Monthly Archives: September 2009

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Michelle & Bryan’s Engagement Shoot

Michelle and Bryan contacted me a few months ago and requested a meeting to discuss their wedding photography. We met and had coffee at one of my favorite offices – Tim Hortons. The couple walked in and each wore a huge smile. I could tell from this first meeting they would be much fun to photograph! I was not wrong!

The couple called me a few weeks later and announced I had gotten the job to photograph their May 2010 wedding. I had suggested the couple complete their engagement shoot during the fall as their June 2010 wedding would not allow for the beautiful, full foliage to sprout on the trees in the area. Two weeks ago Bryan called me with some options for dates. Once the date was defined we hoped and prayed we would have nice weather. We were blessed with one of the most beautiful nights we had had in the past month. I mentioned the fantastic weather to Bryan and he explained he had “called in a favor.” Nice job Bryan. make sure you call in that same favor for June 5, 2010.

We met in Niagara Falls at the Starbucks restaurant which coincidentally was right across the street from the church in which the couple will be married and also from the couple’s reception area.

Michelle explained she had struggled through several clothing changes to decide what she was going to wear. As we began we walked for 10-15 minutes and just talking about how things had been going since we first met in May.

This was one of the first shots of the evening. I just love picnic tables. When I see one I think of some great childhood memories where the entire family would gather together outside for a meal together and celebrate the warm weather, a family member’s birthday or a holiday. Sometimes I can actually smell hotdogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob.

Michelle & BryanI just love this photo. Michelle smiled so easily and you could tell she was comfortable in front of the camera right from the start. As the sun began to descend toward the horizon signalling the end of the day, the colors became more brilliant, more golden. It’s no wonder this time of day is referred to as the “golden hour.”Michelle & BryanI love sunsets. As I have said in many earlier posts this has to be one of my favorite times of day. I absolutely love the way the sun was framed between the couple as they kissed. By the way, getting the couple to kiss was not a difficult task at all. Long after I stopped shooting, the couple continued to kiss. Of course there are worse things…Michelle & BryanI just love black and white. I think this is the best photo of Bryan an his smile. This smile looked so easy and natural.Michelle & BryanAgain, black and white. Need I say more?Bryan & Michelle Semski-171This was an interesting shot. Both Bryan and I thought he was more flexible than he really was. I can totally relate to that so we allowed Bryan to “cheat” just a little bit by bending his knees.Bryan & Michelle Semski-272I just love ring shots and I love them even more when they show the hands they will soon be adorning.Michelle & BryanBryan had to quickly replace the ring because Michelle was afraid he might drop it.Michelle & BryanThis was one of my favorite shots of the night, I have a tendency to be a pretty emotional person and a true romantic at heart. When Bryan decided to kiss Michelle’s hand with no direction from me it gave me some additional insight into his warm heart and love for Michelle.

I love you guys and had a great deal of fun with you for your engagement shoot. I can’t wait for the wedding. P.S. Michelle, I don’t think you’ll have any difficulty knowing what to wear for your next photo shoot. :)

Michelle & Bryan

North Tonawanda Lumberjacks vs. Jamestown Red Raiders

The North Tonawanda Lumberjacks opened their 2009 season under the lights at Strider Field in Jamestown, NY. This revamped field is beautiful and reminds me of the field at St. John Fisher College in Rochester.

The Lumberjacks got off to a slow start and came back strong in the second half to keep their lead and win the game by a score of 27-13.

The Lumberjacks face Williamsville North in a Friday night match-up under the lights on their home turf.

I’m a little biased as a write and I felt the need to make sure my son has a number of photos in my blog. For those of you reading and wondering where the extra digit is on his jersey, he decided to change his number to “4.” He jokingly said “It’s to pay homage to Bret Favre.”

KujoAaron Davis running in for one of his touchdowns. This is a common sight during NT games.

NTHS vs Jamestown 9-4-2009-123In addition to his duties as linebacker, Kujo gets in on the offense and plays fullback. Here’s a carry he had early in the game.

Kujo gets tackled.The series of photos leading up to this photo tells the full story. Mike did his best to escape this defender but when he came in on his blind side there wasn’t much he could have done. He did a great job of holding on to the ball.

Sacked!!!!Michael does a fantastic job of commanding his offense.

Michael commanding the offense.

NTHS vs Jamestown 9-4-2009-417

Thunder on Niagara Boat Races

Today the weather alternated between sun and clouds with rain threatening throughout the day. I awoke early with the goal of going to the boat races. it has been quite some time since I have gone to boat races. I believe I was a small boy and was taken my grandfather. I don’t recall much other than the high volume of the engines and the rooster tails thrown up as the boats raced around the course.

Boat racing loudly returned to Western New York this weekend in the form of the annual ‘Thunder on Niagara” boat races. The boat races take place in the upper Niagara River and use Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda as its base. As the morning progressed, I changed my mind several times regarding riding my bike to the races and taking photographs or not going at all. I find myself getting so busy during the week I want to do nothing more than vegetate on the weekend. I know for me this is not a good idea so I packed my camera gear in my backpack, got the mountain bike and made the short ride to the Niagara River and Gratwick Park. Once there, with camera in hand I found myself enjoying the time alone. Between races I found myself writing in my enjoying the solitude and writing in my journal. I’m not sure what it is but I feel a tremendous amount of tranquility when I am on or near water. The afternoon was a nice escape from the busyness of the week.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Thanks for reading.

Chris

The boats are gently lifted from their cradles and placed in the water awaiting the signal to fire up their engines and prepare for their designated race.
Boat races-102

Boat races-21Rooster tails.

Boat races-36In the lead.

Boat races-60The “Crush.”

Boat races-75The “Baby Doll.”

Boat races-119And the winner is…

Boat races-49