Several months ago I was hired to shoot what I thought was going to be a pretty typical engagement session in New York. Time passed and as the date came closer I got in touch with the couple to firm up the details. They told me they had some ideas about the shoot and then said they wanted it to have a 1950's theme. They wanted to shoot outside a diner, they were having a '56 T-bird there for the shoot, they were dressing up in 50's attire... in fact, it wasn't going to be typical at all.

One of the things they told me is that they wanted to shoot with the car outside the diner and have the sunset behind them. Well if you know anything about photography you know that in order for that to happen you're going to have to use lighting. I guess I could have done some HDR stuff but its not 2006 anymore. :)

So I rented a Profoto set up and drove out to New Jersey to the diner. The diner was awesome but it was also surrounded by cars, not from the 50's, which to me kind of kills the whole thing. So we positioned the car in the middle of the parking lot and I shot from pretty much the only angle that blocked out the rest of the cars and still showed the diner. I felt pretty good about the images as we were shooting but I never get too excited because you really never know what you're getting until you open them up. I even turned the strobes off at a couple of points and shot natural light just in case things weren't turning out as good as I thought they were.

When I opened the images up to begin working on them I just fell in love. Its so different from what I normally do but man they're so freaking cool.

While I typically work with natural light, when I was first getting started I never wanted to be in a situation where I felt unprepared so I learned as much as I could about off camera lighting. I'm by no means an expert but knowing this stuff has helped me get good images out of bad situations.

So here are a few of my favorites. I put in some of the natural light stuff as well. I think the difference is really interesting. Let me know what you think.

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26 Comments Add A Comment
[July 9, 2010] Jen Johnson said:
Super fun shoot! Love the off-camera stuff...gives the images an editorial feel! : )
[July 9, 2010] Mel McLellan said:
Well if it's one of your favorites ever, we had to check it out! :) Love the black and whites and the last one - supa sweet!
[July 9, 2010] matt said:
these are ridic. so clean & well thought out.
[July 9, 2010] Natalie Williams said:
LOVE!! Way to work the lighting!
[July 9, 2010] Amy Russell said:
I know it's not your normal gig, but these are some of my favorite images that you've ever delivered! Really, really cool stuff-- they not only look editorial, they look like stills from a film. I say you keep playing with the off-camera lights. Seriously!
[July 9, 2010] Tracy said:
Love the inside the car shots.
[July 9, 2010] Julie Boucher said:
Love them!
[July 9, 2010] Jennifer | Zinchuk Studios said:
Wow! What an amazing session!! Love the contrast between the lit and natural shots....and the night shots are sooo yummy!!
[July 9, 2010] Trent said:
Man. Can't believe how incredible these turned out.
[July 10, 2010] Adi Ulici said:
Wow, the lightning is gorgeous in these photos!
[July 10, 2010] Malinder said:
Amazing shoot! Love the lit pictures
[July 12, 2010] sarah k chen said:
hot stuff! you really rocked the shoot! and i'm so happy to see you blogging again! we've all missed you!
[July 12, 2010] Stephanie Castillo said:
WOW!!!! LOOOOVE THIS SHOOT!!!! AMAZING!!!!
[July 12, 2010] Stephanie Castillo said:
P.s. did you use ocf for some of these? If so, can I ask what you used? Thanks :)
[July 13, 2010] Kimberly Witort said:
Love them!
[July 13, 2010] evie said:
Awesome job, Michael! LOVE that car;)
[July 14, 2010] Kristin said:
Wow. These are amazing! Would you mind sharing exactly what lighting you used for these? It's so incredible!
[July 15, 2010] Lissette Q said:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[July 19, 2010] Daniel Balboa said:
Love those last few images. Hot hot hot!!
[July 22, 2010] Grace Tan said:
I love the stuff done with the off camera flash! It just looks so good and matches the theme. Saturated colours add to the feel as well.
[July 22, 2010] Grant Perry said:
I am SOOOO diggin' your honesty and that you were totally REAL in your explanation; way to go. Wish more photogs were honest with how and what they were thinking / doing with their stuff. Refreshing. I'm even more diggin' your spot on 100% rock-the-session sharpness and composures of this shoot. Way to go brotha'
[July 23, 2010] Austin Curtis said:
yeaaaaaah dog! I like that went out on a limb. These images are straight classic! It's not 2006 anymore... that is hilarious.
[July 23, 2010] mattaltmix said:
dude, the soft light coming in through the windshield, like they're at a drive-in theatre, money.
[July 23, 2010] Louisa Coulthurst said:
These are just brilliant! I loved all of them!
[July 24, 2010] Marge Cavazos said:
Stunning, simply stunning.
[July 28, 2010] Nellie Guerrero said:
Very spiffy and I love it :) Love the red lips and pumps!

Last month I travelled to Dallas to shoot Taylor and Amanda's wedding at the Old Red Courthouse in downtown Dallas. Its probably most famous for being where JFK was shot. In fact all of the outdoor portraits were taken right next to the infamous "grassy knoll". Fascinating, eh?

Anyway, here a some of my faves from the day.


I've got to give Amanda some props. It was about 16 degrees that day and she was such a trooper. Sooooo cold, and she never complained once! My kind of bride! :)

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[February 27, 2010] camille said:
photos look great! your exposure makes me jealous. :) good stuff!!
[March 1, 2010] Lissette Q Garcia said:
You are so incredibly talented. I am sooo happy to see you blogging more often so people can see the genius at work.
[March 2, 2010] jeret slack said:
Great post cute couple. Amazing images once again :)
[March 2, 2010] Matt Paddack said:
That blue wall was sweet! To bad you didn't have more time to shoot there.
[March 3, 2010] bob Parsons said:
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
[March 11, 2010] Rachel Perry said:
I love that dress! You wouldn't happen to know what designer it is, would you?
[March 16, 2010] Nessa K said:
That backlighting is absolutely DREAMY!
[March 17, 2010] Dominoe Imus said:
Seriously, you made that bride look so gorgeous, you could have fooled me and said it was 70 degrees outside, she looks so calm and comfortable. Beautiful!
[April 6, 2010] jenberry said:
love the blue wall contrast. gorgeous. and of course the walking into the sunset photo. excited for your brave move to NY. so incredible.
[May 17, 2010] Suzanne said:
Loved these pictures ... and especially the one with the bubbles! Fabulous!
[May 19, 2010] karl Bratby said:
suoer set of images
[June 10, 2010] Michael Roberts said:
Breathtaking images, couple is adorable.
I'm getting back on the blogging train and wanted to post a wedding from a few weeks ago and the realized I never blogged the couple's engagement session. So here are a few frames from Paula and Brian's engagement session in New York late last year.

We shot in Dumbo, and area of Brooklyn between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges and then walked up to Brooklyn Heights, the area where The Cosby Show was set. Such a cool, quintessentially New York neighborhood. We didn't have any sun that afternoon but I still love the images. The feel so "New York" to me.

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[February 16, 2010] Craig Salmond said:
As a fellow fan of NYC, I have to say that I love these pictures. I would love to do a session in the Big Apple!
[February 16, 2010] Brad Peters said:
nice! truly a new york feel
[February 16, 2010] Hayley said:
LOVE it!!! always clean, always classic and always beautiful!
[February 16, 2010] Hayley said:
LOVE it!!! always clean, always classic and always beautiful!
[February 17, 2010] matt said:
digging the umbrella shot on the boardwalk, super clean & well-composed
[February 17, 2010] jeret slack said:
I can see way you love New york. Great pictures my friend
[February 18, 2010] jenberry said:
this so reads romantic new york looking. it depicts life in that awesome city. the wide shot of them walking in the park holding hands is awesome. it's so telling of place, time and love.
[February 18, 2010] Heather said:
OBSESSED with the bridge in the background. Absolutely gorgeous. NY is my kinda town (:
February 8, 2010 Family , Miscellaneous , Travel

I've been away a while. I know. I know. It's been too long. Instead of groveling and trying to explain my absence I thought I'd make a list about what's gone on since I've last blogged... events, trips, gifts, purchases... whatever. If it's awesome and it's happened in the past couple of months its on the list.

(These are not in order of importance, just the order that they came to me.)

Cyndie and I went to New York... again. I don't think I need to explain to you again my love for New York City and more specifically Manhattan. Now I know I haven't seen the whole world, but, I've seen a lot of it and I can say with some degree of certainty that New York is my favorite place. I know it's not for everyone but for me and Cyndie there's nowhere better. The city, central park, the shopping, the restaurants... I love it all. This was actually the first time that Cyndie and I had gone to New York just for fun. Every other time I've had work there and while we always have a good time when I'm not working it was nice to not have anything but fun on the schedule for our trip.

Also it was our 10 year anniversary.

TEN YEARS!

I can't believe we've been married that long! Here are a few pics I dug out from our proofs from our wedding photos. Don't judge, it was 1999! Sorry the scans are so bad.

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And here we are now, this was in December in New York.

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Which brings us to food. Our favorite thing to do, aside from going to New York, is go to really great restaurants. In the past two months we have eaten some incredible meals.  I could go on and on about them but there's probably only a few of you out there that would care so I'll just list a few of them.

DBGB. Super Chef, Daniel Boulud's less formal restaurant near the site of the famous old CBGB club in the East Village. Incredible burgers, amazing house made sausages, great beer list.

Jean Georges. Wow. One of New York's five Michelin 3 Star Restaurants. Incredible

Gramercy Tavern. I've heard about Gramercy Tavern for years and in December while we were in New York we totally lucked out and scored what is one of Manhattan's toughest reservations. It did not disappoint.

Animal. A sweet restaurant in West Hollywood that is a vegan's worst nightmare. Luckily I'm no vegan.  Pork Belly sliders, chicken liver toast, veal breast, rabbit legs... even the desert had bacon in it! Mmmmmmeat!

A16. San Francisco's famous restaurant that specializes in not just Italian food, but food from the Campania region of Italy. You have to respect a restaurant that is that focused on what they do. Its easy to try to be all things to all people and end up doing nothing well. A16 does and few things and is the best at them.

And finally the culinary version of Mecca... the place all foodies aspire to eat... perhaps the most famous restaurant in the world...

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY! This was Cyndie's Christmas gift to me. I had a wedding last weekend up in the Bay Area and Cyndie thought ahead two months ago and scored us a table. It was without a doubt the best dining experience of my life. Trying to come up with enough superlatives to describe this meal is futile. I'll probably devote an entire blog post to the meal so we'll save the details for later.

Christmas! As I said, we've been married for 10 years now and this was Makenzie's 6th Christmas and we've always been with our extended family. And while that's always been great we chose, this year, to spend it alone and create our own traditions. So this year it was just the three of us and it was awesome. We definitely missed our families but it was so much fun making things up as we went, creating traditions that will hopefully last for a long time.

I got a new camera. Not really that exciting but its always fun to get new toys.

I got a Sous Vide Supreme! This is way more exciting than a camera... at least to me. We've been getting into cooking amazing food at home and this machine has allowed us to take dinner to a whole 'nother level. We had some friends over last week for a dinner party and I made shortribs that had been cooked for 72 hours! Oh my gosh, they were amazing.

Weddings in San Diego, Hollywood and Dallas and San Francisco. Those blogs are coming up soon, I promise.

Finally, I got a book that is so incredibly inspiring. Its not a photography book, or a business book, it's about a chef named Ferran Adria who is, by many accounts, the best chef in the world. What's inspiring about this book is that it takes you through a typical day with him. He's someone that has dedicated his life to being creative. Not just making food, but creating something that's never been made before. His restaurant is only open 160 days a year because he needs the rest of the time to create. Every day the restaurant is open the first 9 hours of the day is dedicated to creating new dishes. His diners are served between 28 and 36 courses and every course a diner is served is put into a database so that if they come back to the restaurant in the future they will not be served the same dish. The have hundreds of notebooks filled with thousands of dishes they've created, not one of them something the diner will have ever seen or been served before. The 205 days a year the the restaurant is closed is spent developing new processes to make food. Inventing machines and tools if necessary to facilitate the making of whatever dish the have in their heads. That kind of commitment to creativity is just astounding to me and is really inspiring as well. I want to put that much effort into being creative for my clients.

So now you're caught up! I promise it won't be 2 months before I blog again! :)

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[February 8, 2010] Rachel Perry said:
I was going through my blogroll and was surprised to see one from you! It sounds like you've had a great couple of months!
[February 8, 2010] Sarah Smith said:
What is the name of the book that you mentioned? My husband is an avid cook and it sounds like something he would LOVE. NYC is my favorite place in the world and I am lucky enough to live only a 2 hour train ride away :) Next time you visit be sure to visit the Spice Market in the Meatpacking Disctrict - get the sampler - it will blow your mind!
[February 9, 2010] jenberry said:
so excited you're back. i think a refreshing break is needed at times. sounds like you opened your senses up to new awesome things. Basically i'm jealous.
[February 9, 2010] Natasha said:
I love it! Welcome back! SO cool to know another photographer who is as much of a foodie as we are. :)
[February 9, 2010] Brad Peters said:
good to see you back on the blog! Thanks for not giving it up! Glad to read you're doing well.
[February 11, 2010] caroline said:
We missed ya! Also, I'll be heading to New York next weekend for a portrait lighting workshop (at least, if weather allows). Been looking for some things to do/places to eat recommendations. So thanks :D
[February 11, 2010] chipgillespie said:
Dude, I'm so dang proud of you for rocking the requisite 1999-hip-young-minister gotee!! You're my freakin' inspirations! Nay -- you are the wind beneath my flippin' wings, man!! : ) And congrats on 10 years!
[February 14, 2010] marco said:
duuuude the sous vide... I wan't one just so I can be a Voltaggio brother.
[February 14, 2010] Heather Kloster said:
Congrats on 10 years!!! And OMG, Chef Adria's book sounds delicious. Must check it out.
[February 18, 2010] Hayley said:
your wedding was cutting edge for '99. and now with all your fancy cooking skills, i'm not sure if we want to have you over for dinner. i wouldn't want to make you anything ;)
[February 21, 2010] Karli Tanner said:
Glad you are back and everyone is doing well. Tell the girlz I said hi! Congrats on 10 years of happy marriage!
[February 25, 2010] HARRISON STUDIO said:
awesome! congrats you two!

Last weekend I traveled to Dallas to shoot Taylor and Amanda's engagement photos. Taylor's a photographer based in Dallas. It's always fun shooting photographers because they're always up for anything, and know that even if you feel funny doing it, you have to work it in front of the camera. Taylor and Amanda were a ton of fun and I love these images and can't wait to go back to shoot their wedding in January at the Old Red Courthouse in Downtown Dallas.

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19 Comments Add A Comment
[November 19, 2009] kristin @ The Treasured Petal said:
They are so cute! Can't wait to see their wedding!
[November 19, 2009] Jane Hasty said:
Adorable!
[November 19, 2009] ashley said:
Beautiful- Gorgeous light =)
[November 19, 2009] Amy Coffey said:
You know I love these, Norwood. The ones with the city in the background... perfect!
[November 19, 2009] Kenny said:
That one of her on his back, might be one of my favorite shots you've ever taken. Composition, lighting, the whole bit... epic.
[November 19, 2009] Jeret Slack said:
love this one... love that guys car:)
[November 19, 2009] Edmund Prieto said:
Great great shots man!!!
[November 20, 2009] chipgillespie said:
Love this session. Thanks for sharing the wisdom this week. I think the 4th one down is my favorite...
[November 20, 2009] Emily Beaty said:
Beautiful work!!! Love this session. :)
[November 20, 2009] s h e r r y said:
I love the field and the light! Seriously awesome photos.
[November 20, 2009] eric von lehmden said:
awesome session. i'll second chip and say i love the 4th one down...classic piggyback. so nice meeting you and chatting with you this week. see you at Christmas!
[November 20, 2009] Brad Peters said:
like the ones with the power lines! Great idea!
[November 20, 2009] Maalaea w/ i and m photography said:
Such a lively shoot, I love it.
[November 20, 2009] Bill Blakey said:
God Bless Texas! These look great!
[November 23, 2009] Olivia said:
Love your photos- these are all really great! :)
[December 1, 2009] Brianna Phelan said:
Great set of images, very sweet couple :)
[January 12, 2010] Jerry- Chicago Wedding Photographer said:
Love the skyline in the background!
[January 15, 2010] HomeMade Bride said:
Stunning shots! I am really digging the plaid tie. Very cute couple!
[May 8, 2010] Darrell - Charleston Wedding Photographer said:
Nice work! I wouldn't normally integrate the power lines in the shot but you made it look really cool!
October 30, 2009 Family , Portraits , Travel

I love New York. I might even go so far as to say that its my favorite place on earth. Luckily, several times a year, work takes me there and Cyndie and I always take a little time for ourselves as well. We've spent a good amount of time there and don't really do the touristy thing anymore. We just spend the days shopping, walking the streets of Manhattan and planning out where our next meal will be.

A couple of the days we went up to Central Park. It was so incredible. All of the leaves were turning, the weather was perfect and crisp and there was even a jazz band playing one day. Could there be a more quintessential fall day?

I don't always bring my big camera along but this morning I did and I took a few shots of the city, park and even a few of Cyndie. Here are some of my favorites.




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[October 30, 2009] Brad Peters said:
sweet shots!
[October 30, 2009] jenny haas said:
WOW!
[October 30, 2009] jamie delaine said:
i think central park is MAGICAL. love these photos: wow. but gotta say, definitely not a fan of NYC in general.
[October 30, 2009] ashley said:
Gorgeous photos. Your wife is beautiful! =)
[October 30, 2009] audrey said:
I love East Coast in the Fall. My hometown is MD. Wouldn't it be nice to have our pictures taken there huh Michael? Maybe in the Future we all can fly there for photo shoots. Audrey
[October 31, 2009] Kristine said:
Love these! If it's okay for me to ask, what were the NYC pictures shot at?
[October 31, 2009] Amy Hofschroer said:
Love the shots of Cyndie... stunning!!!
[November 2, 2009] chipgillespie said:
Love it, dude! Cyndie, you look beautiful!!
[November 2, 2009] Bri Stine said:
We have some of the same shots from our trip in August. Minus Cyndie and the changing leaves of course! Glad you two had fun!
[November 2, 2009] Yvett Mosqueda said:
Love the fall colors of Central Park! Thanks for sharing =)
[November 4, 2009] Rebecca Hoehne said:
BEAUTIFUL!!! And... your wife is HOT!!
[November 11, 2009] Cathy and David said:
Gorgeous shots man!!! Where's the food post you promised me? :-D
[November 16, 2009] Cameron Ingalls said:
Beautiful my friend! You rock always.... Much love
[November 19, 2009] Dennis Bullock said:
That last series rocks!
[November 22, 2009] Drew Renner said:
Mike I love these pics of NY. I love that time of year when the leaves change and begin to drop. It was fun being around you and edmund last night at the wedding.
[December 17, 2009] Chelsey said:
Such cute pictures of your wife! She's such a cute girl.
[February 3, 2010] Robert J. Trenske said:
Way to completely rock Central Park, there is no place better especially in the fall!

I was going through my images today and came across a wedding I shot a few months ago. In May, I went with my friend, Travis, to Aruba. What an incredible place. If it weren't for the humidity, I'd pack up and move tomorrow.

I was thumbing through a past issue of Grace Ormonde a few days ago and noticed that my good friend and dad to new twins, Mike Colon, shot Timbaland's wedding on the same beach on Renaissance Island. Small world.

Anyway here are a few shots from the wedding.

How amazing is this place? We had a little free time and took a few personal pics too. Not a ton though as we spent most of the time swimming in the most incredible water I've ever seen.

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[September 22, 2009] Dennis Bullock said:
These are so fantastic....I can just smell the salty air.
[September 22, 2009] Eliza Lewis said:
I have always loved seeing pics of Aruba. You did a great job with their wedding! That water is truly unbelievable!!
[September 22, 2009] jenberry said:
i CRAVE that reverse hammock shot. I want one just like it of my husband and i. amazing. as usual you make me jealous. gorgeous.
[September 22, 2009] megan welker said:
you are on a blogging frrrrenzy! and i love it! these photos are absolutely stunning!
[September 23, 2009] Kayla said:
These are beautiful! Love them!
[September 23, 2009] Bri Stine said:
You are on a blog roll... and I love it! Looks like you've got some good experience in Caribbean weddings! ;)
[February 1, 2010] Dorie said:
Love the last one of the couple on the hammock. Lovely
September 17, 2009 Family , Travel

A few weeks ago Cyndie, Makenzie and I went camping up near Yosemite. We spent one of the days in the Yosemite valley and I can't tell you how inspiring that place is. Every time I'm there I'm amazed. It's so incredible it doesn't even look real. Man I would do anything to shoot a wedding there!

After taking an afternoon swim in the frigid river we took a few pictures. I've posted plenty of images of Makenzie but Cyndie's a little more camera shy. Its time she made an appearance on the blog! :)

It took a little work getting this image... self timer, no tripod, using rocks and sticks to hold the camera in place, haha. Here's my beautiful family!


I had a tourist offer to take this picture of us. He was sure that because he had a Nikon D40 that he knew what to do with my camera. He took like 6 pictures and got one in focus, haha.

Cyndie took this one. She's never cared too much about it but I'm slowly getting her into shooting. She's getting pretty good. Maybe its time to put her to work?

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[September 18, 2009] joel rivas said:
great pictures buddy...love the one you and makenzie.
[September 18, 2009] jamie delaine said:
SO cute to see photos of your fam!
[September 18, 2009] Anonymous said:
They're all beautiful, of course. I LOVE the close up of Makenzie with the mountains in the background! :)
[September 18, 2009] Ian Andrew said:
Wow, what amazing views! great images. The first one with the rock texture in the background is incredible. Seems so massive. Nice work man
[September 18, 2009] chipgillespie said:
*skinny* capitalist... And, hey -- don't knock the Nikon shooters... ;)
[September 18, 2009] Joe Latter said:
Cool pix. Love Yosemite, I do a family trip every spring with the family. Just one question, who's the skinny guy with your family.
[September 18, 2009] Victor said:
love the family pictures, you're daughter is so cute! I was wondering, what lens you used throughout your trip?
[September 18, 2009] Rachel Perry said:
Very cool views. I've always wanted to go!
[September 18, 2009] Cait said:
Awesome! I always forget my tripod and end up propping the camera up on stuff. Love that last shot: so cute!
[September 18, 2009] Candy Howard said:
Looks like an amazing trip. Everyone looks like they are having so much fun!
[September 19, 2009] jenberry said:
very cute. what a beautiful family. and yosemite isn't so bad itself.
[September 21, 2009] Stacey Gresham said:
Thanks so much for sharing these great photos of your family! The last one is so awesome, I'm glad you got to be in a couple of them!
[September 21, 2009] Bethany Fegles said:
Hi Michael! Love your blog! Beautiful family shots at Yosemite. I'm from out of state and flying in to shoot a wedding at Yosemite in October. Since you've been there, what lenses would you say are a must? Thanks! :) Bethany
[September 27, 2009] Elizabeth Witt Walters said:
The first picture is great!
[September 29, 2009] Amy Russell said:
These shots are great! Makes me think of when we go hiking/camping with Nathan's family in New Mexico or Utah. It's wonderful to see the whole fam as well. Beautiful pictures. Beautiful family!
[October 3, 2009] Kirsty-Abu Dhabi said:
Absolutely gorgeous - family and scenery - it's always nice to see the behind the scenes stuff and people
[October 5, 2009] kristin @ The Treasured Petal said:
You guys are an adorable family! Yay for quality time!
[October 13, 2009] JENNIFER SKOG said:
Such awesome family pics! Your daughter is so beautiful!
[February 2, 2010] Michele Rutherford-Brincefield said:
Cyndie & Michael, next time your in the area give your cousin a call. Absolutely amazing !!Michael you do wonderful work.

Its been so long since I blogged I had a hard time remembering the URL to login... then an even tougher time remembering my username and password. I apologize.

Last week I went to New York for a shoot and a few meetings. I absolutely love it there. The city, the weather, and most of all... the people. I hear from a lot of people that Orange County has a community among photographers that doesn't happen in the rest of the country. Every time I'm in New York I'm reminded of how wrong that statement is. I stayed with my good friend and amazing photographer Carlos Andres Varela while I was there and EVERY night he took me out and we had the best time hanging out with our other good photographer friends Mel Barlow, Jason Groupp, Allan Zepeda, Lindsey Thorne, Shelly Kroeger, Angelica Glass and my favorite photo editor Rebecca Crumley. There are awesome photographers and an amazing community in NYC and I'm so happy be a small part of it and to call them my friends.

On to the real reason for the post... On Wednesday I met my new BFFs Brett and Claire in Manhattan last week to shoot some portraits of them. They wanted some shots of their first trip to the city. Brett is an awesome wedding photographer from Oklahoma. Check out his work. We had a blast running around the city on what was the most perfect day I've experienced in a long time.

Ok, on to the images.

We started down in the alleys in China Town.

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brettandclaire10.jpg Then we headed up to SoHo. They wanted some paparazzi style images like these from last time I was in New york.

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brettandclaire19.jpg Then we caught the subway and headed up to Madison Square Park in the Flat Iron District.

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brettandclaire31.jpg We ended the shoot in Central Park.

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New York is my favorite place in the world to shoot. I'm going to be back there the first week of May. If anyone else wants a shoot there shoot me an email!

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[March 22, 2009] Jasmine Marie said:
Gosh I love NYC. SO much fun to shoot there. Excellent job, Michael!
[March 22, 2009] Carlos Andres Varela said:
Awesome job Michael. One of my favorite NYC engagement shoots for sure!!!
[March 22, 2009] Suzanne said:
Rad, Rad, Rad. Great shots! Gosh, i really miss NYC.
[March 22, 2009] Edmund Prieto said:
Dude your work stands out so much to me, I love it. Great job you nailed it!
[March 22, 2009] Jamie Delaine said:
RIDICulously gorgeous. Sheesh.
[March 22, 2009] Carlos Andres Varela said:
Awesome job Michael. One of my favorite NYC engagement shoots for sure!!!
[March 22, 2009] Brett Heidebrecht said:
Michael! Claire and I are obsessed with these! You exceeded all of our expectations... and I had HIGH expectations! Your the man! Thank you so much!
[March 22, 2009] MegRuth said:
These are really phenomenal. Love the light in the park images. Just gorgeous.
[March 23, 2009] allan z. said:
good stuff norwood! glad you had a good time out here!!! ;)
[March 23, 2009] chipgillespie said:
Unreal, dude! Great shoot! Will we get to see you while you're in Houston?
[March 23, 2009] Kayla said:
These are amazing! Oh course any photo shoot in NYC would be awesome for sure! Great job!
[March 23, 2009] Trever Hoehne said:
bro, killer shoot. love it!
[March 23, 2009] Jeret Slack said:
Awesome shoot my friend love the lighting, backgrounds awesome locations. Keep them coming...
[March 23, 2009] joyful weddings and events said:
Love these! Makes me jealous. I want to be there. Glad to see you back on here!
[March 23, 2009] joyful weddings and events said:
Love these! Makes me jealous. I want to be there. Glad to see you back on here!
[March 23, 2009] Akil Bennett said:
hey man, nice shoot! lovin' the light and locations
[March 23, 2009] caroline said:
I've so missed your updates!
[March 23, 2009] Onada said:
love this post! the lighting is great!
[March 23, 2009] Olivia Leigh said:
Love these. Great light and energy.
[March 24, 2009] Sarah Smith Photography said:
these are awesome. i am 3 hours north of the city and i have not yet had the opportunity to shoot a session there...looking forward to it though. I am going to be there in June and July though :) enjoy your trip back in May!
[March 24, 2009] brad peters said:
Great shots, was wondering if you fell off the map ... welcome back! Love the balance of light you have in the Flat Iron shots.
[March 24, 2009] Kristen said:
Wonderful images Michael - ALL OF THEM! I would want them all if I were this couple.
[March 24, 2009] Events by Evonne said:
I love NYC... makes me want to go visit now! :) Beautiful photos...
[March 26, 2009] Ayesha said:
These are so beautiful.... relaxed and fun. It reminds me of why i heart New York. Michael you are an amazing photographer!!! How I wish i got the opportunity to meet you when you were in town!
[March 26, 2009] imthiaz houseman said:
Wow! Not only are they a cute couple but the backdrop of NYC fits them perfectly...well done!
[March 26, 2009] Anonymous said:
This is the most beautiful couple ever-- and some of the most fantastic photography i have ever seen! you are by far one of my top favorite photographers! GREAT JOB- keep it up!
[March 30, 2009] FELIX WU said:
These photos are awesome! The light and the colours are amazing.
[April 2, 2009] Rob said:
Whoa, stunning gal. great shots. love the ones on the subway. sickness i tell you.
[April 8, 2009] Donavan Freberg said:
Amazing shots. Can I ask what lens you used for these, particularly the subway shots? Love these!
[April 10, 2009] Lilian said:
There are AMAZING !! I believe one of the best NYC couple shoot I've seen. I borrowed some of the pictures and posted on my blog (http://nuflaiir.com). Fantastic work !
[April 10, 2009] Lilian said:
*These
[April 29, 2009] caroline said:
absolutely my favorite shoot you've done yet! so so impressive.
[July 10, 2009] Arno Paul said:
One of my favorite session : just perfect. Bravo !
[February 22, 2010] tim tab said:
seriously, this still remains in my memory as one of the best engagement shoots ever!!!! haha... I keep this in mind as a standard to reach!!!
February 11, 2009 Travel , Weddings

I'm determined to get caught up on blogging. If you knew how many weddings and shoots I was behind you'd either laugh or have a new level of respect for me. Probably laugh though. Last New Year's Eve was spent in Atlanta shooting the out-of-control-awesome wedding/vow renewal of Ami and Scott. They had a beautifully intimate celebration and I'm so glad Jessica brought me along!

If you remember from the rehearsal images at Turner Field I shot film that week. It was a lot of fun. I love choosing in the moment whether to shoot in black and white or color. Shooting black and white in camera has always annoyed me in digital. I always wonder if I would have liked the shot better in color so I just don't do it. With film its different, I love black and white film so much I never think that. On to the images.

I love these first few of Ami right after getting dressed.


atlantaWD01.jpg

atlantaWD02.jpg

atlantaWD03.jpg Scott knows how to work it for the camera too.

atlantaWD04.jpg A few portraits around the venue. It was COLD that day. Ami was such a trooper!

atlantaWD05.jpg

atlantaWD06.jpg

atlantaWD07.jpg I love this series right before Ami heads down the aisle!

atlantaWD08.jpg

atlantaWD09.jpg

atlantaWD10.jpg During the cocktail hour they had blackjack tables set up. So fun!

atlantaWD11.jpg Ahhhh details. This wedding was FULL of amazing details. The two long tables might have been the best I've ever seen. Just amazing.

atlantaWD12.jpg


atlantaWD13.jpg I love black and white film so much. It even makes the table shots interesting.

atlantaWD14.jpg Ami and Scott hired professional dancers to entertain during dinner and to teach the guests during the dancing, it was such a hit.

atlantaWD16.jpg Ami and her dad. Love his expression.

atlantaWD17.jpg This little series was during the same day edit the videographers showed. It was awesome and got some great reactions from the couple.

atlantaWD18.jpg Happy New Year!

atlantaWD19.jpg

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5 Comments Add A Comment
[February 12, 2009] Anonymous said:
I love love love all of the shots, but especially the first two b&w close ups of the details of her dress/shoes. It shows there is NOTHING like film. You've inspired me to use film for my wedding shoot this weekend. Wonderful images. Kristen
[February 12, 2009] Ami @ Elizabeth Anne Designs said:
michael - i am absolutely IN LOVE with all of them. thank you so much for including so many shots of our friends and family and the same-day-edit series is just fantastic! my mom, by the way, already loves you but is going to love you even more for those three of me before i head into the ceremony. :)
[February 12, 2009] Foster Cryer said:
I love the the B&W pics. I especially like the noise on the first few; are you shooting with Nikon or Canon?
[February 12, 2009] jenberry said:
ok. really. I want to take a workshop, meet you, something. you amaze me. a true photographer... you know how to use film (i can say i don't). that long aisle shot is so so beautiful. I also love the one where Ami turns and looks at the camera just before heading down the stairs. The light in the window color shots is perfect. Should i go on and on. ps - i still need to have some "engagement" type photos done. i did the avatar ones already while you were booked.
[March 22, 2009] Leah said:
I first saw images of this wedding on Jessica's blog. Seeing more here I seriously think this must have been one of the best weddings of ALL TIME! I hope that couple is blessed with happiness their entire lives. Great work M!