possible, and then trying to be creative in my gift giving. Parties. Ahh its crazy.
Just never enough hours in the day, and or hours in my body to stay awake.

Any way a couple sneak pics of a recent mitzvah, it was not my job so I can only post a couple.

needless to say this is how the party started, off the chain
who knew being a party photographer was dangerous
luckily someone actually warned me ahead of time

Mass chaos free for all at the candy table, me and the guy next to me had to hold the table from falling over onto us.

Mitzvahs are fun but sometimes way stressful if the kids are outta control, luckily these kids were really great.

wedding trends

2007-11-17T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, hope everyone is gearing up for a great holiday season.
While most wedding photogs are done I still have two more events before the end of the year.
Well , for me I could say its the beginning. Or the middle, or something like that.
So any way I see some new trends since I have officially returned.
Some say engagement sessions, but I remember doing them from way back, and learning from some masters, so thats not new. Whats new is its made its way into the average wedding.
Digital makes it very easy to take lots of pictures
For me and for most I now consider an E sesh a must do. So many benefits. Ask me why.

Trash the dress. Haven't done one yet. Kind of a specialty type thing.

But the trend I am most interested in is the day after. A day after session, consider this, you have scheduled no time for a real thorough sesh for the bride and groom. Or its bad weather, or something happened, or the location was so so.
The day after, why not? You still have all the clothes out, most likely your way more relaxed. Less time constraints. Freedom to move around.

Want to do this?
Let me know, I will offering some as a trail basis to see how it works and how I can work it into my schedule.
Keep it in mind if something goes awry, it is an option.

SeeYa!

2007-11-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

"Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love." -claude monet

Rachel and Bruce v2.0

2007-11-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

Ok here we go.
I really had fun doing these pics! Very easy and relaxed and nice conversation, which continued well after the sesh ended at the local burger joint.
The wind was crazy! A constant I would say 20 mph at the monument, and who knows what the gusts were. Even ducking down to the lower areas didn't give us much cover. The reason I love this job. Never boring.

Slideshow!!

Back up!

2007-11-03T09:51:00.000-05:00

The company we host our sites with decided to sell and not tell the customers anything. All of our sites went down. No email or anything, of course they turned of the phone number, we were/are helpless. Of course we are moving everything. Still in the process of getting everything over to the other company.
SO while its still not perfect and we may have more outages for a couple days everything is working for now...

Please resend any emails!
I got three this morning, I know that cant be right.

of course a nightmare

2007-11-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

Web hosting companies stink!!
Its a nightmare, the company we use to host sold it. Phone number doesnt work, and all of our sites are down. So there is no way to know exactly what is going on. Power failure, moving servers, etc.
SO of course we are moving.
In the next couple 8 hours or so our main sites should be back.
BUT all of those emails sent since i would say thursday night are gone for now.
I got I think 5 from my climbing site, and none from DTP this morning when I checked it.
All the forum posts on my climbing site, GONE (hopefully not forever)

How hard would it be to send out a mass email to your customers saying hey maybe you should back up stuff now. You don't even have to say why. Ughh.

Rachel and Bruce

2007-11-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

One pic for now, they are all finished and a sweet slideshow is made, but since everything is still in webspace limbo...

Well something is wrong

2007-11-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

All of our websites are down, (its quite a few) I wish I knew more as to why.
No email, nothing...

if you need me you have to call me. 973.865.9172
hopefully soon we will be back.

I apologize for any delays.

Mike and Renee

2007-10-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

Another fantastic "E sesh" this one in my home area, minnewaska state park. I have spent the last 18 years coming to this area to go climbing. Of course since there is no climbing allowed in this particular spot in the park I had no idea how easy it was to access these great locations. Right now my new favorite place.
Cant wait to shoot this wedding, they are an awesome couple and are getting married in an awesome location.

check out the slideshow

Shannon and Steve

2007-10-17T06:13:00.000-05:00

Fantastic engagement sesh. The location turned out perfect since when we stepped out of the car it was cold and windy, but when we hit the spot the wind died off and the clouds made the light perfect and the skies dramatic.
They are an awesome laid back couple.
Cant wait to shoot their wedding this December!

Back!

2007-10-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

I am back from my trip!
West Virginia is such a beautiful place. We climbed at the New river gorge. A huge gorge carved out by an ancient river (known more for its white water) but also a world class climbing destination, with a lifetime of routes.
The internet was non existent at the hotel but I manged to steal some time at breakfast at the local cafe, so I did manage to check my email and take care of that. Its hard to hold back nine other climbers when all they want to do is go climbing, not sit around and surf the web all day.

On the last day the weather was iffy so we went out bouldering(short but powerful ) instead of big routes. The pads underneath me catch my fall, rather than a rope. The guy behind me spots me and guides me onto the pad should i miss or fall out of control.
Here is a pic my friend Joe took of me.

vacation

2007-10-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Ok people, I will be in West Virginia, all next week for a little climbing trip.
everything will be normal since you will most likely be able to get me on my cell and or email I will be checking everyday.
I am bringing those last few items with me to work on. E session locations, and Logans pics.
Here is one I liked so far.
He is just a little energy ball.

Booking Online!!

2007-09-30T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hey I think I got it all done this weekend!
SO I should be all set for my vaca next week(the second week of october)
I will still have my cell phone and email so nothing will really change if anyone needs something.

I even made time to finish most of this program.

Its so much more than what you see here, when you fill out this lead form it checks my calender, then I can send you price list and tell you if I can do the job or not. Then after that you can book the date and set up a payment plan right there online. Then it sets in motion all types of triggers to keep me (and you) on track with all of the many details in weddings and even portrait sessions.
(I haven't set it up for portraits yet, but you can still use the inquire)

Album

2007-09-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

One more chunk of the pie done!

Mike and Lisa click here for their album predesign

Glad to get this one started since this means I only have to clean up one more album and I should be free to focus on engagement sessions.

Its funny

2007-09-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

How sometimes I go a week or two caught up with almost everything. When I say things I mean things for you all, I still have yet to paint my house...

But then the week I am swamped with work, everyone places album orders, I am working on a wedding and some toddler portraits, and of course its the week I am getting new software. So I have to learn that also. Just not enough hours in a week. Anyway I got to meet some idols (for me) they are rolling out a really awesome studio management program and I got to jump on it early, its going to make life much easier for me. And of course if I have more time you get more time!
I probably wont take it live for a couple weeks so stay tuned for the unveiling.

Ok so anyone waiting for me to finish stuff just know I am behind so I apologize but I should be close to caught up this weekend...

maybe I will hire someone to paint :)

Mike and Lisa

2007-09-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

What an awesome day!
I usually have a hard time sleeping before a big event and when I woke up at around 6am it was pouring rain, but when I woke again at 9 I knew it was going to be fantastic.
I know Mike from work, but I had never met Lisa so of course I was nervous. No reason to be she is stunning. Beautiful bride.
The day went off perfectly. The day turned out brilliant, the sun the temps.

So here is the slideshow!

Logan

2007-09-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

Labor day BBQ with the beast.

Logan and his eyes.

The Family portrait

Reeba the family pet (a little camera shy)

I have noticed

2007-09-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

That the more times I open my yapper and hand out a card, the more times I get more than I set out for.

Funny how that works.
All I wanted was to make sure she saw the pics I took of that day, not really out to hand out my card to catch a lead or something. Getting some press from somewhere out of the blue is of course a huge bonus.

Terrie (and Teddy) are a fixture at my favorite climbing area, they volunteer alot, which is great.
She has an excellent little shop on the web, check it out
And here is her blog where she wrote a really nice post about me.

Thanks!

Inevitable

2007-08-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Yep, I am raising my prices.
At my current rate I was really making almost zero.
I have two really awesome weddings booked right now that should really fill out the portfolio I am building. Not to mention my competition was yelling at me for undercutting. ( A huge compliment)
The last couple I met with also verified my feelings. It just happened sooner that I thought.
I love shooting weddings, but I also have to run a business.

Anyone who signed a contract, you got a deal.
Anyone I have on the fence, I will honor what I quoted.

New prices go in effect on September 8th.

Thanks to everyone helping me getting to this point.

Article

2007-08-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

Another article about my friend Joe peppered with some of my photos.
(scroll down for the english translation)

Mpix

2007-08-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

A lot of people lately have been asking me about where I get my pictures printed, and where I get those picture books.
Nowadays I get them done at places you need a business name to use but even still I use this lab.
Mpix
They are owned by a long time pro lab called Millers.
I guess the only real difference between this lab and their pro lab is that someone is not looking over your output with as fine a tooth comb as would be from the pro lab. But its really the same stuff. And its really the best quality, consistent. I have been using them since they announced they were opening the Mpix division.
They have all the neat stuff, metallic prints, photo books. Its all very top notch but at really great prices and you have no idea how fast they are. Sometimes I order on the weekends and it comes on tuesday.
Their customer service is great. I've gotten one bad photo(had a defect) they sent a replacement instantly no questions, apologized etc.
Make sure you check their blog too

Fair Time

2007-08-13T20:32:00.000-05:00

A shot from the Margaretville, NY fair July 7th.
Unfortunately I didn't have my new lens toy at the time so I had to settle for a slightly tighter crop.
I love shooting things, just all kinds of stuff but right now I so don't have the time. Years and years ago I had all the time but seriously lacking in skills and equipment. I shot alot and I have to say it advanced my real life skill level immensely, of course before the internet was as huge as it is now instead of googleing an answer, you went out and found the answer. In real time.
I would love to make a book someday of just cool photos of stuff I have seen.

So anyway this town fair brings out alotta folk. Aint much else to do so they come from all around.
My wife Cindy spent all of her summers here in the Catskills and I too have grown fond of the area, I couldn't live there but I enjoy going there often.

click here for large view

New lens!

2007-08-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

So lucky to have any water running at all in august. Usually just a drip at best, no moving water at all is the norm. Global warming?
anyway even when its been so hot for so long this is the coldest stream I have ever stood in. My legs go numb in a minute or two. Always cold.
Barkaboom falls, I believe in Andes NY.

The new lens rocks, and laughs at all other lenses before it.
click here for huge

here for my flickr site

New Lens

2007-08-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

I love getting new stuff, and so far I am beating my goals I set out to do for '07 and its still only august.
SO I get to play with a new gadget this weekend as I head off for the catskills.
New pics Monday

Philosophy

2007-07-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

I met with a wedding couple today, they asked me what my philosophy was. I had to quickly dig for a response. I mean I had an answer but was it the right answer. I guess I should start at the beginning. I stopped this dream a few years back. Honestly I was not that good, I had a really thick skull and I had the attitude that my way was the way. Since that time I have met some really talented people and got tons of help and vision from industry leaders and friends who are some of the best artists I have ever met. Now I know where I want to go, I just really haven't thought about how to explain it to people. So here is my "philosophy" I want to be the best photographer I can be. I have a massive technical base of knowledge being a camera tech for many years there is not much that scares me, I have a really solid classic portraiture style but that does not really satisfy my heart. I want to capture emotion. Hugs, tears, laughter, love. Every assignment i take I want to create something timeless, so that when they open their album decades later they still go wow. Or when they pull out that portrait it still holds weight, its not hokey. On the business end I don't want to be swamped. I want to be able to give my customers the time and attention they deserve so I can get a real feel for what they want. Sure I have been taking pictures for many many years but I feel like I am really just starting over but this time with the right tools and a deep commitment to really doing it right every step of the way.

Logan

2007-07-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Has stunning eyes.
Is only 4 1/2 months old.
Can do sit ups and push ups.
His dads nickname is walterbeast.
He is a chip off the the old block.
His mom is just a petite little flower.
His dad, while all muscle, is not really all that beastly.
If you meet them you can tell they are very proud of their boy.
They love him dearly
One for now and maybe some more later.

Videos

2007-07-19T18:56:00.000-05:00

Most wedding videos, well they are what they are. Sometimes you watch them once maybe twice and then its closet time.
There are some outstanding artists out there though, and I say if the moving visual is what moves you then do a little more research. I have been looking at this company's site in awe for a little while now.
Cinematic Studios
whats also stunning is that most of the shorts they have on their blog are same day edits meaning they show that vid at the reception!

google "wedding cinematography" if moving pictures is whats important in capturing your special day. I have yet to run across one of these types in my wedding travels.

frenchie

2007-07-13T22:37:00.000-05:00

Cruising through my pics and had to post this one. A hearder so this shot was culled from alot of misses and a bunch of photoshopping. I think what makes me different is I will spend whatever time, an hour or more getting a shot. I have ultimate patience and will just keep trying.

First real HDR

2007-07-11T23:18:00.000-05:00

4th of july the weekend after. My favorite stream, barkaboom falls in the Catskills NY.
My first real HDR image.
Click here for really large
or here for my flickr site

Thank YOU!

2007-07-10T18:26:00.000-05:00

wow a personal hand written thank you card and the cover is plastered with the wedding pics. I was very happy to get this in the mail. I always try my hardest to do my best. I live for these kinds of moments. It makes all the late night hours worthwhile.

So behind

2007-07-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

So behind in blogging. Not really busy but after the month of almost all work everyday. I have been catching up on friends and being lazy just researching and finalizing my business plan and ordering samples. Stick with me and over the next couple days I will be back here with something to look at.
2008 I need to do this.
This heat is brutal to do real work in.

Freedom!

2007-06-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

Well kind of, free from editing photos for a little while any way. Well free from editing because I have to so yea I can stop when I am tired and not have to press on until 1 or 2am. I cannot wait until I can just focus on one thing full time.
So in my "free" time i went through my vacation pics and finally got them online.
I think this is my favorite one

Slideshow

2007-06-13T22:35:00.000-05:00

Bat Mitzvah

2007-06-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

Well sort of. Some pics before hand. No pics during the actual ceremony.
My favorite portrait for now.
Stunning profile, the entire family has great looks.

After the party next weekend, a slideshow... of course.

My other "second shooter"

2007-06-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

My wife Cindy who is out with me on almost 99% of my jobs just won this photo contest!
She flies RC planes and always has a camera.
here is the link.
Her nickname is firefly.
She is awesome
Click here

My second shooter

2007-05-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

For this job was unbelievable. He really should be in the biz (any shooting biz) but he is on the fence as I was for so many years. I know in my heart that he would be great. In a certain way he actually brought back the spark in me a couple years back when he burst on the scene with an outstanding eye but no real knowledge of the mechanics. Of course I have a wealth of mechanics but only a fraction of the eye that Matt Stark has. In a small way he got me started back into this.
Here is some proof.

do yourself a favor click for a larger size

Slideshow!!

2007-05-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hey wow a sunday wedding means I am a day behind right away!
no worries I just skipped the sleeping part its such a waste of time anyway! Hannah and Josh, I truly enjoyed photographing your special day. You were blessed with perfect timing and everything went spectacularly. It was easy breezy following you two around, your such an easy going couple.
Enjoy the show everyone!
Its only my pics for now...
check it out
click here

May 20th

2007-05-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

Wow, what an elegant, special wedding event. It was an honor to be chosen to photograph it.
Hanna was so beautiful and Josh as usual his awesome self. A breathtaking location and a fine group to celebrate with.

A couple pics for now but stay tuned shortly.

click for larger

saturday

2007-05-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

I decided to stop by the flying field to snap some pics of Cindy. She had already packed up and quit flying but decided to take a few posed shots with her new large gas plane. This one is my favorite.

click for large

page "34"

2007-05-04T20:01:00.000-05:00

WOW an article about ME!
7 years ago the dream was dead. Now I am rocketing beyond whatever preconceived boundaries I had placed upon myself. I have a great team with me now and its amazing what I have learned and experienced over the past 7 years. I am no longer imagining what the next 7 years will bring because I know its not nearly a big enough vision.
I thought about something the other day.
Long after I am gone, someone somewhere will be opening up an album and reminiscing over photos I took for them. Maybe not even took for them but took of them for their parents. Maybe not even them but their kids will be going through them.
Its not about me because who cares who took them at that point.

Its on newstands now everywhere go pick it up.
Urban Climber

click for large

Busy

2007-04-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry not alot of posting here I have been busy preparing for vacation and trying to do stuff since the weather is getting nice. Unfortunately I gave away both of my advance copies of urban climber mags before I made a copy of the new article highlighting me. I will try to recover one and post the article here soon. The next few weeks will be action packed so stay tuned for a mountain of photos and the promotional machine will take another small step.

for now you can scope out my new flickr page.
flickr

More new camera testing

2007-04-15T19:22:00.000-05:00

Can you tell which one is the new point and shoot and which one is the "professional SLR"

this weekend

2007-04-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

Had fun climbing and trying out my new camera
Canon G7
I am really psyched because now I am set up with three really great cameras. Which makes two backups for me and then any second shooters I bring to jobs just adds to my redundancy.
If you think a P&S is not a viable back up, my favorite shot (see my second post) was taken as a 2mb jpeg and not only that but I completely blew the exposure. I now have sitting right next to me a 30x40 image printed on velvet that is absolutely stunning. You would be shocked if you saw the original file. I was. Back in the film days I would have cried when i saw how poor of a mistake I made. Hail digital and photoshop, both tools that have gotten me back into this game making my job that much easier and unleashing my true artistic talent which is in photoshop.
In the film era everyones work for the most part looked kinda similar I mean it was all film and pushing the artistic envelope was limited by how far you could manipulate film. Nowadays the only limitations are your imagination. Dont get me wrong it takes skill and art to create on film, but now you can further seperate your self from others by your editing skills.

here is my friend Aron on a difficult problem in the Gunks

My first cover

2007-04-11T21:57:00.000-05:00

This is from a while back but but I need something to post about...
This picture is from my first trip to Fontainebleau France, and had no idea I was "on assignment" to the degree of capturing a cover, no less the cover for the launch issue of this international climbing mag. I knew I was taking shots for a chance to get published but imagine my shock when my first published image ever was chosen for the cover.