Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Be who you are...

Last night I came across a book that I truly admire. It takes two of the constant thoughts that bounce around in this head of mine and puts them together. Those two thoughts are life & photography. The book is called WISDOM by Andrew Zuckerman. Shots that are truly after my own heart. And words from each individual soul that are just so inspiring. Now the other funny thing here is quote from the book, it actually spans both VERY LARGE pages and states "Nobody Can Teach Me Who I Am"... First off, I want you to take that to heart, because you are truly who YOU are. And the funny thing about that is a simple conversation that took place with a loved one later on in the evening about people who truly don't know who they are yet. Maybe they're not sure about themselves, maybe they're not accepting of who they truly are or maybe they just don't know how to let that person out??? One can't be too sure, but really... "Nobody Can Teach Me Who I AM".... Nobody can teach you who you are. We're all our own souls and for 2009 why don't you think about letting that inner you out. Why don't you work on teaching yourself who you are. Who you truly are. Not who you want to be. But who YOU ARE....


2009 is sure to be a grand one, we're opening our lives to a new beginning with a new president, a new number 9, new months, days and minutes. They can and will all be great. Don't let the worries of another year gone take you down. Look forward. You can do it. We will all continue to grow wise together. With each and every day. We are still growing up, there's no decomposing that is going to happen here. After all, that only happens when you stand still... Are you going to stand still??? Instead what do you say we take the new year on and make it a great one????


Shine on with the new year and remember.... "Nobody can teach me who I am"...



Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Splendid You...




I often get asked about this blog, and why, as a photographer, the blog doesn't just include photo after photo of every shoot. And while I may not have the perfect answer, or really any answer at all, I will just say that it is what it is. Do you guys want to see pictures from every single shoot? Do you want me to stop with the (at times useless) rants? Or do I just keep going with what's been done? Let me know, leave a comment below and if you haven't already, sign up to receive the blog direct using the sign up box to the right.


As for right now, the grand day of Christmas is rolling around in less than 24 hours and the new year following a week later. In that time many of us will reflect on the year that has passed, or the year to come. How about if we stop for just one minute. (maybe two - or more if you need). But why don't we stop, in silent reflection for just a short while. Calm your thoughts, let everything go. The worries about the holiday in general, the shopping, the preparations, the money. Let it all go. Let everything go. In this moment, simply be.....


There is so much in each and every one of us, and with out a doubt, there is so much more to come. Even with that & the more to come, you have always been and always will be - more than enough!


For right now, let go of how you appear, let go of what you have accomplished. Feel the truth of who you are right in this moment. Feel your own energy. Around you, spinning in a controlled chaos...


In this silence, there is so much you can know. Beyond the thoughts there is so much for you to understand. It's that right there, it's the person that lives inside the person you are. Touch that person. Find them, for that is you. Be immersed in that energy because that is you. Find that power that is always there, no matter what, and know that what ever may come... All it well....


Happy Christmas, be safe and as always....

Shine on,
~Tim

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008

Kayla And Chris prepare for the future...

From their dorky photographer to them.... Some fun shots and a little tease.


As you can see, these two are total goofs! Always smiling, laughing and in general having fun. The rest of the pictures you ask? For their eyes only...

Shine on!









Weather The Storm....

May of us in New England are getting ready to do just that, weather the storm. And while we're preparing to be smacked, whacked, whammed and smashed by the storm, there are those that have already gone through the worst of it and are just fine.


So here comes the first snow storm of the season. The first real storm of the season.


I know that for us, word on the street is that we'll see anywhere from 9-14 inches. Not bad. No schools are open, people calling into work and well, just getting ready to weather the storm.


For the most part, each and every one of us is going to pull through with out any issues at all. We're going to watch the white stuff pile up into the night, get under the warm covers and wake up to that wonderful blue sky in the morning. You know the sky I'm talking about. The contrast against the white, the sun reflecting on the snow like diamonds. So darn beautiful. Especially in Collinsville, the river rushing through town, the hills and all the wild life coming back out from their dens...


Now look at all of that.


Quite simply, we weathered the storm. We prepared and handled each and every part the best we could and on the back side of the storm is pure beauty... And that's something to look a little deeper into. Take what you see and keep it close. Because it's that - right there that you can use in the future. When things get rough, there's a loss, an accident, a little low spot. It's the preparation and the steps you can take to help yourself get through. And when you have taken all the steps you can muster, maybe you've run out of steam, and you just don't think there's anywhere else to go... Well, call a friend, climb under those covers, maybe watch a movie, get some sleep and know that you've done everything you can to weather that storm.


And keep all of that in mind, knowing that there is beauty on the back side. Know that you'll get through it in all good time. There may always be a lingering effect or two and that's okay. Let it go. Look around at what you've accomplished and be proud for that YOU have weathered the storm...

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Time for a sing along folks!!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I just think it's funny, that's all...

Seriously, this is the best DUI ever!!! I mean, can you repeat the alphabet backwards?


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

New Studio - Real Artways Building in Hartford, Ct. - 56 Arbor St. Hartford, Ct.

As the holidays catch us all in a whirl wind we need to remember to stop, look around at what you have and catch your breath. Realize that it's everything which is already around you that counts most.As some of you know, we almost lost our Wonder Dog Pippin a couple of months back due to a speeding vehicle which struck him in front of the house. And while we go through each and every day, some of us with our dogs by our sides, or our cats, maybe the children and more, we get into a routine and sometimes forget just how much each and every soul around us may mean. And I ask of you for this holiday season to keep those that matter most close at heart. And those that just matter a little - why don't you keep them just as close.
Keep in mind that for one reason or another each one of those individual souls was brought into your life for a reason. And why not give one of the most under rated things around this holiday season. A simple hug.


On another note, I also need to thank each and everyone of you that helped make 2008 a great year for TAB Photographic! From all of the weddings which I was invited into - to the portrait fun I was able to capture, and along through the year with all the wonderful pet portraits! 2008 was a great one! And what's better is that 2009 is going to be even more SuperfanTABulous (and yes, I may have made that word up and yes, you can use it when appropriate)!!!But again, I thank everyone!


Now as the new year comes around I have also welcomed in a Great New Studio Located in the Real Artways Building in Hartford Ct. And along with the new studio is a brand spankin new website!!! Check it out at WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM and let me know what you think.

Or maybe you want to check out the newsletter by cicking this link here. http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001QQbfO6xkqW3W-exxrG0hO6K51cEV-ZJwEGGfEOjgIRqX0wS3tIFOQO0lI7mXurpvTxAUBT-3Xy8xg-6VV55rsL0ZP7SDVyivLystWiBzC4M%253D



And to thank everyone for an awesome 2008 and what is sure to be a rockin' 2009 I'm spreading some specials around below.

Just know that they're all on a limit with quantity and time so if you're interested e-mail me back by using the contact tabs on either the wedding or portrait websites. (or tim@tabphotographic.com)

All packages below are also available as gift certificates.


First 5 portrait sessions booked -
  • In studio portrait session -
  • 3 / 5X7" prints matted -
  • VIP print pricing / album pricing (normally only available to VIP clients) -
  • online viewing / sharing gallery -
  • $25.00 print credit -
  • Normal Pricing $250.00
  • Limited Quantity to First 5 Bookings $150.00


************************************************************************


Pet Portrait Special to first 3 booked.In studio Portrait Session (one pet) -
  • 1 / 8X10" print matted -
  • 1 / 5X7" print matted -
  • VIP print pricing / album pricing (normally only available to VIP clients) -
  • online viewing sharing gallery$50.00 print credit -
  • Normal Pricing $500.00
  • Limited Quantity to First 3 bookings $275.00


******************************************************************


Welcoming a new soul - First 5 bookings ( 3 photo sessions & 3 custom albums)(if the baby has already come we can push the shoots timing to now, 6 months and a year)
  • Maternity photo shoot / in studio or comfort of your own home
  • New Born portrait session / in studio or comfort of your own home
  • 6 month portrait session / in studio
  • One Custom Album (10 images) from each individual shoot
  • Perfect way to capture those sacred moments for the expecting parents to that new energy of love
  • Normal Pricing $850.00
  • Limited to first 5 bookings $590.00 - inlcudes all photo sessions and albums Additional prints always available at VIP pricing for New Soul shoots (Additional $50.00 print credit applied to account)


*******************************************************************


Puppy Teeth All Around -
  • First 3 bookings ( 3 photo sessions & 3 custom albums)(if the puppy has already arrived we can push the shoot to 6 months one year and 18 months)
  • Welcoming in the new puppy (between 8 weeks - 3 months of age)
  • Portrait Session in StudioThe Abundant Energy (between 4 - 6 months of age)
  • Studio Session (possibly on location)
  • The Not So Mature Times (Between 12-14 months of age) Studio Session (possibly on location)One Custom Album (10 images) from each individual shootPerfect way to capture all that puppy love! From the shoe chewing to the obediant sit and stay and forward! Awesome times never to be forgotten
  • Normal Pricing $1290.00
  • Limited to First 3 bookings $720.00



********************************************************************


I know, it may be crazy for me to throw all of those awesome specials out there, but to tell you the truth, I'm enjoying each and every shoot more and more so let us all keep that energy flowing!!! But don't hesitate to long because I really am sticking to the limited bookings.

And hey, you can even give one of the above shoots, or any shoot as a gift. So what do you say??? Ready to make it happen!!!


Shine on and keep that energy high throught he holidays!!!

~Tim
TAB Photographic
P.O. Box 426
Collinsville, Ct. 06022
Phone: 1.877.853.0313
E-mail: tim@tabphotographic.com
WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

link to newsletter: http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001QQbfO6xkqW3W-exxrG0hO6K51cEV-ZJwEGGfEOjgIRqX0wS3tIFOQO0lI7mXurpvTxAUBT-3Xy8xg-6VV55rsL0ZP7SDVyivLystWiBzC4M%3D


above offers can not be combined with any other specials / discounts or offers

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving... (Tomorrow)

This year on thanksgiving we have decided to keep it simple. We don't need to make 37 different dishes, 4 pies and more. That's sooo not what it's about. Instead, what we'll do is really quite simple. Start up the fire pits outside, have some football on TV with some Wii interuptions, a few beers, maybe some wine, music and family... Dinner, yea, we're going to have dinner... Just more of a "normal" sized one. There truly is no need to take in 3000 calories just because it's Thanksgiving... Instead, what about just giving thanks???

And by the way, did you know....

96 billion pounds of food are wasted each yearAccording to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we waste 96 billion pounds of food in America each year. That turns out to be:

263,013,699 pounds of food wasted each day...
10,958,904 pounds wasted each hour...
182,648 pounds wasted each minute...
3,044 pounds of food wasted in America each second!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Life...

Truly, your life is what you make it. If you believe your life is mundane and boring, so be it. Because that's what it will be. If you believe your life is full of drama and stress, I can guess much of that drama is brought on by yourself. If you believe your life is pure bliss, happiness and full of great adventure, well... That's what you'll have... Because your life is truly what you make of it! So make it great!!!

The furry unconditional love...

So last night on the way to the studio in Hartford, all of sudden I was stopped in traffic. 2 cars up was a deer which was obviously struck by a vehicle. Yet not so bad that she was down for the count. She was actually standing there, in the right lane. Obviously a bit dazed and confused from what just happened.


Now this is not just any lane. It's route 44. Rush hour, 4 lanes of traffic in the dark. And there she stands, front legs oddly crossed, looking around and not moving. One car already stopped behind her. It was as if she had been rendered helpless, in a world that was no longer safe.


I pulled over in front of her and walked right up this wonderful creature. She looked at me as if asking for help. I gently stroked her head and scratched behind her ears. Holding her neck in a gentle way as to not make her feel trapped but at the same time stop her from bolting into more oncoming traffic.


An officer arrived and his first thought was to put her down, gun in hand, it only took him about 30 seconds to realize that she wasn't all that bad. Just startled. I continued to pet her as Mr. Officer attempted to stop traffic. Do you know that there were probably 20 - 30 cars that drove right past him! Crazy! His car on the other side of the road, him in the middle of the road and cars act as if he's not there... Finally he got traffic stopped and that's when it was her turn. This was her chance. She either needed to take the steps and get across the road into the woods or her fate would be in the officers hand. With a last pat on the head and scratch of the ear I gave her a push and a slight slap on her back which got her to move.. Not all that fast, but she stepped up... Jumped once, ran a circle or two and then in her "deer'ly" ways bounded a few yards into the woods. It was then that we all realized there were a few other deer watching the entire ordeal. As if they were waiting for her. She seemed like she was going to pull through.


Why do I tell you all of this? Because as many of you know, my dog was struck by a car about 7 weeks ago, broken hip, staples, not a good thing. But he pulled through. With his unconditional love and companionship he pulled through. He's such a strong creature, I really believe all animals are, all creatures are. If we just give them the chance they need. And I believe we gave this deer the chance she needed to pull through. Probably a hurtin' "pup" today... But she'll make it...


And with all of that I decided, what better time to show off some great shots, fantabulous shots of the furry ones.... So while you all know I shoot weddings, and while you all know I take portraits to capture the moments and memories... Don't forget, I'm here for those shots of the unconditional love... The pet portraits!










Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Need a lift?

Do you need a lift? Feeling a little down? Under the weather? Just blah??? You know what you should choose for today then? You should choose to lift someone else up. Give a helping hand, pick up something that you may not have dropped, smile, say thank you, open a door. That's not all though, for that lift to take place you can't do this just for yourself. You need to do this because of the light it will bring to the other persons day.


If you were feeling a little blue and someone went out of their way to give you a helping hand don't you think it might just pick you up a bit???? Give it a try you might be surprised...


On another note, while I have a ton of shoots to go over here on the blog and share with you all, I have a little more exciting news to share that I totally forgot about yesterday. And it's the new wedding albums I'll be using for 2009 and hopefully long into the future! And not just for the wedding photography but also the portrait photography! These albums are not the norm. These are the albums that everyone is going to want to get their hands all over! An album you're going to share on a constant bases... Check out some of the pictures below of what's to come! And I'll have more pictures of the studio, the albums and this years weddings and portraits in the very near future!!!!
















Monday, November 17, 2008

A bright new day is coming for this Ct. Photographer!!!

Sorry I've been MIA.... I'll be coming back very soon with some great new words, stories from this past year of wedding fun as well as some new tips, portrait fun and furry pet pics...

HOWEVER, right now it's time to tell you about the newest happenings and why I've been MIA... Over the past couple weeks there have been a great deal of changes happening. And they've kept me from being here. From working on all the weddings I've shot over the past couple months to... (drum roll please)....

A BRAND NEW http://www.tabphotographic.com/ and not only that but a brand new studio in the Real Artways Building in Hartford as well! The studio will be great for everyone. It's centrally located in Ct., it's 2 minutes of Interstate 84 and it's just going to rock!

As for that website. The wedding page is just beautiful, the portraits page is fun and light and the only page still in the works is the pet page... Really about dogs. They just needed their own dedicated space and they got it!!! So check it out, http://www.tabphotographic.com/ and be ready because while this year was a great one, 2009 is going to be leaps and bounds beyond remarkable!!!

And just keep TAB Photographic in mind for any portrait maternity pet new born and wedding photography in mind for Ct. and the rest of New England!!!

Shine on,
~Tim

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Can't not...



I have been keeping politics out of the world of blogg'y'ness. Though there comes a time when I just have to let it roll a little. And while we should all give McCain a hats off for a valid attempt and life long support of our country, we must all give a hats off to Obama!
What we are all witness of, admit it or not, is great history. This is stuff that our grand children will be reading about in their text books. And we're living it! We're living and part of such a great piece of history. And not just US history but world history. Countries around the world have been just as tied into this campaign as we are on our own soil! And all of these places around the world have watched the US create history once again!
I heard a U.S. Citizen who now resides in france, all of his friends and family stood up and cheered, clapped, and shouted about what had happened when he walked into his daily cafe stop, all excited about the future. Do you realize that countries around the world feel that the United States is all of a sudden in a good place, that we're back to being the country that the world use to look up to??? This isn't just about us, it's about the entire world.
It's not a lie. President Obama, hah, that was great to type, has a rocky road in front of him, we all do. But we're all part of it. He will have some great and powerful people along side of him and if we just listen to what he has said, we know that Change is here. It won't take a month, it won't take a year but if we can all just give it a chance. I feel, for the first time in 8 years, that change, a good change is here. For myself, my family, my country and our world!
Hope has created a future of change. Now let's embrace it together!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Rock it!!!

The Vote that is!!! Go do it, make some history and vote!!! It really does count!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!!!

First off, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!



Secondly, some tips to help clean up after the not so happy halloween has occured. Just remember, for the most part, what happens on halloween, the toilet paper, shaving cream and more, is nothing personal. I would have to say that most of the time it's just some kids having a fun time with pranks. It's all in good fun, and think back, did you do the same exact thing to unsuspecting people when you were one of "those punks"... HAH!


The every so beautiful toilet paper strewn across the yard, over the trees, through the bushes, and if they were really talented, over the house to the other side! I have yet to clean up such a mess but I do remember being one of those punks and causing it... (Sorry about that by the way...) Anyway, you wake in the morning to look outside and notice the beautiful decorations, thinking "GREAT THERE GOES MY SATURDAY!!! GRRRRRRRRRRR". But it really isn't that bad. For one, toilet paper tends to fall into pieces quite easily, two, it really doesn't last long so maybe you just want to keep there for decorations anyway.


If cleaning it up is your goal you have two options, the first, grab your hose and plan on spraying water into the air for the next 3 days... Or two... Follow some simple steps.

  • Let the sun come up and dry out the morning dew
  • Start high up with a ladder, taking pieces from the roof line and trees. For hard to reach pieces you can use a long stick with duct tape inside out, using it to grab the pieces you're unable to reach. Get as much as possible into a garbage bag because if the ground it wet the toilet paper will turn into a big glue'ey mess!
  • working your way down you'll now notice the mess that did end up on the ground. If you waited for the sun to come up and dry out the yard it's not a problem. Get your leaf blower and blow it all into the street.
  • Clean up the pile you now have in the street, or jump in your car and drive up and down the street at 100MPH spreading it for miles into the lawns of your neighbors. (would opt for choice one)

The Incredible Edible Egg:

EGGS! As harmless as they are, they can wreak havoc on car paint! (though they do make an addicting "THWAMP" when they burst open). The main problem comes from two sources, one, when the egg breaks out of it's shell, the shell shatters into small pieces and depending on how good of a picther the egg had, said pieces can scratch the clear coat or more into little rings! Sometimes being able to be buffed out, other times not, well, not so lucky. The other problem is that if the egg itself is left too long it can be quite corrosive to the vehicles paint so be sure to wash it off ASAP!!! Seriously, don't even drive to work, grab the hose and wash off as much as possible so that when you wipe it down you're not wiping egg shell fragments down the paint. Then use a good cleaner and soap and wash the rest off. I'm sorry to say that some damage could have already been done but if you're lucky you'll be free and clear with only a few minor scratches...

SHAVING CREAM'y'NESS:

OH BOY! Shaving cream, now that's a fun one. It sprays out and behind are left such great designs, or by the stupid kids in town, their names. (yes, I had a friend that once did that, STUPID)... The good news, even though your entire car may be covered, it's not as bad as it may seem. Chances are good that by the time you woke up the shaving cream has become nice and hard. Crunchy even. Not to worry, just grab the hose and wet it all down, it should just begin to wash off. HOWEVER, you still need to give the entire car a good wash because some of the chemicals in shaving cream can be harmful to the cars clear coat. Especially if you just let it sit there for a couple days knowing that it will rain soon enough... But all in all, not a big deal.

Pumpkin Mess:

The deal, just wash it off. The main issue is that when a pumpkin hits, small or not, if it hits your car, yea, you're screwed, they dent. Wash off all the pumpkin vomit and call the body shop... Sorry.

On another note.... Last night I picked up an older man who was walking down the street, it was about 40 degrees, windy and getting dark. I know, not the smartest of things to do right. Well, I just felt like he needed a ride. His back hunched over, hands tucked under his arms to keep him warm, taking small steps that were not really getting him far at all. Maybe he would have killed me, stolen my car, drank my diet coke, who knows. I just had this feeling that he needed a ride.

So I pulled over and his eyes opened wide, he stood up straight and just about skipped over to the car. Getting into the heated car, I could just see a new energy come over him. And not the "I'm going to kill you energy"... But the, I'm not going to freeze to death tonight energy... After chatting, Steve here, had lost his job in Kansas a few weeks ago, lost his apartment, had been living in a shelter with out a place to go. Finally calling his family in Maine, they happily offered help if he could get home. They're not well off so they couldn't really help him get back, but they did say that if he could get back, he would have a place to stay, a warm bed of his own, meals and help to find a new job. He was walking from Kansas to Maine, gave up on hitch hiking and was trying to stick to the back roads so that he could at least keep walking where on the highway he would have to just wait for a ride. And not only that but he spent the entire day going West on rt. 202 instead of east, so here he was back tracking what he had already walked. His words "I ain't never hitch hiking again, it's scary, cold, and I've been living off smokes since I left"... Anyway, I got him at least another 10 miles closer to home, stopped and bought him some dinner and wished him well. Steve was so grateful for just that small ride and meal, a big smile and thanks all around and right then, I knew I had just made this strangers day.

Now I don't say this so that I feel good, I just say this so that every one else can see how easy it is to just lift another souls spirits. To bring a bit of light into someone elses day and give just a little hope on their journey of life... Am I this wealthy individual with so much money that I can go buying every stranger dinner, nope, but I do know that I was heading home to a warm house, and that I would be picking up some dinner for the family and I would be getting into my own warm bed with my family all in for the night....

Just keep in mind that what you believe to be such a simple mundane thing can be the world to another, that a smile can bring light into darkness and that even when things may not seem to be going "so great", there's always someone trying to get through a harder time.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

St. Augustine Florida!

It's a great thing when I'm not even done with weddings for the 2008 year and I'm already looking forward to the weddings of 2009. From Main, to New Hampshire onto the beaches in Newport RI through Ct. and down to St. Augustine Florida! I must say, it's going to be hard for the other weddings of 2009 to beat out the St. Augustine Florida wedding. And it's set for November, I know, a year away. But I think about the fact that it snowed here in Ct. yesterday and one could have only wished to be down in Florida!


So, St. Augustine Florida, the oldest town in the U.S., It should really be a great thing and I'm thinking well hey, I may just make a week of it! Anyone been down there before????

Here's a video I found on youtube. It's an odd one but hey, a video about it none the less. Of course taken through someone elses eyes and not my own...

Can't wait for 2009!!!



Shine on!

Tim
Your
Wedding Photographer in Ct.
WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

You can...

subscribe to my blog and future picture posts by putting in your e-mail ----->>> over there
I won't spam you or really even e-mail you. Just so you can continue to stay in touch!

Shine on,
~Tim

Finding the right dress

I recently saw this video and thought I would throw it on up here!

Shine on!
Tim
WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Here's a story...


Here's a story, of a lovely lady, who was bringing up 3 very lovely girls.... And a pilot husband with a dog who's name was Darby...


That's really where the story ends, other than the fact that these 3 girls just rock! They all loved the camera, from jumping through the air, to laughing and smiles all around!!! Quite simply, a fun shoot. It's what makes the portrait photography thing so much fun!!!












Monday, October 27, 2008

22 minutes...

Time management.... That alone can stress you out or make your day. I guess it depends what you do with your energy and every minute set forth within the day. Recently, I've personally been working to use my time more wisely. Especially with how busy things have been lately. From having a wedding to shoot every weekend to the portrait sessions. It's all great, but makes that time management a top priority... So I have one simple thing to have you think about...

The television. You know, some people have those great bumper stickers "Kill Your TV"... Now I'm not one for violence so I wouldn't go that far. But what about just putting a box over it? LOL... Seriously though, the "normal" TV show is 30 minutes long, take out the 8 minutes of commercials and you generally have 22 minutes of useless information going into your mind. 22 minutes of mush that you could probably, if I took a guess, live with out. What do you think? Could you find something more beneficial to do with that 22 minutes? What about reading? What about taking a walk? Or what about just stopping the day and thinking about your next steps in life... How about if you just started with the 8 minutes of commercial time. Grab a book and read through those commercials. I would make a bet that you would read clear on through the rest of the show as well. Your mind truly longs for stimulation that you could so easily give it. So why not step it up, pass on that show and be a bit more productive? I'm not saying TV is bad all together, there may be some times when you just have to "veg out"... But be honest, could you pass on that show at 7 and work something a little better into your day???


Shine on!
TAB Photographic - Your New England and local Ct. Wedding Photographer

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Yes... Again Change...

I have been thinking about this for quite some time now, this blog of Autumn, the blog of change! Yes, that in deed is what we shall call it, the blog of change. I can sit here and be sure of myself that there are thousands of blogs all revolving around the same thing at this moment. The change. It's inevitable that with the new season upon us, the true season of change, many will reflect back on the past year, maybe the past years. Reflecting upon autumns changes and in turn reflect upon themselves. With the green leaves turning a kaleidascope of reds, golds and browns that are fall's vivid shades and the colorful flowers are retreating back into themselves, now is the time for you to decide about change. Will you too retreat back with in yourself? Or will you step out, will you be the smaller critters that scamper around the forest floors working to move forward in life. To collect the nuts and seeds of their future? Which is it that you will choose???
Do you look at change and hide behind a blanket of darkness or do you reach out to grab it, pull it in and mold it into your own??? By all means, don't hide. Life is unstopable, however by hiding in the darkness it is also riding the flatline. You stick to the same routine, you follow the same rules, you roll along in a mundane state... Not that doing so is always a bad thing, at times one needs that certain calmness that comes with routine. BUT! Let's bring back the change! The moments where life can better itself, life can shine on in so many different ways and colours! Life can be pure bliss!!! When of course you step away from the flat line, our of that comfort zone and into a new phase.
With out that change can you truly grow? I know that for TAB Photographic being a photographer in Ct. and New England, I see so much. I could easily glide along just doing what I do, riding a flat line. But you see, that's NOT what my choice is! My choice is to grow and take all those that matter to me along my side. My choice is to become not just another one of the Ct. wedding photographers or portrait photographers, but to be the photographer. The one you want to have in your circle, the one that you want to capture the moments and the love and the tears. From your big wedding day, to portraits of your children to yes, even your pet, or should I say pets! I will do that by constantly changing, by embracing all that is given to me and by searching out all that is not. I will grow, I will change. I will become those colours that are now abundant across New England and other parts of the country.... I will be ever changing.
How about you? Will you sit still or will you wrap your hand, no your arms, around possible change??? It's your choice, but what ever choice you make, just hold on and know that with change can come so many other powerful things. And much like we see in nature, The trees go from their colourful greens to their reds, yellows, purples and more. And then they go quiet, they rest and take in the change under a blanket of white calmness. They accept the change, the work with the change and make that change a good thing, recharging for yet another build up, another year with great opportunities... They grow, larger and stronger, they become lush in color, they reach deep into the earth and soak up the sun, and they do this how??? And why??? Because they accepted change... They accepted a great future. And year after year, they embrace that change only to grow stronger through each and every day....
So what will it be, your road to life is right there in front of you, shall you sit and take it all in from the same vantage point or will you walk down the road looking for the change to make your life that much better!!!


Monday, October 20, 2008

Shaking around the world...

As the days roll on I find myself as busy as can be. With some great portrait sessions going on and even more weddings! This is seriously the "new wedding season".... I guess in my eyes couples should hold their big day in the time of year that is fitting for them, not because it's "the season"... I truly believe that everyone has that special time just like we all have a special place. I can think of many special places that I know I have. Actually the thoughts bring me back through all of my years, from growing up to being out west and back to New England... All such great changes along the way. Speaking of changes, we are currently sitting in one of the most splendid of times here in New England... It's Autumn. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing and from my town of Collinsville to Northern Maine, New England is surely a great sight for all... I'm sure that I'll have some New England'esque pictures up soon.


And at the same time, while I think about New England, and living here, and running my business as a photographer, portrait or wedding and more, I can't help but wonder what running my business in other parts of the world would be like... From China, to New Zealand or even Africa! Can you imagine that... There you are, at a wedding, a day like no other.... The camera shutter clicking away when a giraffe strolls through the ceremony. Or you're shooting a wedding when the world begins to shake and the church begins to cruble and all just have to run for their lives... That's something that happened quite recently. Not to me, but you can view some of the images here. I can just imagine though, the feeling, the suffering. For an event such as that to happen on a day that should be all yours... And the world attempts to shake you off. What gives. True craziness... A bit of a ramble, yea, maybe. All I can say is that even in that situation, I would still love being a wedding photographer From Ct. and New England to the rest of the world... Anyone want to take me to New Zealand or some where else cool and exciting???

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/05/23/world/0523-WEDDING_index.html

Friday, October 17, 2008

Updates All Around...

First off, I want to again thank everyone that kept Pippin the wonder dog in their thoughts. Somehow he is pulling through from such an awful ordeal. Watching him get hit by the speeding car was so awful but still nothing compared to the pain he has gone through each and every day since then. He WILL be pulling through and is showing such great signs of recovery. We all skimmed by the hip surgery as long as he stays on "bed rest". How you keep a corgi on bed rest I'm not sure. His mouth has or is healing up great and his staples are out, bruising is gone, lungs are great and the only thing remaining is his hip fractures which should heal up "fine". Again, as long as he stays on bed rest. There is no climbing stairs for him, or playing fetch... Which is tough because we all know that a tennis ball and pipping go hand in hand. Or really ball in mouth....


Everything else, gosh... Almost too good! I can honestly say that when I set the photography goal for 2008 I didn't think I would surpass it this much. I can not complain at all. And it sounds odd but I love what I do even more. Call me a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer, a pet photographer or more. What ever, it doesn't really matter to me. What matters is that I just get to keep shooting people. That also brings me around to another idea I'm working on. TAB Photographic T-shirts!!! Fun ones. Logo, with a quote and website below. I'm thinking the quote will read either "I'm paid to shoot people and I love what I do".... Or just "paid to shoot people daily and love it!" Any thoughts? Any other ideas? I'm open....

Other things. Oh boy... First off, working on a new blog for my town... Collinsville! Local support is where it's at. Other blog that will be happening will revolve around farmington artists... Maybe I'm taking on too much? I don't know. What I do know is that I want to support local people, artists and businesses and figure this is all just another way.

And last but not least is the store front I'm STILL trying to get into. Now the owner of the building has passed along the task of finding a tenant for the spot. He passed it along to a business owner along side the empty space and all she's trying to do is benefit herself and not thinking about what the town would enjoy, or what others would like... Maybe I'm being selfish thinking that she just needs to give it up... I don't know. Frustrating when all I want to do is stay local and support the town... Not looking as if that will happen. It is what it is.

For now, shine on!

Friday, October 3, 2008

For Corey And Peter...






For Corey and Peter the weather held off. Tropical storms lingered on the radar, the humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife and the heat building. However with all of that, the Tropical storm waited until 5:05 to dump the rain, the A/C had everyone forgetting about the humidity and the heat really wasn't that bad...






However I wasn't the one that had to be in the dress or tux....







Their day really was a great one though, held at the Aquaturf in Southington, Ct.. From Peters attitude to Coreys smile and laugh the day was a great one. The youngsters running around, the adults doing the world famous chicken dance, ( I know what you're thinking but everyone still seems to enjoy it???), to the Mrs. Ponticelli shorts.




It was just a great day..