Monthly Archives: August 2009

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NTHS Scrimmage

August 30, 2009 – 8:59 AM

The day started out ominously as the gray skies warned of rain. I parked my car and approached the sidelines with my camera gear and was welcomed by a few errant rain drops. The skies darkened and within minutes and with my camera safely tucked under a raincoat, the skies opened up. A deluge ensued that lasted 15-minutes. Great weather for football; not so much for photography.

The first game is away at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, NY. Jamestown has lights and this will be a night game. The Lumberjacks hosted Grand Island High School and Riverside High School. Enjoy the photos. There’s many more to come as I document the season as the Jack’s make a run for a championship season.

NTHS Practice-22

This young man had some amazing moves. Unfortunately the players defending him had better moves.

NTHS Practice-33That’s my son Stephen or as he’s known by his nickname “Kujo.” In case you were wondering, he received the nickname from his little league football coach. The coach decided his tenacity and perseverance was consistent with that of the dog in the Stephen King novel.

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That’s Kujo again. He leads the defense and breaks the huddle.

NTHS Practice-97
Kyle Schreve. One half of the Schreve brothers on the offensive line. These boys make  it difficult for defenders to penetrate.

NTHS Practice-120Beautiful catch for a touchdown!

NTHS Practice-221The Lumberjacks hope to make it farther into the playoffs this year.

NTHS Practice-232

By Christopher | Posted in Clients, Family, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

The Kids on the Boat

August 25, 2009 – 12:00 AM

I have known Paul and Lisa for a few years now. This is the second time I have had the privilege to photograph their children. Last year’s photo session, like this years took place down at the Smith Boy’s marina located in North Tonawanda, NY.

After a little dinner Paul and his son piloted the families boat out onto the Niagara River. We headed for Buffalo and Strawberry Island. I was hoping to grab some fantastic photos of the sunset but we were disappointed as the cloud cover moved in and stole the sun.

The couple has three children, all girls. There’s Amanda who couldn’t be with the family tonight because of another commitment so we’ll be sure to photograph her at another time. There’s Audette who’s in the middle and who smiles incessantly. Audette tends to be pretty quiet but she has a devilish smile that begs the question, “What is she thinking?”  Then there’s little Alyssa. Alyssa has Downs  Syndrome and is a great kid. She smiles all the time.

This photo shoot was evidence the kids are growing older and their personality’s are growing and changing as well. Alyssa played “hard to get” with the camera. I have quite a few photos of Alyssa as she quickly moved her head and looked away from the camera. As a result we have a ghost like appearance. I was forced to outsmart Alyssa which was more difficult than it sounds. Try hiding from a very inquisitive child on the back deck of a boat. once I changed to a long lens and placed myself out of her line of sight we were able to get some really great shots. This of course didn’t last for long as she began looking for me again.

The night was enjoyable as was the company. Thanks Paul and Lisa for the invite to photograph your children. You have a great family and Nancy and I really had a great time. We’ll come up with another date and time to get Amanda’s pictures.

Audette and Alyssa

Alyssa being introspective. I love shots like these. These are the photos I can sit and look at for some time and ask, “I wonder what she’s thinking?”Alyssa

Those who know me know I am by no means a fan of feet but I just needed to take this shot. it’s the flip flops that make the shot and not the feet. That’s what I tell myself anyway.
The girls
Alyssa
Audette

Audette being all quiet and introspective.
Audette

By Christopher | Posted in Clients | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Pops

August 21, 2009 – 6:47 AM

Nancy and I visited her dad at the nursing home yesterday evening. he’s looking more alert. The change in medication proved successful as he has been more awake and attentive. Before the medication change he slept throughout the day.

My grandmother passed away two years ago in the same nursing home. Since that time I found it difficult to return. She was a resident of a local nursing home for several months. During that time I had only taken my camera there on one occasion. I told myself “I didn’t want to remember her that way.” Seeing my father-in-law and making the photographs for a book for my wife I have been taught a valuable lesson. That lesson is to respect what what I have now and to live life to its fullest. For me living life to it’s fullest is the ability to give back in some way. Each year I give away photography packages to those family’s who might otherwise not be able to afford a family portrait. Make-A-Wish is one opf my favorite charities with which to work. I truly enjoy the smile on the faces of the kids when they become the focus of such positive attention.

My father-in-law suffers from Alzheimer’s. He does not recognize me when I visit. There have been occasions when, after looking away from I returned see his eyes locked on my face. I’m sure he’s trying to identify who I am. I’m not sure he recognizes anyone, at least consistently. His mind, once sharp, is now dulled by the disease.

Hands

Nancy is the hair and makeup artist in the family. She often provides that assistance at photo shoots. Nancy also makes sure her father is shaved and has a haircut. He is lucky to have his wife and children provide adjunct care.

Getting a haircut.

Szczepaniec

Pops

By Christopher | Posted in Family, Giving Back, Misc., Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

7th Annual Carly’s Crossing

August 17, 2009 – 2:54 PM

On October 19, 1999, just a few weeks after complaining of headaches, 8-year-old Carly Collard Cottone was diagnosed with medulloblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer. Three days later, the tumor was removed. Carly began radiation treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute soon after.

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Unfortunately, this was not the first time Carly was touched by cancer. She lost both of her biological parents–Tony and Judie Cottone–to cancer during the first seven years of her life. But Carly faced her own battle with cancer with amazing courage and optimism. After all, she had goals and dreams–to go to a Backstreet Boys concert and grow up to become an interior decorator. Nothing was going to slow down this little girl who had so much living to do.

Throughout her fight, Carly was very appreciative of the support she received from her family members and friends. As a way of showing her appreciation, she decided early on in her treatment that she wanted to help other kids who were also battling cancer. Thus, Carly’s Club was born. With the love and support of her adoptive parents, Chuck and Carole Ann Collard, Carly was able to fulfill her dream of helping other families touched by the disease.

Sadly, Carly lost her hard-fought struggle with the disease in August of 2002. Little did she know the positive impact that Carly’s Club would have on the lives of the thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year.

Carly created a beautiful legacy – and you can help us continue it for all children diagnosed with cancer, and to offer support to families across Western New York. Thank you for your generosity to help find cures and save lives!

Carly's Crossing 8-16-2009-16

Carly's Crossing 8-16-2009-20

Carly's Crossing 8-16-2009-58

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Carly's Crossing 8-16-2009-81

Many thanks to the hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and supporters who made Carly’s Crossing 2009 another successful year! More than 300 swimmers turned out to Gallagher Beach on Sunday, August 16, to dive in and show their support for pediatric cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Special thanks to Olympic swimmer Kara Lynn Joyce, who swam in the 600-yard course with our top fundraisers, cheered on our swimmers and made the day extra special! Read more about Carly’s Crossing 2009 in this article from The Buffalo News.

By Christopher | Posted in Family, Fun Stuff, Giving Back, Misc., Personal, Personal Development, volunteer | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Reid’s

August 12, 2009 – 4:04 PM

What a great family. I received a phone call late last week asking me if I had any openings for a photo shoot over the coming weekend. I did and even if I needed to squeeze this family in I would have done it simply because they’re so much fun to work with.

The kids, typically, didn’t want to cooperate. They preferred to go for a swim in the in ground pool, but the poor Buffalo weather put a damper on that option.

We were forced indoors for the shoot as it rained on and off throughout the day. We made the location work to our advantage after moving a few pieces of furniture and some wall hangings. Once we completed the moving of the furniture we were left with a white wall as a background. Perfect.

The first family we completed was that of Collin, his wife Sarah and their two adorable children Madeline and Emily. Emily was pretty typical for a child her age as she had a strong desire to make “rabbit ears” behind her sister’s head. Her smile was infectious and provided non-stop laughter for her and myself. I tried hard to cover my laughter but it was difficult. Mom didn’t think it was too funny despite the fact I did.

The next family was Douglas, his wife Jennifer and their two children Christopher and Parker. I love the name Christopher. I think I might be biased as I share his name. Christopher struggled to wrap his mind around this fact as I don’t believe he has run into anyone who shared his name. The name I truly loved was that of his brother Parker. Parker was named after his paternal great-grandfather Parker Reid. I had the opportunity to meet Parker’s great-grandfather years ago and was always impressed by how he carried himself. He was a noble individual who I shall never forget.

Lastly we took photos of the entire crew including Collin and Douglas’ parents Carole and Ken Reid. I really enjoyed taking the photos for the family and spending time with them. I was invited to join the family for dinner and a birthday celebration as it was Collin’s birthday. I won’t reveal Collin’s age as I’m sure he would not be happy about that little reminder being spread throughout the web. I’ll just say he’s rapidly approaching my age. Unfortunately I couldn’t join the family for their dinner/celebration due to other plans which were already made. Maybe next year.

I hope you enjoy the photos and the story. Please leave a message, comment and let me know what you liked. I’m also running a special for the month of August. 25% off any portrait shoot scheduled for the month of August and September.

Christopher

Parker

Emily & Madeline

Madeline

Emily

By Christopher | Posted in Clients, Family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)