Joe + Nicole's Uniquely Chic Wedding Ceremony at The Hotel Henry and St. Joseph University Parish in Buffalo, NY
It was a chic Upstate, New York wedding held at the Hotel Henry and St. Joseph University Parish. Now, just to let you know, Hotel Henry was once an insane asylum that had recent plans to be transformed into an upscale hotel.
An Insight into a Beautifully Inspirational Wedding I’ve Been a Part of
Work and life…such a beautiful combination, don’t you think?
Well, you can disagree with me but what I like to believe is when you do something you love, you create moments and meet interesting people while embracing learning in the process.
Having said that, for my sheer love for photography, I will take you back into my memory lane of one of the most beautiful weddings that I’ve covered. It was the time when I was an associate photographer for Optimum Influence Media.
The wedding was a great event and a huge success but a special mention must be given to the imperfectly perfect couple, Joe and Nicole, who were the heart and soul of the event.
Both the bride and groom beautifully complement each other and that can also be seen in their photos as well.
About the Wedding
It was a chic Upstate, New York wedding held at the Hotel Henry and St. Joseph University Parish. Now, just to let you know, Hotel Henry was once an insane asylum that had recent plans to be transformed into an upscale hotel.
The wedding was held during the COVID pandemic with special permission as the venue has been shut since then due to the pandemic. And that made it a unique NY wedding venue.
This wedding was planned in two parts and this day was part one. Because of COVID, the couple decided to keep their wedding an intimate affair with their close friends and family, with the reception 4 months later at Artisan Works in Rochester NY
Both the bride and groom wanted to give their photo shoot a magazine feel as if in one of those features in Vogue or the advertisement for a Netflix drama.
As one of the reputed, Upstate New York photographers, we made sure that they are given what they are expecting and imagined out of their wedding shoot.
With that being said, let’s walk you through some of the best shots of Joe and Nicole.
Meet Nicole, the bride. She is a beautiful and confident girl with an A-game in fashion and always stands out in whatever way makes her happy.
As shown in the pictures, her idea of a wedding photo shoot is about everything from unposed and silly pictures to well-thought-out and posed compositions.
The wedding also had traditional elements of Vietnamese culture, and hence, you can see Nicole wearing a Khan Dong headpiece.
Whereas, Joseph is a Vietnamese American who is a sweet, simple, and funny guy who has many close friends and is beloved by all.
This is one of the crucial moments of this Buffalo New York wedding where the couple is seen standing in front of the altar after walking down the aisle with their friends and family members in the background.
A more candid and beautiful shot that depicts the couple’s happiness for their D-day. They are walking down the stairs of Hotel Henry while giving a little candid pose with their family members in the background.
An old-school pose which is still very much in trend is leaning on each other with the girl placing her hands on the guy’s shoulder and the guy holding on to her waist. This photo is with the same pose with a darker background.
In this one, it’s a classic pose where all four, the couple along with the best man and the maid of honor, are standing in the hallway of the hotel at some distance. Both of them are also a couple and their best friends.
This one is an all-couple picture in one of the finest rooms. The couples are mainly their close friends including the best man and the maid of honor.
Now, this one is the coolest pictures of the couple from the wedding and it clearly shows their fashion, as well as their posing game that they were now confident in after our direction through the day.
Here is that one shot you were waiting for - the romantic one. The couple wanted to keep it simple yet romantic. So, we decided to have them sit on a couch and a mandate kiss to sum it up. And here it is!
The last one on the lot but a classic wedding picture shot in the outdoor setting with the hotel in the backdrop. The couple is looking at each other with all love and passion while thinking of the beautiful future lying ahead.
This was probably one of the most memorable weddings for me as an Upstate NY wedding photographer and it was only day one of two. After seeing its grandeur, I can say it is one of the most unique weddings I’ve been a part of.
Unique Wedding Venues in Upstate New York
When you have finally decided to move into the next phase of your life by tying the knot with your partner, you better make sure that the event is a memorable one with a venue that reflects who you are as a couple.
When you have finally decided to move into the next phase of your life by tying the knot with your partner, you better make sure that the event is a memorable one with a venue that reflects who you are as a couple.
As a significant part of planning, finding and picking the right wedding venue that truly symbolizes a couple is very important, especially in a place like Upstate, New York where the potential for having a celebration personalized to you is within reach more than one may assume. If you just want a venue to hold your wedding, well, you may find plenty of options to choose from. But will it make your wedding any more special? Certainly not!
So, if you have the option to be a little creative and ingenious with your western New York wedding venue then why not? It would only make your wedding day even more special and memorable.
So, sit back and relax as we compile and present you a list of all the best and most creative wedding venues that you must look to consider for your D-day. Hopefully, by the end of the blog, you’ll be able to find the right one for the special occasion.
Gather Greene
If you want your wedding to entirely be an outdoor scene, then Gather Greene can be your best bet. The best thing about hosting an outdoor wedding at this elegant wedding venue is that you don’t need any tents or worry about the weather to make it happen. That’s something unique, isn’t it?
The Pavilion at Gather Greene is the ideal spot for a memorable wedding in Upstate, New York. Beautifully adorned with the designed walls, one can savor the majestic vistas of the Berkshire mountains from this place. And the best thing is there is no column supporting these walls which gives you plenty of space to customize your wedding the way you want.
What more you can ask for?
Artisan Works
Apart from being a renowned wedding venue, Artisan Works is one of the best places for a photoshoot in the Rochester part of New York. As the name itself tells, Artisan Works is a creative place which is adorned with beautiful paintings and dramatic sculptures.
Being an indoor space, it comes with uniqueness and elegance altogether to create timeless memories of an unforgettable wedding. This Rochester, New York wedding venue is also known to offer a creative dining experience to your guests, which is provided by Madeline’s Catering.
If you are amongst those couples who have an admiration for art and creativity, then this could be a fun and a little quirky place, at the same time, to host your wedding.
Full Moon Resort
You better know that Full Moon is not just a resort, but a haven for many for a unique, rustic, and yet sophisticated experience. Along with a preferred staying choice for people, the resort is also an elegant wedding venue.
Sprawling over a huge area of more than 100 acres, the resort's vicinity is adorned with forests, meadows, and spring-fed streams. All these together provide a majestic backdrop for an unforgettable Catskills wedding at Full Moon Resort.
Watkins Glenn Racetrack
A famous arena amongst racers and race lovers on other days and a unique wedding venue for many on their special day, Watkins Glenn Racetrack is indeed a place where not many would dare to host a wedding.
If you two have a love for speed and sports cars then there won’t be a better place than Watkin Glenn Racetrack to hold your wedding ceremony. In case you don’t know, this is also the venue where World Cup Championship, NASCAR was hosted. Certainly, this would give you more reasons to make this your destination wedding venue.
Hunter Mountain
Just imagine - you walking down the aisle in an outdoor wedding with beautiful mountain views and affluent nature in the backdrop. Seems like a perfect wedding setting, isn’t it? Well, if so, you have found your answer to where to get married in Upstate New York.
Apart from the location, the food is another key highlight of the wedding at Hunter Mountain. And the best thing you could give to your guests at a wedding is a chairlift ride to the mountain top. Yes, that’s another experience your guests will get to savour at your wedding at Hunter Mountain.
Hayloft on the Arch
A DIY venue which gives you all the freedom to customize your wedding venue however you want is Hayloft on the Arch. And what’s even better about this place is even though you can do it all yourself, you don’t have to put in the hard labour.
In other words, they offer you extensive coordination with whichever package you choose. This means you just have to explain to them how you want the decoration, catering, and everything to go like, they’ll set it up everything according to your specifications.
The USS Little Rock War Ship at The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
For a little history touch on your wedding, the USS Little Rock War Ship is one of the quirkiest places to make it your venue for the special day. This is a 610-metre-long missile cruiser known for its two cruises to the North Atlantic and four cruises to the Mediterranean that were made between 1945 and 1976.
There is a canopied deck which overlooks Lake Erie and this is the place where your ceremony will happen. There are also rooms for dancing and seated dining.
SKY Armory
A perfect blend of modernity and history, Sky Armory is a classy venue. It features loft-style ballrooms, that can accommodate as many as 900 guests.
They have a dedicated event team which coordinates with the client to make the event a special one for them. This is a simple yet elegant venue which comes with a lot of facilities as well such as a parking garage.
Not just this, SKY Armory is also an ideal place where you will be satisfied with the work of your Upstate New York photographer.
Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, NY
The iconic and historic Canfield Casino is also a perfect place where you can also host your special event. However, you need to book the venue as they only accept one event booking a day. So, there are higher chances, you might not get the slot if you delay it.
Despite being a casino, the venue has a setup vibe which is adorned with a beautiful exterior which opens into a vaulted hall with stained glass windows along with marble columns and bright windows. Besides, other spots where you can ask your Upstate NY wedding photographer to capture some amazing and beautiful shots are historic wooden carousel, fountains of mineral water, and marble statuary.
Niagra Falls
Niagra Fall State Park is probably one of the most popular tourist sites in Upstate New York. But despite that, it is also a sought-after wedding venue amongst couples.
If you’re an adventurous couple, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from as wedding venues that range from outdoor spaces to top of falls restaurants. However, to marry here, you need some strong planning.
Boldt Castle
Probably, Boldt Castle is amongst the most iconic wedding venues in New York. The castle was built in 1900 which makes the venue a historic one. This picturesque wedding venue is also surrounded by numerous gardens that together make a perfect wedding setup.
It is important to note that only ceremonies can be hosted on the grounds. Keeping the historical significance, it is not allowed to do photography sessing inside the castle. However, you can do one around it.
With that being said, we come to the end of this post on unique wedding venues in Upstate New York. Hope you’ve found it useful. Now, in case you’re also looking for a professional wedding photographer, Fever Dream Photo can be your best bet. Contact us now to know more about us.
The Best Places for a Photoshoot in Rochester, NY
Here is your guide to the best places for a photoshoot in Rochester, NY. It covers some amazing places for all types of photoshoots!
Gone are the days when photography sessions were just restricted to indoor studios. People like to be creative these days and prefer destination photoshoots.
There are many popular places in the USA that are touted as the ideal locations for photoshoots. But you already know about them! So, in this post, I’m going to talk about that one destination that, despite being located in New York, isn’t considered a photography destination.
Well, I’m talking about Rochester, New York!
Not many would agree but it’s a fact that Rochester, NY is a treasure trove filled with some fabulous spots. The city offers plenty of options when it comes to photography.
Now, if you are local, you already know a few great places for a photoshoot in Rochester, NY. But, if you are someone who is still scratching their head and wondering - is Rochester really a destination for a perfect photoshoot? Fret not, let’s get into it!
Below, I have compiled a list of the best places for a photoshoot in Rochester.
Highland Park
A nature haven that offers a lot when it comes to photography is Highland Park. This place perhaps is one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
With stunning stone buildings, gorgeous gardens and majestic trees, the beauty of Highland Park remains intact throughout the year. Hence, it is one of those places that you can bank on for your photoshoot session any time of the year.
One of the main reasons why Highland Park is also a popular spot for photography amongst people is its near proximity to another unique place, Sunken Garden, which can also be a fantastic destination for your shoot.
Memorial Art Gallery
If you are a local in Rochester and looking for the best indoor place for a photo shoot, then the Memorial Art Gallery can be a unique option. Located within the vicinity of the University of Rochester and Downtown, the art gallery offers indoor aesthetics and outdoor sculptures throughout the museum grounds.
Whether you want to do baby photography, family photography, or even a personal photoshoot, this is the place that you can definitely consider, especially considering the lush outdoor environment. However, I would personally recommend this place for a personal photoshoot.
With a wide collection of exhibits, this is the perfect place for an aesthetic photoshoot which is very much in trend these days. If you want to have some artistic photos for IG or for your portfolio, Memorial Art Gallery won’t disappoint you!
The Seneca Park Zoo
All your queries for the best place to do a photoshoot with your consort end here at the Seneca Park Zoo. Being a nature’s paradise, this place is perfect for a cute romantic photo shoot or a family shoot with kids that have trouble sitting still! A place like the Seneca Park Zoo provides many attractions and playgrounds to keep your kids happy in between traditional family photos - while definitely capturing all of the adorable natural candids possible! However, you will also see a lot of individual photoshoots as well as family photoshoots at the same time.
The park is also known for its beautiful trails outside of the zoo that together make this place a perfect destination for your dream photoshoot. As a popular photography spot in Rochester, the Seneca Park Zoo offers plenty of ways to do a photoshoot inside and outside of the Zoo. You must gain permission from the Zoo before conducting your shoot so be sure to do so before picking a date for your shoot!
Genesee River is the key highlight at this place which adds up to the beauty of the park. Besides, fall is the preferred season among many to do a photo shoot at the Seneca Zoo Park. During this time, the park gets covered in a beautiful blanket of autumn foliage.
A perfect setting for a perfect romantic shot is the Riverway Trail Bridge built on the Genesee River and goes through the treetops.
The Lamberton Conservatory
Another popular spot for photography in Rochester is the Lamberton Conservatory. This is a beautiful place built within glass walls and serves as a home to a rich floral species.
This is certainly a unique place for any type of photography session, however, it is quite popular amongst soon-to-be-married couples for an engagement or pre-wedding shoot, individual portrait or senior portrait sessions.
It is crucial to know that as much as stunning photos the Lamberton Conservatory can offer you, you will have to go in with the knowledge it can be a little warm in some spots of the conservatory!
The reason is the climate-controlled rooms. The floral species put up on display here cannot survive in the actual climate of Rochester. Hence, there are climate control rooms. But it’s all generally bearable as the conservatory is also a popular tourist spot. :)
Besides, the exhibits at the Lamberton Conservatory change seasonally. So, you don’t have to worry about getting pictures the same as others as there is always something beautiful to see and get photographed with.
The George Eastman Museum and Garden
By its name, this place might seem like a boring one. But hey, if you are a Rochester New York photographer or someone who is a fan of the history of George Eastman, you must already know its significance.
George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, is touted as the pioneer of photography and motion picture film. Not just this, The George Eastman Museum is also the oldest photography museum in the world.
So, what could be a better place for an exceptional photoshoot than the home of the creator of film cameras? Interesting, isn’t it? It is indeed! It is also absolutely gorgeous, especially in November as unique flora bloom throughout the carefully tended to gardens.
Sunken Garden
Located right next to the Warner Castle, Sunken Garden is another popular photography spot in Rochester, New York. If you want to be a little creative and at the same time be a little old-school with your photo shoot, this is the place.
In its appearance, Sunken Garden seems more of a historical place and is unlike any other garden. Just like anywhere in Highland Park, you can also expect to see a lot of wedding and family photo sessions going on at this place.
Wickham Farms
Wickham Farms, on Sweet Corners Road in Penfield NY, offers a unique and charming array of gorgeous sunflowers and lavender fields at the end of Summer (that you can pick!), pumpkin picking in the Fall, and ever-expanding fun interactive activities - In addition to it being a gorgeous place for photos, you can also make a day out of it!
Give the goats a visit while you sip on one of their famous flavorful “Shake Ups”, or take a dive into the pool of corn! (Yes, pool of corn!) Then shake off that corn dust on the giant jumping pillow!
If you want the space to yourself during golden hour with a photographer, they also allow you to purchase a special pass after hours to do so. The creativity here is boundless with chairs and sofas, fun trailers placed throughout, and beautiful cabanas to relax after your shoot or flower picking.
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of best places for a photoshoot in Rochester, NY. And now that you have found the potential locations for your photo shoot, the next step is to bring the photographer on board!
And Fever Dream Photo Co. not only helps you find the best location for your photoshoot but also lends its support to you as we’re also a professional photography company managed by Mary Spengeman who has years of experience in this creative art.
My Favorite Photos of the Year So Far
Check out some of my favorite photos of the year 2022 so far!
After moving back to the Rochester NY area last year, I’ve been all over Western New York helping capture weddings, portraits and family sessions. My favorite photos not only have to be satisfying in composition but show real, true emotion. I love to connect with my clients on a deep level so I can create meaningful work that portrays what makes them who they are in their most beautiful moments in life. It’s not rare for me to hear that they never had photos they liked of themselves and now they have more than they ever thought possible!
Without further ado, I present to you some of my top photos of the year so far.
I had to start with this photo of Nicole and Joe - I had just helped capture the second portion of their wedding only a couple days ago while associate shooting for Optimum Influence Media at Artisan Works (Can’t wait to share some of those photos for sure!) This photo is special to me for how gorgeously dramatic it is. A few months ago for the first portion of their laid-back, luxurious, we were granted access to Hotel Henry in Buffalo NY to capture Vogue-inspired wedding photos for this incredibly stylish dream of a couple. Jimmy, the owner of Optimum Influence Media, threw the dress up and ran out of the frame as quickly as he could. (I still had to do some photoshop magic to edit his leg out!) I loved the overcast conditions making this a shot that may even deserve a spot in Vogue!
I photographed this portrait during a session with an incredibly special family at George Eastman House. The love they shared held meaning beyond words.
How unique to have snowy headshots in Rochester??…Or rather who is brave enough to do it! I had a blast with this headshot session at Highland Park, and adored this more so candid shot of the day. His expression is so genuine!
I had a blast with this creative session! We wanted to experiment and base each photo we took around any little idea, feeling, or aesthetic that inspired us. For this shot, we took jewelry and placed it strategically throughout, creating a distinct feeling to the image I have never managed to capture before.
Risa and I created a conceptual shoot where we let whatever inspired us lead us! I want to continue to incorporate a conceptual aspect to my shoots wherever I can! I love this image for the fullness of the flowers and how that reflects Risa’s fabulously heartwarming personality.
In addition to the beautiful colors and tones the day gave us while at Highland Park, this photo is just too sweet to not include! I loved helping the kids feel more comfortable to be themselves during this low pressure, lifestyle family shoot.
I love how well this photo portrays this couple and their personalities! I love capturing silliness whenever I can, and these two had plenty! This fun tire swing can be found at MKJ Farm. I was the second shooter for Jenn Matcham for this fantastic couple’s gorgeous day.
I absolutely loved how stylish this family was - especially the sweet mom! I had never seen such a cool dress during a family shoot. The buttons went all the way down the side of the ankle length dress. It was so elegant. Her family was such a blast as well. They were another amazing client that strikes the balance between fashionably sophisticated and fantastically silly that I love so much!
I had the honor of photographing Anthony and Lauren’s secret engagement at the magnificently lavish Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, Pennsylvania. I am a hopeless romantic, and even more so when I am able to have a couple so connected to each other that expresses their love in such flourishing ways - They really chose the perfect spot!
I wanted this beautiful bride Lisa to feel effortlessly gorgeous for this photo as she concluded getting ready for her wedding that day. This is definitely some laid back luxury! I love how her dress overflows the chair - definitely some Vogue Vibes!
I am just in love with the sweetness between this couple and how the lighting was just so gorgeous! I love photographing weddings at Bay Shore Grove, and can’t wait for more there! For this fairy tale wedding, I was the second shooter for Nicole April Photography.
I have to close this out with another photo from Nicole and Joe’s glorious wedding. I love to play with the full spectrum of “unposed lifestyle”, to “super posed editorial”, and we really hit it all with them!!
Ace Your High School Senior Portrait Session - With No Stress!
Find out a complete guide to your high school senior portrait session covering 6 crucial tips that guarantee the perfect pictures.
“Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed.”
We often hear this quote but let’s be honest; do we actually live it? Well, we all know the answer!
Indeed, life is a succession of moments and your high school senior portrait session is one of those crucial memories that you would love to cherish for a long time. Trust me, you just cannot afford to let this moment go with just a few regular photos.
So, even if you are not a big fan of posing and being photographed, go for it with all your heart. This is your moment and it’s never going to come again in your life. Whether you agree or not, your future self will definitely thank you!
But having said that, acing your high school portrait photo shoot ain’t a cakewalk. And that’s where we come into the picture! We are going to help you with all your research and will let you know how you can actually make your high school portrait a successful one with no stress with these 6 easy tips.
A Bonus Tip Before Everything:
Your first and foremost concern should be when should you take senior portraits. Well, it is always a good deal to get it done a month before the submission date! (Rule number one is don’t wait till the last minute! - But if you do, I’ll still likely be able to help.)
Firstly, it will save you from the hustle of looking out for the availability of last-minute spots and eventually end up compromising the photo shoot. Secondly, you will also give your photographer enough time to work on the editing part of your school photos.
With that being said, let’s now get started with our list!
Do Not Go For The Old-School or Boring Stuff
Well, Old School is definitely a good movie to watch but not a good concept to apply when it comes to the high school portrait session. So, you should keep those old and boring ideas aside and think of something fun and interesting.
If you’re thinking of asking your friend or sibling to do a high school portrait photoshoot for you at your home or front yard, well, it’s an old and boring idea. Why don’t you go for something professional?
Working with a professional photographer is the way to get amazing high school senior pictures. But as interesting and fun as it sounds, bringing a professional also requires a little effort from your end.
Before you even begin pitching to potential photographers, it is crucial to have the portrait requirements for your school’s senior yearbook ready. And while approaching all the potential photographers, make sure you convey these requirements to each one of them.
There are high chances that this may influence the cost of the entire photoshoot but it is always important to make your requirements and expectations clear beforehand to get the best results.
2. Be Your Own Personality - Be What You Aspire to Be!
Be you! That’s the entire gist of this point. One of the most common high school portrait mistakes done by many seniors is that they try to be someone they’re not in the pictures. Your senior portraits are all about ‘you’ so it becomes crucial to reflect your personality in your pictures.
And to make your senior portraits reflect your personality, take some time to cogitate on what you have achieved so far in your high school or what you want to do in the future. Just take some time to reflect on your life in general.
You can also bring in your interests or hobbies as a theme for your senior yearbook portrait session. And if there is a place associated with your interest, you can choose it as the destination for your senior year school photos.
For example, if you want to be a scientist, Rochester Museum and Science Center can be your place to achieve highly creative senior portraits in Rochester, NY. Similarly, you can also look for places that could help you portray your personality in your city.
3. Go With The Perfect Senior Portrait Outfits
“What to wear for senior portraits?”
Surely, this question must have already come to your mind and there are chances that you have already found the perfect outfits for your senior portraits. But are they really perfect?
Before we explain anything, it is crucial to understand that all of these tips are somewhere interrelated. Remember we told you to reflect your personality through your senior school portraits? So, do the outfits that you’ve picked really go with your personality?
Therefore, it is highly recommended to incorporate your own style and feel in photographs. Also, you don’t have to just be one outfit; as long as your photographer is ok with it, bring as many outfits as you want!
We’re living in a world where fashion doesn’t have any definition. It’s all about expressing yourself. And that’s what you have to do with your outfit as well!
4. Use Props For More Creativity and Uniqueness
There can’t be a better way to reflect your personality in your senior pictures than using relevant props. For example, if you are in the school’s baseball team or if you want to be a musician, you know what’s your ideal prop.
Doesn't matter if the theme of your photoshoot isn’t anything related to sports or any other field of art, there are still many high school senior photo props (bubbles, colored smoke bombs, balloons, flowers, confetti cannons, etc.) that can be used in general to bring a sense of creativity and uniqueness into your senior portraits.
5. Travel For Your Senior Portrait Session
“A destination photo shoot is only for couples” - get this notion out of your head now! Today, people are willing to travel to even international destinations for that one perfect shot. So, why are you compromising with your senior year portraits?
If you really want your photo shoot to be done at a particular location, be it in the United States or internationally, go for it! Find a photographer there, or you can consider us as well to come out for an on-location session.
We can be your travel companion as well as your photographer to make the entire shoot even more fantastic!
Just imagine getting yourself photographed by the Golden Gate Bridge, on the coast of Florida, in Brooklyn, or at one of those exotic palaces in Jaipur in India, or amidst the sublime scenery of Iceland. Seems pretty perfect, right??
6. Give Utmost Importance to Who You Hire
Speaking of who you hire, make sure it’s someone you connect with! The reason why it is so important is that if you are uncomfortable with your photographer, it can certainly show in your pictures. Therefore, make sure to hire a photographer you feel you can be yourself around because that will always make the best photos!
Also, make sure there is room for your input as well even during the photo shoot. If the photographer isn’t cooperative enough, then your entire portrait session can get badly affected.
With that being said, Fever Dream Photo is your best bet! We believe in a process to bring the desired results for clients while keeping their expectations and interests in mind. We can make your senior year portrait as unique and special as you are. Contact us now to learn more and schedule a session!
Alyssa & Steve's Charming Upstate New York Winery Wedding
The goofiest of dudes and silliest of ladies made up Allyssa & Steve’s wedding party. It’s my absolute favorite when the lovely people I’m photographing are so comfortable to express themselves and be authentic like this! Although I’m always happy to rouse it out of ‘em if I need to!
Alyssa & Steve's Charming Upstate New York Winery Wedding
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Alyssa & Steve's Charming Upstate New York Winery Wedding 〰️
This joyful day celebrating the elegant couple made up of Alyssa and Steve was my first big wedding back after the fun times covid brought us! I was a second shooter for Carsyn Craytor, who is based in Oklahoma. (I would absolutely love to shoot a wedding there if ever given the chance!)
I loved shooting at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia, NY for this simply magical day. It reminded me of my few years of living in Napa, CA. Wine is comforting to me - as I’m sure it is to you!
Alyssa and Steve had a gorgeously sunny day, and I loved flexing my editorial and photojournalistic muscle that this sophisticated couple and inspiring location provided me the space to do.
The goofiest of dudes and silliest of ladies made up Alyssa & Steve’s wedding party. It’s my absolute favorite when the lovely people I’m photographing are so comfortable to express themselves and be authentic like this! Although I’m always happy to rouse it out of ‘em if I need to!
Creative "Just for Funsies" Shoot on the Napa Riverwalk with Fellow Rad Photographer Rebecca Skidgel!
It has been way too long since I’ve let creativity lead the way, and I’m so very glad Becca and I were able to spend some time doing just that! Ever since I moved to Napa I’ve been captivated with the Riverwalk. It is home to a myriad of charmingly mismatched aesthetics…
It has been way too long since I’ve let creativity lead the way, and I’m so very glad Becca and I were able to spend some time doing just that! Ever since I moved to Napa I’ve been captivated with the Riverwalk. It is home to a myriad of charmingly mismatched aesthetics. From the happily yellow-painted walls of Angele to the prismatic colors of that inspiring geometric sculpture that you can’t ever ignore, and the fairytale-like vine laden arches that span from Celadon to The Napa General Store. There is an infinite number of possibilities that can help spark creativity.
It has been super long since my photographer buddy Becca and I have seen each other due to Covid-19 and social distancing…despite the fact that we newly live about a half-mile from each other! It was definitely much needed and I’m so glad we got to have this low-pressure shoot to just practice, and of course, get some shots of us in action doing what we love in gorgeous Napa!
Check out Becca’s work at https://www.rebeccaskidgelphotography.com/
or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaskidgelphoto/
Why I've Decided to Focus on Wedding and Event Photography
It’s such a weird time right now, and I literally can’t stop thinking about this virus. But I know what matters most is what I do with the time I have in front of me, so I wanted to share with you today why I have been focusing more on wedding and event photography!
It’s such a weird time right now, and I literally can’t stop thinking about this virus. But I know what matters most is what I do with the time I have in front of me, so I wanted to share with you today why I have been focusing more on wedding and event photography!
One of my most surreal experiences happened to me during the last catastrophic event in Napa during the fires. It REALLY ingrained in me why photography is so important to my life. My significant other Jay’s friend had a home near the top of one of the mountains in Napa. He and his parents were all out of town, so they asked us to check on the home for them, to one, see if it was still standing, and two, to just grab all of the wedding and family photographs off of the walls. Nothing else, just those photos as those memories were more important than any other physical thing in their gorgeous Napa home.
As we were driving up, we saw a fire crawling forebodingly across the mountainside nearby Jay’s friend’s home and couldn’t tell if was on fire.
Once we reached the home, we could hear the fire whooshing and crackling. We look over the mountainside and see it crawling up towards their pool in the backyard. We had no idea how much time we had before it would engulf the house, as we were certain it would. We thought there was no way it could avoid the house. We run inside and start frantically taking down all of the photos and loading them into our car. We are hustling! I smell the fire and hear it crackle outside more and more. We take off as soon as we can with all of the wedding and family photos we could find.
The next day their road was closed off and we could no longer see the home from the closest vantage point as it was covered in thick smoke. The dad was able to come back to check on the home, but even law enforcement wouldn’t let him through to get to his home. It was about a week later before we knew how the house was, and maybe a week and a half before we could see through the smoke from where the road was closed.
Lo and behold, it was still standing! Both neighbor’s homes were lost, and the barn behind their home burnt down. We couldn’t believe their house was ok.
Being a photographer, that experience really solidified my purpose.
Wherever I can tell a story I will. Weddings are notably packed full with stories! I love the heightened emotions and having the honor of capturing something so important. I love knowing that the images I create will be on someone’s wall and shown to children and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Being the catalyst between a beautiful moment, and having that moment saved in memory for countless years to come is incredibly fulfilling to me!
Falling somewhere between an introvert and extrovert, wedding and event photography is so perfect for me. I love to interact with people, but also love to observe and hide stealthily behind my camera to try my best to really capture the vibe of the event. My favorite thing to do is to grab photos of impromptu moments that you didn’t even know I was there for!
I love being in the middle of the action, and get just as excited to photograph an event as if I was invited to enjoy it as a guest! I love to dress the part, blend in and experience the thoughtful creativity that the planner of the event created.
I believe that we are a culmination of our experiences that not only our personalities reflect, but our life’s purpose appears through. We are individual puzzles, and I love being open to different ways of putting the pieces together. Photography allows me to observe many different worlds and paths. Being an open-minded individual, I love to see other’s lives, or rather their stories, and tell them as beautifully as I can.
<3 Mary
Scary Times and What To Do About It - Three Little Things that Make a Huge Difference
Just a few little things you can do to keep your spirits up in this confusing time!
The ups and downs right now are spanning the world.
It feels like a movie.
Every morning I wake up, I’m reminded of a reality I’m not quite ready to confront. All we’re being asked to do is stay home…that is all! But I know it’s hard to ignore the pain & fear being experienced around the world.
So, I wanted to share a few things I do every day that has been helping me stay positive and happy.
I feel privileged & thankful simultaneously - despite having 5 photography gig cancellations so far, I'm so thankful for my health and the health of those I love, the sunshine, listening to music and more. Click here for a great article about how gratitude can help you wherever you are in life. I have a gratitude journal I have written in every day since September and I can tell you it (along with therapy) pulled me out of a depressive episode. I owe a lot to simple gratitude!
1. Stay Thankful - write 3 things you're thankful for every day and watch your mind change.
Next, what have you been putting off that you've been wanting to do?
I have a massive list, from business development, education, art projects, to my overachieving goal of actually learning Spanish. (I'll do it one day, I promise!) I also love cooking and baking for its meditative quality. If you're prone to anxiety, learning how to make something new is a fantastic way to keep your mind positive while getting the gratification that you just made something that's dare I say, edible! Go you!
2. Pick a couple of fun projects! (Start small to build up your confidence before trying something big.) Cook, bake, draw, do some photography with your phone, download a free fun course online...etc. and I promise you'll feel so good!
Is there a calorie tracker for how many calories I burn while scrolling on my phone?
Lastly, it's important to be mindful of how much we are on social media. (Can my iPhone not say how many hours I was on my phone last week? Jeez SO rude!) It's so easy to get sucked in, and when there's stress surrounding me in the world, I can't help but be pulled in myself as a way to cope. I don't want to ignore it, but I can't let it overtake me! Balance is key here, but it's ok if you mess this up a little because I'll say it - we're all addicted (Ok, maybe just at least 90% of us are).
When I find myself getting sucked in, I just make my gosh darn eyes look up and out the window or even step outside for a few moments and let my thoughts wander. I feel like "the scrolls" happen when I may be avoiding thinking about something, or simply don't want to confront my boredom or procrastination. Be accepting of your thoughts, listen to them without judgment to identify what's holding you back.
3. When "The Scrolls" happen, just look out the window or step outside and nonjudgmentally let your thoughts wander. Listen to what you need!
I hope these things help! Much love & positive vibes to you and your loved ones!
<3 Mary
Bonus if you have pets. Go play with them and give them cuddles! But you already knew that ;)
Megan + Scott's Engagement Session
The mustard in Napa is poppin’! Megan and Scott had their engagement photo session at the Cuvaison Winery in the Los Carneros region of Napa California. We had the whole place to ourselves (besides the sheep in the vineyards, of course). As the sun began to set over The Napa Valley, the magical setting of mustard strewn throughout the vineyards and fields made our little world glow as bright as Megan & Scott.
The mustard in Napa is poppin’! Megan and Scott had their engagement photo session at the Cuvaison Winery in the Los Carneros region of Napa California. We had the whole place to ourselves (besides the sheep in the vineyards, of course). As the sun began to set over The Napa Valley, the magical setting of mustard strewn throughout the vineyards and fields made our little world glow as bright as Megan & Scott.
#Goals. Another Spin Around The Sun
I have been discovering that I don’t really have true singular goals, but I have true singular decisions. Each decision I make opens up new pathways, doors and windows. I follow a north star of the common theme of my goals. Always guiding, never limiting, with an intention of experimentation and discovery, letting myself play and (attempting to) never being hard on myself.
I know one day I'll look through these blog posts and have mixed feelings. I'll be very happy I wrote them for sure, I may cringe at how I wrote, and what I was thinking about. I'll probably shake my head looking through the things I was learning, and thought I was a master at - at least subconsciously. But irregardless, I will write because it is the best way to somehow manage to bring all of my thoughts together that swim wildly and aimlessly. These posts provide a fishing net that captures similar thoughts into a sort of neatly organized container. (It’s also a great cross training project for me to exercise another creative skill.) It's all within a pathway, a journey that flows without direction and has brought me places I didn't think I could be because of the chances I've taken. This post is a general overview of the most important positive influences throughout my life thus far that have shaped my decisions to follow a creative track.
My goals tend to fluctuate slightly, however they've tended to stay within the same realm. Since I was 3, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I remember getting my first sketchbook from my parents at 3 years old. That is surely a core memory that shaped and inspired my future. I still remember my dad sketching on the first page showing me how to draw.
At 8, I wanted to be a roller coaster designer. (Holla, Roller Coaster Tycoon.) I also simultaneously wanted to be a fashion designer, but also wanted to be a traditional fine artist throughout it all. Throw that together with having an appreciation and slight desire to work in interior design...while also creating "movies" with our family tape recorder...and also wanting to be a writer at 9.
I had one of the most formative years of my life during 4th grade where my impressively lively, dynamic and inspiring teacher Mr. Warren taught us how to write through creative writing exercises. My writing reached new heights that I didn't even realize was possible. I was at least pretty convinced that writing was something I'd be doing. It did fade out for a while...But I'm not too sure now!
Photography soon kicked in a year later. I received my first long awaited point and shoot camera at 10, and began to foster that interest in the background. I taught myself mostly everything through books, online and experimenting from that age. In between this time I fell in love with dancing, and singing. (While also swimming competitively) I even choreographed a talent show song and dance with my best friend. My other best friend's mom even payed for a year of dance lessons for me after seeing my love for it and knowing that my family couldn't afford it.
Then my sister began working at Disney World. She brought Imagineering to my attention when I was 13. That became my obsession for the next few years, and still is a little bit. I'd check out Imagineering books (yes those exist and they're amazing) and photography books from the library simultaneously soaking up as much info as possible. Especially in the Imagineering books, those awesome buzz words like "innovation", "learning", and "storytelling" really sparked something in me. I discovered concept design and visual development through researching and have been hooked on that ever since. Being able to create an experience, a story that is not just flat in a book or a movie was incredibly appealing and still is. Also at 13 I received my guitar which I still have and adore. Music is a way to de-stress for me, another form of expression I want to share with others more down the road once I have more established in my career.
I continued my desire to work in Imagineering up throughout high school. I continued making short movies, doing Photography, dancing and drawing and painting. (Shoutout to Bob Ross for teaching me my first oil painting techniques.) I went to an alternative high school called "Big Picture" in my last year of school where I could create my own coursework. I based everything around creativity, studying the golden ratio, and creating a featurette documentary about my missions trip to El Salvador. After graduating high school a year early, I moved back to my home town, Rochester. I decided not to go right into college. I made the right decision.
I met and worked with Steve Carpenter, who actually so happened to work at Disney during the 60's! He's a gem in Rochester, and taught me so much. He even showed me some of the work he made at Disney that is in my favorite futuristic style of the 60's. (If you worked there, at least during that time, you're actually not allowed to let your art leave the company. But he took his that he made on his very first day working there. I think it was so worth the risk!) I learned some amazing skills from him.
During this time one of my great friends, Candace, asked me to take her senior photos. I was actually a little unsure, but I obliged. She said I could probably get our other friends to have me take their pictures as well. So we did the most ultimate photoshoot we could muster out of Rochester! We traveled all around with 2 giant suitcases full of clothes, shoes and accessories. She was my guinea pig, and some of the photos we took during that are still some of my best. (The first photo on my welcome page as well as the small icon on the top of your browser is a photo from that shoot. From that shoot, 8 other friends also had me do their photos for them! It was a success for me, and made me realize how photography could truly be a possibility!
After that, I did go to Community College for a year, which provided me some great motivation to practice my artistic skills. I created my favorite yet so simple painting of an avocado. I still want to create a full series based off of that initial image.
All the while though, each of those passions are alive and well in me, and I juggle them the best I can. I've gone to a couple of art studios since to continue developing my artistic ability. I also have illustrated for a start up called D20, which focuses on helping video gamers become more attentive to their health. I also have shot a small commercial for another local start up, and I have helped a friend with her minimalism journey and finding her true style guiding her in the styling of her room. I continue dancing whenever I have the chance, whether through lessons, or on a whim.
All of those aspects of expression accurately create me. And I try my best to satisfy each passion. I want to become all of those things, and I have to certain extents.
Over the past year, I'd been thinking about what my true goal is, and it may be to be able to do all of these things successfully (or generally continue on my pathway of exploring and developing each of these.) I believe that in the creative field, that is more than possible. Every time I've put my focus into any of these, I have been able to mold my previous experience with another form of "art" to the next one. Finding connections between different art forms bridges the gap between. It could be how the creative process of writing a poem is similar to drawing a portrait. There are themes that connect in each medium, teaching you not only how to draw, but how the creative process you're learning can be applied to another medium. And not only to art, but to sports and exercise, work, or leisure.
I have been discovering that I don’t really have true singular goals, but I have true singular decisions. Each decision I make opens up new pathways, doors and windows. I follow a north star of the common theme of my goals. Always guiding, never limiting, with an intention of experimentation and discovery, letting myself play and (attempting to) never being hard on myself.
Tempus Fugit (In other words, Time Flies)
The only thing that helped me achieve solace after only finding loose ends when I scavenged for answers, was to ask myself purely what I wanted. What did I want? What did I actually truly want, unbiased, with no input from anyone except myself? After being trained my whole life to inadvertently put others first, without making sure I was emotionally and mentally equipt first, I became a begging woman on the side of the street with next to no direction. I needed to gain wealth in myself first before being ready to give myself to others.
My hair and my face after this year...Like what just happened? lol.
As my friend Max likes to say, it's been a hot minute. Meaning, any sort of time since the last time something took place. Or the amount of time it will take till the next step in whatever crazy thing all of our friends were planning on doing. This amount of time is not a stagnant amount. It vareys subject to subject. And in this instance, it's been, what...almost a year, save a couple months?
And its been a cold minute. With some very wonderful things in between.
Between my high expectations, crumbling hopes, the death of my inspiring Aunt, and lots of overtime at work, I have found myself taking a few steps forward, and a couple steps back constantly. The ups and downs have been intense this year. Through a bad living situation in my very first apartment ever that I had hoped to be perfect (Love your friends, but think hard before you live with them. Also, probably more importantly, make sure your landlord isn't crazy...that's almost impossible though. Side note - I still love my friends that I lived with. Just the math didn't add up the way we were hoping.) Through a new, supportive, respectful loving relationship with my balancing Libra man, Jay, I've been able to find some traction and consistency and adoration that I cherish with all the love I can give. Along with his family who have been rather amazing and have taken me in without skipping a beat - I have much to be grateful for that! To the friends who have stuck by my side while I have been MIA and have been also incredibly loving and supportive. Through doubts about my abilities, while not giving myself enough credit, to thinking I have it made #impostersyndrome. To long term goal setting, and being okay with where I am, otherwise I'll always be chasing happiness even when I achieve what I want.
(Click on the right photo to scroll through)
I also worked super hard from last January to March, in which I learned how to save money, and be responsible. I achieved the money needed to have the best 21st birthday ever in Miami with my best friends. I now know I can achieve any sort of goal that requires a bit of money in a pinch. And as planned, I am looping back around to my creative talents, and meditating on ways I can use those gifts to create some exciting and inspiring things. I now am working 30-45 hours per week instead of last year's 60-70 hours per week. (Which caused me to put writing to the side.)
A wonderful sense of peace is growing in me that I have been fostering with a practice of patience. I have been using the ability to save my money carefully, and have purchased two $2,000 lenses and a $4,500 camera (with lens). I will now be focusing on saving for a car, then a macbook pro, and ipad pro to help me with digital drawing, and to get back into video editing. Then a mountain bike, and then saving for a travel fund. Because I, much like others in this time of traveling among my friends, feel the need to explore the world around me. I also have some online courses I'd like to take throughout this time. I want to learn how to code, and how to develop an online business to allow me to work remotely. Something I've learned through my job experiences, is that I love having a job where I'm not always in the same spot, or am required to go to the same place.
My shiny gold scooter, Florence. We had some good times.
A couple of my favorite jobs where I learned this even more so about myself have been working briefly for Blue Crew, and Luxe Valet. Blue Crew allowed me to find temp jobs around the Bay Area. In one day I worked at Blue Bottle Coffee during the morning, then at night worked at Cirque Du Soleil as a bartender. For Luxe, I was a mobile Valet with a small scooter in tow, traversing the city picking up customers' cars, exploring different parts of San Francisco I'd never seen, meeting unique people, and pretty much being my own boss. It was incredibly freeing, and gave me a sense of self dependency I never had before. I could also make my own schedule, and work for however long or short I wanted to. However, both of these jobs I left disappointed. We are in the age of booming start ups, and Luxe had made a couple of detrimental mistakes which caused a huge loss in its' workforce. While Blue Crew was unfortunately not lucrative enough to be traveling all over for, and didn't have enough jobs to provide its' growing pool of employees. In the end though, I was able to learn a few things from those experiences that will help my future, which is all I could ask for.
“There is no answer, or no “I’m so sorry that happened” that will make it better besides time. ”
Moving onward from my obsessive work focus, (At least I'm honest! haha) I have also had some life changing experiences. During the Summer, my fabulous Aunt Barbie (Barbara) passed away from cancer. She was a bright, shining, starry soul who chased her dreams and always put first what made her happy. She found joy in working hard to get better at doing what she loved, and lived a rich life. I have found lots of inspiration from her while growing up. Through visiting my independent New York City Salsa Dancing Aunt, to looking through her old sketches and drawings from her days at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and even to her most gorgeous handwriting, she was grounded in herself, yet a free spirited soul, always inviting me to go on an adventure with her. Every so often since, I get a feeling that it isn't fair that she passed so young. That she was supposed to be around to see something, do something, explore something with me. I wanted to go to a Salsa club with her when I turned 21, and she was unfortunately too sick to do so. Its' something I won't ever have the chance to do, and hurts. She also used the fact that she was planning on coming to visit me in San Francisco to get her through her brain surgery. But she wasn't able to ever come visit. There is no answer, or no "I'm so sorry that happened" that will make it better besides time.
(Click on the right photo to scroll through)
Something incredible that I learned through that experience, is that a death isn't something that you gain really anything from positively besides learning how much of a crook life is. Although I'm usually bright and positive, that time made me become morose, and overwhelmed, and overcome with dread for each coming day. Through that difficult time, I was also dealing with a sticky situation with my apartment. My landlord was unprofessionally complaining of having anxiety attacks and back pain due to me and my roommates being burdensome. It was all situational though. Nothing was anyone's fault, but blame was slung to help either party feel better. Which was really the only way to cope with it. Everyone was in the wrong, and everyone was in the right. Apologies could make things better, and they did, but nothing got better until we all threw in the towel and moved out.
I had also mistakenly invited one of my good friends from the east coast to live with me, and help her get away from an abusive home life. This only added more problems to the stew. She had never lived on her own before, and needed a hand to hold to walk her through each step. I was beyond that ability with everything piled on top of me. I never asked her for anything, except to save up money to find her own place while she lived with me in my room. She was incapable of this basic first yet recognizably challenging first step of saving money. Resentment began to build in me (and my friends) towards her for her lack of independence and unwillingness to learn. When she proved incapable of saving money in a timely matter, I had to begin to ask her for money towards utilities to alleviate some of the stress she was causing me and my roommates by staying past the time we could accommodate for since we didn't have any extra money to house her for free. She didn't comprehend how bills worked, and I became more resentful and short tempered, yet bottled it up inside until she took the hint and found a way back to the east coast. I haven't spoken to her since. It's unfortunately something I'm okay with leaving due to a misrepresentation of what she projected herself to be, and what she actually was. I was let down, as I had thought she was what she said she was. I never really experienced anything like that before, and still don't really know what to think of it. I probably will understand in the future. I may be sounding harsh, but I'm trying to be more honest about my experiences.
In addition to these exasperations, money was also dwindling. As I needed to make my rent on time, and also spend time on the east coast with my family. It felt nearly impossible, and like all of the funds I had worked to receive were being completely depleted and I was starving for peace and clarity. My friends missed me, but I had no energy to be positive and happy. I felt as though my negativity was too much of a burden. I felt as though I was only making things worse by running away from them, but I had no energy to be social outside of work, and spending time with my boyfriend, Jay, which felt like the only thing that was working out positively and giving me something to look forward to and build upon. That time with Jay was also shamed, as a couple of my close friends hinted that they thought I was spending too much time with him. I felt guilty, and like I should make my friends happy before myself. It was yet another thing that broke me down a little more. Even writing about this now I feel the weight of all these things again. It was one of the most mentally challenging moments in my life. I was juggling so many things, and I felt as though my friends and family weren't getting enough from me which only pushed me down more.
The only thing that helped me achieve solace after only finding loose ends when I scavenged for answers, was to ask myself purely what I wanted. What did I want? What did I actually truly want, unbiased, with no input from anyone except myself? After being trained my whole life to inadvertently put others first, without making sure I was emotionally and mentally equipped first, I became a begging woman on the side of the street with next to no direction. I needed to gain wealth in myself first before being ready to give myself to others. I had to reach my child self, and give that little person in me undivided attention, like a parent who properly gives the amount of attention a child deserves to grow up with a healthy set of boundaries and confidence. The answer to my questions might damage some relationships, but it would only show which ones were the most sure and steadfast. Healthy and Relentless. Passionate and Diligent. Everything that I wanted in my life for me could be attainable and already was in me. Anything that doubted or questioned me would have to no longer be a priority. In terms of my relationships, they had to be understanding of my current situation. They had to let me be on my own for a while until things were sorted out. They had to be there for me when I needed them most. They couldn't criticize my choices in unfair ways (like I sometimes do to myself.) I needed to be my best friend, and the people I chose to be in my life needed to respect those parameters. Unfortunately some fell short. Yet that highlighted the others that were so strong, and would continue to prevail. I think those people know who they are.
(Click on the right photo to scroll through)
From those detrimental moments, I feel like I've mostly healed, and have a nice neat little box of all of the great things I learned. I feel like my foundation is growing stronger as I carefully lay down layer after layer. I find myself trying to relax a bit more, and give myself a break. I have an incredible support system now through Jay and his family who have been so truly amazing to let me live with them. I couldn't ask for more during this time. During my time off, and when Jay and I aren't biking, or I'm not out exploring and catching up with friends or doing photo shoots, I am reinforcing and growing my creative endeavors. I have been taking my time to back track and work on some art I've put off finishing, photos I haven't organized, edited and still need to publish, books that need to be listened to (I don't allow myself much space and time to read, so I listen instead), movies that should be watched and enjoyed, and of course, writing that needs to be done. I have lots of words to share. There are thoughts that have been on the top shelf of my mind needing to be dusted off and handed to you. Thank you for reading <3
Products, Storytelling, and Coming Full Circle
I have been developing a newfound love for product photography. It may honestly be one of the last things I would of considered actually enjoying...But after a couple of shoots (who just so happened to have Pocket in their names) for products, I have realized how much love, passion and possibility for creativity lies within the subject.
I have been developing a newfound love for product photography. It may honestly be one of the last things I would of considered actually enjoying...But after a couple of shoots (who just so happened to have Pocket in their names) for products, I have realized how much love, passion and possibility for creativity lies within the subject.
I'd like to start off with the fact that whoever is the owner of their business believes wholeheartedly in their product, and that in itself is incredibly inspiring. It is their baby that they are fostering and helping grow. They are endlessly creative, and they have to be if they want their product to thrive.
And the coolest part for me? It's that I can give their vision life. I can bring their ideas full circle with my creative capabilities. I can deliver something to them that will connect with their audience and reach the people they are trying to appeal to. It allows my creativity to run wild as well as reach into my desire to story tell.
Silent Pocket Cap
With Silent Pocket, I was able to go off of their brand and create with the founder a narrative that turned almost into a lifestyle shoot. Silent Pocket makes phone cases, wallets, bags and more that block RIFD signals so you can protect your digital information. We started in the morning, and I followed the model on his "commute to work". I reflected the air of mystery that is highlighted in their products. I used my prism to add artistic lens flair that disguised the model's face and distorted the image to show the high security and secretiveness that the wallets and bags provide for sensitive information. It was in the perfect city setting, and the overcast gloomy skies furthered the mystique.
Long exposure of the Muni train!
This past Sunday I worked with Go Pocket which has a bit more of a fun carefree, less mysterious feel to it. I met the owner of Go Pocket not even a week before the shoot and felt like I knew her for much longer than that pretty quickly! I also experienced that with the owner of silent pocket. I feel like when you hit it off like that, there's almost no way the photo shoot could go badly. That positive first impression sets you up for success no matter what could go wrong.
With Go Pocket, I was able to recruit the help from my awesome friend, and fitness model Alberto as well as our other awesome friend/model Larissa. We had a fun time, and even had a magical experience...We were shooting near a walkway in Golden Gate Park, when suddenly steam/fog emerged from beneath the walkway. It may have been for a community art installation, or for the nearby plants. Whatever reason it was for, I knew at that moment it was for us! I had Alberto and Larissa go into the fog and I captured some amazingly beautiful shots. We couldn't have bought that experience! It was more than any of us could ask for. These magical moments happen occasionally, and when they do, I take full advantage of them!
Larissa and I have a similar mindset and experience with living in San Francisco. We both moved here around the same time and consider it to be a magical place. Sure, there may be days when things are very difficult, but something about living here provides for magical experiences and opportunities neither of us have ever had a chance to have. It makes those rougher days completely insignificant in comparison to the overall bigger picture.
Through these irreplaceable experiences and people I have met and continue to meet, I realize how darn lucky I am. I have been and am continuing to find ways to develop my talents into useful skills that connect me with fantastic individuals. And these fantastic individuals and I are able to join forces, give to each other and create beatiful things. I am living the creative lifestyle one day at a time and it's so worth the challenge!
Attempting* a Break!
This past week my mom came into town for the holidays. It was her first time here, so I tried to plan an extraordinary (affordable) trip. (Meaning instant ramen and left overs from when I worked at the zoo last weekend. I'll talk about that next week.) Also, pictures will be posted later. I am in a Wal-Mart on my phone hijacking their wifi to try to post this from my phone! High quality pictures will have to wait unfortunately.
This past week my mom came into town for the holidays. It was her first time here, so I tried to plan an extraordinary (affordable) trip. (Meaning instant ramen and left overs from when I worked at the zoo last weekend. I'll talk about that next week.) Also, pictures will be posted later. I am in a Wal-Mart on my phone hijacking their wifi to try to post this from my phone! High quality pictures will have to wait unfortunately.
I highly recommend staying the night at Walmart. Generally quiet, questionably safe, and a bathroom only a 10 minute walk away. What more could you ever need? And truthfully, it wasn't all too bad.
We rented a Jucy van and have traveled down to LA for the first time, met a magical pigeon man who helped corral a flock of pigeons to land on me at Venice beach, slept in a Walmart parking lot, went to a punk glam bar that was shrouded in pastel pink and blue sprinkled with bar goers wearing thick leather jackets and dangling earrings, all while making some new friends and potentially landing an illustration job for a novel!
Out of nowhere, a magical pigeon man appears!
I then got some killer pictures in Big Sur along the way back up. (That golden hour, am I right?) Our trip is concluding with one more night at a Walmart, then I will be photographing my second ever official wedding all day tomorrow for New Year's Eve into midnight. I even have my mom helping me as a "lighting assistant"! We'll see how that goes... A photography lesson is going to be taking place shortly!
I was actually dreading the holiday season this year. It meant that I'd have to halt my projects and prepare to spend more money than I'd like. However, that wasn't entirely the case. It actually gave me a chance to get back to myself, be introspective, get inspired and think about my goals and the future with minimal pressure.
I love sitting in a car looking at the beautiful mountains and ocean. It gives my ever moving mind something peaceful to meditate on while giving myself space to think about what really matters. I let my mind wander and give it free range to bounce off the far walls of the distant mountains and return to me with better perspective, giving me stronger patience and sense of self. It is a great space for me to come back to myself with no distractions. (And no cell phone signal, praise the Lord.) The seemingly daunting pressures seem as small as I am, compared to the mountains and ocean.
Being in a car on a road trip has become one of my favorite things to do. I love that my only reservation is to sit and get somewhere. That lack of commitment to anything else helps me feel freer than when I am at any other place being still. Traveling is such a cliche, but it is so for a very good reason!
I find it funny how when I'm going 80 miles per hour, I'm finally letting myself be still.
Everyday I'm Hustlin'
Cue dance music...Doo doo doo do doo do....
Cue dance music...Doo doo doo do doo do....
You know what's really cool? Even if you're not the best in something, if you work harder than someone who is better than you, you can outrun them if you're willing to put forth that effort. Through listening to Gary Vaynerchuk, I've been adopting his ideas on "hustle", and these are the ways I've been applying it to my life.
Recently, I went to a small event where local artisans and small businesses were displaying their work. From pottery, to plants, to "Go Pocket"- a small brand new company that I actually just had the pleasure of having an awesome- shoot for. (The owner of Go Pocket invited me to the event, as it would be a great place for me to network.) Upon arriving, I was happily surprised with the beauty of the place. It was at Stable Cafe in San Francisco. It satisfied my - nearly - unhealthy adoration of succulents, greenery, air plants, and even a stone oven keeping the kind-of cold guests of kind-of cold San Francisco pleasantly toasty.
I met up with Caitlin, Go Pocket's owner, and she began to introduce me to some of the business owners. I enjoyed talking with them and learning about the history of their companies, their inspirations for starting them, and what they hoped for the future...I not-so-secretly hoped they may need a photographer. Once getting to that part of the conversation, most of them already had photography work done, and they even showed me examples...
When I saw the photography work they already had done, I was slightly intimidated. Oh man, I didn't have those capabilities to make such flawless work yet! I didn't have the equipment, or even that knowledge! They were...dare I say, better than me! How could this be??
No, I didn't let myself get to that point actually. I know that no one is actually "better" than anyone else. It is a matter of experience...as well as some upscale equipment I don't have the ability to get yet, which is totally fine. I like the challenge. It makes me need to be resourceful, which makes me a better photographer. One day I will be able to use that equipment, but until then I will continue to develop my skill set with the tools I have on hand.
But what about that hustlin? What NOT about that hustlin?
The point I'm going to make is, it doesn't matter if someone is better than you. That seriously doesn't matter one bit. Even if they are smarter than you, it doesn't matter. What actually matters is, are you willing to put more work in? Are you willing to stay up one extra hour longer than the other person? How about two hours longer? (That's actually exactly what I'm doing right now to tell you the truth! I know it's worth it.)
My mind began to wander to the darkness of self doubt and insecurity while I flipped through the amazing gardener's how-to/DIY floral arrangement book that sat next to her gloriously beautiful air plant arrangements strategically and perfectly placed right nearby. "How did the photographer, whoever they are, create such a flawless, otherworldly photo?" And instead of getting down on myself, I thought deeply about the techniques and set up that they probably used, and reminded myself that I will get to that point and someday very soon know those skills as well. I actually almost felt embarrassed for offering my photographic services to her, since she already had the most spectacular photos in this book. But I didn't because I have my own strengths, and all it is is a lack of experience which, well...comes with time and experience!
Hustle is also amazing because it is something that one can have absolute control over. You can choose how hard to work, how late to keep working, how quickly and intensely to work. It is something within your grasp.
Hustle hustle hustle...Werk werk werk.
When the Going gets...Wait Where'd You Go?
Sometimes I get my hopes up too high.
So, I overcompensate. I have started to have my hopes so low, so gosh darn low that something that is great is ruined by my expectation it will go wrong. I nearly forget how to be excited….
Sometimes I get my hopes up too high.
So, I over compensate. I have started to have my hopes so low, so gosh darn low that something that is great is ruined by my expectation it will go wrong. I nearly forget how to be excited.
Something I have been working on the past couple of weeks is how to expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It's never a good idea to have all of your eggs in one basket...or in too many baskets for that matter. But when you're starting something big and scary, it's easy to dart all around. Especially when I've had problems with being sure and confident in myself. That's a pretty new-to-me trait that I've been fostering recently. (And has been rewarding me well, I might add. Confidence is a handy thing to have.)
This mental pattern happens when I start to recognize the potential of a situation. I go a little crazy thinking of the absolute best case and worst case simultaneously. (Thanks, Miss. Fluctuating Self Esteem and Impostor Syndrome*! You guys are awesome.) My emotions drive me more than I'd like, and it's been a hassle to reign them in. It's something I recognize in myself and would love to change.
Since I've been listening to Gary Vayneerchuck way too much recently, (I tend to get super hyped on one person or idea, let it cycle through and whirl around until I move on to the next thing. Do you guys do that, too?) his words have been floating throughout my mind and his straightforward honesty has really struck a chord with me. He recently said in his latest book "Ask Gary Vee", that he is "not a smart guy" but is "emotionally intelligent." Instead of letting his emotions get the best of him when something goes wrong, he will shut off for a while until getting a handle on his feelings, then come back and confront the situation with a strong sense of clarity. That is a quality I have been working towards and fostering.
Through speaking with one of my greatest friends Gabby, we discussed living in the moment. We are both having a similar problem, and have discovered that living in the moment would solve the problem. Focusing your efforts on the what ifs and the dreams will only allow you to live in that realm off possibility, and that can be way too much to handle and can be overwhelming. It will hold you back, since you don't have access to any realistic tools around you in which could get to those points. The smarter thing to do is to identify your goal, definitely be aware of its presence, live in that feeling. Then, look around you. What tools do you have with you right now that can help you progress in that direction of your goal? What seeds can you plant, and what resources are available to you to start building that foundation for your dream?
Keeping yourself based in reality while also having the confidence and mindset at all times that you will achieve your goals will keep you on the track to getting there without distracting you of the what ifs and from darting around. My main goals (which I'll talk about a little later) are always in the back of my head, and are my north star to follow. As I traverse the pathway, I am building a solid foundation slowly but surely. I do not want to be an "overnight success". I want to have a fruitful, reliable foundation that I can trust in myself to grow upwards and out from. I try not to let myself get too excited and hopeful, yet also not think I will fail...Layer that with a huge gob of "I know that I will achieve my goals and live out my purpose no matter what." As I continue to build my confidence and assurance in my abilities, I want to let myself develop organically, genuinely, and with purpose.
<3 Mary
*I did one of those star things up there. Did you see it? Yeah, you totally did because you were probably like, what the heck is Impostor Syndrome? Or you were all like, oh yeah, Impostor Syndrome. We're pretty tight. If you're tight with it or not, here's an article all about it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/26/your-money/learning-to-deal-with-the-impostor-syndrome.html?_r=0
First Post! How Excite. Much Wow.
DISCLAIMER: Proceed at your own risk!! If this first post was the pilot episode of a dramatic sitcom, it would be one where you just hopped right in the deep end with no context. Maybe it's for added effect to somehow reflect how I feel at the moment - in the deep end learning to swim while also being pelted with a hundred little blow up floaties I have to somehow inflate while treading water and hoping I'll soon blow up enough to keep me above water soon. Phew! But one day soon I'll have a floaty castle. And you're invited to that future party. Anywho, without further ado...
DISCLAIMER: Proceed at your own risk!! If this first post was the pilot episode of a dramatic sitcom, it would be one where you just hopped right in the deep end with no context. Maybe it's for added effect to somehow reflect how I feel at the moment - in the deep end learning to swim while also being pelted with a hundred little blow up floaties I have to somehow inflate while treading water and hoping I'll soon blow up enough to keep me above water soon. Phew! But one day soon I'll have a floaty castle. And you're invited to that future party. Anywho, without further ado...
Oh man, how cool! My very own website, and I can even blog! How darn cool. With everything going on in my life, writing would be pretty helpful...maybe help me stay a bit more chill and calm.
My website, especially this section, feels like an empty room with squishy white walls I can bounce my ever flowing ideas off of. Maybe they'll bounce to you and you can bounce them back with some added flair? I could dig it.
But life though? Well...yesterday was productive to say the least. From an actual meeting, to a phone meeting, to arranging a meeting...to getting my lazy butt back on Flickr, updating other social media accounts, making connections, listening to Gary Vaynerchuk's book, "Crush It" twice in a row, uploading products to Society6, (I will link to that below), signing up for Tumblr, debating about Twitter, and finishing editing my first wedding photos...while more importantly spending time with a friend I've missed dearly. She kept me sane.
Straightforward and motivating book. Basically Shia Labeouf saying "JUST DO IT" but in slightly more detailed terms.
Did I learn anything? Heck yes I did.
The most helpful thing I learned in terms of productivity yesterday was a few Photoshop shortcuts that will save me an incredible amount of time in the future. It helped me get through the nearly one thousand wedding photos a whole lot quicker than I thought possible. In a way, I'm thankful I took such a massive amount of photos since it helped me figure out something I otherwise would have never thought to do. Which I then can extrapolate into a life lesson...
TIme to drop the wisdom. Are you ready? I don't know if you are...Alright here it is. Even though everything has been such a roller coaster and things are difficult right now, I know that the most growth happens when things are most difficult. So, I am always forever thankful for hardships. And that's what makes me enjoy every minute. That's why I still have my smile - I know that it's all so worth it! Those difficulties mean that I'm learning! Push the barriers and boundaries away, or better yet, make them bend to your desire. Make your own rules. Let yourself sparkle, you beautiful being.
Below is a link to my Society6 shop I've been working on. I still have a ways to go on it, but feel free to pull back the dusty curtain and peek.
https://society6.com/marylizart