Until next year...

Well folks, this will likely be it until 2008, especially given my update rate. Ok, I know, that needs to be on the New Years resolutions list.

As we close things out for the year here I just wanted to say a big "Thank You!" to all my clients and friends who have supported me throughout this past year. It's been a year of great change with the move back to New York, a switch over to Canon cameras and a whole lot of new clients who have become good friends. Folks like the Walton's whose sons are fighting overseas on our behalf, and their fourteen grandchildren who were just a blast to work with. And others like Carrie and Michael who will be spending their first Christmas and New Years as husband and wife, best of everything to you both.

It's also been a year of great loss as two members of my family, my Aunt Kathleen and my Uncle Tom, both passed away after long illnesses. Though they are gone the lessons they have taught me throughout my life will carry on. Thank you both for everything over the years.

And now 2008 is upon us, holding the promise of new and exciting challenges. I look forward to those challenges and all of the new friends they will bring into my life. As I try to do on most occasions I want to leave you with a picture. This one is of Arianna and Giovanni, two great kids that were part of a recent family session I did in New Jersey. The innocence of youth is a wonderful thing and particularly at this time of year when the long lines and the weather, and the crazy drivers can leave us short tempered, it is my sincere wish that we all take a few moments to try to see the world through the eyes of a child, with hope and amazement. Maybe if we did that more often the world would be a little better place.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

NJASID Design Summit Images - UPDATE

Hello NJASID folks,

Just a quick note that the images will be going off line as of 12/31/2007 so if you would like to get yours, please do so soon.

A quick refresher on how to get your photos:

1. Follow the link below to the online gallery site.

2. Beneath the "Galleries" heading click on the underlined NJASID link. There is no need to search for the gallery, just click on the underlined link.

3. Enter the password for the gallery (password is on your photopass certificate).

4. Select the images you would like and add them to your cart.

5. Follow through the checkout process. You must finalize your selections and click on the "CHECKOUT" box.

6. On the payment screen there will be a space near the top of the screen for you to enter your photopass certificate number. Enter your photopass number and click "APPLY". This will deduct the cost of the two complimentary downloads from your order.

7. If you have only selected your complimentary images then you can finish the checkout screen and proceed to the download. If you have ordered more photos then you will need to input payment information for the remainder of your order and then you can finish the checkout process.

NJASID LINK

One of the area Seniors...

Nikki from Minisink High School and I got together today to discuss some senior portraits (No it's not too late!) and after we finished chatting we took a few minutes to snap a couple of quick pictures. She was a great sport and I look forward to our full session.

A quick note on real estate photography

I have had a couple of conversations recently about the value of professional photography in the real estate and interior design industries. Obviously as a professional photographer it's easy for me to explain how I feel it can benefit both the designer or broker and the seller. Having the right equipment and skills necessary to produce a quality image is essential to having that image portray the subject in its best light. Okay, that was a bad pun, but you get my meaning.

Here's a link that I often refer people to who ask about the value of having a professional photographer come in on a real estate sales project. When I sold my house in Fort Worth it was my images that went on the sales site and brochure. I knew what time of day would produce the best lighting for the various rooms and features of the house. Sure it took more time than most agents will dedicate but the results were worth it. When comparing my home to ones similar it was clear to anyone who asked which had the most appeal. First impressions are very important! Especially when it can make the difference of several thousand dollars of commission. It's not cheap, but I am betting it is less expensive than another month or two in mortgage payments waiting on a buyer.

But don't take it from me, after all, I'm the photographer trying to convince you to go with me. Read what some others have to say about it.


New York Times article on real estate photography

If you are a real estate professional and would like to discuss this more, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Pete

Congratulations to Carrie and Michael!

Yesterday, on a spectacular autumn day here in the northeast, Carrie and Michael made their vows to each other and began their life together as man and wife. Congratulations to the both of you and may you enjoy a long life full of love and happiness. And thank you for allowing me to share in that day.

I wish you two all the best as you head to Boston to see what life has in store!






Just as education is important, so is finding great photographers to network with and with that, I'd also like to say thanks to Noel at Troy Photography, for calling me in to help out, it was great shooting with you!

New friends!

Well this is certainly one of those times of the year where NY shines. The leaves are turning and the weather is beautiful! To top that off I met with Alyssa and her mother and we had a great little shooting session today. A big thanks to Jane for pulling double duty as parent and helper. That's what happens when sometimes, I put the spectators to work! But seriously, thanks ladies, it was a great session. Here's a couple of quick peeks....

Old friends....

Yesterday started off about as any other day. You know, trying to get things caught up, wondering if that iPod of yours is really dead or if it can be salvaged. It's dead, but more on that later.

Meanwhile, you phone starts ringing. For some strange coincidence yesterday was the day that four of my old friends decided to call out of the blue. Now the conspiracy theorist in me started to nag, but what the heck, maybe it's just that time of year. After juggling some schedules and pushing some errands to the wayside I was able to meet up with one of those friends and tentatively block a lunch date with two others! So anyway, I drove over to Connecticut where I met up with one of the girls I used to work with a few years back. I caught up with Stacey and her daughter at the new farm where they are boarding their horse. Take a minute to reach out to your old friends, you'll be glad you did. Terry, Zita, Joe... Let's make it happen!

A big thanks to Stacey for allowing me to post a picture of her daughter Kristen. Kristen, good luck with Romeo and thanks for hanging in there for the impromptu picture session.


Yes, Romeo is the name of the horse....

Now about that iPod... I can't believe it finally bit the dust. It has hung in there for over five years and countless drops and smashes in the suitcase, a battery change or two and now it's gone. So now the dilemma. New iPod or just jump to the iPhone? Do I want to lose my music or lose everything when I misplace it? Yes, I'm a Macintosh guy, I use Macs for all my photography work and it would be nice to finally have a phone that really does sync up with my address book and stuff. For years it's been a challenge to tweak some third party software to make everything play nice. But the price!!! Yeow! Maybe it can wait a bit....

NJASID Design Summit Images are online!

Alright folks, the images from the event are online and ready for you! You can see them by clicking HERE but remember that you will need your photopass to get your free downloads and it is a one time use coupon so be sure to select the two images you want (that is if you want two). If you select only one and use the photopass you WILL NOT be able to come back later and use it a second time.

Thanks again!!

Thanks to everyone at NJASID!

Whew! It's almost Wednesday already!

The past few days have just flown on by. I have been working with the folks from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (NJASID) during their 2007 Design Summit in Lambertville, NJ. What a great bunch of folks. As I have mentioned several times, I'm always looking for a great seminar or workshop to keep the learning going and that's exactly what these designers were doing also. Learning new and updated techniques and skills on how to better serve their clients. Summit attendees, I will have those photos available very shortly.

Sometimes, as the fly on the wall photographer you get to hear bits of some of these lectures, and let me tell you what, this was some good stuff! I learned so much! I learned that when it comes time for me to design that new home or studio, or even a remodel, I need to look for one of these folks. Just as I stress the importance of hiring a professional photographer when it comes time for those important events in your life, you should really think about consulting one of these folks if you are doing any design work in your home or business.

And as if all of that that wasn't enough, I got to spend a little time exploring Lambertville, NJ for the first time. I checked out the Lambertville House and then crossed over the Delaware River for a great tour and wine tasting at Crossing Vineyards .

I will get some images posted here as soon as I get a little rest, but all in all, not a bad way to spend a few busy days! Thanks again NJASID!

Cooler temperatures....

Playing some catch up around here with all sorts of things as autumn starts to roll in. After all, getting ready for winter in New York is a bit different than in Texas. I have to get hay for the horses, figure out how the heck I'm going to get them water in the middle of a snowstorm, etc. etc. That and about a thousand other little things that I had forgotten about when I moved away. Yeah, that's about enough about that...

Anyway, I'd like to say thanks to Kati. She's a young woman from the area who I met the other day and she agreed to sit for a few shots in the afternoon sun. Hopefully we'll get a chance to work together more very soon. Thanks Kati!



Well, that's about it for right now. I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful New England fall foliage as those leaves start to turn. Already you can see some tress starting and it won't be long until the hills are bursting with color!

Oh, one last thing. Now is the time to start planning for your Christmas and holiday greeting cards. Before you know it it will be time to start mailing these out to friends and family. Contact us now to find out about setting up a photo session and getting your greeting cards done by us here at Quinnco Photography. It's more reasonable than you imagine and your satisfaction is guaranteed. We'll come to you so that your cards reflect who you are as a family. Your house or favorite location... No problem! Dogs, cats, horses... No problem! Try that at one of the big box photo booths.

Picture Day!

And you thought that was only for kids at school....



Does your company use a picture of you or your employees in it's newsletter, proposals, or other internal or web communications? If so, are you putting your best face forward? Remember, it's that first impression that the reader gets when they see your picture that will help shape their opinion of the material they are reading.

No matter who you are or what your profession is, having a quality image of yourself available can be very important. When you get the call for a last minute picture to go with that press release or newspaper article or proposal, you want it to show you in the best possible light, not some snapshot from the last company picnic. Same goes for those images on advertising and business cards. It's the first thing a potential client may see. Isn't it worth the small extra cost to have it match the quality of the product or service you are selling?

If you would like more information about the services that we can offer for groups and businesses, please contact us today!

Ok, time for a bit of catching up...

Sorry for the month long lapse. Since I last updated I have been busy with a trip to Montana and another trip to New Orleans and Biloxi. As some of you know, one of the things I love about photography is that it is constantly changing and evolving. There are always new techniques to try and old ones to refine. With that in mind I recently attended a great workshop given by Mike Fulton of Tri Coast Photography. Mike is an incredible photographer and an excellent instructor. With Mike behind the podium we learned some new tricks about an old friend, flash photography. Using flash with with your camera can sometime be a bit of a challenge, no matter who you are. Well, Mike and his partner Cody are two of the best in the business when it comes to using flash so who better to learn from? And learn we did. As a matter of fact, we had a blast!

Here's a few shots from the workshop. I hope you enjoy them, I sure had fun making them.

Still more racing!

Another beautiful Sunday afternoon and I had a chance to get back out and catch up with Jaime, who runs the Pro Speed RC Raceway, and a bunch of RC racers. The were having their Onroad Mayhem II event and despite the heat, they had a great turnout and there was some great racing.



You really should swing by one day when they are running to see these cars in action. These aren't your average RC car. Many are powered by engines capable of over 20,000 rpm's running on a nitromethane fuel mixture that pushes these cars to incredible speeds. To the bystander it may look easy, but it's not, it can take years to learn to run some of these cars at the competitive level. These guys are serious about their sport. Getting their car set up for track conditions is like watching a miniaturized version of a NASCAR garage. Micrometers, scales, tachometers, tire truing devices are just part of the rolling garages these guys bring with them.

Anyway, thanks again guys, it was great meeting you all and we'll see you soon!

More family fun!

Ok, time to get things caught up around here. It has been a crazy past couple of weeks. First I had my mother and brother come out to visit and just about the time they pulled out of the driveway to head back to Iowa my niece showed up to spend a week here and visit New York city and take a look at a few colleges around the area.

Hi Krysta!


I think I have visited New York city more in the past week than I have in the past five years! Throw in a couple of viewings of Phantom of the Opera and errant subway trip or two and there you have it!

Seriously though, there is nothing like having family come to visit. I have spent a great deal of my adult life traveling and not being located near much of my family so despite the occasional ruffled feathers, I really enjoy getting to see everyone, even if it's only for a few days. I miss you guys already....

Pro Speed RC Gallery

As promised, here is a link to some shots from yesterday.

Pro Speed RC Raceway 7/22/2007

A speedy Sunday afternoon!

I know, I know. A few of you kind folks have been letting me know I need to do a bit better job of updating here on the blog. In that spirit I will post a quick shot that I took while enjoying some relaxation this afternoon. I had seen these guys racing their RC cars quite a few times but hadn't had the opportunity to stop by. Well, today things worked out and I was able to spend a little time and meet some of the drivers that race their cars at Pro-Speed RC Raceway near Circleville.

Let me tell you, these little race cars are fast! I don't know how the drivers do it, especially when the car is coming towards them as all the steering is backwards! Yeah, it would be a disaster if I took the wheel. Clear out the kids!

Anyway, it was a lot of fun meeting some of the regulars today. I'll post a shot tonight and for those who had asked at the raceway, please check back in a day or so and I'll have a link to more. Great meeting you all today!

One of those special days...

Well folks, today I had the privilege to work with a a very special family. Mary and Ron Walton asked me to photograph them and their grandchildren.... all fourteen of them! It was a blast and these kids were great to work with. But that alone isn't what made it a special session. These kids are part of a family where three husbands/brothers are serving in the Army. All of these men have either been in Iraq or are slated to go there shortly. Whenever I get the opportunity to work with families like this it really makes me stop and think of the sacrifices that so many people are making so that I can do the things I love to do in a country as great as ours.



Having served in the Marine Corps I know how important it is to know that your family is safe at home, no matter where you have to go or what you have to do to make that happen. So I would like to take an extra moment on this holiday weekend to offer a big "THANK YOU!" to all of the men and women serving in our armed forces.

Finally back behind the camera!

Wow, things have been non-stop here lately. Just trying to get settled in has been a challenge. Bills, drivers license, a bazillion magazine address changes... Not to mention the little matter of a house remodel in progress! The plan will include a nice shooting area for now and hopefully a complete studio down the road.

In the mean time I have be fortunate enough to touch base with a few local models and even managed to find the time to spend some camera time with one of them. Allow me to introduce Rose. She was a blast to work with and I think you will be seeing more of her in the future. Thanks again Rose!







Hopefully things will soon settle into some sort of groove around here. It's been tough leaving behind my Texas clients and friends. I will miss them all and I hope that they keep in touch. Perhaps our paths will cross again. I hope so, life is too short.

Pete

Recovery...

Well, the rains have stopped and the flood waters are starting to slowly recede. The Goshen/Florida, New York area was hit pretty hard and the fields are now lakes. Many of the locals are saying that this is the worst flood they have seen.

Same field a few days apart. Gray and rainy one day....


Absolutely beautiful a couple days later....

A Wet Welcome...

Well, as I am trying to get everything settled up here in NY I am finding that Mother Nature isn't going to be giving me much help. At least not in the near future. In the past couple of days we've had about five inches of rain and that has really made a mess of things. Sure, it could be worse, it could have been snow! The gurus say that it would have been like four or five feet of snow. Fun, fun, fun....

Anyway, I was doing some driving around today because cabin fever was setting in and thought I'd take a few quick shots to show you all what you are missing up here.

Enjoy!



Drivers make their way through a flooded section of Route 17K just west of Montgomery, New York. The recent storms have brought over five inches of rain to the area leaving many roads flooded or impassable.


The flooded paddocks of this horse farm west of Montgomery, New York are evidence of the amount of rain the area has received recently.

Back and Forth...

Hi folks,

As I bounce back and forth between Texas and New York trying to get things lined up for the move I had a few spare minutes tonight and wanted to get a shot of the beautiful bluebonnets. Last year was pretty rough and we didn't see many, but this year they are just bursting out all over and it is really something.

I was able to coerce Bentley into sitting still and looking my way for a moment. He's a reluctant model, but he works pretty cheap!

Anyway... We had a nice time watching the sunset and enjoying the Texas bluebonnets.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Wilson!

Here's a quick peek from todays wedding of Cortney and Nance Wilson. I wish you guys the best!

The times they are a changing...

Just a quick note on why things have been a bit behind here lately. I am in the process of relocating back to the New York area and that has really tied up my time. I hope you all will bear with me and once I get things up and running I promise to get back to regular updates. For everyone that has supported me including my family, friends and clients, THANK YOU!!!


In the mean time, I am really excited about Cortney and Nance's wedding this weekend! The weather looks great and this western styled wedding promises to be a lot of fun!

Wow, it has been a long time!

Yes, I am still here. It has been a very crazy couple of weeks and I am finally starting to get things sorted out. I had some work that took me through Telluride, Chicago, and New York between Christmas and New Years. Then just as I was catching up we had that wild weather here in Texas. Who would have thought that we would get almost a week of 20-30 degree days along with a generous coating of ice!?

To top it off, I assisted a friend of mine who was shooting a wedding for a couple from Finland. This wonderful couple came to the United States to drive across the country and enjoy some time off. They decided to get married and they picked Coppell, Texas as the place to do it. According to them, it was one of the only places where they could find a Pastor who could do the ceremony in their native language. Well, long story short, they had their ceremony today in Texas where it was actually colder than it was in their hometown in Finland. Who would have thought that?

Anyway, a big congratulations to Tarja and Arto as they begin their life together as man and wife while they continue their journey across the States. Best Wishes!!




Looking ahead there are some exciting things coming up. I have another trip to New York planned and Cortney and Nance's wedding is sneaking up on us also!

Well, that's a bit if a catch up. Maybe I'll make a late resolution to keep this blog up to date.....