Thursday, December 31, 2009

It's time.... That's all... It's just time...

I have this feeling that I'm not alone when I say that it's surely time to bid this year of 2009 farewell. There have been so many great times, and well, some not so great. What can we do about it though... What can we do? We can do the below. Quite simply, "scatter confetti over the floor, sweep an old year out the door!"




That's surely something I'm ready to do! And I'm a realist here, I know that 2010 may not start off perfect for many. But it is only what we make of it. It's a new year, a new decade, a new start?


One thing that I have not done enough of is documentation. Not papers and files. But stories and pictures. Pieces of this and pieces of that. Documentation. That's what I will say my New Years Resolution will be. But that's not what I'm going to call it. I'm going to think of something all my own, something fresh and exciting. Much like the documentation in itself. Can you imagine if we all started doing such a thing. Documenting the good and the bad. With pictures and stories. Can you imaging looking back at all that in another decade. Each year has it's own book. It's own pictures and it's own stories. That's what I'm going to do. Starting, well, I already started. So there! Maybe you too want to start documenting. Giving your friends and family something to look back on years and years down the road. When books no longer exist. When pictures are floating holograms. Can you imagine the looks on their faces.


I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I think I'm beating around the bush. Not getting to my one single point that I came here for...


To say to everyone that I too am ready for a new year to begin. A new decade to rock our lives! A new 2010 to take on.... (and start documenting my life. Our lives)


What do you have in store???

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sunny St. Augustine is the way to go!

Being a photographer is generally a pretty good thing, not always the best but pretty darn good! And as a wedding photographer, the opportunity seems to always arise to shoot in new locations, fun locations, and locations that let you work with surroundings to really rock it out!


And this wedding for Abbie and Carrie was no different. Shooting their wedding in St. Augustine Florida. The sky was blue, the day was warm (very warm) and all in all, it worked great for another awesome wedding!!!




Of course there's the games and tricks of getting into the wedding dress and finding the little clasps that may not always be there... And when you can't find them, making do with what you have.






And when it comes to shooting weddings in great historic towns like St. Augustine, well, there's added fun when you can walk to the chapel...





And can I again mention the fun that a little town, a new place can bring your way. A little edge, a little funk and a lot of fun!!!










What more can you say. I honestly believe that line, "a picture tells a thousand words..." which in this case would mean we've got the chapters covered from this day...






OH! One more thing... There was lots of love!!!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Another great wedding of the year!

Yup, that's right, another great wedding. This one was all about Brian and Noa. Sure, there are other members of the family, some of which flew over oceans to celebrate their day and their life... It's just what family does.




The wedding dress, so simple and elegant with so much beauty...




Are there ever any words that can properly describe the beauty that bride holds on her day???



Love this shot because of "mom" bidding the farewell from the front door...




City Hall in Hartford, such a great place. One of those times that I could have continued shooting for hours with out any hurry to leave!






An awesome place for a reception, not to mention the ceremony!!! The Society Room in Hartford...




And if there's one thing that can wrap an entire night of love, happiness and enthusiasm together it's great music! This night provided by Bock and Blu with some awesome live music to rock the evening away!!!


All in all, yes, another great wedding!!!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

It's coming...

2010!!!

Yes, 2010 is coming, what are you possibly waiting for? Seriously, what are you waiting for. What have you wanted to do with your life, with your days, with your moments? Why the heck aren't you doing them? Seriously, what's holding you back... There's nothing you can't do. You just need to figure out why you're holding yourself back... So, that being said, 2010 is a couple weeks away. Start planning now, tell the world, leave a comment here about what you're going to do, what dream you're going to make a reality or where you're going to go... Put it down, in an e-mail to someone, on the fridge. You need to get it out into the world before it can become a reality. So yea... 2010! It's coming. Get ready... It's your year!!!



Monday, December 14, 2009

A great big thank you!!!


As I sit here thinking about just how great this past weekend was I have you all to thank!!! Many of you know that this past weekend TAB Photographic held some Toys For Tots Portrait fun. Put simply, you brought toys I took portraits! How do we know just how great it went? How about the 3 large boxes of toys that are going to be dropped off at a Toys for Tots location. How about the fact that those 3 large boxes of toys are going to bring countless smiles to many faces when they are needed most! And how about the fact that those 3 large boxes are because of you all! And of course while many of you came in for portraits, there were those of you that went over the top and had toys drop shipped! Yea, I think you ALL JUST ROCK! And I can't thank you enough for making it such a successful weekend!!!!


SERIOUSLY! THANK YOU!!!


As for the blog. Yes, it's been lacking. That's going to change too. I have so many images to up date. So many things to share. So be ready! We're back on! 3....2....1.... GO!


BUT! Before I go... I just have to share this awesome link with you to some great artwork! Spotted today on the today show. Check it out for some great gifts and great pieces of work!


Friday, October 16, 2009

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE SHOT!




That's right, there's two photos below. Now, do you have a favorite shot??? Over on the right you'll see a poll where you can cast your vote. Why? Because the couple with the most shots will receive that print matted and framed as a little thank you and surprise! Now check them out and go vote!

Picture #1: Stacey and Miles. He's from New Zealand and knows how to play a mean game of rugby, so I would think about your vote carefully here, he may know where you live.


Picture #2: Jennifer and Brad. Fun couple, and they may just have the keys to that Rolls Royce and may not be scared to run you down if you don't vote for them. What to do what to do....


Monday, October 12, 2009

Jennifers Day @ St. Clements


What was supposed to be a windy, rainy and chilling autumn day in October ended up being anything but. Of course, the wind and rain was forecasted 4 days earlier so we can be thankful the weather peeps were a bit off target. Because for this day, this day in October... It was beautiful! Almost more of an early September day. Just stunning all around. And from the ceremony in a small church tucked away in Middletown to St. Clements Castle in Portland, it was great...






The bridal party was rockin' the day away. The atmosphere was fun. The cake looked awesome. The bride and groom - now husband and wife had what was one of the best days around! What more can one really say that the pictures can't???









Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cody...



This is Cody... Just a tease really. To see more head over to http://muddypawstudios.blogspot.com/


47 miles 45 miles per hour and 4000 feet in the sky


What if everything was easy? Would it still be as much fun? Aren't there times when overcoming an obstacle makes the reward that much more pleasurable? I'll take the challenge and obstacles of everyday life knowing that on the other side are glorious moments.... Oh yes I will! And on Saturday I joined in on a group ride in Mass. And how can you possibly ride in the northwestern part of Mass with out heading up Mt. Greylock. I believe it's the highest peak in Mass? Still not the wonderful 14,000+ foot climbs that are out there but for southern New England I'll take it...


So... We began the day at the Berkshire Mall. Not a bad choice seeing as McDonalds was offering free coffee for the day... And on a day when there was a chilling crispness to the air, it was more than welcomed. (though yes, I stuck to Diet Coke, I think I need intervention)...


What do I wear oh what do I wear. That wasn't just my thought but I believe everyone elses thoughts as well. It's cold, it's going to warm up, it's going to be cold at the top and it's going to be warm at the botton... All in all I think we all made out okay. So heading out with clothes on, I mean after all, that's a plus right? Let's go...


Up on two wheels we're ready to go... PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTT... Flat tire. A flat tire before leaving the parking lot. But if I were to mention Rodolfos name it just wouldn't be fair. Especially if I mentioned how the flat tire came from pumping up said tire and with his super powers he ripped the stem right off the tube!!! Damn, I would have almost thought he had a pink cape hiding under that jacket. So we'll leave names out, sound good Rodolfo?


Take two, we're off... I don't know who decided starting out on a mile long climb was a good idea. Thought it's always nice to start out with a little burn. On the road... We go. Hey, I think I've seen that gas station before??? Okay, continue rolling along taking a right hand turn. Mt. Greylock ahead...


The side we decided to climb was not as technical and longer than the North side. But it starts out steeper and then begins to roll out nicely. Up we go, a flock of Antelope in the field to the left. Made sense since it was after all to the left of the wildlife viewing area. Though if I had go-go gadget eyes, they probably would have seen a flock of geese. (I'm sticking to Antelope)...

Already strung out but sure there are smiles on everyones faces. I pull up along Ester with a comment about the view and just keep pedaling. Rudy ahead and cruising along. I'm thinking to myself, I could sit on his wheel the whole way up and work 50% less... Especially since he's about 7 Feet taller than I am. Talk about drafting material. I pull up behind him and sit there for about 1/4 mile and well, I won't lie. Me sitting on a wheel on such an awesome climb is EXTREMELY hard. Pulling to the right I just continue on my own pace. A short conversation and then it stops. Looking back I realize he's not quite on my wheel anymore. Do I wait? Again, I just didn't have the will power so I continue on, building a steady rhythm to take on the road ahead. 8 miles from this point... The climb continues and on the way up there are such awesome views... A few sections where 35 miles per hour happens before pitching back up. Those are not the times to drop a water bottle. Can anyone out there guess where I dropped my water bottle? You got it. So slamming on the brakes I turn around to grab it before heading back up. More views and some hairpin turns which I actually enjoy climbing up and through, just as much as leaning into on the downhill...


This is one of those points where I look over the edge and hope that everyone else is enjoying each pedal stroke as the next. I wonder how close Rudy is. Should I wait and ride with him for the conversation? Is Little b up out of the saddle climbing his way past all? Are Charlene and Ester pushing up together? Has Rodolfo gotten another flat? DOH! Sorry, I strike the name of the flat tire from the record.


And here comes the top... OMG! These two guys are cheering me on!!! Who are they? I don't really care! All I know is that they're cheering me on and I'm almost to the summit... Okay, riding up to them I find they're part of an MS Society ride. I welcome the applause anywho.


Sitting down I begin to realize that while the sun is so welcoming, the cold breeze is not. Already I'm thinking about heading down. Dealing with the cold wind to get to the warm bottom. But I wait. Here rolls Rudy, the ummm... Then everyone else. Sorry I can't recall the order guys... All I know is that we all, well, all but one of us made it to the top. But he was eaten alive by a Flunky K-9 Police dog. More on that later. maybe??


At the top for about 40 minutes. Just about frozen cold it's time to get a move on down.


Down... DOWN.... DOWN!!!!!!!


What a great down hill, fresh pavement, dry pavement and someones great (completely idiotic) idea of carving out rumble strips with every hiker crossing!!! RiDICULOUS!!! Attempting to dodge them, bunny hop them or just cruise over them at ridiculous speeds. 40 mph and a car ahead riders behind. What is Tim's great idea??? Let's pass the car! Zoom Zoom, felt like a Mazda commercial as I zoomed by the car. Thinking everyone else would follow I got a move on. 45 miles per hour some hair pin turns a rock in the road and sliding off the road I go... Looking back I realize no one else is near so I again have to turn it into a race against myself. How fast can I go... Yea, probably would have pushed hard had I been wearing a helmet. I had one on but a Yeti jumped out of the woods and beat me with a stick, ripped it off and laughed while running head first into all the trees. With my helmet on of course.


The bottom is here. From there the entire reason for the ride is over. Well, not the entire reason at all but it's what we'll go with for now.


A fun cruise down the hill. Rory decided to take a jump off the front. I continue to cruise the down, passing Rudy and reaching for my glasses when my glasses (optic nerves) <-- shameless plug, decided to take a first class trip. Hearing them hit the road I slowed for a minute only deciding it was too late. Their fate had been chosen and my face wasn't in their future...


Now it's time to catch Rory. Taking off right about the same time Rudy asks if Rory has a meeting to get to. I guess I was late for the same meeting.


Down down down to Route 7... Or 2? Or 8? Or something. Anyway, we get down and are waiting and waiting and waiting. Only to find we were missing a rider. Edmund, where in the world is carmen sandiego? I mean, Edmund??? More time passes. Not like Edmund. Or so we were told. Now it's adventure time. It's Edmund season and we're going hunting. Lucky for us he was wearing 1980's circa fluorescent yellow. I know, I know, it's a safe colour. Anyway, we found that the same Yeti that stole my helmet jumped out while Edmund was going 35 miles per hour and while reaching for him, grabbed his cable and ripped it from the bike, just about pulling his handlebars off and sending him arse over tea kettle... In reality, there's a chance that a screw came out of his cable guide sending his cable in all sort of linear and non-linear directions almost taking him down. But see, we knew all of this was going on which was why we stopped in the hardware store parking lot. We're not stupid see! No matter how colourful elf'ish some may be dressed..


Anyway, it's a nice cruise back. A great headwind that makes for a long 10 miles of false flat and uphill... But none the less, all good. We'll leave out the extra flat tire that may have taken place, Rory taking off and having a mile head start which made for an interesting one man chase (though he was reeled in), all of us managing to find our own way back to the mall and being lost'ish... An awesome King of the Mountain Jersey being handed to the first rider to summit Greylock and a relaxing ride back to Ct. where the evening was spent with the kids at the movies for Maya's Birthday. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs...


A long rant that could have been longer and also summed up in less time but a rant none the less worth sharing... What it comes down to is quite simple. One, if you're a cyclist in New England, go ride Greylock... Two, we can act like everything is easy because in the long run, it's really not that difficult. But in acting like it's easy it becomes more fun, interesting and rewarding. Take a climb, and work through the pain and it's just wonderful! Take the meeting in the office that no one wants to attend and know that when it's over some individuals will have the needed direction to get the job done. That really wasn't hard was it? Accept the Drs. appointment that you're not looking forward to one bit. Maybe it's a procedure you have to go through or maybe even a tooth drilling. Just know that it's not really that hard and in the end that tooth just won't be bothering you anymore...


All I'm trying to say is that if something is difficult or causing grief doesn't mean it's got to be hard or miserable. Look at the future and what will come after the fact and keep your eye on that prize. In doing so, I believe you CAN act like everything is easy. Okay, now I'm really done. I just made the long rant, un-needingly longer... And at this juncture I depart...





Oh, and yes, Steve was attacked by a rabid dog. He's doing okay though, Brandon chased the dog down, grabbing him by his tail and roasting him for his post-ride bonk meal. Something about how it was healthier than McDonalds??? (no dogs were truly harmed in the making of this ride, But Steve was mauled...)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Coming up...

Coming up, shots from portraits, dog portraits and some wedding teases. A post about a great climb up Mt. Greylock and more. But for now, we'll share another post from a great book filled with some helpful and some hilarious tips.. From the worst case scenario survival handbook: weddings...

How to survive if the flowers don't arrive.

1: Use fruit, stack seasonal fruits in glass vases: cherries and naval oranges for spring weddings, strawberries and blueberries for summer, apples for autumn, or holly and pinecones for winter.

2: Borrow flowers, good hotels will have beautiful, ornate floral arrangements in the lobby area, in public spaces and sitting areas, and in the bar/restaurant. Dressed in your wedding attire, approach the manager and explain your situation. Tip Generously.

3: Borrow from another wedding in the hotel or reception hall. Ask someone in the other wedding party if you can use flowers from that wedding. Do not be choosey - don't decline some arrangements because the colours are wrong or you don't like them. And don't approach the bride or groom, since they will likely be busy.

4: Know on neighbors doors. Explain your situation to people in nearby houses. Ask to borrow flowers from their gardens and construct bouquets and small arrangements.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

What is it that just simply does it...

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Some delicious treats for that wedding day!!!

Ya know, I shot a great wedding this past friday at the Branford House in Groton and a rockin' fun engagement shoot today where there may have just happened to be a bunch of great Alpacas of many colours. Gotta love every minute of it!

One thing that I can't get enough of are those little wedding favors, from cookies to seeds, donations and other treats and fun little things... So why not share a few tasty and fun wedding favors for your day... Enjoy them!!!


www.hamptonpopcorn.com



www.memoriesinchocolate.com

www.flourpotcookies.com


www.beau-coup.com


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Dough...NUTS!


So seriously, I don't eat donuts. Not that I don't like them. But just one big donut makes me feel as if I should go for a 4 hour ride just to burn off the calories... But this morning, oh boy! Things were a little different. One of the main reasons is because of Tastease in Hartford..... This little joint hidden in such an odd part of the town has these great little donuts. And yes, they're actually little. 2 1/2 inches across to be exact. (and yes, I just put the measuring tape away....




And while I didn't eat all of them. I did have two, one that I thought was just frosted with strawberry and a bloop of tastey'ness on top. BUT NO! It was actually a strawberry cake donut!




And really, just look at these things! I couldn't resist the little photo op as they sat so patiently waiting to be devoured.




The best part, yea, there are still some left. The question that I have to ask though, are they better to just look at, smell, or enjoy with the taste buds. Well, I think we all know the answer. But hey, they do smell good & look awesome. (and taste even better!!!!)



Sunday, August 16, 2009

Because we need to... Livestrong...

Ben and Annette... And a warm day with great smiles!

So as I often say, I love what I do. Being involved in such remarkable days from start to finish just rocks! And for this day, last Saturday at Anthonys Ocean View, it was none the less for Ben and Annette.

Of course starting at her house was just great. All her girls for the day obviously love this bride to be. And her father, from all the smiles and facial expressions. So great...




And of course you have her flowers but more importantly is this shy young guy who, well, after about 30 seconds was no longer shy. Well, at least I don't think he was. What do you think???





And the girls, with the beautiful dresses and her neighbors awesome barn...




But that didn't last long as the day was rapidly rolling along. I won't lie, there are times when it would be nice to just slow the clock down a little... None the less, it was onto Anthony's where the rings were waiting...




And so was the groom. Cool as ice with the shades. Which sounds easier than it is when it's roasty and humid out...




And when it comes down to it. You know this couple rides the same wave when on their wedding day, they each receive a card from the other. And what would you know, it's the same card. Go figure...





But enough of that... It's time to get to the after party. Smiles.. Dancing... Laughs...





Hang on one minute... Before the after party, well, we need a quick pit stop... (
And for those of you that are about preserving the sound, yea. Don't stress. It's all fun )





So here comes the party, making people wonder and one mans thought... "If I were a rich man, yada yada bada bada dada dada da...."





And that brought on a handful of surprise throughout the evening. In all good style...





Well, for the most part...





But what more can you say.....

It's Ben and Annette - and their day.....