Don’t forgot to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY
Poughkeepsie Train Station – Poughkeepsie, NY

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Don’t forget to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view their full and complete online gallery.

Rockland Lake State Park- Valley Cottage, NY

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Please enjoy a preview of their engagement session. A link to the FULL GALLERY is at the bottom, under the video.

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With years upon years of memories and milestones in their relationship taking place at the campground, we had many locations to cover.

My favorite location was actually our first. It was the bed of the once powerful river (now damned up) that actually feeds NYC its water. Carefully trying not to fall and bust my face or my camera, I climbed over rocks until I was standing on a big boulder center river to take some photos of Jen and Brian along the short line. Brian even took out his cell and grabbed a photo of me. And once we were done here and started walking back over the rocks, Jen stopped at one particular place and I just had to stop her mid tracks to do some individual portraits of her. Such power and beauty in the way she naturally was standing on the rocks, I had to kindly ask Brian to move out of the shot because he was ruining it. lol. Just kidding Brian

We then moved on to a camp site overlooking the river at the edge of a cliff.. Now, I’m not good with heights.. It’s why I’m not a tall man. But on the edge of the cliff, Jen and Brian held on to each other and looked out as if they’ve done this a thousand times before.

We visited about a half a dozen other spots including the “Flamingo Lounge”, a really awesome makeshift bar at a friends camp site.

And then on to the basketball court, the very spot where Brian and his friends reluctantly allowed some girl to shoot some hoops with them because they didn’t have even teams. (From the stories I heard, Jen kicked his butt that day). Knowing the significance and importance of this location, I wanted to create a image for them that shows off the spot and the moment their lives together began. I wanted it to be a dramatic spotlight that says, “it all comes down to here”.

Jen and Brian, I really appreciate you not laughing at me when I screamed like a little girl when i saw the snake! I told you, I’m not an outdoorsman. My idea of “roughing it”, is when I don’t get good 3G reception on my iPhone. I had a really great time with you guys and I’m actually really sad the wedding is so far away.

Enjoy your Engagement Session images!

Nickerson Park Campground in Gilboa, NY

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After arriving “upstate” at Jessica’s family’s house, the session started off nice and romantic with some fresh blueberry picking in the fields. There is always a bit of “what do you want us to do?” at the beginning of any photo session but I think John settled in to feel more comfortable as Jessica began to feed him blueberries like the roman Caesar he THINKS he is. Just kidding John. (see the last photo in the preview below for more details)

Next, we were off to my favorite spot on her family’s 45 acre land. It was just a wide open field with tall grass that you can just get lost in if you wanted. This spot really made me feel like, if you wanted to get a way together to just walk, talk and be alone, this is where you’d go. So I wanted the images here to reflect that sense of privacy and seclusion. After some individual portraits in the shade with the incredibly beautiful Jessica, we were off to shoot a bear. Don’t worry, it was a styrofoam target bear. Having never really seen a bow and arrow up close (not counting Kevin Costner in Robin Hood), I was really impressed by the power and control you must have to use it. We spent about 10 minutes trying to get one photo of the arrow just leaving John’s bow in flight. And in the end, I was actually able to capture it!I think that was a much better idea then the first suggestion which was a photo of John shooting an apple off my head. Probably not the best idea on several levels.

Next stop on the adventure was to say hi to the sheep who were tucked away in their shed, hiding from the sun. I took that opportunity to ask if they were usually this “baaaaaaaaaaaaashful” (Yep, the reaction you have now reading that is about the same I got) But in all seriousness, the sheep rocked! They really were cute and clearly recognized Jessica and came right over. They were acting more like dogs then sheep. After a photo of one sheep kissing Jessica and then turning to John for a big wet one, I learned that there’s some joke about constructions workers and sheep?? I’m still not quite sure what it meant but perhaps when I’m older, someone can explain it to me.

And what’s a visit with sheep without stopping to say hi to the chickens? Aside from John at the beginning of the session, the chickens were the most shy in front of the camera. It took a lot of coaxing to get some clicks from those mother cluckers, but I didn’t want to push them too far and be accused of any foul play. (Did I get enough puns in there?)

With the sheep and chickens off having lunch, it was time for the big guns. LITERALLY!! Jessica and John each toting their own shotgun, stepped up to the firing line to shoot some skeet. Having never fired any type of weapon before, I was so impressed with their skills and handling of the gun. If I met Jessica walking the streets of Stamford, I would never place her as someone who can handle a big ole’ 12-gauge but holy crap can she!

Now, I’m not going to write much about how they turned to me and offered to let me try shooting some skeet, having NEVER picked up any gun in my life. I’m not going to write much about how I totally kicked butt and hit 17 of 20 on my very first time and how Jessica’s dad didn’t believe that I’ve never done that.. I’m not going to write much about that at all.

With the heavy iron safely put away, out comes the dirt bike. I’ve been perfecting a lighting technique for a while but really haven’t had a chance to use it in the right environment. As I sat on the ground drinking some water, Jon pulls the bike right next to me and as I look up and it, DING, I have an idea to use this stupor. We arrange and that the photo and after some post production back in the studio, it becomes one of my all time favorite photos I’ve ever taken! No Joke!

After all the bows and sheep and chickens and guns and dirt bikes, i wanted to make sure to capture the other side of Jessica and John. The side that just loves being with each other, loves laughing and goofing around. The side that just wants to be in each others arms.

I really had such a great time with Jessica and John. I love when people open up their lives to me and allow me to photograph such a meaning part of who they are. I really cant wait for this wedding!! You guys were awesome!!

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There’s just something about a summer engagement session at a lake that I love and from the looks on their faces, so did Kelly and Derek.
Spending time with two people who are in love and can’t wait to be husband and wife was a great way to kick off the holiday weekend!

Here’s to a great summer together and really looking forward to the wedding in September!

Location: Congers Lake Memorial Park – Congers, NY

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With one of the greatest “how we met” stories I’ve ever heard, Stephanie and Dave have found each other and found there way to their engagement and upcoming late summer wedding at The Grandview.

With Stephanie being a Nurse, by far one of the most difficult and underappreciated jobs on earth, we locked in a date for this session in Stephanie’s very hectic calendar months ago. With the threat of rain in the forecast but the risk of rescheduling even tougher, we took our chances at one of my favorite all weather locations, an old converted train station. But as the session progressed, the weather only got nicer and we were able to shed the overhangs and venture out. On the way back we even stopped at a recently completed lakeside dock and walkway. And yes, the giggles followed us there too.

Anyone who knows Stephanie and Dave already know what I got to experience and see first hand, and now all can see it in their images. These two people just love being with each other. That’s where the giggles come from. The love, compassion and simple enjoyment they have just standing with each other. It made for wonderful engagement images and will make for an even greater life together.

Stephanie and Dave, enjoy your images and I can’t wait to giggle again with you on your wedding day.
P.S. Dave, I’m bringing a whistle and $20!! Don’t let me down!

Location: Congers, NY Train Station

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I arrived early and after walking around, I sat back in my car, opened the windows and enjoyed the air while waiting for Devon and Sean to arrive.. All of a sudden, “drip…. drip….drip” on my head. I was barely able to close the sunroof before a downpour of rain came over the park.. With the windows now closed, I was free to curse out the unfortunate weather.. But just as quickly as it started, and as if triggered by a call on my phone from Devon, saying they just arrived, the rain stopped. Just like that..

We couldn’t have enjoyed nicer weather after that and during our session. Devon and Sean clearly just love being with each other. This felt more like a wedding day session and less like an engagement session. The “first time in front of the camera” nerves never even showed.. Maybe because Devon watches so much of America’s Next Top Model!!  (BTW, look for some Devon’s “top model” looks she broke out during the session.)

And with the session wrapping up and Sean gearing up to leave for another all-nighter at work, “drip…….drip……drip”.  The skies opened up with another torrential rain. Talk about luck!

Devon and Sean, even before this session, I was excited for your wedding. Now, after having spent the day with you and experiencing how much fun you two are, I truly can not wait until your wedding!

Enjoy each other and your engagement session.

LOCATION: Bruce Park, Greenwich, CT

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Cristine and Angel’s unique personalities really came out in our engagement session. We had moved it a few times due to winter weather and schedule conflicts so I was just really happy when we actually were able to meet.
For their session, I suggested a location that I haven’t photographed at in a long time. It was an old abandoned train station in Congers, NY that has recently been renovated and is now used as a community center. I drove past it a day days before and saw this old brick and big window sills and just knew that it would be a perfect spot for an intimate engagement session.

Quickly getting into the role of famous models, Cristine and Angel really began to pose themselves and just show the natural love that has brought them together. I have to admit that Cristine looked absolutely stunning and I couldn’t help kicking Angel out of a few photos to photograph his beautiful bride-to-be alone. I’m sure he doesn’t mind.. It gave him a few minutes to continue txting on his phone!!!! ~

Cristine and Angel, thank you for allowing me to capture these images and the start to what is sure to be, a very long, and beautiful marriage. You are wonderful people!

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All things considered, it was a great time at Rockland Lake State Park including our venture out onto the frozen lake to capture some photos. Now, I could exaggerate and say that we were brave enough to go all the way out to center of the lake. Out where the ice fishermen had set up camp. In reality, we did go out about 40 feet but there were still children far braver then us with their sleds.

But really, how many people can say they made snow angels out on a frozen lake? Ok, I know what you’re thinking…about half the population of Montana. But I feel brave so let me have this moment! Justin can really claim to be the bravest though. As you look through all the photos of Jenny and Justin trekking through knee high snow to embrace and share their love, keep in mind that Justin only brought sneakers. After almost every photo, Justin did his best “Andy Dufresne” impression from Shawshank when he shook his pant legs out to get rid of the dirt.. Only Justin was shaking to drop about a pound of snow.

Although the temperature dropped every minute we were out there, the warmth between Jenny and Justin really began to show with each photo. It’s clear how excited they are to be married and I just can’t wait to our next photo session, the wedding in July when we can finally answer the question of the day during our session, would you rather be warm in the summer or cold in the winter?

Thanks Guys! I had a (wintery) blast! Enjoy the photos!


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