Life after death...

Life after death, I know, an odd title for a blog which generally hosts photos from weddings filled with love, engagement shoots filled with excitement and other photographs which leave you wondering... 

However, if you've been following me for any time, you also know that my words, at times, go in other directions. Just about life in general I guess. And this just happens to be one of those times. Don't you feel lucky!?!?! haha...

Recently, I was introduced to ice wine. This wine is the sweetest that one could ever dream up. I would go as far as saying it's not a wine at all. However, it surely is.  

The process in which this wine is made is slightly uncharacteristic to the normal process. Why? Well, the grapes are left on the vines months after all the others have been perfectly pruned. The grapes are then harvested in the dead of winter when the temperature finally reaches -10 degrees. And not only that, but they're harvested at night so that the sun doesn't have a chance to warm the juices at all. (or is it because they're so shriveled and ugly that if anyone knew that's what produced this wine it wouldn't be so sweet in the end?) By doing this, the grapes have lost most of their hydration. Creating a juice that is much more concentrated than what you would normally have as an end result. 

After thinking about this process, the grapes resulting in a wine unparalleled. Thoughts came around, as they usually do in my head, how this wine and these grapes are much like our lives....

We begin this growth process where the days are bright, the sun is shining. The temperature just perfect. It seems as if life can't really get much better... Then, then we're forced into the period where things aren't so bright anymore. The nights cold. The solitude.... We can only look back at how beautiful those days were. Green, lush, full of life. Now we hang in this place where we have lost all the life around us. We are in the coldest and hardest of times. Everything gray, drab and hollow...

Then, before you know it, we find new light. We find new steps to reach for and we come out on the other side sweeter than we ever were and could ever begin to imagine. 

Just like these grapes that make Ice Wine... They go through the bright days, the lush days, over to the dark days and once they make it through each part of that journey. They produce something so sweet. So wonderful. Something that with out those dark and cold days, would never exist....

And if you ask me, that's a good way to look at the hard times we all face for one reason or another. It's a good thing to keep in mind. Knowing that once we make it through the dark and cold days. We are left with the sweetest life we could ever image. We just need to hold onto the vine long enough to get there....

'eh....

Some quick shares from random days...

Those we love...

I have plenty of images that are going to start rolling through the blog as well as updating the website. I'll be sure to post when the website updates happen. In the mean time, two of the awesome individuals in these photos are my children. 

And here's the thing about photos. Just as the subject doesn't have to be looking at the lens to have a breathtaking photo, nor do they need to smile.... 

Anyway. Just some photos from more of me and two more reasons in these photos why I have the drive in life which I hold so close. 

Your lifeboat...

I feel as my clients, future clients, past clients, clients turned friends and friends in general, deserve to know the reality of this past year. And I can only hope that with this sharing, if you're going through a challenging time yourself, you will possibly find a little strength in knowing that you're not alone and that we go through these times and come out stronger on the other end.

And at those times, when you finally feel as if you're about to climb back into your lifeboat to safety and a force comes along pulling the lifeboat out of reach. You WILL get to a point where you find yourself safely in your boat looking out over the sunsets. And I myself refuse to give up until I'm back in that lifeboat. And not only back in that lifeboat, but back on the most beautiful shores, looking out at the storm and knowing that I overcame the obstacles that have helped to make me stronger while also giving me an opportunity to see new beauty in everything around me. 

In the past year, I have seen life changes happen. The largest being a divorce from an individual who instantly became my best friend at 18 years of age when we met. And there comes a time when all we can do, as hard as it is at times and wether we want to or not, is accept what the universe is handing us at this moment and believe... Simply believe....... 

I do need to be completely honest, as a photographer, and more than anything, a wedding photographer. This definitely made the career I love so much, extremely difficult. Maybe at times jaded. BUT, here's the thing, I have now come to a point where I go into a wedding and I see all that love and I feel all that love 100 times over. I feel as if I am able to capture the smiles, the looks and the touches with more ease than ever before. At times a tear escapes and runs down my cheek because that's how strongly I feel what some of my awesome couples have...... Needless to say, there were a few months in there where my career became one of the hardest obstacles to over come. And I do have to apologize to any clients that this has effected in one way or another through the year. And at the same time I can say that I am SOOOO FREAKIN' HAPPY I overcame that obstacle because I love what I do now for more reasons than I ever did before. 

And now another hurtle to overcome..... The owner of the building that my studio has sat in for the past 2.5 years informed me that he was showing the studio space to a prospect that was willing to give him $250.00 more per month than what I was currently investing. Right when I was climbing back into my lifeboat, the current picked up, the oar slipped out of my hand and the boat drifted off..... What do we do every time our lifeboat slips out of reach. We shoot up a flare and we swim, we swim hard! And ya' see. That's exactly what I'm going to do. 

I'm going to swim. Before moving into this studio space I had thoughts of an art gallery and studio in one. I had thoughts of a smaller studio here in Ct. and a smaller studio in Brooklyn NY. I had thoughts of doing this or doing that with my studio. And now, now is the time to sit and figure out what will be best for my children, my business, myself, those around me and my clients. So in general. My life... We go into the holiday season looking for joy, looking for cheer. I'm not going to look for those things because each and every day I see joy and I see cheer showing up in my life with out actually looking. So I will accept the joys and the cheer. I will smile and I will climb back into my life boat and know that while I have overcome some great obstacles in 2012, 2013 is literally just around the corner. And greatness will abound. Because that's the decision I will make. 

A year where my children will see happiness all around. My business will find a new location and become stronger than before. And the universe, the universe will continue to guide me in my lifeboat to shores that are the most beautiful for myself and those in my life. Because I have so much more to look forward to and most of all............................ 

I believe. 

So I walk away from 2012 with my head held high. I walk away with new friends and old friends who have become closer because when you're lifeboat is floating off in the distance, your true friends continue to throw you life preservers. Those individuals that accept you and your journey and are willing to ride the waves along with you, those are the ones that mean everything!

I will not go into 2013 with worry. There's no use. Worry has caused me to lose some of the confidence I once had. It's coming back and I won't let worry take it away ever again. Why worry about what may or may not happen is useless when the most important moment is right now. Right at this minute. This joy. This life. THIS LIFE..... We go through these hardships to make us stronger. And stronger I am. I won't give up. Giving up is lame and will bring on regrets. I WILL NEVER give up and I will never regret. I will fight like hell instead... Even in the hardest of times. I WILL FIGHT! I will honor who I am for myself and those around me. I will be true to myself and those around me. I will surround myself with those that love me and most of all, again, I will............ Believe. 

Stop and take in the world...

Well, the lack of posts surely isn't due to the lack work. Shooting weddings just about every weekend... The reality is quite simple. One, my first priorities is wrapping up the photos from each wedding, the editing, uploading and more. The second part of that reality is that life takes over. The good and bad,  constantly it pulls your mind body and soul in so many directions... 

Last week I had stepped away for the day. I went to the beach, it was a brisk day... There I lay with the blankets and a book. The waves rolling in, a random passer by and just that moment. That "now".... For the first time in a LONG time I was able to just be. The seagulls flying by, their shadows chasing them down the beach. Each butterfly working against the wind, then minutes later going with the wind of change, back down the beach at what looked like 80 miles per hour. 

"Were they really trying to get somewhere working against the wind, or were they working that hard, just to turn around and take the ride that the day was offering up?" 

Enjoying that moment for everything that it was..... Because just as that, this moment right now is the best thing we can have. 

And this evening while sitting on the porch, looking up at the stars and talking with a good friend, the real conclusion is that life isn't always fair. It's that simple and we all know it. It's just a matter of accepting it. Sometimes there may be a wish that you did or didn't do something or that someone else did or didn't do something. Maybe you look at things you do now for someone else or yourself that you didn't do in the past, wether for yourself or for someone else. And that just brings back the thoughts of reality. That people, just as yourself, do or don't do things for many reasons. All you can do is look at it, walk from it and know that this, right now is the best place for your life to be.... 

So while I haven't been posting many updates or photos. It's because I've been working on being in that "best place" and well, I guess that hasn't been on the blog. However, maybe I should send our a warning that once things slow down the blog will probably blow up!!!!

In the mean time:::::::

Memory - 

And you wait, await the one thing

that will infinitely increase your life;

the gigantic, stupendous, 

the awaking of stones,

depths turned round toward you. 

The volumes in brown and gold

flicker dimly on the bookshelves;

and you think of lands traveled through, 

of paintings, of the garments 

of women found and lost.

And then, all at once you know: that was it. 

You rise, and there stands before you

the fear and prayer and shape

of a vanished year............

R.M.R.

Because locations make greatness possible.... Engagement Photo Shoot Watch Hill Ri. by TAB Photographic

Normally I can go on and on and write more than I generally need to. However with this post. I'm not going to say a thing. Or at least not much. 

Just a great couple in Watch Hill RI. for the engagement shoot. And their wedding, yea, that will be in Watch Hill too!!! 

TAB Photographic 

NYC - Boston - Ct. - New England Wedding Photographers

Put that camera down and enjoy the couple... No, really. Put it down.....

No, really, put the cameras down. Everyone will benefit. Believe it or not, EVEN YOU! 

As professional photographers, we are hired to capture one of the most special days a couple can have. And while I hate the word "hired" (I hate it because I love what I do and feel more privileged to be invited in, and "hired" makes it sound like a job), in this instance, hired is the perfect word. 

Professional photographers are hired to capture the moments, the laughter, the smiles, the kiss. All of it. You, as a guest were invited into the day to ENJOY it all. What this means is that you're there to be part of the laughter, the smiles and the kiss. (you only get to witness the kiss, no taking part)... 

The couple will receive their photos and unless you completely ruined their day, I'm sure you will not only get to see them but I'm sure you could get copies of any shots you feel are uber important or that you love! At least if you ask in a kind way. 

However........ Some of you, more than I really want to mention, feel that it's important capture moments (or attempt to) for yourself. Some feel as if it's a race to post that photo to Facebook. Or to capture "the kiss" on your iPhone. Or the moment when the bride and groom come back down the isle for the first time as husband and wife. Everyone holding their phones up, their "point and shoots" and more, just hoping to capture that one shot. And in complete honesty, chances are good that it won't come out how you see it (if at all) . 

So instead.... Think about this.

Put the camera down, keep the phone in your pocket (or better yet, in the car). When they kiss, HOOT AND HOLAR for them. When they're coming down the isle as husband and wife, clap, smile, high five... Help bring on even more awesome energy. BUT PLEASE... PLEASE keep the cameras down. We will get those shots. 

Because ya' see... If you decide you need that shot. Things like the above happen. Or those moments where I shake my head because in that (what could be an awesome) shot that I take, 11 different guests are holding up their phones and point and shoots trying to get a shot that they most likely will NEVER do anything with.

Could I have worded this a bit better. HAH! Sure could have, but I'm going to be completely honest here. I don't feel as if I need to word this post any other way. The goal is to simply get the point across. 

Stop... Enjoy the day. Enjoy the moments and know that as the "hired" professionals, we'll capture those special moments. 

The above photos are not from TAB Photographic. They are from other great photographers. I'm not going to post names because the reality is that we don't want to take photos like this. I have plenty of my own but would prefer to leave past couples out of this. Just please, think twice (and if you have to, 3 times) about stepping up, leaning into the isle or hanging that arm out there or above your head to just get a random shot... We've got this!!!

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

The Best Camera...

We all know that I'm a photographer. Part of what that really means is that I don't actually have a camera with me at all times. Well, okay, that's not necessarily true. I mean in todays world we all have a camera with us at just about every minute. 

Take Saturdays wedding, after the couple said their "I do's", here they come down the isle and at least 10-15 smart phones, cameras turned on facing up the isle. Everyone ready to push the magic button. Then with out hesitation, they look at their screen and then try to catch another. There has actually been a couple weddings where cards were left for guests asking them not to take any photos and let the photographer "me" do the job they were hired for. Capturing beautiful, awesome, timeless images that will tell the story of the day. 

However, that's really what this post is about. It's about all those smart phones with the cameras turned on. It's about one of my Nikons, it's about the point and shoot that's in your backpack. It's about what ever camera you have on you. 

The reality is that the best camera, the best camera is the one that you have with you. And today, that camera for me was... Are you sitting down... Are you ready for this.... My iPhone. After a meeting, we walked out of the studio and the storm that was rolling in was ridiculous! Going to grab a camera would have meant missing the shot. So I did it. I pulled out my iPhone and grabbed this shot over my town. The coolest town around. One one side, blue sky. And then like a tidal wave, the storm was rolling in........ So what I'm saying is this, take the shot. Take it with what ever camera you have. Because the best camera you have is the one that's with you right this second...... 

Maureen and Matt and their Ct. Wedding Day by TAB Photographic

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So, you've got these two kids from Stratford. She's a year ahead of him, he's looking up to her watching her every move through high school. Her, yea, she didn't even know he was there. 

Then one day, this girl needed a prescription filled and over to CVS she went (and no, this isn't going to turn into a story like little red riding hood). It was there that she finally noticed him. He had it all planned out though. He wanted that job at CVS as part of his master plan. And the other part of his master plan was getting this girl infected so that she would then need to come in for a script. Though the real infection he wanted to implant was love (he never did say just what was in the prescription)...... And it worked because she was crushing on him in no time flat!!!

She left, he ran back into the stock room and jumped on Facebook to find her and friend her. And well, that's all she wrote for these two single kids in life. Because now, now it was all history and together they sit. 

Meet Maureen & Matt!

After four years of chinese food and dinner in bed with their third wheel Lily, he finally stepped up to be the man he is today. And how did that go down. 

Well, it went something like this. Actually exactly like this....

"On our 4th anniversary we went back to the apartment we previous lived in together that held a lot of memories for us, and where we got our Lily! and Matt gave me a drawing as a gift (Our anniversary gifts are always hand made and Matt is a very good drawer) and it was a picture of us in a house with Lily in the yard (we were looking at houses at that time) and there was a checklist on the right of the picture that said: "Find true love" with a check. "Graduate" with a check, " Find good jobs" with check, "Get our Lily" with a check, "get married" and "buy a house" both unchecked. After he gave me the picture he said a little story about how much he loved me and asked!"

Is there anything sweeter! 

Now, they had their wedding day. Keeping it small was their plan and even when others wanted to make it a larger to do, they stuck to their guns. Kept it small and enjoyable at the Lily Lake Inn. Hang on, how did I just put this all together. "Does their pup Lily have more to do with this whole marriage thing than we know???"

Anyway, their intimate wedding, the beautiful day. Dad crying on a couple occasions. Which by the way he never does! And it was just what the two wanted. 

So from here. They have a ton of life ahead of them. It's not always easy. It's not always fun. But for these two, it's obvious that it will just work. Their smiles will bright their days. They'll pay off the student loans,  they'll buy a house and do all those other pragmatic things. 

In the mean time, they'll learn Italian, get more into photography (because they saw how cool I am and couldn't resist. haha. Kidding - sort of) They'll go hiking and biking and Facebook liking. And these two souls will make the world a much brighter, better, more wholesome place!

CLICK HERE AND LIKE TAB PHOTOGRAPHICS FACEBOOK PAGE

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

(there are some parts of the above story which may be slight exaggerations thanks to ME! However, not as many parts as one may think. 

Wedding Guest Lists - Ct. Wedding Day Photography TAB Photographic

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Are you having a tough time dealing with the guest list? Who's coming, who's not. The reality is that anyone who shows up helps to make your day great! Especially if you're having me shoot it. ;) 

I came across this article and believe that it could be helpful to many!

http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/the-guest-list-with-fewer-tears/

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

www.wedding-photographers-in-ct.com

"Save the Dates"....

I'm going to start posting links to articles that I enjoy about wedding days. Or things that I believe can help make your day a little more unique and a little more you. It can all start with "save the dates". This article also has some great examples!!!

TAB Photographic can also help with save the dates & thank you cards and more!

http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/saving-the-date-setting-the-tone/

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM 

You can sign up over on the right to receive updates directly into your e-mail... --->

More about the details...

A quick link to check out with more info about details to help make your day rock!

http://www.onewed.com/blog/show/spice-up-your-wedding-reception-with-creative-touches

WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

Great Words by Max Erhmann -

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.....

::Desiderata By: Max Ehrmann::

Nick and Melissa - Engagement Session At Harkness Memorial Park Wedding Day Coming Soon! by TAB Photographic

So in 2010, May 5th or possibly June 4th (depending on who you ask) there were these two kids... Melissa (the girl) and Nick (the boy)... In case you couldn't tell the difference. 

From what Melissa says, they met in her dreams. That's an unfortunate part of their story since the reality of that dream was Bleachers in Bristol. I wish I could say it was a fabulous place, this Bleachers. However, for any of you that know the area, it's sort of anything but. I mean, it's not all that bad. (is any dive bar really "all that bad") But it's surely not all that great. However, on this night, this dive was the place dreams are made of. Or at least made in. 

Thanks to a friend and a band, Hearts and Thieves - these two young hip kids found each other. I'm sure Nick broke into some stellar dance moves and Melissa stepped further away, unsure of what he would do next. (or just making sure she wasn't seen with him???) But really, after this awesome night, it was time to make a move. Nick stepped up, called Melissa and asked her about shoes. Shoes??? Really Nick? haha 

I'm sure Nick was on cloud 9 from that day on. What he doesn't know is that Melissa's just keeping him around for kicks... Dragging him by his coat tails, or at times his tie......  Though at times, Nick makes sure he has the upper hand. Trying to control her at every chance and in any way.... She plays along and obviously holds the upper hand at all times.  

So while Nick attempts to turn this life of theirs into song and dance, Melissa will cringe with happiness and love. (Nick believes that these songs are made up together, obvious denial haha) Since they both enjoy music and live entertainment, she accepts his singing. Understanding that boredom is obviously something these two will never have to worry about. 

And now that they have both agreed that they love each other... Or in their own words "I think...." with the reply of "I know, me too"........ No one will ever tear them apart.  

They will grow old, very very very old together, counting their wrinkles long into their warm afternoons on the porch. Their silliness will conquer all and the 7 children and 4 dogs which Melissa says she wants will surely take care of them in their old age. 

If one thing is clear, it's that they are surely...... Better together.

Some (or most) of this story may not be an exact description of their lives together. There may, quite possibly be fictitious pieces thrown into the mix... but it's all good. After all, they love each other....