Friday, June 26, 2009

Michael Jackson

Surely, the death of Michael Jackson will be added to a long list of historic flashbulb memories. "Where were you when Michael died?"

Well I was in Harlem at Dinosaur BBQ having way too much pork and mac 'n cheese than I needed with Greg and a couple of good friends. I was shocked, stunned, saddened and covered with goose bumps as I stood at the bar watching the news on TV with other New Yorkers. I still remember clearly when I was a little girl trying to perfect my "Moon Walk". Our kitchen floor, which was linoleum was perfect for the sliding technique!

After dinner, Greg and I jumped on the bikes to go to the Apollo Theater. There, hundreds of people had gathered to mourn and celebrate the loss and life of this great pop icon.
Forty-two years ago, when Michael was only 9 years old, he and his brothers won the amateur night at the Apollo with "I Want you Back".

In my pictures you will see people crying, laughing, dancing, singing, remembering and some in shock of the current news.

Thank you Michael for the endless great songs, videos and dance moves! RIP

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This man was videoing his sentiments on his laptop...you can see me in the reflection...he was at 48 minutes already!

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

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.

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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.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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!!!

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

Friday, June 12, 2009

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!!!

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