Peace for Iran

Two days ago at dusk, several hundred people of all ages and nationalities gathered at Union Square NYC. They came dressed in green, holding signs, candles and flowers. They stood side by side to honor those who have lost their lives in the recent political turmoil in Iran.







































There is a lot of conflicting information and opinions on the role our American government should take in this situation. I also know that in the past there has been media coverage that depicts the Iranian people in a way that scares some Americans. I am lucky to have a friend from this country and to have a first hand experience at knowing how good these people are, and that they are not all like the scary images we often see via the media.

I hope that my pictures can portray that the people from Iran are beautiful people that want the same as us; freedom, safety and rights for themselves and their children. We fought the battles long ago to have these rights and now it is their turn to fight for what they deserve. No matter what our government decides to do, we can support the Iranian people by staying informed and opening our eyes, ears and our hearts to this situation.

A Sunset Proposal

Robyn and Marc are Fire Island regulars. They love sunsets and watch them set religiously. Marc, an enthusiastic photographer, is always taking pictures, not only of the sunsets but of himself and the love of his life Robyn.

Thinking creatively, Marc made a book with images of himself and Robyn, but with a surprised ending. The last pages of this book were images of Marc, and in the pictures he was down on one knee with a ring. Clever thinking!

So that Saturday night, like all others on Fire Island, the two headed down to the bay to watch the sun set. But this night Marc showed Robyn a book. As she looked through it the sun was setting and when she got to the last pages...the look on her face was incredible, just beautiful.

The song chosen for this song was from one of their favorite artists. It was at his concert that they first met at years ago. Enjoy!!!


















Congratulations Robyn and Marc, may you share a lifetime of love and happiness!

A Greek Baptism

I feel so lucky to live in a city of so many cultures, and even more lucky to be asked to document the events of these cultures. Starting with an Indian wedding to a Jewish holiday dinner to an Italian birthday party to a Greek Baptism, and lots in between, it certainly has been a fascinating year so far!

Below are some of the still images and the slide show from the Greek Baptism. I had never photographed a Greek Baptism before and found the tradition of it so beautiful. I have included a link to some information about the ceremony.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~goawa/baptism.html

After the ceremony the family celebrated, Greek style!!! You often hear on TV and read in magazines about how long the Greeks live with their healthy diets. Well, add to that lots of love and dancing! The reception for this little baby was more exciting than some people's weddings!!!
























Oh, and the money. Well the band gets it all! OPA!!

Rain Delay...Missing Steak

I was very upset to have a photo shoot that I have been looking forward to postponed for the second time due to rain!!

So instead of heading out to take pics, I had to head to the grocery store. I decided to treat us to a nice steak and fresh summer vegetables to make up for the disappointment. After shopping and giving myself something else to look forward to I headed back home with more bags than I could carry...I was hobbling! Then I saw them, two ladies having a great chat watching the storm roll in on the Hudson! Camera around neck...bags perfectly balance and hanging off each finger, without one to spare. Decisions. I couldn't miss this one! Bags down, I played dumb like I was going through my bags as I took the shot! Little did I know that I would soon find out I should have really been looking...see below..



This shot will serve to me as a reminder that you should always take the shot, even if it means re-loading all the grocery bags onto the fingers once again!

I'm so happy I took it, because when I got home the cashier had left the steak at the register when she was packing the bags....

Baby Matthew!

Is this not one of the sweetest baby rooms you have ever seen? I just loved it and I had to photograph the baby in his room! Only 3 weeks and he already has good taste in baseball teams!







I love the look on Mom and Dad's face in this picture as their little boy snuggles up amongst them! It would have been quite natural I am sure if it wasn't for me hovering above them on a ladder to get the shot!















Meet Molly, the first baby of the family! She was absolutely adorable and just could not stop herself from giving her little brother a lick! Molly has the most incredible eyes, I am sure they get her out of trouble every time!



A family portrait on a stoop- I have been waiting for one of these! Thank you!!!

Staten Island Ferry

I don't know what it is, the light, the history, the mix of tourists and locals...but I love the Staten Island ferry.

For those of you that have never used this vehicle of transportation, I highly recommended it. Its free, its only 30 minutes, you can get drinks and snacks on the boat, there are indoor seats and outdoor seats and it offers the best view of the Statue of Liberty you can get.

There is something magical about seeing "The Green Lady" ( that is what my students used to call her) with people from around the world. They are so excited when we pass her, their cameras are clicking, they have an incredible look of awe and appreciation on their faces, and they are pointing like crazy for the kids to look! They remind someone like me who has seen her a thousand times how special The Statue of Liberty really is and also what she represents to this country. The tourists help me see her with new eyes every time.





Here is a perfect example of a local and tourist on the boat.