It's always an honor to be published in any trade publication. It's clearly special when one of your images graces the cover. I'm proud to be featured this month in the Wedding Issue of Rangefinder Magazine. Theano Nikitas wrote the article, and I'm a big fan of her writing. She's an industry veteran, and she knows her stuff when it comes to our craft. The article's genesis stems from conversations with her, and with Jacqueline Tobin, the managing editor of Rangefinder. Over the past decade or so, there have been a slew of changes in our industry. Ten years ago, digital began to evolve in various ways. I was an old school, film shooter, and the story focuses on my evolution from my film days to my present day methods. I often joke about how I went kicking and screaming into this damn digital age, and the story does a nice job focusing on my self deprecating demeanor, and how I've been able to survive given the fact that I despise so many facets of technology. 
 
This is my 31st year of professional photography. 2 years with a small weekly newspaper, 15 years with the Philadelphia Inquirer, and 850 or so weddings later, I'm still growing professionally, and artistically. Today, I could easily have been made extinct if I hadn't busted my ass and evolved with the technology. Jumping from 2003 to today, I believe that my evolution has allowed me to not only survive, but to thrive in this insane photographic world. The article is appropriately entitled "Analogue Guy in a Digital World". I think Theano really captured the essence of my evolution, and I hope it sheds light on the journey I've taken over the past decade. If you'd like to read the article, Here is a link to the PDF!

One of my favorite weeks of the year takes place in Vegas at WPPI- The largest international photography convention anywhere in the world. The educational opportunities, introduction of new and interesting products at the tradeshow, and most importantly, the friendships I've made, are all a part of an annual pilgrimage as thousands of like minded photographers converge in Las Vegas. This will be my 10th WPPI convention, and my 9th consecutive convention as a speaker.  
 
Last year, I was given one of the highest honors of my career- The 2012 WPPI international photographer of the year, sponsored by Nikon. I don't think I'll be topping that one this year, but my participation as an educator at the convention remains as active as it's ever been. From my sold out WPPI plus class on Thursday and Friday, print judging Saturday and Sunday, Platform class on Monday morning, to my tradeshow presentations for Nikon, Kelby Training, Expo Imaging, and Pro-DPI, I'll be easy to find there. Please, if you're even an occasional reader of my blog, make sure you stop me and say hello.  
 
If it's your first time coming to WPPI, you may not be aware that the 16x20 awards of excellence competition is one of the most educational elements of the entire convention. They'll take place on Saturday and Sunday March 9th and 10th. This is truly a MUST SEE event. I learn an enormous amount judging, and also listening to the comments and advice from the other judges from around the globe. 
 
If you'd like to catch a talk or two, I've posted my schedule below. I'm really excited about my platform presentation. I'll be showing a slew of new images, and my message will be.... interesting. I hope to see you there. 
 
Thursday and Friday March 7th and 8th- WPPI PLUS Class- sold out 
 
Saturday and Sunday March 9th and 10th- I'll be judging the 16x20 awards of excellence print competition- room assignment to come 
 
Monday morning March 11th- 8:30am-10:00 am- Platform Presentation "Wedding Photography- What You REALLY Need to Know" 
 
Monday March 11th- 11:00 am- Kelby Training Trade Show presentation 
 
Monday March 11th- 1:15 pm- Nikon Theatre Tradeshow Presentation 
 
Tuesday March 12th- 11:00 am- Kelby Training Trade Show presentation 
 
Wednesday March 13th- 10:15 am- Expo Imaging Trade Show presentation 
 
Wednesday March 13th- 1:15pm- Nikon Theatre Tradeshow Presentation 
 
Wednesday March 13th- 2:00pm- Pro DPI tradeshow presentation 
 
SEE YA THERE!!!!!  
 

"Take a look at what you're looking at". One of my all time favorite photographers, Jay Maisel said this in a seminar I attended about 10 years ago. I thought, wow, what a phenomenal bit of information for a photographer to share. To me, it was profound. After all, "seeing" is what it's all about for us. Seeing moments, light, anticipating and reacting to all of the elements that surround us..... To me, Jay's advice was so profound that I truly do double takes at nearly every turn while I'm shooting. See something, then try and see it differently. It's actually something I admire quite a bit from my fiancee, Susan Stripling. She has that rare ability to see things that aren't apparent with the naked eye.  
 
Now, Jay being Jay(ya need to meet the man to understand this) when I told Jay that his words inspired me, he had no idea he even said those words. He really does say so many things that inspire others, I'm sure he can't remember them all. However, he said it, and thanks to him I'm constantly trying to look at scenarios in different ways to capture something interesting. Be it light, reflections, angles, texture, juxtaposition, or other photographic elements that grab the eye, they're important tools to tell the visual story.  
 
Here, our groom Keith was awaiting his ceremony this past Saturday at St. Michaels Church in Atlantic City. The wedding was at One Atlantic in Atlantic City, a spectacular venue for anyone considering something at the Jersey Shore. I always try and find both the bride and groom moments before the ceremony. Often times, I'll find them deep in thought. My goal is to capture them without camera awareness so I don't distract them in any way. These are precious moments, and they are their moments, not mine. So, perhaps when Keith looks back on this moment, he'll remember what he might have been thinking at that very moment rather than his recollection of me telling him to "look cool" or "don't mind me". I could have just shot him looking out the window deep in thought. I took a look at what I was looking at, and then saw this. it's simply his reflection in the framed sign on the sacristy door. I like it. I hope Keith does, too.  
 
For the geeks- 
Nikon D4, 35mm 1.4G, ISO 6400 F4.5 @ 1/60th

Over the course of my 30 year career, I've been fortunate enough to have made a few images that perhaps some people may remember- maybe even a few images that leave an impression. Now, as a wedding photographer, I'm certainly not going to kid myself and believe that wedding photographs make a "real" difference in the world. I'm not delusional, and I realize the context in which my images are placed. That said, I do hope, and believe that some of my images can make a lasting impression on my clients, and even some others who appreciate the craft. That, in my opinion, is one of the more important elements of what I do.  
 
These images can be made anywhere, and anytime. They're generally not contrived, and they're unexpected. Sometimes, images that make a lasting impression are produced under some of the most adverse conditions, such as the image of the week below. This image is now 9 years old, and was produced on a horrible, rainy day. I absolutely adored my clients- Lori and Ron, and they were getting married at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia. I was really upset that we had torrential rain, and I was concerned that I wouldn't produce anything special for them because of the weather. During a very small window of opportunity, we ventured outside. It was still drizzling, but it was tolerable. Lori was hellbent on fighting the elements, and her efforts inspired me. The streets were still completely flooded, and while we were tip toeing around the mess, I noticed the reflection in the street.  
 
One of my favorite photographers of all time, Jay Maisel once said "take a look at what you're looking at". It was never more applicable for me than this moment. I had them positioned in a spot that worked well, and I simply worked the composition as fast as I could in order to prevent my client from getting drenched during the imminent downpour! This image was a complete and utter accident. I'd never have made it if we weren't trying to avoid ruining Lori's wedding gown. I must admit that for the past 9 years, i look at puddles in a new way, yet I have never been able to improve on this image. Trust me, I've tried. It just doesn't work that way.  
 
This image, in my humble opinion, has withstood the test of time, and hopefully will do so indefinitely. As opposed to the oversaturated, overexposed, over processed photos of couples posed against yellow walls, or the bridal party "jumping" picture, I strive to capture images that have a chance at standing the test of time. However...... only time will tell, I suppose. You just never know what you might shoot on any given day.  
 
 
For the tech geeks out there, it was shot on Ilford XP2-super B+W film, and was shot on a Nikon F5 and an 80-200. I think I recall shooting at 1/30th @ 2.8. Yes, 1/30th.