Progress Report

I'm in a somewhat unusual career. 

I know that I've developed and become a better photographer as my experience has grown, but it's hard to... Prove it? Every wedding is different, every venue is different, so it's hard to look at old photos and new photos and know what change is me, and what change is circumstantial.

Which is why I love the events I photograph for UConn every spring. Not only are they often in the same venue year after year, but quite often the same people speak, wearing the same regalia. It's a rare chance to compare apples to apples.

I especially wanted to compare this year because I made a substantial change, switching from ambient light/bounce flash to using a remotely-triggered flash on a stand. It's not a huge change, but I feel like it makes a real difference. 

Just a little something I thought was interesting! Next week more adorable couples, or possibly a baby.

Coming of Age at Hillstead

This Saturday I got to hang out with Andrew and his family and friends for his Bar Mitzvah. We had such a good time! 

The ceremony took place at Congregation Beth Israel, which has to be one of the most beautiful venues I've ever worked in. Just stunning.

I caught up with them again at the Hillstead Museum for the party that evening. It was a great time with great food...

...fun party games...

...and the traditional Bar Mitzvah celebrations.

I had so much fun and, as with my first Bat Mitzvah last fall, I was so impressed by Andrew's maturity and by the whole celebration.

Then, as a perfect little cap to the night, I stepped outside to take a breath... And looked up to see this view.

Husky Weekend

This time of year, I cover a handful of events for my alma mater, UConn, specifically the School of Business. Unlike most of my work, I can't share that many photos from the events, but I always make sure to get a few more artistic photos.

The first was the UConn Risk Management Conference in Stamford. 

It's no coincidence that this time of year I often start double checking my insurance policies, and buying extra backup batteries...

The second was the EMBA graduation, at the beautiful Society Room in Hartford. I love any excuse to work in this gorgeous old building.

It's also a lot of fun, because I have been working with the EMBA program long enough that I took headshots for these graduates back when they showed up for the first day of class two years ago. 

Is it weird to say I enjoy watching them grow up when they're all older than me? Maybe, but it's still fun.

Mazel Tov!

This Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing my first bat mitzvah. I got incredibly lucky - not only is she a beautiful, confident young woman, but her family was extremely helpful in guiding me through everything. 

It was a beautiful ceremony. There was an unusual treat: No cameras allowed during the real deal, so I got to photograph the rehearsal (which I was free to interrupt, pause, and pose), and then to actually sit and enjoy the real ceremony. I love that there is an emphasis placed not only on spiritual growth, but also on working to improve this world in concrete, practical ways. 

Following the ceremony was a reception with great food, great music (a live klezmer band!), and an opportunity to take a photo that I suspect every event photographer looks forward to taking at some point.

You know the one.

It was a great time, and it's something I hope I can do more of in the future.