On The Streets of NYC

Since I've moved to the east coast I've been to New York City a handful of times but never have been able to just shoot street pictures. So when I went out for the yearly Photo Plus Expo (this was my first time to attend) I met up with a Chicago friend Pete Tsai and we had the opportunity to walk around when we weren't at the show. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images I was able to capture in the city.

One of the first pics of the night. 

I don't know why but to me there's something sentimental about seeing all
the street vendors out on the streets. It just might be my love for food.
 I love that I captured this just as this guy was starting to cross the frame.
This picture wouldn't be the same without him.

I also have a thing for photographing the homeless because I know there's a story.
I absolutely love the way the light was illuminating her face and body. To me she was
beautiful. 

This definitely depicts NYC to me. Coming and going, the busyness of the city.

This guy was taking a nap in the subway station. It was very warm in there.

This is my friend Pete. Was so great to hang out together and shoot and eat
and shoot and eat and shoot and eat :)

Just a few scenes in and around the subway.

This little girl was watching I think a family member tear down the case for the night.
We were taking a stroll through China town and
dummy me was reminded by my friend that I can shoot using the live view mode
instead of having to put my camera to my eye so I wasn't so obviously taking pictures.
Love it when I learn something new!

China Town

Saw several similar signs. I wonder if this works better than lying?

A typical scene in Times Square

Another shot taken in Times Square

So this "Batmobile" was parked. Had to grab a few shots
and chat with others as we saw some interesting characters.
Why I love it there so much. 

Speaking of interesting characters. How fitting to be lugging around
3 rats on your shoulder. He does this for money so he didn't like it when you took
a picture and didn't pay. Yeah whatever. I'll still get my shot.

Sometimes being in focus is over rated. 

Ah yes, The Naked Cowboy. Luckily for him it was warm out. Will he
still be naked when it's in the 30's?

I love red hair.

Ha, this guy was sleeping standing up. I'm going to guess he
was a little inebriated. 

On our last day we took a stroll through Hell's Kitchen street flea market.
Saw some interesting things and more interesting people. 

Whenever I see pigeons in NY, I think of Sesame Street.

Did a whole photo shoot of this guy and he didn't even know it. I'm pretty sure he
had Tourettes as every few seconds he blurted out something unrecognizable between
talking to himself or.....someone.

They grow strange things in NYC. Ohhhh right, it was Halloween weekend.

Another gentleman taking a rest with what looks to be his belongings.

Shoe Shine!

Fashiony Shoot at The Abandoned Methodist Church

If you're a photographer in the Chicago area, then you most likely know of this "playground" in Gary, IN. Known as The Abandoned City Methodist Church. These images were taken while I was back visiting (we moved from IL to PA) and hanging out with a couple of my crazy photographer friends Piotr and Jeremy. I really love a fashion forward image and tried to go for that kind of look with what I had to work with. The props....all found at the location. We did not bring any extra props. Just our lovely model Jessica and what she brought for clothes. How cool is that?!!!! Well, I guess someone must have brought them in at some point. Over the years we've seen things come and go as there have been many movies, videos and photo shoots go on at this location. I miss it so much. I miss what a larger city has to provide as far as, well everything. 

I saw this torn up chair off to the side and dragged it over to use. I love it!

So many images are shot with this big window in the background
but to me this view never gets old.

I think this might be one of my favorites!

I thought this was fun for a little more pin-up'y style. 

I totally love the natural light coming in here. 

Um, yeah...I totally had to find a way to use this lamp shade!

I wish I could drag this couch to every shoot I do!

As the boys shot, I couldn't just stand around and watch. I had to make
the most of my visit!

Toward the end of our shoot I saw these doors and had to get
a quick shot. I think it turned out cool!

Just a few of the outtakes with the boys. 

Who know's what was being said here, I'm pretty sure what ever
it was, it was inappropriate. 

Piotr just had to make sure I noticed him while Jeremy takes his turn.

Cute laugh! We're always having a good time together!

Piotr taking his turn.

Again, Piotr trying to steal the show so I just went along with it! ;oP

Tom and Cindy {Wedding}

"You've Gotta Dance Like Nobody's Watching"

I first met Cindy a little over a year ago when we got together
to do a photoshoot. As I was getting to know her, I remember
even back then we started talking about a possible upcoming engagement. I found out that she was a 
professional ballet dancer and that she also loved to swing
dance. Something I've always wanted to learn how to do.
It was through swing dance that Tom and Cindy met in the 
first place. You can view their engagement photos here and 
get to know them a little bit better. I was super excited when 
they chose me to photograph their wedding that took place at The Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. I love to travel and to go on road trips so this was perfect! The location, decoration, weather and surroundings were the perfect fit for those two and all of their closest family and friends. I did a seperate blog post for the getting ready photos that can be viewed here. Be sure to click on the image to see them larger. Enjoy!

And a huge CONGRATS to Tom and Cindy!

   

         

I totally love the grooms cake that depicted the theme of the whole wedding. 

It was so fun to watch these two dance!

Tom started making these origami animals months before the wedding.
They were so cool and tied right into the theme.

Looking like they stepped right out of a magazine!

Tom and Cindy in the first position stance :)