Gigi Neil | New York Portraits

November 5, 2017

Back in Oct 2015, I had an all day photoshoot with the talented Gigi Neil. Well versed in singing, dancing, and acting, this triple threat was patient with me as I fumbled around the controls of my Sony A7R2.

To be honest, I don't have any locations or poses planned for my photoshoot. I think that overplanning kills the vibe and most of my pictures are created through serendipity and improvisation. If I see a cool alley with a fence, or an interesting patch of light, we'll take a few snaps.

We met in the lobby of Crosby Street Hotel and shot a few warm up shots. Thanks to my assistants Hao and Cheryl for carrying her wardrobe as we began walking around Tribeca looking for photogenic locations.

Gigi was telling me about her current plans of auditioning for Broadway roles as the sun began to set. We were traipsing through West Village towards the water as a breeze began to pick up. After some water shots, we took some subway shots and finished the evening with some cocktails at The Roxy. She began posing on the stage, comfortable and glowing in her element and I have no doubt I'll see her on stage soon enough.

Amy Jo and Daniel | New Jersey Wedding

October 27, 2017

Over the past few months, I've been photographing more people (instead of food) and the more portraits I take, the more I find myself intrigued.

The challenge of capturing fleeting emotion, an unguarded vulnerability, or even a genuine smile keeps me coming back for more.

So, when Jeanie Jang, a friend and accomplished wedding photographer asked me if I was interested in being a 2nd shooter for Amy and Daniel's July wedding, I immediately said yes. Jeanie was such a pro - she kept everyone on schedule, nailed all the important shots, and kept her cool even during stressful moments. I learned the importance of having a voice to communicate clearly and how to improvise when plans go awry.

The ceremony and reception took place at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ. We took the majority of the portraits outside including the first look. The reception took place in this gorgeous, glass-covered atrium brimming with green plants and natural light streaming in from the windows.

After dinner, the atrium converted into a massive dance floor and everyone got down including the parents. Yes, there was even a massive congo line at one point. I remember taking a picture of the bride and groom having a quiet moment to themselves on the dance floor. They were exhausted but so blissfully happy in each other's arms for that one moment.

A few highlights:

Michiru | New York Portraits

October 25, 2017

I'll be honest, I wasn't prepared for the physicality of this photoshoot. I've never photographed a toddler with limitless energy and legs that outran circles around me.

It was late summer 2015 when I met up with Michiru and his mother Kimi near Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City. As soon as the camera came out - it was game on. Michiru looked at me up and down, squealed, and began running away from me at full speed. I tried to but every shot I took was blurry. I even tried rolling around on the grass to throw him off but he just...laughed my futile efforts with his adorable. The little munchkin literally couldn't stay still. This was a game to him and he was winning.

The only option I had was to wait him out. After running for what seemed like 2 hours, he finally began to tire and I was able to squeeze off a few shots. Yes, this photoshoot was like a CrossFit session and yes I was sore for a few days afterwards but it was totally worth it.

Jennifer Margono | New York Portraits

October 23, 2017

I remember being super nervous because it was one of my first portrait sessions. It was August 2015 and I had just purchased a Sony A7s and wanted to practice some high shutter action shots of Jen, my friend and dancer extraordinaire.

A million questions paralyzed me before the shoot began:

"How do I pose her without being awkward?"

"How do i tell her what I want if I don't even know what I want?"

"Will I be able to get some usable shots? I'm so new to photography."

All that worrying disappeared when we met up. Jen was super chill and put me at ease as we fell into a comfortable rhythm. We started shooting near the pier on the West Side and then found an alley in Tribeca with gorgeous cobblestone streets and brick walls.

She didn't even need me to guide her as she nonchalantly hit pose after pose like a pro and continually improvised her movements based on the environment. I remember her spotting a window in an alley and two seconds later, she had climbed up the ledge and stretched out her leg in one fluid movement.

"Take my picture."

The combination of rain showers and the waning sun resulted in some moody shots - still some of my favorite shots to this day.

Kate and Dan | Chicago Wedding

October 22, 2017

My friend Suleen radiates ebullience in any situation. Her infectious positive energy always lights up my day so when she asked if I wanted to shoot a Chicago wedding with her, I jumped at the chance. We often finish each other's sentences and know what the other person is thinking. It felt like choreographed ballet - we would move out of each other's way without saying a word and instinctively know what to shoot next. I photographed the guests sipping wine indoors as she got coverage of the guests outside playing a competitive game of cornhole.

I started the morning off by shooting the groom and his groomsmen getting ready while Suleen photographed the women. The ceremony was held at a gorgeous church while the reception was held at a nearby loft. Kate and Dan couldn't keep their eyes off of each other the whole day and they made the ultimate team in beer pong. The vibe was casual, fun, and most importantly, there was nonstop laughter in the air.

A few highlights below: