Stop making excuses...

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As 2010 comes to a rapid close (at least for me), there are so many thoughts I could share, or since you're sitting hear reading, force upon your eyes. Though I won't. I'll stick to one simple thought. One simple statement. 

EXCUSES ARE USELESS!!!

As 2011 throws itself in our faces, stop making excuses! Just stop! There useless. 

Excuses do no good. 

They easily place blame, they stop you in your footsteps from taking that next step, they hold you back in life, they slow you down.

Instead, look at everything how it is, don't hold back, don't make crap up. Pick a direction, make a goal, decide what YOU need to do and do it. That's it. Just make it happen. I know it's easier said than done, right? Say you want to begin a new career. It's easy to say, "oh, it will cost this", or "Oh, I don't have the free time", "I can't balance all that"... Well you know what, you can, you do, and money is just money and if you want to reach your goal you get it. Nothing can stop you.

At the same time, when things aren't going as planned. That's okay, Take the proper steps to straighten yourself out. It happens to all of us. There's not one person in this world, "powerful" or not, that hasn't fallen down at some point in time. It's just about how you get back up. How you brush yourself off, and how you learn from the fall...

You may be wondering where this comes from. Quite simply, a visit to the ER. A little over a week ago, I ended up in the ER. 

After 13 hours of tear jerking pain I finally went into that damn ER. And what did they do?, they took the pain away. Sure, while they were at it they took my gall bladder away as well. But you know what, if I didn't make excuses for what the pain was, if I didn't try to play it off, if I had just looked it in the face and said I need to take care of this now. I would have been in pain for only a couple hours. The surgery would have happened sooner, and I would have recovered that much sooner. Because it was, in a way, my body falling down. And you know what, I had to ask for help all at the same time. And if I learned one thing. It was not to make excuses. 

Take the moments that are happening and do the right thing. Follow your heart, follow your mind, chase your goals and when needed, ask for help....

But most importantly. Instead of making excuses, use that energy to move on, grab hold of your dream and make it reality....

And most of all....... Shine on into 2011!!!!

The welcome baskets for the traveling wedding guests

A great article to treat those guests traveling to your wedding. I know that for the weddings I've traveled to, even as a photographer, the welcome baskets / bags are surely a nice little surprise. Not to mention those random pieces that may have been forgotten.

http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/guests/wedding-welcome-basket-ideas-10000001698399/index.html?xid=weddingsnews-12-14-2010

Just a few teasers from a recent shoot.

The shoot came about with the artwork / jewelry. The other Subject, Sam... Happens to be the artists Daughter... More work of hers coming soon.

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Ct. Portrait Wedding and Dog Photographer 

For you wedding folk...

Check out some really cute and sweet cake toppers... Etsy is a wonderful place ya know... Just sayin'.....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Middleburg?section_id=5382179

Take a minute....

Once again, I seem to be blogging about a facebook status which I posted:

What if for just one day... One simple day we picked up the phone and called, picked up a pen and wrote, opened our eyes and looked???? Just sayin'...

Maybe I'm way out of whack here but I believe most of us still enjoy and desire "real" interaction??? Face to face, voice to voice, pen to paper???  I know that I LOVE receiving mail. (other than the bills of course.) But to open that little door and to peer in and see a little something is just so exciting! "what's inside" " who's it from" "what's being shared"...

Or what about actually picking up the phone and talking into it instead of just pushing a bunch of keys and letters to text? Being able to hear that voice on the other side, the emotion straight from the soul? Being able to share words with out waiting for those words to be sent and received???

Or get this, head on over and stop by to say "hi"! Imagine that, you would get to see the other person, right there in front of you... Their smiles, their energy, the emotion which can only be seen through the facial expressions... Tell me these few things don't just sound so appealing! I know they do to me...

So, get out, say hi, write a letter or send a card, pick up the phone and make a call... Let's go "old school"... If only for just one day.............

Shine on,

~Tim

(Oh, and in case you cared, my mailing address is P.O. Box 426 - Collinsville, Ct. 06022 haha)

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Shooting you in the head...

I know the below are not strictly head-shots, however that's what the session mainly revolved around. The headshot for new auditions and more... Once again and as always, some teasers. Because sharing is fun!

-Shine on-

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Dreamin'...

How do you know if you're dream is big enough??? That was a recent update which I made on my facebook "status"... That status update brought on few interesting comments. And those comments in turn made me think more about the "status".

A few of them in no random order:

No such thing. Dream bigger every day. :)


Because it scares the living sh*t out of you but you still want it more than anything. And it also seems to get larger and larger as time passes, making it all the more scary!


If it is attainable, but just barely. otherwise it is too big.

So it makes me wonder a bit more. I've generally tried to catch up to my dreams through life. I believe it's an important thing to do. I also believe that if you're dream is realistic , (in other words, not wanting to fly with out any assistance; swimming under water for 3 hours at a time;  etc...) as I was saying, if our dream is realistic, it can be reached! It may take time, it may take a long time, but it can, in one way or another be reached... 

However you have to believe. 

Believe that it can be reached, no matter how high, or how far out there it seems. If it's realistic, you can reach it....

So I ask you this, how do you know if you're dream is big enough??? I believe all the above. That your dream could very easily get bigger day by day. And when it's closed to being reached, it can grow even larger forcing you to continue on in reaching your dream. Maybe your dream scares you to death. For one reason or another, it just freaks you right out. Maybe it's a financial chance you would be forced to take. Maybe it would involve some serious life changes... Maybe more? But it's okay to be scared. Especially since fear is a good thing to feel at times... 

Yet I do still have one question. Is every realistic dream attainable??? Do you have to make your dream into a reality to enjoy it??? The questions seem to be endles...

And with that, I just have one thing to ask. 

How do you know if you're dream is big enough????

Then and now...

Then and now, two completely different worlds. Then, is the time when you know something great is just around the corner. And while you know it's great, you're unsure of just what that greatness will hold. 

Then the greatness happens. And while it's a change, it's a change that you embrace with everything in your being. Knowing that from this day forward there's a new piece of you that has entered into the world. And that new piece changes with each day. Bringing a new energy, a new excitement that you will embrace and a new life that will learn from watching and living in your foot steps. 

Simply put.... A miracle....

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A great set of...

A great set of "I Do's" are coming down the road for these two!!!

Lately I've been having such a great time doing what I simply love! And part of that is due in part to all of my TAB Photographic couples! And for these guys, Laurissa and Mark it was all good. From the already cropped corn field (with potatoes everywhere???) to the Barkhamsted damn which we may or may not have climbed down and all over... They're great. And the wedding day is sure to be a blast with out a doubt!!!

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The little super hero!!!

No, really, he's a superhero! Sure, he doesn't know it yet but he is! 

How is it possible that at 8 days old he's already a superhero??? Because he literally saved the studio. Okay, maybe not single handedly but none the less. Saved the studio...

You see, his parents brought him out into the world and to the TAB Photographic Studio last weekend. For the first 45 minutes or so he wasn't feeling the fanTABulous energy. Instead being that 8 day old little bundle that just wants to look around and take in the world. Well, as you can see the time did come when he caved in and pictures just rolled out. But that's not all. About 10 minutes before the session was over there was a steady beeping.... Looking at each other we were all curious in the studio when there was a smell. 

Well, long story short, the apartment above the studio was on fire. Not to worry though, this little guys father and I became volunteer fire fighters for a day! We took action, put the fire out, came back down and wrapped up with a couple more shots. (sure we smelled a little charbroiled, but it's just how you roll when you're a fire fighter)

So how did this new little love of the world become a super hero? Quite simple, if he hadn't been loving the first 45 minutes of his time at the studio, we would have long finished with the session and the entire building would have been gone. Maybe down the road he will get to hear that little story. 

Shine on all!!!

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The three girls..

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The 3 girls that soooo take after their mom... 

I may be wrong, but I doubt it. Always on the go, always smiling and always enjoying every minute...

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Rachel And Troy are serious playa'ssssss

Because this will obviously be a blast of a wedding!!! Especially since the playground will be on hand for that as well!!!

Can't wait!

Individuality...

I know it shouldn't surprise me as I know first hand at just how different siblings can be... But... It still surprised me. The thing is, it didn't hit me till looking back at the photos. The ability to look at each shot and see just how different these two sisters are.... 

From the energy in their eyes to the way they carry themselves. And the fact that they're growing up in the same ways, in the same house, and with each other means nothing. Because these two, are for sure, individuals!

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The local express...

It's not often that I am provided the opportunity to make some awesome photos happen just minutes from my house! However this was surely one of those times as the bride has grown up here in Canton and was more than willing!!!

The factory here, is surely something I use quite often as many of you know. If you're a creative soul, can you honestly say you wouldn't do the same if it was a mere 5 minute walk from your studio???

From the doorways to the buildings to the history that this factory holds, it creates a great look and holds an awesome energy to shoot with in.

Only thing I can recommend about the factory, if you're driving a 40 foot long Hummer H3 Limo, well, it might be a tight fit through the factory and through town....

Do you know?.?.

Do you know where you are on your journey? Can you know??? 

Right now, as many of you know with booking me / TAB Photographic for your photography needs that I'm pretty booked up. That's now what this post is about, but instead, about my journey and in turn, possibly yours....

See, I don't know where I am on my journey. What I do know is that at times I feel, or should I say have felt, that I haven't really sat back and looked at just how great this journey is. Well that's about to stop. Creating images, capturing each soul that I'm lucky enough to have in front of the lens, each tear smile and sigh... From weddings to newborns & children to the furry ones.... This journey, my journey is a pretty darn good one! Great even!!!!

That being said, while we may not always know where we are on our journey.... We can, and should always take a step back and enjoy this exact journey we're each individually on. It may not always feel as if it's the perfect journey, but one thing's for sure... It's ours to make!!! 

Shine on!

A little wedding reception fun!

So about 3 years ago I set up a small portrait area. Here and there I've put it together and had fun with it. But lately, lately I've been setting it up a bit more. Couples are asking for something to add a little extra fun spice to their reception fun and this is surely one way! I have yet to find someone who didn't just love it and have a great time!! And it shows with some great pics!!!

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For your wedding & portrait photo needs...

Just some teasin' of a bride and a groom!

There are weddings and then there are WEDDINGS! This was an awesome one! Much like the rest of this year. These two souls united as one are just great!!!

But I won't bore you here with facts or words... Instead I'll share the pics...

Shine on,

~Tim

This is one of the many

reasons I do what I do... Because knowing that I am able to bring a certain happiness to other souls in this universe is a great thing!

"tim tim tim...you are AMAZING! Thank you sooooooooooooooo much! I have gone through them 3 times now because i am obsessed. I would hug you right now if i could! thanks thanks thanks!"

It's voting time!!!

That's right, over on the right is where you vote for photo 1, photo 2 or photo 3. Why? Because it's fun, not to mention that the winning photo client will be the winner of something totally awesome!!! A Great Stretched Canvas! So start voting, send your friends to vote and even people you don't know. 

Voting will run till September 30th 2010 but don't wait, vote now!!!

The pics to vote for... 

PHOTO #1:

PHOTO #2:

PHOTO #3:

So what are you waiting for, vote vote vote then send your friends back to vote!!!!

What it comes down to...

Is really quite simple. Business is rocking and that's super great! The one down side, the blogs are not being updated as much as I would like. And starting today, I'm going to change that. I enjoy the blog side of things, I enjoy sharing some teasers, news, ideas or more. So starting today, I promise to blog it up!!! 

Coming soon: Some teasers for Amanda and Cooper, Collette and Rocco and more! Why have things been so crazy, some awesome weddings, some great engagement shoots, fun head shots, portraits, and the newest of new news.... The Studio!!! Currently being opened in Collinsville with a storefront and a great location! The studio itself is going to be great. (After many hours of work, many more paint strokes and some great energy!) The high 11 foot ceilings, the rustic hard wood floors, the view of the river... It's going to be great!

Coming right now, those ladies getting married should check this out! One of the links is for that great garter. Not just a garter from Davids Bridal but a company that makes a garter like no other. Something special, maybe blue and new all in one shot! And they really are fancy. Why not wear it more than just on a wedding day? Might be a fun trend to bring back. :o)

LINK: http://www.roarkenyc.com/collections/weddings

The other link I want to share today is for some great jewelry. Custom made and never the same. Why? because your brides maids / maid of honor deserve that special something... And this, these, are so awesome!!! And for the guys reading, the lady in your life would LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

LINK: http://madamefortuna.com/magiccharm.php

Till next time, enjoy guys and girls!!!!

What a great set of "I Do's"...

It seems like every wedding I shoot continues to get better and better, and I don't mean the pictures. (though I hope they too always go in that direction) What I mean are the weddings themselves, maybe it's because I simple love what I do that much, but really... It's just great.

I just returned home from a local wedding, which in itself has some goodness to it. And when I say just, I mean, like 18 minutes ago. 

So why I am up, writing about it? Because it really was that good! And they all are, it's just most of the time I get in at 1 or 2 or 3 in the morning. ;o)

Anyway, today, the laughs continued to just roll out. From the groomsmen walking into the church, and walking and walking and walking. The entire church was filled with laughter as they filed in. All 12 of them including the groom! YES! A total of 24 for the wedding party! And a great 24 at that! Then there was the group shot of EVERYONE, the wedding party, the guests and more, all on the steps in front of the church and then... Then we were about to hit overtime on the party bus so it was time to boogie before it got too late. The downside, it meant no Blue Back Square pics... :o( But the good side, there was a 2 minute stop at the cornfield right on the main road. 

Not much time for anything but a couple quick snaps... But making the most of any minute I get is what I do!!! The fun didn't stop there, the group shots with the wedding party were awesome! Each and every one of them brought their own fun and energy into the night...

The twinkies and cupcakes to the late night cheeseburgers... And in the middle of it all was some great dancing, tons of laughs and the smiles all around. 

I just can't stop there... The speeches were classic! The speech from the Maid of Honor... HAHA! So great. Started out with "You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-woman wolf pack." And for those of you that are fans of the hangover, know where that one goes! It was soo great. 

The polaroids, awesome! The autism pins great... The entire day and evening just seems to go off with a hitch. And I guess what I'm just trying t get at here is quite simple... 

Ada.... John.... You guys threw it down in a great way! Your bridal party was awesome and your day will always be remembered by so many... Many props coming your way. Here's to a life full of love, laughs and photographs!!!

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http://www.autismspeaks.org/

support it.....

She said yes... Now we wait for the I Do's

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Emily & Brian! This is them... This is a wedding day that will surely be awesome! (once it gets here...) They'll say their I Do's in 2011, but till then... Plan Plan Plan.

Why will it be such a great wedding, well, other than the two of them being fun, energetic and happy. The details are sure to rock. And if they weren't before, I guess now I'm putting the pressure on. (just kidding Emily, no pressure) I mean, after working with A Thyme To Cook not only was Emily able to see some great ideas, she was able to help create them. 

And that's actually how we originally met. She wasn't even engaged yet but we chatted for a bit and she grabbed my info... Then, some time after, the engagement happened. However she didn't contact me right away. It wasn't till she was cleaning her car and my card fell out of her visor. And from there, well, it's all good!!!

And like I said, now I just can't wait!!! But alas, I have to. Which is okay too because between now and then I have a bunch of other weddings which will rock as well! Even one of her co-workers... Now if they could only hold their dates down and stop switching them up. HAHAHA! Kidding guys.

So that's them. Brian and Emily, Emily and Brian... Here's to the future wedding with all the fun and details... 

(keep your eyes out for a post about the importance of details - coming soon!)

The new children & young teen arts center in C'ville!

That's right, for those of you in the area, this is the place for your kids! 

Something to help create a new energy in their mind, a new excitement in their days and some fanTABulous pieces of artwork for the home! 

River City Art Center is the new art center opening in September here in Collinsville! My own daughter will be there rockin' out and taking some classes and I can say, with 100% clarity that your children will love it just as much! 

From the toddler to the tweens, there's a class for that child in your heart! Day time, evening. River City Art Center will not only provide some great classes but with it's open schedule will surely have the class to fit your hectic days and give you some well deserved quiet time! (all while the kids learn, explore and release their imagination...) 

I can't say enough about it's owner Kate, but really, there's only one way for you to know for sure. Check it out and know I wouldn't guide you in the wrong direction!!!

http://www.rivercityartcenter.com/

Meet Michele and Jason!

So get this... There's a couple from New Jersey, they're a fun couple, full of energy and love... Did I tell you they were from Jersey??? 

So this couple, maybe you'll see the pics and remember they're engagement session down in NYC. Anyway, their wedding day came around and what a day (& night) it was!!!

The location. Awesome place in Vt. The Hildene! It was and still is a Lincoln home... Meaning Abe Lincoln family. http://www.hildene.org/

Such a beautiful place looking out over the mountain tops in Southern VT. YES! You heard that right, the Jersey couple rockin' it out in VT!!!

And not only did the venue location rock, but the couple was open to awesome pictures and making them happen. Looking past the heat and humidity to get it done!

Really, the entire wedding party is pretty gosh darn cool! Though maybe we should leave Officer Bill out of that cool group??? HAHA! Just kidding. Even Officer Bill was cool! 

But wedding party aside, it was Michele and Jason that made the day great. Chose an awesome location, carried on with such a great love and energy through the entire day...

Right through the end of the evening with a broken down bus in the backwoods of Vt. It was just an awesome day / evening / night!!! And will surely go down in the fanTABulous record books!!!