My children and I love not just taking photos but also looking at photos. We love looking at our old photos, my childhood photos and my parent's photos. Even while visiting at a friend's home, I am never bored looking at their coffee table photo albums, even if I don't know half of the people in them!

I think we can all agree that one of the most addictive aspects of the social networking site, facebook (and the most time consuming) is perusing the online photo albums of friends and families. I don't think it is about being nosy or even just being naturally curious. I really believe, without getting too philosophical, that photos connect us, that they create an immediate emotional experience and they even validate us.

Old photos show us not just how we have changed but we see how much we have grown, not only in stature but in character and wisdom. These are only personal thoughts as we look at photos of ourselves from years ago. Some photos even reassure us, as life progresses, that not all awkward eras, relationships and experiences were in vain.

 We are also all familiar with the funny conversations and comments that holiday/familyparty/wedding photos always inspire. Suddenly everyone is reliving the experience, recalling the events, feeling the emotions as though you were returning to that day, for just a moment.
 
Beyond snapshots, portrait photography is truly timeless. With sharper artistic images to view, long after we are gone, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have the clearest image of who we were. They can look at our photos and ask questions while trying to look into our eyes and see themselves.

Family portraits are especially precious today as our busy lifestyles pull us in so many varied directions.  I hear from so many clients that they would love a family portrait but it is next to impossible to get everyone together in the same location at the same time.

Much praise for the foresight of the mom who organized this photo session. All the grandchildren were together on Long Island for about a week this summer and she knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not that they will never all be together again but as children have the nerve to keep growing and changing so dramatically from year to year, she knew this would be a photo opportunity that would never come again. A beautiful teenager, 2 sisters and two sets of a brother/sister pair made for a very special session. Add the backdrop of balmy summer evening in a field and the Great South Bay at dusk and you have preserved memories, created conversations and given a gift to the future. You have captured a time that can never be recreated.
 
"Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed." - Corita Kent

"Classic good looks."
To me, from my vantage behind the lens, this is not a distinction belonging to only some. My goal, at the risk of sounding cliché, is to show anyone I photograph that their outward appearance has definite beauty, character and classic good looks. I am not talking about the fake definition of beauty as determined by Hollywood. I am also not being patronizing when I say that I truly believe that everyone can look amazing in pictures. It is part of why I love portrait photography. It isn't merely idealism or achieved by some trick photography, it's the same as helping someone believe in themselves when it comes to any endeavor that is undertaken with trepidation. You need someone to tell you that it can be done.

True, we all have "a good side." Lighting is key, so is mood and the right pose. If someone has a blemish, it is never an extra fee for me to airbrush or edit it out. This is not to deceive or change who someone really is. Skin blemishes are temporary. They shouldn't be part of a timeless portrait which may be part of how we are remembered by generations to come.

Children and anyone young, like this amazing young man I had the privilege of photographing recently, are less tainted by insecurity, more relaxed in front of the camera and simply more natural. Their "classic good looks" are not veiled by life experience. As adults, sometimes by no fault of our own, we let the harshness of the world show a bit too much in our eyes and in our expressions. Sometimes that is by choice, sometimes it is not.

This photo session is likely leading to a modeling career for this great guy. He has awesome parents, sisters and a brother who are really supportive. He is focused on sports, academics, and truly committed to family. Also, the great aspect of his interest in modeling is that he has no great interest in modeling. That is not a contradiction of terms. He figures if he likes it, he'll do it, if not, forget it. He also has a really balanced and wise mom, who is right there supporting him, either way, with no pressure.

Having modeled in NY when I was younger, I know it is more often than not a highly competitive and a not so personally rewarding profession. You can often feel like nothing more than a commodity. There are days when you wonder why you are even perpetuating the illusion of fashion and the industry in general, when it is just that - an illusion. I matured a great deal, saw the good, the bad and the indifferent. I saw "the real world," what is important, what lasts and what doesn't.  I also had the invaluable experience and gift of working numerous times with the great photographer Bruce Weber, whose work to a great degree has hopefully influenced mine. (especially in this session) With all that being said, when you don't take modeling too seriously, (guys seem to be able to do that better than girls) when you have your priorities straight and when you don't compromise yourself or your standards, like anything else, it can be done. Without getting too philosophical about it, it's really just a job, sometimes with a pretty darn good paycheck.
 
I am all about helping this family anyway I can in the process. I am confident that it could work for him, not just because he is so modest and relaxed with his "classic good looks," (which he clearly wears so well) but moreover because he is an awesome, genuinely nice guy who already knows what's really important in life.  That is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. It also epitomizes what is classic ...and what is good.

While I much prefer natural lighting, there is something to be said for traditional studio portraiture. This session was short and sort of impromptu with a beautiful girl who I have actually known since she was a very little girl.  We plan on continuing the session with outdoor lighting sometime soon but initially we decided to start with these simple poses. A dark backdrop and no props and even some Rembrandt Lighting make these kinds of portraits timeless. I picked up the old oak banker's chair at a yard sale some years ago for about $15 and it is so versatile. It adds a classic touch and it's easy for posing while still feeling relaxed.

When the days start to get shorter and outdoor sessions are ultimately not even possible in winter months, studio lighting options and simplicity like this is a nice alternative. Sometimes it is even more flattering than outdoor lighting because it can be controlled and directed to highlight the best features.
This week, I'm finishing up a few different sessions with editing and proofing. Sessions to be posted next will feature some studio and mainly outdoor sessions. This is the time during next 2-3 months when the evening light is so beautiful. Now if we can just turn down the heat a bit so it's a little cooler!

The blessing of living on Long Island.

Just a preview of one recent session with a handsome young man who was a natural in front of the camera. More to come in days ahead.