Jamie and Michael are getting married on August 21, 2010. I was first introduced to Jamie’s mother when I received an email from her. That email arrived early December as she had located me via WeddingWire.com. It was around 10PM. A quick glance at my watch and I noticed it was only 7PM in Washington State. I decided to follow-up my email with a quick phone call. We made quick introductions and the rest, as they say is history.

Jamie was finishing her English degree in Washington State and would not be traveling to the Western New York area until July 5th. Michael works full-time and resides in a small town of less than 2000-people just South of Erie, PA.

We discussed venues for the couple’s engagement session and everyone agreed om Niagara Falls. The couple had only visited the Falls on one occasion and had never been on Goat Island thus missing the Horseshoe Falls and Three Sister’s Island. Despite the heat and humidity (you don’t have to shevel it) we all had a great time.

We arrived in the Falls to a packed parking lot, high temperatures and high humidity. Jasmie and Michael were a couple of real troupers. We walked around the island trying to locate as much shade as we could along the way.

Click here for a slideshow of the couple’s engagement photos.

Chris

Laura had contacted me last July and inquired about the date she had in mind for her wedding. I recall opening her email and thinking, “Is this some kind of joke?” Laura lived in New Jersey. We had never met. We had never spoken and we had no mutual acquaintances. Laura explained she had Googled Western New York wedding photographers and “really liked my photos.” I sent Laura a contract and the process began. Laura came into town within a few months to meet with her vendors and solidify the plans which had been made to date. I fell in love with Laura’s sense of humor right from the start. Laura fell in love with Tim Horton’s coffee. I mean who wouldn’t.

Laura and Tim were to be married in Lockport and their reception would be at the home of Laura’s grandmother in Burt, NY. Laura and I spoke the week before her wedding and we decided I would pick up her and Tim and we would travel to a few different locations in Niagara County to complete their engagement session. I arrived at her grandmother’s home and needed help picking my lower jaw up from the ground. The grounds and her home were beautiful. I met Laura and Tim and said, “I think we can complete the entire session right her on your grandmother’s property.” That we did.

Laura was a natural in front of the camera. It took Tim  few frames to warm up to the idea of having his photograph taken so many times, but once he did…Tim commented once he thought there “was a lot of kissing” during the engagement shoot.

The view from the deck in the backyard was breathtaking. Lake Ontario is a beautiful lake. The sky cleared as the shoot progressed and soon we could see across the lake to Toronto, Ontario.

What a beautiful couple.

Laura has the most incredible smile. I pointed the camera in her direction and her face simply lit up.

We briefly ventured away from Burt, NY and took a little side trip to Olcott, NY. Before hitting the little shops next to the park we stopped by Byes Popcorn for a bag of some of the best popcorn around. Unfortunately the stand was not yet open. I love doing engagement shoots and rarely want them to end. This couple made their shoot sooo much fun.

To see more of the couple’s engagement shoot, click here.

Thanks for reading and keep coming back.

Chris

I spent Friday afternoon meeting with a representative of the Ramada Inn in Amherst. Alison is one of those representatives who really gets it. I enjoyed our conversation very much. Alison requested I put together a 20×30 collage print of Megan and Rob’s January 9, 2010 wedding as there were many photos which showcased much of this fine venue. Alison fell in love with the print and was excited to show my photography to couple’s looking for a wedding photographer. Alison really enjoyed my work as well as the conversations we have had and the conversation turned to her daughter who will be a senior next year. The meeting with Alison was the highlight of my week as the rest of the weekend was difficult to navigate and one I would love to forget.

The rest of this post was difficult for me to write. In writing it I’m taking a nod from a photographer who I respect very much; Jasmine Star. Jasmine who posted an entry to her blog on 1/10/2010 which really touched me. In the post she discussed her battle with depression. While I’m not battling depression I have a family member who is battling Bipolar Disorder. This battle, while difficult for the individual is in some ways equally if not more difficult for the remainder of the family. We see what the person’s illness does not allow them to see. Talk about frustrating. At times it’s like banging my head against the wall just to see if it still hurts. many times I have walked away from these encounters wondering if, in some strange way it really is my fault. That belief coupled with the intense roller coaster of emotions leaves you not only breathless but physically and emotionally exhausted. That feeling of exhaustion coupled with the lack of visible sunlight left me exhausted. On one hand it forced me to not do much of anything this weekend but on the other hand it forced me to not do much of anything this weekend. I had no energy and no desire. Things in que waiting to get accomplished were forgotten about until I shut off the computer. Then like a V-8 moment I remembered the importance and went back to get it done. What makes this illness additionally difficult for me is I remain working as a social worker. as a social worker. I work with patients all week long who attempt to manage this same illness. This is not to say that the task of managing those symptoms is an easy one. I know it is not. Just when I would love to “turn off my brain”, I am forced to keep it on. Overload is difficult to avoid. As I’ve said in previous posts, a few of the things which help me maintain a positive balance are photography, listening to music and reading. Unfortunately when there is little energy left, all three of those things become difficult.

Like Jasmine, I smile all the time on the outside. 95% of the time those smiles are real and the other 5% of the time they’re hard work. I tell myself smiling is better than not smiling. While this is true it still hurts to see a loved one suffer like this. I am legitimately happy the majority of the time but feel sad. Sad this person continues to struggle when there does not need to be a struggle

Valentine’s Day was a wash as Nancy and I continue to struggle with our daughter’s behaviors. There, I’ve said it. It is my daughter who suffers from this illness. Valentine’s Day was a wash. Neither Nancy nor myself felt like celebrating, anything. As we sat down for the evening to watch TV, it was only a brief period of time before we had both dozed off.

I’m looking forward to Monday. I’m looking forward to escaping the uncomfortable feelings associated with this mental illness and working with my patients. More so I’m looking forward to spending some time with some cool couples and some cool events.

The photograph below has dual meaning for me. I love lighthouses and their significance as a historical treasure as well as the beacon of hope for which they stand. There are times when I feel alone and my lighthouse is my photography. For that I am thankful. There are lighthouses all around us. We need to look for them and some of them don’t come in the typical “light house” representation. We need to be open minded to the options and the opportunities around us. It is these things which will lead us out of the dark. My hope is one day my daughter will see the light from her own lighthouse.

As always, thanks so much for reading and keep coming back.

Christopher

Winter is here and the bright colors of Fall have faded.  I’m a sucker for Mother Nature’s patterns and Winter contrasts I see during the cold, dark Winter months. What is left is best expressed in black and white.

I sat and looked at these photos again and stared for several minutes at the ones I enjoy the most. As I looked at them I find my memory being drawn back to numerous winter trips to the Adirondack’s. The thought of hiking, skiing and kayaking, enjoying the great outdoors, the wide open spaces and all that the area has to offer.  John Muir said it best, ”As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.” -John Muir.

I hope everyone enjoys. Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment in the comment section at the end of my blog.

Chris

The forces of nature get together to produce interesting sculptures. Wind, water and freezing temperatures combine to form some of the nost beautiful sculptures on Earth. They cannot be duplicated and as they are made of organic compounds and continue to be exposed to the same forces which developed them, they will change daily. As they grow and change they remind us of the frailty of life. Soon these sculptures will be gone and remain only in our memory. It is my desire to capture these memories for all to see as I have seen them.I love trees. They have two very distinct personalities; the one we see when in full bloom during the warm, inviting summer months and the one we see during the cold, dark months of winter. The trees have shed their leaves, their personality and stand dormant as once great features of our landscape waiting to bloom once again. We often take these same trees for granted and pass by them without notice. We cut them down arbitrarily when they are in our way and lament their absence when gone and unable to provide us with comforting shade.Three trees stand a silent vigil on the Western shore of the Niagara River.Mother Nature’s sculpture as crafted by the wind and water.More ice sculpture. i can get lost for minutes trying to figure out the exact combination of elements which helped to form such interesting sculptures.I watched the seagulls from my perch at a nearby picnic table. The wind had picked up and began to ruffle the bird’s feathers; their heads tucked into their breasts to avoid the cold, windy assault.

More ice sculpture.Additional trees guarding the shoreline of the Niagara River standing silently against the cold breezes blowing across the water.This is my favorite. As a child I remember listening to Neil Diamond’s “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” over and over. If memory serves me, I needed to replace at least one vinyl LP it was played so frequently. I saw this seagull effortlessly coasting on the wind and I was transported back to the 1970′s and the song “Be” from the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack. it was very peaceful sitting and watching the birds take flight on such a cold afternoon.A picnic table absent of people who, when the weather is warmer would be enjoying a meal, a cup of coffee or just the company of another.It’s not often I see pigeons by the river. This group took flight as I approached. They are beautiful and graceful in their flight.

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.

As we ate, we spoke of the team’s success throughout the year culminating with a win at the Carrier Dome. We spoke of the individual and the team awards and the importance of characteristics such as character and integrity. I discussed with him the importance of continuing to demonstrate those very important characteristics he will continue to find success on and off the football field. Of course following this course can often be difficult. The winds blow hard from both the port and starboard sides and it is these times we find ourselves veering off course. We spoke of our moral compass and the importance of following it so we can regain our footing on our path.

We also spoke of the leadership exuded by so many of his teammates and the coaching staff for it was this leadership which guided this team to the State Championship. Coach Jantzi said it best when during a recent post-game interview he suggested the team “never bickered, never backed down from adversity and worked hard during the season as well as during the off-season.”

There is an oak tree in front of my house. On calm summer days I liked spending some time sitting on my front porch contemplating simple things. Eventually my gaze would wander to this tree; it’s magnificent trunk reaching into the sky; it’s branches reaching out and up as if to say, “I am strong.” When Fall arrives and the tree stands bare of it’s leafy coat, it’s strength becomes increasingly apparent. It’s branches, like bony fingers still reach to the sky as if to say, “I am not dead. I am still here and I will be back with a vengeance in the Spring.” For this is our life. Our lives often follow an irregular patter of successes and failures. It is important to return to our moral compass to find the combination of things which will help us return to a successful direction.

This team will move on to complete the remainder of the school year. Some will return for another season of football while others will move on to play at a higher level. Those players returning to NTHS will seek to continue what was begun this season. This level of successs is possible if you keep your attitude in check and continue to work hard. Stephen and the others look forward to the receipt of their championship rings. Those rings should be worn proudly but not flaunted. Remember, your humility for it is what kept you grounded throughout the season and will help you maintain a sense of being grounded in the future.

As I wrote this I found tears in my eyes, again. This is pretty common for me as I used to say “I was cursed with having feelings.” As I grow older, with me grows my appreciation for what people can accomplish, not the superficial success but the deep down “I knew I could do it if I pushed myself just a alittle bit harder” success. Like anyone else I find myself whining from time to time but work quickly to snap myself back into reality as the time and energy wasted whining does me no good. The tears I shed are not tears of sadness but tears of joy. They remind me of the need to be humble and to maintain a sense of humility in all of the things I do for it is this sense which helps to keep me grounded.

Kujo was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. Nice job Kujo!

Here’s the boys getting their individual awards.

I exited the housewith the last of the items to get packed into the car for the drive to “the Dome.”. As I looked East my eyes widened as I saw the sunrise. Beautiful is not a word which can adequately describe what I saw. I was happier yet when I recalled the drive to Syracuse is East and that beautiful sunrise would be with us throughout the drive. A good omen I am sure. I brushed tears away as I thought of our boys, already in Syracuse knowing today was going to be a good day. The happiness I felt for the boys was immeasurable.

I secretly thought of our coming drive and the happiness I would feel watching our son and his team play for surely what is the greatest glory in high school football; a state championship.

As we got on the road, coffee in hand and our caravan of family and friends in tow we made our way through the suburbs of Buffalo searching for the entrance to the NYS Thruway. As we entered the thruway and traveled East, I found myself daydreaming and looking back at the years successes for this team. I smiled widely and proudly.

As I was not bestowed the luxury of a sideline pass the photos I have chosen to share here are not action shots per se, but the action in the stands provided by the ever present and supportive North Tonawanda Fans. These are the shots that demonstrated the “fun and excitement” of the day.

I hope you enjoy reading this and viewing the photos as I enjoyed making them and reliving the wonderful events of Sunday afternoon. Please leave any comments at the end of this post.

Thanks for reading,

Chris

The team gathered at center field one last time before the opening kickoff.Kujo, Shreve and Tuzzo met the opposing team captains at centerfield for the coin toss. North Tonawanda won the toss and elected to kickoff.The Lumberjacks gathered on the sideline before the opening kickoff. The excitement was about to begin!I think the sign says it all. The Lumberjacks came, dominated and were victorious!The chant of “NT”, “NT” could be heard throughout the Carrier Dome. North Tonawanda fans traveled to the tune of approximately five thousand to watch “their” team vie for the chance to be identified as “Class AA State Champions.”This shot is just, well…interesting.A unique configuration of flags hung at center field.Kujo runs back toward his team from a brief meeting with the opposing team’s captain before the opening of the second half.The Jacks did just that!It is “How we roll!”The final score said it all…The NYS Class AA Champions! Congratulations boys! You deserved it. All of the hard work on and off the field has paid off. For those players returning next year, rmember the feeling and the hard work and bring it back again. Lumberjack Pride!The game was a clean one. Few penalties and clean play. Great sportsmanship! Greater game!Congratulations again boys!Nancy had to clean off the rear window of the car and repaint it for the ride home. I was reminded several times to not use the rear window wiper if it began to rain.There it is. There is no clearer message. Thanks to all of my readers who have endured the love I have for the boys who play on this team, their hard work and their 100% effort. I am most proud of you Stephen. The award your received for sportsmanship means more to me as a parent than any award. It means I have taught you well. Congratulations!

This is is. This is the game for all the marbles. This is the game which decides the winner of the New York State Class AA Championship.

In the 100-years of North Tonawanda football no team has ever made it this far into the playoffs. Since 1993 when the New York State Championship has been played, no North Tonawanda has found itself ready to play for the State Championship.

That all changes this weekend when North Tonawanda meets New Rochelle at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome on Sunday November 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM. Practice resumes this afternoon and  continues to morrow afternoon before the players and coaches make the pilgrimage to Syracuse.

I am so proud of the players on this team; their athleticism and their leadership. I recall making a statement at the beginning of the season. It went something like this, “If you boys maintain your health and a healthy attitude of humility, there is no reason why you should not be able to take that all the way to Syracuse.” This group of kids never said they “couldn’t do it.” Never said, “It’s too much work.” They worked hard during the off-season and even harder once the season began and dominated all of their opponents. Many people underestimate the power of a positive, proactive attitude and for that I believe they are foolish.

Go Jacks! The entire City of North Tonawanda will be there to support you as you take this final step toward the achievement of your goal of becoming New York State Champions.

Today is a day to relax and ponder those things for which we are all thankful. I am thankful for many things. The list is long; too lengthy to mention here but my family and trusting clients come to the forefront of my thoughts. If it were not for both of these groups my life would be very different, not bad but different. Thank you so much.

Soon the place settings will be filled with laughter and good cheer as we get together with family to share those things important to us. It is also an opportunity to allow stale thoughts to leave us and to rekindle those relationships important to us.

Have a great day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Christopher

North Tonawanda sits on the confluence of the Erie Canal and the mighty Niagara River. In it’s beginning it was a major lumber port and earned the nickname the “Lumber City.” When the city’s only high school decided to start an athletic program and add football as a sport, the name “Lumberjacks” was an obvious choice.

I recall sitting at the first contest of the 2009 football season and watch this group of talented young men easily handle their opponent and come out victorious. I recall saying, “If these boys can remain their health, keep their attitudes in check and continue to play their brand of football; there is no reason why they cannot make it through the playoffs and claim the “New York State Class AA State Championship” title. The win against the Baldwinville Bees on Saturday night finds this team poised on the doorstep of greatness with one game remaining in this championship quest.

The following photos are courtesy of Bob “Schooch” Pascucci. Thanks Schooch.

Casey Shreve, Kujo and Kyle Shreve. The Tonawanda News named these three players, among others from NTHS to the WNY All-Star first Team. Congratulations boys! You deserve the honor.

Notice the coach from Lancaster. He’s holding his heart because he can’t believe Kujo just broke that tackle and now has a clear shot at the goal line. A 41-yard TD run.

Kujo just wasn’t going to let that cast stop him. The announcer from Time-Warner kept referring to the cast as “The Club.”

What an intimidating defense. This is one awesome group of kids. I’m thinking blitz here.When Kujo plays fullback he just keeps running. It’s all that work in the weight room during the off-season. Coach Jantzi keeps telling these kids about the importance of keeping fit and staying in the weight room. The kids get it and it shows throughout the season.

Kujo met with a reporter after the game and accepted the award on behalf of the team. Go Jacks!

This contest was supposed to be a viscious contest. B’ville has an unbelieveable record and a running back to match. He has run for over 250-yards each game. This was due in part to having a line in size that rivaled the Empire State building.

Both teams were evenly matched, more on paper than in size. North Tonawanda has a multi-dimensional approach while B’ville has a bruising offense that aims to run over you at every opportunity. Keep the offense off the field, keep the defense on the field, wear them down and score points.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Please don’t forget to leave questions, comments and ideas for future posts by clicking on the “Leave comment” button below.

I appreciate you reading,

Chris