A number of speakers were slated to congratulate the coaching staff and the kids on an undefeated season and the achievement of the first State Championship in School and Niagara County history. I’m sure when the rain began many people assumed the victory rally would be cancelled and rescheduled. Not in North Tonawanda. The weather doesn’t bother us here. When the season turns cold and night falls earlier, we respond by turning on the lights and dressing in warmer clothing. After all, we’re Lumberjacks!”

The vernerable Dick Grapes agreed to change his schedule and emcee the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks 2009 Championship Victory Rally at the Lumberyard Wednesday night. Mr. Grapes as he is known to everyone, recently retired after spending the last 50-years as the “Voice of the Lumberjacks.” His voice is unmistakeable and his command of the English language remarkable.

Coach Eric Jantzi is flanked by Senators Robin Schimminger and George Maziarz. the pair read a proclamation from NYS Governor Patterson. The proclamation explained the members of the Lumberjack football team were invited to Albany and participate in a senatorial session during which time the lawmakers of NYS would recognize congratulate the team. How cool is that?!

This is a copy of the sign which will grace the major entrances to the City of North Tonawanda. Mayor Soos also proclaimed December 2, 2009 “North Tonawanda Lumberjack Football Day.” I know I’ve used this phrase once already, but “How cool is that?!”

The audience was moved indoors as the rain continued. If you can pick out my beautiful wife and/or Casey and Kyle Shreve’s grandmother (no family members allowed) I’ll give you 15% off any photo shoot package. 

The speakers for tonight’s event were numerous local dignitaries. Congratulations to Barb Zellner on her election to a seat in the Niagara County Legislature. Congratulations Barb! I’m sure you’ll do us proud! Barb is also the mother of Jeffrey Zellner who was an outstanding fullback for the Lumberjacks and graduated last year. Jeff now plays football at Utica College.

The cheerleaders kept the crowd involved.

Kujo, Kyle Shreve and Jimmy Rodgers. Kujo is sporting the pullover windbreaker all of the players received as a result of participating in the NYS Championship game on Sunday. This photo was taken in front of the “Wall of Fame” in the NTHS Student Center where I am quite sure a plaque will shortly be adorning the wall in honor of the 2009 Lumberjack Football team. The boys are overjoyed with their success. When I spoke with Kujo and Kyle after the  victory celebration both boys agreed “it hadn’t really sunk in yet.” Both of these boys like the rest of the team have maintained a level head and they haven’t allowed the win to go to their head.

I feel it is important to take a line from the book “Notes Left Behind” about how we measure time. I have caught myself many times as my children were younger saying “I wish this day would end” or “I wish my children were older.” Time has a way of sneaking up on us even when we don’t want it to. I wish now, as I grow older it would slow down. Stephen, or as everyone else knows him “Kujo” turned 17 on October 21st. He is my youngest child. I watched him grow into the fine young man he has become and smile with excitement at what his future holds for him. He has learned well and I have learned well with him. He does not know this but any good parent learns from the mistakes they have made as a parent. I feel as though I have done a good job. I will always be there to guide you. If you recall the lessons you have learned and apply them to your future you will do fine.

Congratulations boys! Let this Championship win be nothing more than a stepping stone to greater things in your life.

I turned and watched him for a few minutes. He remained still. He was solitary. As I watched him my thoughts went to the movie, “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” One of my favorite artists, Neil Diamond completed the soundtrack. As I sit and type this I also am listening to the soundtrack. The music is beautiful, relaxing and introspective. My thoughts stayed with the music which tells the story of a bird; a seagull, who chooses not to follow the path his kind have followed for centuries. That path is one of safety,of mediocrity, and of sameness. The metaphor is a powerful one and is consistent with so many of us and our lives. We become afraid to fly and leave the nest, to explore what is around us. We are afraid of change and thus stifle our growth.

The movie tells the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Jonathan repeatedly and emphatically states his point of view to family and friends informing them that there is “more to see than the safe distance they are presently willing to fly.” I often see “Jonathan” in myself. I have a habit of repeatedly asking “Why?” or “Why not?” These questions and the subsequent answers allow me to push the limits of my boundaries, of my comfort zone. When I do question my boundaries I learn more about myself and my abilities. The equation is relatively simple; the more I learn, the more I am willing to learn and the better I become. The more proficient I become.

As I approached for a closer look he looked at me and took flight. I’ve been told I read too much into some things. If that is true then so be it. For me it is another way of pushing the limits of what is and what can be.

Don’t be afraid to question what is around you and to push the limits, the boundaries you and others have set up.

My goal with this blog is to show you my photography and let you into my life so you can share it with me. After all that’s what photography is all about. We take photos so we can keep the memories, look back upon those special times and then share them with others.

I also want to share my life with you because it’s my belief that when you hire a photographer you are hiring the person, the personality. We’ve all heard the horror stories of the photographer who was hired only to show up late or not be the person who represented themselves so well during an interview for the job. We’ve also all heard brides say to their guests, ‘That’s not the photographer I hired. They never told me they would be sending someone else.” I hate that. I thrive on excellent customer service and standing behind the product and service I offer.

So, with that in mind, I hope you’ll follow me on this journey. I’d like to invite you to be my guest both via the Internet and in person. If you like what you see here you can navigate to my full website at http://christopherkijowskiphotography.com.

Come on in from the cold and let’s have some fun!

Is it possible to see a sample album from an entire wedding? It is relatively easy to showcase a few amazing shots, but being able to see an album with the entire wedding will help you know whether or not the photographer you are considering is consistent in their work. There are no do-overs at your wedding and you don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars only to find that your wedding photographer was having an “off day.” Look for someone who consistently produces images that inspire and move you.

How soon do we get to see the photos and how soon do we receive the wedding album? Each photographer has  a different work flow and a different time-frame for post-processing your photos. When you meet with your photographer, make sure that their timeline is consistent with your needs. As for the album, we have all heard the horror stories who didn’t receive their albums until over one year after they have approved their album images and layouts. Ask questions about album turnaround time and ask that this time-frame be added to your contract.

Do you include a disc of the images? Including a full disc of the images (which is different from a DVD slide-show of the images) is a hot button topic for many wedding photographers. This is a practice which varies from photographer to photographer. Some photographers will include this with their higher priced packages and some will include it for an additional fee. There are also some photographers who will give this as an anniversary gift on your first anniversary. Still there are other photographers who do not include the images at all. There are valid reasons for each of these  approaches and you will need  to be comfortable with the one your wedding photographer employs.

How many hours of photographic coverage are offered? Many wedding photographers offer different packages that also offer different time frames for coverage. Usually the less expensive packages offer the fewest number of coverage hours. It will be important for you to define whether or not “start to finish” coverage is important or do you just want coverage of the bride getting dressed and the church ceremony. Many photographers are not willing to discuss options but if it is important to you it should be a topic discussed during your interview with your photographer.

Remember, when you hire a photographer you are hiring the photographer for their personality and their creative ability. Make sure during your interview you feel comfortable with your photographer. Make sure you read their “raves” or their “testimonials” on their website or blog and if possible talk to some of their clients. If they are confident with their work they should allow you to speak with their clients, if they say no this should be a red flag. Be honest and upfront with your photographer and let them know what you expect. if you desire add it to your contract.

As a wedding photographer in Western New York we cover the areas of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester and the Southern Tier. We do not packages per se but work together with the bride and groom to develop a package that will meet their needs.