There is, quite possibly, nothing better than capturing a moment when the indvidual becomes just that, Their own individual.


In general, people walk into the studio with a front, preconceived notions about how everything will be... What I love, is that in a matter of minutes, a new ease comes over them. They realise they won't be sitting on a fake swing and smiling over their shoulder. They realise there will be no "made up" moments. Because for me, that's not taking portraits. Sure, it's taking pictures, but not true portraits.


For me, a true portrait means capturing the true soul, the real energy with in each of us.


Take for instance the picture above. This shot, was just what you see. The young child had a tea cup that she was playing with, another person in the studio was going to take it away, but this one little cup let her be who she is. And not only who she is, but also who he is. Her father, her caring, loving father that will, for a moment, let his guard down and hear the world inside that little tea cup... That is, for me, what taking portraits is all about...


That is why, I love, yes I love, WHAT I DO!

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

~ Dwell in possibility ~

The Greener Way

"What I can’t consume, reuse or recycle, I’ll rent."

Living green is a state of mind, it's like a stream of consciousness that lives with in your spirit and effects your every day decisions. And I never thought about the differences a green wedding can make. Until yesterday, picking up a wedding magazine and reading an article on green weddings. At that moment I started to think about all the weddings I have shot and how many more weddings there are each and every year. Then I began to think about the world we live in, the world that lets us live upon it.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the importance and significance of a wedding celebration. I also recognize the amount of energy and resources that go into creating such an event.

Through the entire process, many choices must be made. From the flowers, invitations and attire to the food and beverages, party favours and travel. Along with many other countless details. And while for many of us, a completely green wedding sounds near impossible, it is important to think about each enviromentally (green) sound action you can take, and to know that each of those actions does, can and will make a difference. So go green with the choices that will work for you and know that each of those steps you choose will help preserve our earth.

Below are just some simple thoughts that may just be something to consider.

Invitations and paper

- Use recycled paper wherever possible for wedding invitations; most companies can offer this option. Also consider treeless paper made from materials such as bamboo, hemp and kenaf. Even the type of ink used for the invitation should be taken into account as some inks can be toxic.
- Weddings can generate a huge amount of paper consumption, so give careful thought to items that can be reduced. For example, instead of a program for everyone, perhaps one per couple or group.

Communications

- Throughout the leadup to the marriage ceremony, you'll no doubt have news to communicate with your guests about progress, venues etc. Instead of mailouts or bulky inserts accompanying the invitation, consider starting a web site or blog. This can also be very cost effective also as services such as Blogger.com can provide a blog for you for free. If you've had no experience with setting up a site or blog, companies such as Blogger provide easy to use tools. If you can use a mouse and a keyboard, you can run a blog!

Catering

- Where possible, use an organic catering company that sources local ingredients.
- Minimize the amount of meat on the menu and maximize the use of in season fruit, vegetables and local dairy products.

Flowers

- Flowers used at weddings and receptions have a tendency to be out of season and therefore imported. Transportation and care of these flowers requires extra resources. Try to use locally sourced flowers.
- Perhaps use potted flowers as these can make a great addition to your home or garden after the big event.

Venue and travel

- As mentioned, I chose to have my wedding on a local beach. There was a good deal of luck involved weather-wise; but I can't think of a much more beautiful setting than one provided by nature!
- When selecting a venue, also consider where your guests will be travelling from. Try and find a middle point if possible. The less your guest have to travel, the cheaper for them and the less oil consumed.
- If you decide to hold the event indoors, try and select a venue that makes the best use of natural light.
- Encourage guests to purchase carbon offsets for their travel. Explain to them what an offset is and how they can purchase them.

Car or van pooling

- Instead of having everyone drive from their hotels/motels or wherever they are staying to the wedding or reception venue, perhaps organize a car pool or hire vans to transport everyone to and from your wedding venue. A great deal of fuel can be saved this way, not to mention it will help ensure those who have imbibed in the spirit of the occasion a little too much will get back to their accommodation safely.

Photos

- Everyone likes a photographic record of a marriage ceremony, so instead of sending out hundreds of paper based photographs, save on postage, processing and toxic chemicals by storing digital images on your wedding blog for family and friends to download as they please; printing out only what's absolutely necessary.

Cutlery and crockery

- Disposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery can create masses of waste at large wedding receptions. Consider hiring non-disposable cutlery and crockery instead. If that's not viable, try to use recycled paper products or treeless options such as bamboo.

Wedding dresses and clothing

- Does your wedding dress really need to be new? Consider a pre-owned dress - you can save a stack of cash by doing so!
- If you do wish to purchase a new dress, try to ensure that it is made from natural, organic materials such as organic silk or hemp.
- If you have no desire to keep the dress after the wedding, donate it to a charity who can sell it, creating funds for them and perhaps saving someone else from needing to purchase a new dress.

Gifts and favors

- Weddings can generate all sorts of well-intentioned but unwanted gifts. Consider setting up a green wedding gift registry; which is basically just a wish list of earth friendly products you'd like.
- Ask for no gifts be purchased, but donations made to your favorite charities or environmental groups.
- For wedding favors, i.e. gifts you give to guests, make those earth friendly too. It could be a carbon offset to go towards their travel, a donation on the guest's behalf, a tree planted in their name or a gift basket of green products.

Wedding rings

- The amount of natural resources and energy that go into creating wedding rings is incredible. Consider very simple rings, or perhaps a re-fashioned pre-owned ring and for the truly adventurous; maybe a wooden wedding ring - that may sound a little strange, but these are amazing and very individual creations!

Confetti

- Instead of having paper confetti, rice or seed, use flower petal confetti as a beautiful and easily biodegrable option.

Wedding cake

- Ask your baker to use organic ingredients only. This shouldn't present too much of a problem and is unlikely to increase the cost of the cake considerably.

Cleanup

- Whoever you are hiring to clean up after your wedding, ensure that they will separate recyclables from non-recyclables in order to minimize the amount of trash that winds up in landfills.

~ Dwell in possibility ~

It's not about the photography

It doesn't always have to be about my love and life of photography does it? I don't think it does... So today it won't be...

Today I have a different thought stuck in my head, it's been there for a few days now, so I'm thinking, if I put out there to the world it will leave my head. Or will it?

Anyway, I want to know what your thoughts are about reality. Does reality exist? If so what is it. What if my reality doesn't align with your reality, does that make my, or your, reality a false'ality? (ya, I just made that up, now it's real... now it's reality)...

Really, what makes up reality for each of us. And I can't get over the thought that if our reality doesn't line up with the other that it's just not real????

REALITY:

Reality, in everyday usage, means "the state of things as they actually exist." The term reality, in its widest sense, includes everything that is, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. Reality in this sense may include both being and nothingness, whereas existence is often restricted to being (compare with nature).
In the strict sense of philosophy, there are levels or gradation to the nature and conception of reality. These levels include, from the most subjective to the most rigorous: phenomenological reality, truth, fact, and axiom.

SO... Does any of it make sense. Is there a reality for you. Is the reality for your life true, honest, and what you want. If you don't want it, why can't you make what you want a reality? Is it unreachable? What if you reach further? Could you then make the unreal, reality???

This blog is practically standing still, you're reading it, I'm typing it, making it real, but that doesn't mean it has to be a reality... Or does it?

Can you see why I'm stuck on this reality thought??? What are your thoughts??? No really, what are they???

http://www.tabphotographic.com/

"Dwell in the possibility"

The Holiday weight... and not the weight on your shoulders...

We're there again, the Holiday Season, and while we may all celebrate our own religions, our own holidays, our own ways, One thing is for sure, just about ALL of those ways include festivities, eating and spirits.

We know this because despite our best intentions, we've all done it. We eat and drink too much and gain too much weight over the holidays. Then we wake up on January 1st and bemoan all the weight we now have to lose. I know it happened to me last year and I can't say as if I lost it yet??? Did you know that weight watchers claims that the average american gains 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year???

It doesn't have to be that way but with all the temptations it can get tough. From the holiday cookies around every corner, to the cakes to the chocolates. Not to mention the overflowing hors d’oeuvres tables at holiday parties and family dinners full of all sorts of tasty treats. And while the rest of the year we may be able to control our fitness and weight, our discipline typically falls apart in the holiday time.

So we can all make plans now to hold back the urges and fitness / weight changes and here's how.

CHOOSE WELL. You don't have to eat everything at the table. Choose the ones you like the best and pass on the rest. If you like the stuffing more than the potatoes or pumpkin bread, pass on the potatoes and bread. And if you simply must have everything on the table, take smaller portions and eat a bit slower. Or if you're at a buffett, scope out all the options before grabbing a plate so that you don't fill your plate up and then see something you really want!
And if a table full of hors d’oeuvres calls your name at a family / work party, choose the low calorie options like shrimp or veggies, grab one or two and then move away from the plate so you're not tempted to eat more.

Exercise. Make time to maintain your normal exercise routine. Set some realistic goals and stick with them. This will not only help you maintain your weight but will also help reduce the stress that accompanies the holidays. It will get those endorphins going so you can really enjoy the festivities. This is a gift you can give to yourself. Don’t let it get lost in the shuffle.

Eat regularly. Don’t starve yourself before attending a big party or dinner. If you do, you’ll want to eat and drink everything in sight once you get there. Instead, eat small healthy meals throughout the day. Foods high in protein (such as fish, meat and dairy products) and fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) take longer to digest so they keep you feeling full longer. Try eating something healthy like low-fat yogurt or popcorn before you leave for the party. If you do overindulge, forgive yourself quickly and resume your healthy diet the next day.

Drink moderately. This is important. After even one glass of wine or beer, many of our good intentions fly out the window so we tend to eat and drink more. Try adding ice to your glass of white wine. It not only dilutes the calories, it also keeps the wine nicely chilled. Or add seltzer to your red wine to create a festive spritzer. If you don’t want to spoil the taste of a really good vintage by diluting it, savor that one then switch to seltzer or a diet soda.

Be assertive. You don’t have to say yes to everything that everyone offers you. An increasing number of us are becoming aware of the importance of staying fit. If you’re already full or if something just looks like it has more calories than you can handle, tell your host or hostess that it looks wonderful, but you’re going to pass on it.It will take some effort to stay fit and trim over the holidays, but aren’t you worth it?

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Dwell In The Possibility...

Time... Life... Fear...

Quite honestly one of the most important things that is quite honestly one of the hardest things to do. So many of us get wrapped up in tomorrow, or yesterday. Myself included. It seems as if things lately have wrapped me up and ate me whole. The days fly by, the time magically, well, sort of poofs away... And I find myself still wondering about tomorrow and what I have to do.

That is EXACTLY what we all need to not do. We don't need to worry about what we have to do tomorrow, or what we did or didn't do yesterday. We need to worry about right now. We need to live in the moment.

Sit back and think about what happens if you don't. No, really, sit back and think about what you may miss. The passing smiles, enjoying that coffee and or being happy for this exact moment. That's what matters. This exact moment! Grab it and make the most of it. Don't let life slip away. Slow it down, take deep breaths and enjoy what each minute holds... You never know what you'll find. Could just be happiness... Now wouldn't that be something...

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Dreams...

Over the past few months I have gotten some of the kindest words from so many people.

From:
"You are OUT OF CONTROL-those pictures are fantastic!!!
I cannot believe it-you were so right about the
walking across the street shot and I love the one with
my shoes and the bouquet!!!!"


"I am so overwhelmed right now from looking at these pictures that I can't seem to turn off the tears. It's not just about Keith, it's about my heritage, my family, Gram and Pop and their legacy and I just can't even begin to thank you enough for capturing the beauty of this family on film. I know beyond a doubt that it is not just your skill that captures moments so profoundly, it's the beauty that lives in you and your heart that comes through in every picture you take."


"Tim--you did such an awesome job. I always believe that there is a reason for everything and that God has a way of working mysteriously. It was by chance that we found you, but I truly think a higher authority had alot to do with it. You are wonderful."

And on... However, what I have heard most is about my dream, and how I am living it. How I am taking what is inside and brought it out to make it a reality. My photography. Honestly, I think this has all grown more than I thought it would in 2007. And now for 2008 I already have shoots booked through out the year. It's a great feeling, No, better than great. It's my dream. I just want you all to stop though, think about your dreams. Can you grab them. Can you take them down from the stars and run with them? It's not easy, you may have to step in directions that aren't comfortable, that take you out of your element... Just look forward and walk. Take those steps one at a time. No one ever said living your dream is easy. It takes work. But when you're there, it's work that happens to be worth every bit. It's you, your dream, your life. So capture it, endure it and live it.

You won't be let down.... At least that's what I've come to realize as a Ct. Wedding and portrait photographer. That every shot is worth it. Capturing the feelings of the day... It is ALLL WORTH IT!

~Shine on~

"Leap And The Net Will Appear..."

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM
P.O. Box 426
Collinsville, Ct. 06022

It's all in the eyes.

Have you looked someone in the eyes today? I mean really looked at them. Looked with in them? When you were talking to your friends, your co-workers or complete strangers were you looking them in the eye? Were you there with them??? Or what about a simple glance and smile at a passer-by and then watched as their eyes lit up??? If not you should. Tomorrow, do it. Really... If theres one thing I’ve always loved is looking at people. Really looking at them.

Maybe that’s why I enjoy being a portrait photographer. Because then it’s my job, my career and my passion to capture that energy, those eyes and what lies with in. Maybe it’s the pain, the enjoyment or the love... And the best part is that the eyes don’t even have to be the prominent part of the shot, or even open. It’s the eyes that they say are the window into the soul and I believe it’s true. And that alone is why you can look at someone, look in their eyes and know exactly what they need. And if it’s something you can give, do. It will feel truly wonderful!!!

~Shine on~

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Because it's what I love...

Yes, it's what I love. Photography...

Being a Ct. Photographer is great. The people are great, the land is great and the history is great. Do you know what's better than being a photographer in Ct.? Being a wedding photographer in Ct.

Some people think I'm crazy because of how much I enjoy shooting weddings. Seriously! They do. I hear the comments about crazy brides, mother in laws and more... You know what though, they're all people and it's a highly stressful situation that can bring the worst and the best out. The worst is so rare though, at least for the weddings I shoot???

Being a Ct. Wedding photographer means more than just taking pictures though. This is a couples big day, it's their day. And I was the one invited into it all. I am, after all, the ONLY person that gets to watch the entire day unfold for both the groom and the bride. And that alone is one of the best feelings, that I was invited in and now it's my job to capture the day, the touches, the smiles and more, that's what I LOVE! Can you tell me what's better than that? Than being a part of their day? A fly on the wall to watch it all unfold and turn it into beautiful art?

That's what being a Wedding photographer is all about. And being in Ct. is great. I want to be THE Ct. wedding photographer and once I'm there, I want to continue to cover the rest of New England. I want the future brides to know that I am there for them where ever they are. Maine, New Hampshire anywhere. I want to be the one to capture their day, I want to be the one that brings them to tears a week or two down the road when they look at the pictures and relive the moments. I want to capture that energy, pull it in and save it for them to capture years down the road.... That's what being a wedding photographer is about for me!

How crazy right? Maybe, but it's great! And it's what I love... And most of all, it's WHO I AM!

I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Collinsville, No Seriously, Collinsville...

You know, we all live somewhere. The city, the country, the "burbs"... And for the most part people enjoy where they live, right? Hopefully... Then you have those that live in towns that they love in every possible way. One of those towns happens to be Collinsville. Collinsville, Ct. that is. A tiny town tucked away, seriously tucked away, where people that live a mere 15 minutes away may over look. Unaware that this town happens to be one of the best towns in the world! YES, IN THE WORLD... I don't want to label anyone because I myself don't want a label. I will just call us all creators. We are creating our lives, our own ways of living. From Photography, to music, to art to tattoos... It's who we are. And this past weekend just goes to show that we are COLLINSVILLE!

This little town has been around since the early 1800's and has seen its share of ups and downs...However, recently I believe the energy is really coming alive. Take this past weekend for instance. We had a great Grand Opening, and yes, a town that's been around since the early 1800's can have a Grand Opening... People came, smiles were abundant, hugs were shared, laughs heard everyone and music to bring it all to life. We won't even mention the fire spinners, breathers and eaters... And we won't mention all the great shops that stayed open like Lasalle Market, Rootz Salon, Down Right Music and Arts and so much more!!!

We will just take a minute to reflect on what's possible when we all just put a little heart into it, when everyone takes their guard down and those that live in the 1.8 million dollar houses can co-mingle with those that rent out apartments in town. Where we are all the same yet different. Where kindness can overpower all... That, after all is what life should be about. Sharing, caring and spreading the joy of kindness... So while the above may have made no sense, stop a minute and think about one way you can make a difference... Open that door for a stranger, better yet. Just smile at someone you don't even know. That smile could bring serious joy into someones day. Don't look down, look up. Look at people when they talk, take it in... And again, smile... Smile... SMILE!!!!!! I promise that the smile you share with that one stranger will carry onto the next and through out the day...

Share it all... Enjoy it all!!! And BE IT ALL....

Change...

It's fall, change is NOW. A new season begins. The season that represents change almost better than any other. It's not that things don't change in the winter, the spring or the summer, but in the fall... In the fall they change and people dwell in the beauty of it all. And that's just it... The beauty of it all, the BEAUTY of CHANGE!

So many people in this world, myself included at times, fear change, they run, they hide, they do anything they can to stop change from coming their way. And let's go back a few lines, "the BEAUTY of CHANGE"... Change can be beautiful if you just let it happen. Go with it. Look at it, feel it, dwell in it... EMBRACE IT!

See where it takes you and you may be surprised at how wonderful change can be. And how many more wonderful things change may bring to you and your life and all those around you. Such as fall, a new season beginning. A season of beautiful colours, crisp clear days and PUMPKIN PIES! Enjoy change, because change is NOW, it's fall...