Light is the source of life and essence of photography. The emotional quality of light is what I strive to capture; which also motivates my continuing passion for photography. Light penetrates, permeates, envelopes and impregnates life.  When the right light is combined with the subject at the right moment, one can experience life emotionally and spiritually on a photographic level. That’s the emotional quality of light that I’m passionate about and make every effort to capture each and every time as a photographer. In essence, I am photographing a marriage of light and a moment in time whenever I press the shutter. so it’s important that I make it a happy union.

The following are two excerpts from two books in my personal library that talks about the importance of light and emotion. The first is from “Light and Lighting in Photography” by Andreas Feininger, published 1976. Here is how Feininger, a former Life photographer wrote about light:

“Every form of creative expression has its dominant medium, and the dominant medium of photography is light. In view of this fact, it would seem only natural to assume that photographers are conversant with the functions, qualities, forms, and uses of light. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Actually, with very few exceptions, the only questions photographers ask in regard to light are: How bright is the light? Is it bright enough for making a hand-held exposure? What f/stop and shutter speed can I use? In other words, all they are interested in is the quantitative approach to light.

But important as this approach is to the making of technically perfect negatives and transparencies, it does not guarantee the creation of perfect pictures. Why? Because any satisfactory photograph is the result of a successful synthesis of technique and art. As far as light is concerned, this requires not only that there be a sufficient quantity of light available to guarantee a perfect exposure, but also that this light be of a quality that’s compatible with the nature of the subject, the mood of the scene, the intentions of the photographer, and the purpose of the picture before it can be expected to lead to meaningful and aesthetically satisfying photographs.”

Well, that was a mouthful, but the principle still applies even though we are in the digital age and using high tech camera equipments that allow us to practically shoot in the dark.

The second quote is from Michael Chapmen, the cinematographer, who lit Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull, from his interview in “Masters of Light”,

“…You can screw up exposure pretty badly and still see at least something. The most important thing is to get a series of images that convince emotionally and tell a story.”

The emotional quality of light is of utmost important when storytelling. It’s the motivation that keeps me, theStoryteller, going.

Is it possible to plan a wedding in four months? Sure, why not? Listen to the story of Brooke and Michael and you’ll agree that anything is possible when there’s love and faith. Four months after their engagement they were happily married.

Wedding Reception: The Skylands Manor, New Jersey
DJ: DJ Gaza

Living in the city our eyes and ears are constantly bombarded by visual and auditory information which lead us to a necessary auto tune out just to keep our sanity.

Walking with a camera in my hands, I’m forced to open my eyes and learn to see things afresh.

I’m always fascinated by the changing movie posters in my neighborhood; they add colors, character, and drama to an otherwise mundane corner. Since there are non-stop constructions going on; there will always be plenty of interesting posters to shoot.

My favorite to date is from the movie, “Away We Go.”

Here are two shots taken in the Lower East Side and Chinatown. The first one I titled, “Away We Go on a Bike”. The second, “Away We Go with the Price.”

The first one is self explanatory. The second one is referencing the price of fruits and produce in Manhattan’s Chinatown – it went up and away! Gone are the days… when you can buy 4 oranges for $1. You may still be able get that price in Brooklyn’s Chinatown.

Chinatown is rapidly being gentrified, and so are its prices! Soon you’ll see a Chinatown without Chinese living in it. That’s quite an anomalous concept; a Chinatown without Chinese. I’m not complaining; it’s only an observation. I personally believe the best life is the one you are living; no matter where you are. Enjoy it!

I have complained about the postcards of NYC for quite a while, but have not done anything about it. It’s time to stop complaining and start shooting!

Postcards have their place in the world and in our hearts. Most are beautiful to look at, but very little do they leave us with more than a visual memory of the city. They are usually shots of landmarks during sunset or cityscape at night.

Where is the soul of the city and its people? Wouldn’t it be nice if postcards can provide the viewer with an alternative view of our beautiful city? It’s probably not the function of postcard photos, but is it possible for a photographer to capture the beauty of the city with its soul and body? I believe that it’s more than possible. It has been a pet project that I’ve been toiling on when not shooting or editing weddings.

I started this project one rainy day in Chinatown. I hope to eventually cover the whole city (which I know that it may take years). I’m looking forward to publishing a coffee table book featuring my collection of NYC picture postcards.

Let me know if you would like to be a collector of one of my first very limited editions.

Viney and Blesson’s wedding reminded me of the movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. They had 500 - 700 guests. It was a family and community event!

With most of the time assigned to family and the CSI community (CSI stands for Church of South India, not the forensic crime drama on TV); we had very little one on one time with Viney and Blesson. We had about only 12 minutes for their private photo session.

With that limitation, we had to rely on capturing the bulk of their photos documentary style. That meant seizing the moment and not let any opportunity go by. In other words, there will be no second chances for better shots, keep your eyes open and keen, fingers on the trigger and don’t stop to wait for the shots to happen.

One thing that was a blessing for us was the rules of the church. They were lenient as long as we were unobtrusive. That allowed us to capture dramatic shots of Viney and Blesson during their wedding ceremony.

Words of advice for the control freak in us photographers… if we are grateful for what life offers us, especially when things seem to be out of our control, it will allow us to see beauty anywhere and everywhere. Be prepared, let go, and embrace what we have at the moment and life’s perfection will appear right in front of our eyes. If we come with a preconceived notion and/or looking for control and not willing to embrace the moment; all life’s beauty may vanish in front of us.

Viney and Blesson’s wedding was a revelation and a challenge to me as a photographer. It was also an affirmation to life…that life is more beautiful when you let go of your ego and preconceptions. Life does not have to be the way you insist it to be; it just is.

Thank you Viney and Blesson for a great experience and a beautiful wedding!

Viney and Blesson’s reception was held at Villa Lombardi’s

A wedding photographer’s life is not as glamorous as what some of you may think. It’s often a test of stamina and will to keep on creating great images in the most demanding and stressful situations, but when you are passionate about what you do; you can walk through fire without noticing the burn.

Here are few of my favorite images from Kristina and Joe’s wedding created by using Lensbaby.

Wedding reception at the North Hempstead Country Club, Port Washington, Long Island, NY

After my initial tryout with Lensbaby, I was excited to see what I can create and get on a wedding day when everything happens fast and furious.

I went into my closet and took out the neglected and abandoned Canon 20D and gave it a new lease on life. The Lensbaby was attached to the 20D and around my neck so I had instant access to it whenever I needed it.

Here are some of my favorite images from Dea and David’s wedding.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I had fun shooting them!

Dea and David’s wedding celebration was held at Bridgewaters, situated in the heart of the historic South Street Seaport.

Yes, I have joined the Lensbaby club and became a “sissy photographer.” Before you stone me, let me elaborate. I am not making fun of anyone’s sexual orientation or manliness. When Lensbaby came out from the closet of its creator, Craig Strong, I really thought this cheap plastic toy lens is for the babes and not for a manly man like me.

Well, I admit that even an open minded fellow like me could get pretty dense at times. My mind was finally opened last night, when I could not get my hands on the $1200 Canon 45mm tilt shift lens (it’s been back ordered since I became interested in buying it).  It’s a pro lens that makes a photographer feel like a photographer. And if you are a photographer who spends a lot of time talking about his equipment, you know what I mean.

Anyway, I decided to check on Lensbaby on the web and what I found changed my mind. A fine art photographer, Luca Lacche’s work convinced me to finally get this “sissy toy”. This afternoon I decided to splurge $300 and got myself a Lensbaby Muse with all the different optics.

From the store I walked all the way back to my studio and shot some photos along the way. Here are some photos from my first try with this free spirited toy!