Bruce's Blog

Out with the old and in with the New!

2009-05-20T12:38:00.002-04:00

Excited to announce the release of my very new blog. But if you think you'll find it here if you keep reading, well, you'll be wrong. You'll need to go to our new blog site, bruceplotkinblog.com, which I hope you'll do now and do often. I hope you'll like the new site and that you'll let me know what you think. Thanks for taking the time to check it out. bp

Baxter's Birthday

2009-04-07T08:51:00.002-04:00

We've been so busy working on our very new and very exciting new Blog, soon to be unveiled (stay tuned), that there simply hasn't been an opportunity to update you on this one, but today seemed like a must blog day, being that it's our best friend's 13th birthday. Seems like yesterday he was this cute little puppy, getting into lots of trouble around the house with his buddy Murphy. So happy birthday Baxter. Many more, ok, old buddy?!

Lindsay and Blaine's Wonderful Winter Wedding Celebration

2009-03-02T15:42:00.007-05:00

We had the good fortune to spend this past Saturday night with some very special people at a very extraordinary winter celebration. Congratulations to both Lindsay and Blaine and their lovely families for including us in their incredible wedding extravaganza at the beautiful Weeburn Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. And special thanks to the Club's terrific event coordinator Sarah Lessard, our dear friend wedding coordinator Kathie Rowland, the exquisite, as always, floral arrangements of Peter and Chris of Elegant Effects and extra special thanks to the multi-talented photographer Jason Weaver, who-as always- was a major contributor to helping me capture this very wonderful celebration.

2009-03-02T15:41:00.000-05:00

2009-03-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

2009-03-02T15:36:00.003-05:00

Kathy Griffin at MSG

2009-02-21T13:10:00.003-05:00

With love and thanks to our dear friends, Barbara and David, an amazing evening of hilarious laughter watching Kathy Griffin at Madison Square Garden last night. Ok, back to work now.

Lushe's Sono Diner

2009-02-20T11:56:00.001-05:00

Those of you with whom I've spoken lately know that I've been very excited by the opening of the new diner in South Norwalk, just a stone's throw from my offices in "The Corset Factory".

Well I thought it was time that I shared my secret with the masses and so here are some photos I popped in to take this morning. Featured here are Danielle and Lushe. Lushe Gjuraj was the owner of the wonderful Sono restaurant Habana, which was in the same location as the new diner. She's also the proud owner of the Parkway Diner, Spazios and Quattro Regale all in Stamford as well as Ocean Drive, soon to reopen, in South Norwalk. But nothing could be more to my own personal liking than the comfort food of a great diner. Breakfast being my most favorite meal of all (Lushe's pancakes are amazing), Sono diner is destined to be my home away from home as well as my favorite new place to meet friends. So don't be surprised to receive a call from me soon with an invite to join me down at Lushe's. The address is 70 N. Main Street, South Norwalk, just doors away from the movie theater and a block from the Maritime Aquarium. Check it out.

Moon over Weston

2009-02-18T09:05:00.003-05:00

Loved this one recent night sky forming over our house and thought it was worth sharing.

Coming soon courtesy of your local wedding photographer

2009-02-17T11:45:00.004-05:00

While many of you have no doubt heard about the newest Canon 5D Mark II camera that shoots Hi Definition Video as well as extraordinary still images, the ability of the built-in mike to capture sound worth listening to is seriously limited. So thanks to B&H photo I bring you the very latest in discreet, unobtrusive and fly on the wall wedding photojournalism. Never say never, but don't expect to see me anytime soon walking around with this in your face. I promise.

Paul Simon in concert at the Beacon Theater

2009-02-15T11:35:00.003-05:00

Well I don't think it could have been a better way to spend Valentines Day then getting to see Paul Simon in concert at NY's newly renovated Beacon Theater. While my I-phone photos might not quite do the moment justice, it was truly an incredible concert, with Simon presenting both the familiar and the new. His voice is as pure and as young as we'd all like to remember it and the evening show-cased the extraordinary range of his illustrious career and talent. And what a beautiful "new" theater they've created at the Beacon. A great place to see any concert. Happy Valentine's Day to all.

"And the winner is...."

2009-02-14T09:53:00.003-05:00

Well, as we all know, you've got to play to win and leave it the lovely Traci Romano to not only enter our contest, but hit it on the first try.

As many of you already know, prior to starting our wedding and event photography business (incredible to me that it's been ten quick years since we did) I spent many years in NYC as a magazine and advertising photographer. Much of this time was spent photographing kids for national ads, magazine covers and fashion catalogs. Without a doubt one of our favorite models was one Jennifer Connelly. When we first met Jennifer she was all of ten years old, but from that first session it was obvious that this was no ordinary kid. Clearly gorgeous, even at ten, but poised, personable, smart (she always said she wanted to be a doctor) and perhaps most significantly, for our purposes at the time, a "natural" who moved with the grace and self-assurance of a much older and more experienced model. Well, so much for the Dr. Connelly, but nevertheless the kid turned out ok.

The "contest" photo, by the way, was from perhaps our last shoot together, maybe she was 13 or 14. It was this wonderful day of photos that we were commissioned to take for Trimfit Stockings. The art director was our good friend and incredibly talented designer Martha Voutas, now Martha Voutas Donegan and the fashion stylist was the amazing Kate Moody.

It was shot on a farm in New Jersey and the other models that day were our own super dog Duncan (the bearded collie) and another young girl named Yasmine Bleeth, later of "Bay Watch" fame. Jennifer and Yasmine to this day must both say to themselves "they knew me when".

Name this "child model" contest

2009-02-12T09:07:00.006-05:00

A little winter interlude. Pulling from the archives, part of a fun fashion shoot I was involved in a "few" years ago. First person to name the model featured here will be the recipient of an I-tunes gift certificate from yours truly. Here's a hint, you most likely DO know her, although not personally. No participation by family members, anyone involved in the photo session or family members of anyone involved in the photo session will be allowed. Send your answer in the "comment" section to qualify. One guess per person.

Taking it to the streets as another wonderful wedding season rapidly approaches

2009-02-08T12:32:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the wonderfully fun Julia and Jay, these are some results from our engagement session last year. Their wedding day at the Maritime Center in South Norwalk, Ct. is now quickly approaching and so how appropriate that we should hit the streets of "SONO" to capture some of these terrific photos. Ever since my early days in NYC, I've always loved taking to the streets for my pictures and with our office now in South Norwalk it's a great thrill to be able to just pop outside and experience a mini taste of the city streets. In anticipation of Spring (it will be here shortly, trust me!) and their sure to be exciting wedding day I share a few of the moments that we had together.

2009-02-08T12:30:00.002-05:00

Ashley and Mike's Winter Wedding

2009-01-22T10:12:00.003-05:00

Congratulations are in order to Ashley and Mike on their wonderful winter wedding celebration last weekend. The ceremony at the chapel on Wesleyan University's campus and the celebration at the lovely River House in Haddam, Ct. Could there be a more beautiful bride?

What a great way to start the new year.

2009-01-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

Family Portrait for the New Year

2009-01-02T09:37:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to all! With wishes to all of our friends and family for a year filled with health, happiness and a renewed sense of possibilities.

And in the spirit of new beginnings, the results of our recent session with baby Gracie, with mom and dad Matt and Kate, whose wedding we had the privilege of documenting two years ago. And to all of our friends whose weddings we've photographed and who have not taken me up on my standing gift offer for your first "family portrait", I look forward to your call.

Natalie Cole in Concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center

2008-12-25T09:37:00.010-05:00

Who better to capture the spirit of the season than Natalie Cole (with a little help from her dad Nat King). With some more web site updates in the works, I thought I'd share these photos of Natalie in concert that we took over this past year at a benefit for the National Parks Conservation Association. And at New York's incredible Jazz at Lincoln Center overlooking Columbus Circle.

Web Site Updating

2008-12-05T17:37:00.005-05:00

Happy to report that we're finally getting a little breathing room and spending some time updating our website with some of the many wonderful wedding photos from the past year or so. So please check them out and let us know what you think. Comments always appreciated.

Here's a taste but especially check out "Weddings Two" at bruceplotkin.com

More to follow.

December New Canaan Magazine

2008-12-03T15:04:00.003-05:00

Hot off the press, the December issue of New Cannaan/Darien (and let's not forget wonderful little Rowayton) Magazine and the cover story that we photographed with Kathy Giusti. An incredible story of the work that Kathy has done in creating the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Thanks to art director Mike Klotz and editor Carolyn Ryzewicz for including me in this inspirational story. To check out the article go to mofflymedia.com.

Baby Luca

2008-12-02T17:05:00.003-05:00

Can you stand how cute baby Luca is. Two years ago we photographed Tania and Angelo's wedding and now look what they have! This past dark and snowy/rainy Sunday I travelled down to their home in Westchester and took some "fab" pictures of the little guy surrounded by all of his accoutrements.

Uncle Abe's 95th

2008-12-01T19:37:00.004-05:00

Thought this was well worth sharing. In December my uncle Abe will turn 95 and on Saturday many of us gathered to celebrate. Particularly liked this moment with Abe and his youngest sibling, "dad". Happy birthday Abe!

Baby Harrison

2008-11-26T14:49:00.005-05:00

An early new year's resolution, start showing off some of the baby portraits we've been taking of some of our brides and grooms. And how about baby Harrison for a great start.

Meghan and Dave

2008-11-26T14:44:00.003-05:00

Well, cold it's getting and last weekend was especially so. But didn't stop Meghan and Dave from joining me in "Sono" for their engagement shoot. Brave souls that they are. And all you'll need is one look at these guys to know how excited we'll be to photograph their wedding in '09.

Westport Magazine and LL Farm Stand

2008-11-17T20:32:00.004-05:00

Another fun little story that we were given the opportunity to photograph recently and that ran in Westport Magazine in October. Thanks to the very cool people at the Double L Farm Stand, a little taste of the country here in suburbia.

A Must See!

2008-11-09T19:22:00.004-05:00

For those that haven't seen it, this is one you need to see.

Gripping story and incredible direction by Clint Eastwood.

One I highly recommend.

Robin and Gabe

2008-11-08T10:06:00.004-05:00

Congratulations Robin and Gabe. A wonderful wedding day. And so many great moments to share, including the select few below. How special to be able to get a few outdoor photos in November! And thanks to our good friends at The Waterview for throwing such a great party.

And I promise you, I did NOT tell them to do this!

Pure photojournalism, being there when it happens.

A brilliant effort!

2008-11-05T15:38:00.003-05:00

Not to be lost in the excitement of this historic election is the extraordinary campaign of our good friend Dennis Shulman. Readers of my posts, and many others, would have heard about Dennis' brilliant campaign for Congress from the 5th Congressional District of NJ . His remarkable story was featured in Time Magazine and the New Yorker (a wonderful Talk of the Town piece), amongst other publications. He was ultimately endorsed by the New York Times and Michael Bloomberg, and many others. And while Dennis did not succeed in beating arch conservative Scott Garrett last night, an extraordinary thing happened, more than 120,000 people (42% of all voters) voted for a 58 year old blind rabbi/psychologist who had never previously run for public office. All of those who know Dennis are so very proud of him and his amazing efforts. And somehow I don't think this is the last you'll hear from him. So congratulations to Den and his remarkable team!

Alyssa and John

2008-10-20T20:12:00.018-04:00

Another wonderful New England autumn weekend. It's what those of us who grew up here most cherish from our youth and those of us that have hung around most of our lives wish would last forever, knowing that the long dark days of winter are almost upon us. Well, for Alyssa and John, their timing couldn't have been better. Sunday was a cool but gorgeous day and the Inn at Longshore was in all its autumnal splendor. Congratulations to both of them. So very honored to have been included in your wonderful day. Check out the slide show.

Kim and Brian

2008-10-12T19:56:00.005-04:00

Could the day have been any better? The finest New England Fall weather imaginable, our dear friend and beautiful bride Kim (our former album designer) and the charming Brian, with his brand new smile, the exquisite Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown, Connecticut. Kim even designed and produced the invitations and every detail of the day had her personal touch.

Congratulations to both of you.

View our slide show: bruceplotkin.com/kimandbrian

2008-10-12T19:54:00.002-04:00

One final Napa story (then back to work)

2008-09-30T09:16:00.006-04:00

Last but not least on our Napa vacation. The real secret to the success of our wonderful week away was the incredible research and planning that Liz had done, from picking the right places to stay to the best wineries to visit. My job was just to show up (and I did that quite well).

But a couple of days into it I started hearing about the "Calistoga mudbaths" and became very intrigued and eventually obsessed. I must admit I love to be pampered, huge fan of deep tissue massages, room service and drinks by the pool. So when I heard that Calistoga, just up the road from us, was the heart of mudbath land, it became obvious that this was something we simply had to do and of course it became my job to find the best place to partake. So on-line I went and discovered the attractive (enough) web site of the Roman Spa at Hot Springs Resort, made the reservation for two for mud baths followed by 30 minute massages and off we went.

And the lesson is: any one can create a nice looking website. The reality is not always the same. Mudbath in Motel 6, not quite what we had in mind. In spite of this, the mud baths weren't so bad and the massages were actually quite nice.

More of our Napa trip.

2008-09-29T21:23:00.005-04:00

If you haven't been, Napa and Sonoma are clearly places that you need to put on your list. And so here are a few more snaps from our relaxing and exciting five days on the road.

2008-09-29T21:20:00.004-04:00

Liz workin' at it!

So Californian! The rest of us will eventually catch up.

Stranded in LA watching the Debate

2008-09-26T22:36:00.004-04:00

Heading home from Napa, very, very slowly. Our flight from SF to JFK was cancelled, seemingly because of the stormy weather in the East. With all other later flights fully booked, our only choice seemed to be to fly to LA and then catch the red-eye (hmm, sounds familiar, having just been on it a couple of weeks ago) home. So here we sit, killing some time, watching the presidential debate on our lap top (American Airlines terminal at LAX must be the only major airport terminal in the world without any tv sets in the lounges), hoping to take off on time and expecting to land in NY by 6 am and to then pop into the car and head to PA to visit Molly at Bucknell for Parents' weekend. A little bit late, but we'll be there, Mol. See you tomorrow.

Travelling in Napa

2008-09-23T20:56:00.008-04:00

When you don't have a lot of time to take vacations, as we haven't recently, you want to really pick your spots well. With much love and appreciation for Liz, who has spent countless hours planning this trip, we find ourselves in the most fabulous Napa Valley, California for five very special days of relaxation, wine tasting, massages, mud baths and tomorrow night dinner with dear old friends. A very special way to belatedly celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Thanks Liz

The Unexpected Visitor

2008-09-21T19:18:00.005-04:00

The evenings of late have been cool and inviting, perfect New England sleeping weather, the windows all open, the gentle but occasional breeze, the covers pulled up high. Great opportunity for a relaxing and full night of sleep before another big celebration to photograph on Saturday night. All was quiet on the home front.

And then at about two am, maybe it was closer to two-thirty, the dogs suddenly start barking, not something they typically do in the middle of the night in quiet little Weston, and then through the open bedroom window there's the sound of a car pulling up the gravel driveway. A sound so very familiar from the years of hearing the kids pull up, often as we lay awake waiting eagerly and sometimes anxiously for them to return from their night out with friends. But now both kids are away, Hannah living and working in NY, Molly back at school in PA, so suddenly the realization, even half-asleep as we remained, that something out of the ordinary was happening.

At that point I lookout the window to see a taxi turning around and pulling back out of the driveway and in the silence that follows I hear some very quiet but distinct foot steps walking down the path to the back door. Again, could it be for some strange reason one of the kids is home? Well, brave man that I am (not) I do what the man of the house simply must do and perhaps foolishly and without baseball bat (ok, it's a house mostly of girls, there are no baseball bats) I walk down stairs, turn on the outside lights, sheepishly look out the back door, and there's this decently dressed middle-aged man in blazer and baseball cap leaning against the outside of our house. What the heck? So with a bit of adrenaline pumping and the necessary bravado to face up to the situation at hand, I rapidly open the back door, slowly peak through the screen door (like this mesh of torn screen is going to save me from his concealed weapon of death), and sternly blurt out "can I help you?". OK, truth be told, I'm not even sure what I said, maybe it was more like "what are you doing at my house?". And then as I eagerly wait for his delayed response to my seemingly simple question it becomes very clear that I'm not only speaking with someone who's been just drinking all night, but someone's who's very, very drunk and totally incoherent and able to stand in a vertical position only because there's a very solid 200 year old farm house right over his left shoulder that he happens to be leaning against. So again, mustering the courage and the tremendous insight into the situation at hand, this time I spit out, "Ok, I'm going to call the cops". No response. "OK", I try again, a little louder and more forcefully, "I'm going to call the cops, what are you doing at my house?"

This time a brief response, barely coherent, "They told me to come here", or something like that, details a bit fuzzy at this point. He's drunk, I'm asleep. OK, let's keep this story going and bring it to its tidy conclusion (right, Liz?). So I call 911 and the Weston policeman answering the phone says "911, where's the emergency?" at which I feel a combination of silly, for I'm no longer feeling that this is quite an emergency, and smart citizen doing what anyone in suburbia does when there's an intruder at his back door at what's now almost three in the morning.

Well, long story, just a bit shorter, two cruisers pull up about five very long minutes later, the man is no longer holding up the farm house, but sprawled out in the back yard by the woods, simply drunk out of his mind. The cops pull him back up to a standing position and gently but sternly bring him to one of their cars, place his hands on the hood, search his pockets for that potentially deadly weapon I imagined, ask him his name (John Doe Photo for the purposes of this entry) and try to find some sort of identification on him, initially unsuccessfully but eventually coming up with a driver's license. Oh yeah, in the course of all of this a story starts to unfold about he had spent twenty hours taking his son back to college by train earlier that same day, blah, blah, blah... And then finally the answer comes to the cops' repeated question of "where do you live?" Whether the effects of the drunken stupor are beginning to dissipate or perhaps it's just a sudden moment of enlightenment, the man blurts out "I live at 88 (name of street withheld to protect the innocent, including me who lives at 68 on that very same street)". So there it is, the guy's my neighbor that I've never met, down the long driveway that I've never been, probably three houses away.

And that taxi cab driver that dropped him off: dark night, no street lights, barely visible addresses on the mail boxes, and most likely very anxious to get this drunk out of his taxi as quickly as he possibly can. Moral of this story, let your kid find their own way back to college.

It's much safer that way. And oh yeah, don't own a gun, most suburban hand gun deaths are caused by neighbors mistakenly shooting neighbors. I certainly don't own one (but please don't tell the real bad guys this).

Notes from the sky

2008-09-08T21:35:00.002-04:00

How crazy is this, flying somewhere over St. Louis, heading to LA for Pictage's annual Partner Conference (partnercon in Pictage speak) and actually on-line. I'd add a photo or two, but then the girl sitting next to me with the sleep mask on might not appreciate seeing herself on the world wide web at not her finest moment. So my brief words will have to suffice. Looking forward to catching up with some old friends, meeting some new ones and talking shop with the Pictage folks for the next couple of days. So if you're looking for me and I'm not getting right back to you, patience. I'm recharging the batteries and hope to return with lots of new and exciting ideas and inspiration. See you soon.

New Canaan Magazine Cover

2008-09-04T19:33:00.004-04:00

Earlier this summer we were invited by the editors of New Canaan-Darien (Rowayton) Magazine to photograph a group of "real people" for their Fall fashion make-over stories.

Always a treat for me to be involved in any of the Moffly Publications' photo shoots and this one in particular was very special because we were able to suggest our good friend and former bride Casey with her beautiful baby Reagan as models. And how exciting that they not only picked the two of them for their story but decided to put them on the September cover. But then again, how could they not! As a little side note, it's always both fun and a bit nostalgic for me to get involved in beauty and fashion make-overs with "real" people. Some of my earliest assignments back in my days as a magazine and advertising photographer were to travel the country shooting make-overs for Mademoiselle and Glamour magazines. So once again, here we are with a bit of a full circle. But even better, in my own neighborhood.

2008-08-29T19:11:00.002-04:00

There was a rumor floating around Katie and Joe's wedding that Michael Phelps was there, doubling as a waiter. Amazing how he could be both in the pool in China and in Connecticut at the same time. Didn't seem to matter to the bridesmaids.

Katie and Joe

2008-08-29T19:01:00.005-04:00

Some of the memorable moments from Katie and Joe's wedding at Water's Edge.

Another glorious August day (can you remember an August when the weather's been more perfect?). Congratulations to both of you and your lovely families.

Joe, bonding with Katie's dad John

Kristen and Kevin

2008-08-21T16:24:00.006-04:00

Catching up just a bit, August 9th was a very special night in more ways than one. On a perfectly beautiful August evening Kristen and Kevin celebrated their nuptials on the water at the Inn at Longshore . Incredible flowers, once again, by my good friends Chris and Peter of Elegant Effects. Couldn't have been a more splendid day. Congratulations to both of you and your families. And what you didn't know was that in addition to Kevin's folks celebrating their anniversary that day, it was also Liz and my anniversary (and a pretty big one too). And while we obviously weren't together that day we were certainly with each other in spirit and anticipating our September anniversary celebration for five nights in Napa. So congrats, K&K.

Can't think of anyone-other than Liz- that I would have wanted to have spent August 9th with and I look forward to years and years of celebrating our mutual anniversaries.

Eighty-five years young.

2008-08-19T12:05:00.003-04:00

Pretty hard to believe, but today dad turned 85 years old, but then if you knew him you'd also find it unbelievable. No one has more energy, more zest for life, more interest in discovering new things, more friends, more great-grandchildren, more love to give or more love showered upon him on a daily basis from all of his friends, family and admirers. We love you very much, dad and wish you the most amazing day! Wish we could be with you and hope to see you soon.

The Competition

2008-08-18T13:21:00.004-04:00

Lots of catching up to do on the blog front, but thought I'd share this one little amazing moment of yours truly and "the competition". We all know how competitive it can be out there, but this is truly ridiculous. I won't be intimidated, I won't be intimidated, I won't be intimidated... photo: Jim Grout

Jen and Dave at Shorehaven CC

2008-08-05T21:10:00.003-04:00

Congratulations Jen and Dave. A beautiful wedding celebration! Thanks for including me.

2008-08-05T21:06:00.004-04:00

The Glass House

2008-07-31T11:39:00.003-04:00

Well, this is one of those "must sees". Yesterday Liz and I went on the tour of Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, Ct. The Glass House was the house that Johnson built and lived in from 1949 until his death in 2005. Originally on five beautiful acres, the property grew to 47 acres with fourteen amazing Philip Johnson structures, all of which he bequeathed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and much of which is now open to the public on this great tour. Be prepared, however, since the tour is seasonal and only in its second year, we reserved our tour date a year ago, and you'll probably have to do the same. Well worth the wait. For my many photographer friends, please note that you can only take photographs on the two hour tour, not the ninety minute tour that we went on, thus my borrowing these terrific images from photographer Eirik Johnson which appeared on their postcards.

Ct. Challenge bike ride

2008-07-30T21:11:00.006-04:00

I had the wonderful experience on Saturday of photographing The Connecticut Challenge

bike ride. Over 400 riders, young and old, each choosing their course from 25-100 miles, raising money and awareness in honor of cancer survivors.

And always fun to see friends Alan and Patti (Alan's the tall one in tights and helmet) and Erin and George (I photographed their wedding), Erin putting in her 50 mile ride. Congrats Alan and Erin both.

Heather and David

2008-07-20T20:32:00.014-04:00

Congratulations to Heather and David. Neither the heat nor the traffic

stopped this from being a most incredible wedding. And thanks to

Cathy at the beautiful Tappan Hill for taking such wonderful care of us

and for make sure that everything went so smoothly.

Looking forward to creating a memorable album for both of you.

Enjoy their slide show!

2008-07-20T20:27:00.006-04:00

And for some reason I just can't stop taking pictures of those kids.

Ella and Rich

2008-07-12T08:52:00.004-04:00

Congratulations Ella and Rich, What a wonderful wedding day. Rain couldn't stop us. The very cool location of the Boat House in Central Park, incredible couple that the two of you are, and your warm and loving families. Nothing could have been more fabulous.

Heather and David

2008-07-12T08:29:00.007-04:00

Eager and excited for Heather and David's upcoming wedding, we recently spent a little time taking these photos by the water in their adopted hometown of Larchmont, NY. A little warm up for the real thing, just a week away!

Catching up

2008-07-11T09:31:00.005-04:00

So much catching up to do with my blog entries. It's been a wild couple of weeks, filled with beautiful weddings, but while I'm finishing up the editing of last weekend's nuptials, I came across this picture that I shot last year of actor James (Jim) Naughton for a Westport Magazine cover. Not actually the photo they used but thought this was a particularly fun one. Jim had found this little fawn with a broken leg in his backyard and brought it to Wildlife in Crisis, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals (from birds to racoons, etc), which previously unknown to me, happens to be just up the road from where we live in Weston. Anyone interested in donating or otherwise getting involved can go their website or e-mail them at wildlifeincrisis@snet.net.

Sarah and Ben's Wedding

2008-06-22T11:42:00.008-04:00

What a perfect night last night was. Congratulations Sarah and Ben. Incredible first full day of summer wedding, beautiful bride, perfect weather, extraordinary location thanks to Sarah's folks' fabulous home and gardens. Once again the amazing floral arrangements by Peter and Chris of Elegant Effects (the best there is), fabulous food by Festivities and the tremendous band The Rhythm Dogs. All in all an extra special wedding day. Thanks again, Sarah and Ben, for including me.

Happy Birthday Molly

2008-06-17T08:53:00.001-04:00

Today Molly turned nineteen. Another major event in our lives. Happy Birthday, Mol.

We love you very much. Dad

LIZ AT FIFTY!

2008-06-12T12:55:00.004-04:00

What a week. And this one's really hard for me to believe. Today Liz turned the big 5-0! Unbelievable. When we met she was twenty. Thirty incredible years later. And still totally a kid at heart (as well as an art lover). Happy Birthday. I love you very much. bp

Hannah's Graduation

2008-06-11T09:26:00.002-04:00

As promised, a few snaps from this incredible past weekend. On Sunday, under the intense 90 degree plus heat of an early New Hampshire summer, our daughter Hannah graduated from Dartmouth College. In case you can't tell, I'm one very proud dad. It was an event-filled and non-stop weekend of fun, food and graduation-related activities. All leading up to the big event on the Dartmouth Green Sunday morning. Congratulations to Hannah and all her fellow grads.

The big moment with President Wright

Dad's solution to the heat

Honoree and speaker Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Kappa Kappa Gamma girls

2008-06-11T09:14:00.007-04:00

The Graduate

Hannah and Molly

The four of us

My mom and dad

The roommates

Let the Party Begin

2008-06-02T13:42:00.003-04:00

Well, on May 1st our little girl Hannah turned 22 and I can hardly believe it. Here she was just a few years ago at my first studio at 3 West 18th Street. And this weekend she'll be graduating from college. The excitement level on our end, and I'm sure hers, is building by the day. On Friday we'll all head up to NH for dinners and celebrations, all leading up to Sunday's big event. Photos and the complete story to follow. Stay tuned.

2008-06-01T11:28:00.009-04:00

Not a lot of sleep last night after driving home from NJ (ok, Jim and I did make one wrong turn along the way-so much for GPS and mapquest if you're not even paying attention to them).

But it was all worth it to be part of the amazing celebration of Courtney and Mike's wedding.

For the past week the forecast had been for major storms on Saturday (with perfect weather on Friday and Sunday) but once again the weather man had it mostly wrong. The sun was out for our portraits, the rain came down for a brief period close to ceremony time and then the most perfect weather followed, including rainbow and amazing sunset. So how wonderful was that! Only topped by the exciting and non-stop celebration that followed. All the stars were clearly aligned for Courtney and Mike and congratulations to both of you on your very special day. Bon voyage and safe travel on your African excursion.

The Wedding of Catherine and Mike

2008-05-23T11:04:00.004-04:00

What a perfect wedding. Last Saturday, at the beautiful Belle Haven Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, Catherine and Mike celebrated their marriage in great style and accompanied by perfect weather, including my favorite little cloud cover just in time for the portraits of the wedding party and bride and groom at the Club. And just as the guests were entering the tent for the reception a light drizzle started coming down. All of this followed by a most extraordinary celebration. Great band, great food and most importantly, a great party in honor of an amazing couple. Thanks to you, Catherine and Mike, for including me and thanks to your wonderful families as well. Three cheers.

The Knot Best of Wedding 2008 Pick

2008-04-16T20:47:00.003-04:00

I'm really excited and proud to announce that our studio has been rated by local brides and voted "The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 Pick". The results of the Knots' survey of local newleyweds were compiled by the editors in this just released publication of the same name. Thanks to our many friends out there who voted for us. Always thrilling to receive such great feedback.

An exciting day in New Jersey (no, really!)

2008-04-15T16:19:00.003-04:00

Well, those of you that know our dear friend Dennis Shulman know that he can accomplish absolutely anything that he sets his mind to. And so there we were in Freeport Maine this past summer, a group of us known (at least to ourselves) as "the Worcester boys", all of whom have known each other for most of our lives, shootin' the breeze with the old friends, when Dennis announces that he'd been thinking of running for Congress in his home district (5th Congressional District) of NJ. Dennis, renowned Harvard-educated clinic psychologist, teacher, lecturer, author, father and husband, who only a few years ago added ordained rabbi to his list of "things I want to do" (and did), actually decides to go for it. And now, sure to be the Democratic nominee in the Fall election, Dennis is gearing up for all that's involved and so are we, his old buddies. With the excitement level building I was invited to join Dennis and his staff yesterday for a day of promo photography on location at his home and throughout the district. And to spend a day with Dennis is to spend a day inspired by the man, by his energy, his intelligence, his extraordinary sense of humor and absolute "joie de vie", which he easily spreads to everyone that he meets, young and old. Truly something amazing to witness. Oh yeh, almost forgot, for those that don't personally know Dennis, he's been blind since elementary school. And he plays a mean "drum".

Saturday night fever

2008-04-07T20:12:00.006-04:00

This past Saturday night was one amazing party! Emily and Michael and their friends and family celebrated in great style at the Tarrytown House in Westchester. April 5th and we actually managed to get outside for our little portrait session. It was a little chilly out there, but I think all will agree, well worth it. Thanks to the lovely couple and their families for including us in their celebration..

Weekend continued

2008-03-31T20:21:00.003-04:00

And then I met Betsy and Kevin (their June wedding rapidly approaching) at the beach in Fairfield for their "engagement" pix. Still just a wee bit windy and cold for the beach pix. so we headed into cute little Southport for the rest of our session. Here's a little taste.

Busy, busy weekend

2008-03-31T20:13:00.005-04:00

Often the occasional weekend that we don't have a scheduled "event" to photograph can be busier than the rest. This one was no exception, with meeting potential new clients, working with Jess and Phil on their wedding album, paying a visit to the beautiful Tarrytown House in Tarrytown, NY, along the Hudson, the site of Emily and Michael's upcoming wedding this weekend and then having the opportunity to photograph Caroline and Craig's adorable family in Westport. Lots of drooling and lots of fun.

Last night's very special wedding

2008-03-23T15:43:00.006-04:00

Last night was the very special wedding celebration of Brooke and Jeff at the amazing Gotham Hall in NYC. Incredible floral arrangements, as always, by Peter and Chris of Elegant Effects (eleganteffectsfloral.com) seamless wedding coordination by Joan Schecher of Setting the Scene (settingthescenenyc.com).What a great party and what a great couple. Thanks Brooke and Jeff!

Sari and Steve's Wedding

2008-03-08T17:56:00.004-05:00

What a privilege it was to have been part of Sari and Steve's wedding this past Sunday. Truly a great day! Congratulations to both of you.

And if you haven't been to the fabulous Union League in New Haven, where the luncheon celebration took place, you should really pay it a visit.

Beautiful place and incredible food.

Thanks for including me Sari and Steve!

Master Your Craft Tour

2008-02-23T10:59:00.005-05:00

This past Monday I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful workshop in NYC with West Coast photographers (and wedding photographers of the "stars") Mike Colon and Bob Davis. Inspirational and informative, and not only that I came home with two prizes, one a copy of Alien Skin's software Exposure 2 which gives you the ability to simulate the look and feel of various film types (think Paul Simon "Kodachrome") with your digital capture, and the other a photo with Mike and Bob (Mike's the tallest in the group, I'm not). Thanks for a special day Mike and Bob.

Snow in Connecticut

2008-02-22T16:58:00.003-05:00

Well, it only took until February 22nd this year for those of us in snowy New England to get our first (only?) snowstorm of the year. And while it may not have been like those old 'noreasters we used to experience as kids growing up in Worcester, Mass (snow belt USA) it sures looks pretty at the moment. And, if any was needed, gave me a little push to get out there with the camera and take some photos of South Norwalk (the home for our new office) in the snow. Say that quickly "Sono snow, sono snow...".

OUR NEW OFFICES

2008-01-04T20:18:00.001-05:00

For some time now we've been looking for a new office in Connecticut, a bit reluctantly giving up the ease and comfort of working out of our home in Weston, but a place a bit more accessible to many of our clients and away from the barking of Baxter and Bibi (our dogs, in case you had any doubts). Looking for something a bit special, a place to frame and hang some of our work as well as a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to meet people. The ultimate dream being a New York-feeling loft, not unlike the lofts I had in the City in my advertising photo days.

As my search intensified I focused in on South Norwalk, the exciting and rapidly up and coming "Sono", just off of I-95 and just over the bridge from Westport/Norwalk. Fifteen minutes from our house, filled with great restaurants, fun stores and a generally great vibe, I think those of you who know Sono will agree. And by a stroke of good luck, good timing and good friends, Jon and Brittany, whose wedding we were fortunate enough to have photographed this past summer and who were in the process of looking for someone to take their place in their Sono "loft", we found what I hope you'll agree is the perfect little taste of NYC, big windows, tall ceilings and even brick walls.

And so move we did and finally we're furnished and ready for action. And thought now was the perfect time to announce the move (new year, new website, new office. Yikes!) and show you a few photos and hope that you'll visit soon. Let me know what you think.

bp

2008-01-02T20:42:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T20:21:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year 2008 to all my dear friends and family and to all of you I've yet to meet as well. And welcome to both my new website and my new (and first) blog. and here's my first new year's resolution: I promise not to bore you with excessive blog talk, but hopefully you'll enjoy some of my latest photos. And to start with I want to share some "snaps" from our wonderful New Year's eve wedding with Betsy and Andy. What an amazing couple and what an incredible celebration. Keep the party going!
thanks for including me B&A.