Thomas Robert Clarke Photography, LLC

New Year's Eve Wedding Published by GigMasters!

2012-02-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

GigMasters is an international event planning company with over 150,000 parties planned since 1997 for clients like Whole Foods and MTV. Today their wedding blog is featuring Sarah & Steven's New Year's Eve wedding!

To GigMaster Post

Kind words from the Temple University OLLI Photography Club

2012-02-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Buddha

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of photographers at Temple University's Center City campus about my style, my gear, and my insights on selling images and getting one's name out into the world. It was a great honor and a good amount of fun too. What thrilled me most was that no one walked out or fell asleep and afterward the instructor was good enough to forward these kind words to me. I know this is a whole lot of tooting my own horn but you know I'm all about the reviews and since these people took the time to write I think they should be heard.

Tom,
Your presentation today was wonderful! Thank-you so very much for all your time and effort.

Sandy

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Hi Marcy,
I loved the presentation today. I certainly learned a lot and also got very good tips about how to try to present my photos via internet. He was indeed very generous and pleasant and I would love to have him return to speak to our group next year.
Thank you for inviting him.
Rebeca

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Thomas Clarke was superb. A pleasure to listen to with many "tips" picked up.

Hyman

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Tom is at the top of the list, great photos and knowledge of the technology...His examples alone are the best word of mouth.

BaBa

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Thanks so much Tom. I am impressed by the work you do. The tips were so helpful. Keep up with the artsy stuff. It is most appealing.
susan thompson

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Great presentation Tom. Learned so much. Your work is wonderful. Thank-you for sharing it and your knowledge with us.

Ray

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He was fabulous - such beautiful photos and so charming too, as well as so sharing of his techniques etc.

Fradele

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Wonderful presentation! Learned so much! Beautiful photos. Thanks.

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The best! Tom's work, tips and presentation were inspiring.

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Thank you all again for the kind words!

2.22.12 Water at the Coffee Bar

2012-02-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Always on My Mind

There is water at the Coffee Bar! Stop by to see a new collection of my water themed photographs on display at the iconic Warwick Hotel's coffee shop. Formal artist reception details will be announced soon. In the mean time trek on over, crab a cup of joe (or a beer, they have a great selection!) and enjoy the images.

The above image, Always on My Mind, is a favorite from years past. I was just entering photography school when I took a weekend trip to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near my folks home in Rockport, TX. While standing on a short pier looking for birds I heard this loud sort of exhale right below me and turned down just in time to catch this massive alligator rising slowly like a submarine... so cool and creepy at the same time. Seconds after I shot this my lens cap fell right on it's snout with the Canon label clearly visible! I went to shoot it with the vision of selling it to Canon and wouldn't you know it I had reached the end of my last roll of film... for that reason and many others this moment is always on my mind.

Sadly the frame broke in route to the Coffee Bar and it didn't get hung, but you can all see it here. :)

The Third Man Sewer

Wanna know how I know my wife really really loves me? She let me take her to a sewer on our honeymoon! While in Vienna we went on a tour (in German no less!) of the sewer system that plays such an central roll in one of my all time favorite movies, The Third Man.

River Trees

Not too much back story to this gem. I was living on the Delaware and during a break between storms I wondered out to capture some images. Other chilly visions from the area can be seen in this gallery: Winter in Titusville

Keep an eye out for the date of the artist reception and come here me tell more stories about these and other images on display.

1.20.12: Two features in Bucks Life Magazine :)

2012-01-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last month I had the pleasure of photographing Kristin Meil, of Meil's in Stockton, NJ, along with her daughter Sarah, and Kristin's pups Yogi and Blueberry for a feature on Kristin's venture into home-cooked meals for dogs: K9-Meils for Bucks Life Magazine.

A few days later I again had the pleasure of photographing a feature for Bucks Life. This time of chef Fabian Quiros of Salt Creek Grill in Princeton. They did a 2 page feature of chef highlighting one of his favorite recipes: Rib-Eye with Coffee and Chocolate Rub and a Bourbon Caramel Sauce! It was dinner and dessert all in one!

Here are a few screenshots from the online version of the winter issue. I haven't seen it in stands yet, but keep and eye out and pick it up if you see it. Lots of great chef's featured including our friend Sam Jacobson of Sycamore in Landsdowne! Also keep an eye out for the print ad our friend Tara Devlin Kearns did for me (she also did my logo!)

Mucho special thanks to Jesson G. for the introduction to Bucks Life and to the good people at BL for the opportunity to meet and photograph such wonderful people.

Wedding Wire's prestigious Bride's Choice Award!

2012-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

In the words of Oprah, "Wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW!".

Thanks to all those who wrote reviews! I'm blessed to work with the most enjoyable people and I hope to continue to be of service for you and your families for a very long time.

Thank you!

Sarah+Steve: A New Year's Eve Wedding

2012-01-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sarah is a good friend from the Washington Crossing Inn and when she asked me to photograph her New Year's Eve wedding I couldn't say yes fast enough! I'd never met Steve but from all I'd heard I knew that this day would a lot of fun... it did not disappoint! There was a lot of laughter and hamming it up for the camera as well as some of the most touching vows and speeches I've ever witnessed. Many might not know that Steve wrote two sets of vows. One purely from the heart and a second set that conveyed the same sentiments but would possibly be more understandable to the audience. At the moment of truth he went from the heart and succeeded in touching everyone with his sentiments. I hope you all enjoy these few teasers from the day.

I have no doubt that this wedding would have been a blast any time of year, but being on NYE only multiplied everyone's joy. Thanks you two for including me, I can't wait for the anniversary party!

Other Vendors:
Officiant: Don Warner
Bridal Party Hairstylist: Brett James
Makeup Artist: Jackie Damo
Florist: Carl Alan Floral Design
Caterer: Feast Your Eyes (Special thanks to Lini Skiba and all the staff! )
DJ: DJ Danny Gee
Venue: The Chestnut Club
Hotel: The Sofitel Philadelphia
Limo Service: Sterling Limo (the driver was a really nice guy by the way)

I'd also like to thank the O'Brian's for opening their homes to me and the crew to take pictures high above downtown Philadelphia.

1.4.12: New Year, New Post

2012-01-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Holy moly, has it really been since November 5th since my last post? Man, time flies! A lot has been going on and a lot of pictures have been taken. One such set was of this awesome couple Tommy and Jess who will be getting married at Jess's parent's horse farm where the bulk of these shots were made. Now I just can't say enough about this couple. They are laid back and a lot of fun to be around. They own and operate a great gym near my house called Transcend Fitness (if you are looking for a gym in the new year I highly recommend it! check out the obstacle course at the end!) and just bought their first house together. Their future is so bright I should have made them wear shades... ok, I'll admit that was bad even for me.

Congrats you two, I can't wait for your June wedding!

This is the barn they are to be married in!

(come on, you had to expect the American Gothic ripoff!)

The day before the shoot a group of Amish had completed building Tommy and Jess's obstacle course in the back of Transcend Fitness. We were climbing down the back side of a 20+ foot telephone pole pyramid when I asked them to stop and pose. Who says photography isn't physical!??!

Military style climbing wall? Check.

Check out the horse smiling for the camera!

11.5.11 SPIKE! (oh and Zanna+Igor too)

2011-11-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather, good friends, and cute little pooch. What more could a photographer want? :)

10.28.11 Sneak Peek: Michelle+Vince's beautiful wedding at The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

2011-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

When Michelle and Vince first contacted me about photographing their wedding at The Inn at Fernbrook it was all I could do to contain my excitement. "You had me at Fernbrook", kept repeating itself in my head. lol The fact that they are family friends, that I'm also friends with one of her bridesmaids, and I'd get to see my brother in law (Don the Roasting Rev.) in action as their wedding officiant was all icing on the cake...cupcake rather! In the interest of full disclosure I need to say that Don was actually one of two officiants at my own wedding, but as any bride and groom will attest the ceremony was a bit of a blur. He's excellent, by the way, and if anyone wants his contact info just let me know.

But I'm rambling, let's get back to Vince and Michelle and some of their wedding pictures! These two had such a lovely wedding and I was so happy to be a part of it. I hope you enjoy...

Congrat's you two!

10.18.11 Selects from a portrait session in Moorestown, NJ.

2011-10-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Courtney is awesome! Beautiful, smart, hilarious! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a portrait shoot!

Sneak Peak: Laura+Dennis' wedding.

2011-10-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

What a sweet couple these two are. I've been looking forward to this day since we shared

milkshakes and fries at Nutt's and later their amazing engagement shoot at Grounds For Sculpture. The two had a lovely ceremony at The Spiritual Center on the campus of The College of New Jersey and brunch reception at the historic Washington Crossing Inn.

Congratulations to you both!

Laura had their wedding announcement placed in the sports section of the Times to surprise Dennis. How cool is that?

Cool shoes

cool tones

Proud mama

Special thanks to the good people of The Washington Crossing Inn for taking good care of everything. Seriously the best staff I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Especially Rachel for being super amazing at 6:00 AM! I'm getting better about finding out the other vendors who do amazing work at the weddings I shoot and I'd like to recognize Susan Valentine of The Flower & Country Store for putting together the amazing flowers for the day. Artisserie Bakery did the amazing blue cake! Muhammad, our limo driver from Sterling was super cool and incredibly helpful. And last but not least, as always, to my 2nd shooter Josh Berg for his amazing work.

10.10.11 Post: Sneak Peak from Juli+Josh's beautiful wedding at the Historical Society of Haddonfield's Greenfield Hall

2011-10-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Well well well, what can I say? I had been excitedly anticipating Josh and Julianna's wedding day forever! A great couple in a great venue at a great time of year makes for a fantastic (you thought I was going to say great) event!

The bride's locket with pictures of her grandparents inside in her mother's hands. Priceless.

Gorgeous dress

First look.

It didn't take much to turn this into a dance party.

Rock on, my people!

Fin!

I'd like to thank my 2nd shooter Josh once again for doing a great job. The ladies at the Historical Society, the caterer (in particular the event captain who was a great help and the bartender who had a glass of water on the ready every time I came by!), and lastly Juli and Josh. It has been a joy getting to know them both and I know our connection won't end when the album is delivered. :)

10.4.11 Sneak Peak of Krissy+Neal's wedding.

2011-10-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

These two characters have so much love for each other and are just so damn fun to be around that I knew this would be a great day of shooting when we first met. From the secret bass guitar groom gift (say that 5x fast!) to all of Krissy and Neal's loving friends and family, their wedding never stopped pulling on the heart strings. Congrat's you two!

I wonder if the groom bought that apron?

She bought him a bass!

Special thanks and shout outs go to Josh my second shooter, Allegra and the rest of the Birchtree staff, and the good people of the Mask & Wig club!
&
DJ: John Romani from Electric Entertainment (www.MainLineEvents.com)
Make-up: Rebecca Roberson 610-316-0927
Flowers: Artur from Almeida's Floral Designs http://www.almeidasfloraldesigns.com 215-545-5555
Hair: (G) Chris Sotos, Toppers Salon in Rittenhouse; (B) Audrey Dwyer http://www.audreyismystylist.com/
Dress: Sposabella (215) 953-5801
Boutineers: Kate Said Yes http://www.etsy.com/shop/KateSaidYes
Veil and hairpiece: Anne Michelle Heirloom http://www.etsy.com/transaction/44998913
Beer Steins: Its a Man's World http://www.etsy.com/shop/ItsAMansWorld?ref=seller_info
Invitations: Designed by Adam Scott, Adam Scott Designs

9.24.11 Kitty+Jonathan Tyler Arboretum

2011-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

What a great couple! Some seeing this blog entry may have also seen my twitter post a few days before Kitty and Jonathan's wedding in which I gushed over the fact that despite being faced with torrential rain Kitty blew my socks off by saying to me when discussing good weather/bad weather scenarios, "Either way it's going to ROCK!" I mean, how awesome is that?

It did rock, and I want to thank you both so much for including me at your beautiful wedding!

Mmmmmm, Chocolate

2011-09-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me knows my love of food and it is nothing short of thrilling when I get to indulge in my two passions of food and photography at once!

Wasabi Bark! Wasabi peas, wasabi almonds, and white chocolate! Exclusively at Bridge Street Chocolates

A few European details

2011-09-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

A few favorites from a recent trip.

Front gate of Pilsner Urquell

St. Bartholomew Church, Pilzn Czech Republic

Sewer where The Third Man was filmed. Vienna

Communist propaganda chocolate bar wrapper

Cubist building. Prague

Girl reading near bikes. Vienna

Shit-kickers. Vienna

Scaffolding in St. Charles Church. Vienna

Vienna

Top of St. Charles Church. Vienna

St. Charles Church, Vienna

Escalator. Prague

Upper Belvedere, Vienna

Prague Train Station

Google+ users, add me to your circles!

2011-08-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Google+ Profile

7.18.11 Image for Bucks County Night Out

2011-07-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Bucks County Night Out is a great resource for discovering what's going on in Bucks on any given night. Occasionally the good people at BCNO ask me to stop by an event and take a few pictures of the patrons and the good times which can be seen at my website's BCNO gallery and the images below are a few from this weekend's Pig Roast at The Clubhouse in Newtown, PA.

July 6: First Environment's 10th annual sunset cruise

2011-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Three dolphins, a lighthouse, a seagull, and a sunset over water...that's some sort of nature photographer's lottery win!

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to photograph First Environment's annual "picnic" aboard a sunset dinner and dolphin watching cruise. What a great time and gorgeous scenery! If anyone is looking for a unique party atmosphere this is it.

9.27.11 Pic Theme: Corporate events! Groupon sponsored after party for Taste of the Nation Philadelphia

2011-06-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Grrrrreat savings on Grrrrroupon!

What a great month June has been!

I am of course still riding high from my own beautiful spring country wedding and getting a kick out of saying things like, "My wife" and "Mrs. Clarke" :) but also have had the great pleasure of photographing several "corporate style" headshots (including one sitting with a high ranking Philadelphia city council member that shall remain nameless for the time being) and some really fun company parties too!

One recent shin-dig was an after-party sponsored by GROUPON (who we all know and love) and held at The Farmer's Cabinet for all the vendors at the Philadelphia Taste of the Nation event. These nationally held events raise money and awareness to fight childhood hunger, a terrific cause! Here are a few of my favorite images from the event. To see more you will be able to find them on groupon's flickr page at some point.

The Farmer's Cabinet

Matt Ridgeway of PorcSalt

Love this expression

These two's too (and the guys laughing it up in the back!)

Love this portrait. That is the face of a hard worked man.

It was all FoodService people that night... love the hostess' expression

Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society

Happy Birthday to you...

This guy was the best!

Drew again

The unholy trinity: waiter, barback, & bartender.

The groupon peeps taking a picture of me!

5.12.11 Pic theme: Katrina+Jay; or a couples walk through Philadelphia

2011-05-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Neither Katrina nor Jay are from Philadelphia, but they met and fell in love here and so it was appropriate that we toured some of the city's most recognizable landmarks to capture these lovely images.

5.11.11 pic theme: Krissy+Neal engagement photos. Old City Philadelphia

2011-05-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

These are the kind of shoots I think of when I think how much I love my job. Beautiful day, fun backgrounds, and a GREAT couple. Krissy and Neal are getting married at the Mask & Wig Club this fall and for me the date can't get here soon enough!

Krissy+Neal

5.9.11 pic theme: Leo, or how to avoid working on what you are supposed to be doing!

2011-05-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

When I first adopted Leo as a kitten he already had his full orange mane and the name came to me instantly, so why I waited 5+ years to get him groomed like this I have no idea!

Before:

After:

Ok, now back to working on paying customers pictures!

Pic post: Photos from a Seder recipe shoot for Nina Planck, author of Real Food: What to Eat and Why.

2011-05-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Worlds collide!

Many of you that know me know I've been in the service industry in one capacity or another since the age of 13 and some may even know that for a short time I thought of going to culinary school. Thanks to the kind interest of one C.I.A. (Culinary Institute of America) grad, I got the chance to prep in a working kitchen, and even cook once (on a Friday night no less) and discovered that cooking for a living wasn't for me. Cooking for pleasure is a totally different matter, however, and I am truly blessed to be marrying a woman that is equally as passionate (if not more so) about real food with ingredients anyone can pronounce and sourcing as much of it as possible locally.

So when Michele Pulaski, chef/owner of DiSH Catering (and our caterer), referred me to Nina Planck author of Real Food: What to Eat and Why I was obviously beside myself with excitement. Below are a few of my favorite images of the Seder dinner recipe shoot.

Apples for Apple Charoset

Nina Planck. Mom, author, real food enthusiast.

Leg of lamb

Chef Michele Pulaski turning the lamb

The beginning of home made matzo ball soup

Don't you want a bowl right about now?

Thanks to Nina and Michele both. I can't wait to do more soon!

4.5.11 Pic theme: Chocolate update

2011-04-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey there, thanks for stopping by to take a look at these yummy treats. I can tell from the trusty google tracking softwares that people are stopping by here regularly despite my pathetic post rate. There are just so many outlets out there it's difficult to post everywhere and frankly a little boring to post the same things on each site. So I'm mixing it up a bit.

Anyway, a lot has been going on. I have become a preferred vendor at a few more places and wedding interest and bookings are up. :) I just installed a showcase at Rittenhouse Square's Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel and a "meet the artist" party will be announced soon. I've been shooting parties as well (I'll be at the Moshulu tonight for a corporate gig...foul weather and the high seas, arrrrgh) and I've recently had a chance to indulge in more commercial work shooting offerings from a well known wedding invitation designer, a nationally represented artist's work, and most recently FOOD! I've always wanted to get more involved with food photography and have done a few shoots for caterers and restaurants over the years and now I can add Chocolatier to my list :)

12.11.10 blog post: I'm alive!

2010-12-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everybody!

This is my first attempt at a slideshow short from a recent shoot.

I think I'll be doing these for all portrait & event shoots. Let me know what you think.

11.9.10 Blog Theme: Forgiveness...Well cute couples mostly, but some forgiveness too.

2010-11-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

I am a bad bad blogger. It has been weeks, WEEKS I say, since last posting. Well my friends all is well

in the world of TRCP and here are a few samples of what's been going on.

This is Teddy. Teddy keeps two humans named Beth & Matt. A few months back Beth's sister in Chicago found me through Yelp and asked if I sold Gift Certificates. I sold, she bought, and they used on this beautiful late October Saturday in Philadelphia.

Meet Dana & Steve. I ran a contest on my Facebook fan page to see who could refer the most new fans and Dana was the winner. While the prize was a portrait session, when Dana asked if I'd photograph her rehearsal dinner party instead I was only too happy to oblige. It was a lovely night at The Bistro St. Tropez set atop the Marketplace Design Center which overlooks the Schuykill River and iconic 30th St. Station. *Note the building is right across from the PECO building's front entrance and despite the tiny doors, giant planters that line the street, multitude of parking kiosks, and NO SIGN designating it is a loading zone the Parking Authority has deemed it as such and you will be ticketed :(

I'm about to start editing a shoot I did at Studio City New Jersey of the wonderful and fabulous Beia. Her birthday is coming up in December and we spent a few hours in studio creating photographs to be displayed in a video montage I'll be making at her party. Look back in the future for a few from the day. Studio City is a great location and I'm looking forward to my next shoot there in a few weeks. If any photographers/videographers/recording artists are reading this (and I know you are) you should definitely look into SCNJ. They have the state's largest green screen, amazing studio space, recording studio, editing suites, etc... ask for Shelton and tell him I sent you.

10.21.10 Pic theme: Paintings

2010-10-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well once again I've put the blog on the back burner and let day after day pass without even a peep. Let me see if I can catch up on all the wonderful things goings on :) Portraits have been in the air lately (perfect time of year for them!) and I've been lucky enough to meet and photograph some really neat kids. I also partnered up with EVERSAVE.com recently for a mega promotion (thank you if any of you who bought the save are reading this) and anticipate November being a crazy month with people looking to have holiday cards out before the end of the year. I've also had the pleasure of shooting for a great new chocolate company opening up in the Phoenixville area called Bridge Street Chocolates (believe me, you'll want to check them out!) and most recently photographing the paintings of a very talented painter.

Check out Anibal Valentin-Acevado's vibrant and captivating paintings. I can say with some certainty that after working for so many years at Fonda San Miguel and being surrounded by paintings from the most respected of Latin American artists, that Anibal has a bright future ahead of him.

9.27.10 Pic theme: Montage!

2010-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today is approaching, to give it your best
You've got to reach your prime.
That's when you need to put yourself to the test
and show us a passage of time.

We're gonna need a montage.

A sports training montage.
Show a lotta things, happening at once,
Remind everyone of what's goin' on.
With every shot show a little improvement,
to show it all would take too long.

That's called a montage.

Even Rocky's had a montage.
in any sport, if you want to go
from just a beginner to a pro

You need a montage.

A simple little montage.

Always fade out in a montage.
If you fade out it seems like more time has passed in a montage.

Montage...

(Lyrics from Southpark's Team America)

Well it certainly has been a busy few weeks since my last post and the best way to show this is with a montage...well several to be exact :)

Collection of a few of my favorites from my shoot at Family Pet Resort in Newtown Square

Wedding vow renewal at Joseph Ambler Inn

2nd shooting for Morrissey Photo at The Farmhouse at Buena Vista in Emmaus, PA.

9.13.10 Pic Theme: Maine in HDR

2010-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Lots of wonderful things happened this month and not the least of which was the trip my wonderful girlfriend and I took to Maine. It was my first trip past Boston and I was able to check two more states off the list (I'm gunning for you Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho!)

We ate our weight in Lobster Rolls, checked out the culture of Portland on their 1st Friday gallery walk night, visited some relatives, and hiked around Acadia National Park (and the LL Bean factory...HUGE!)

Along the way I took pictures. Big surprise ;) Once hurricane Earl had fizzled out the weather turned amazing and the colors of Maine really popped. Not all of my images made during the trip are in HDR, but these are. So enjoy!

Seen from the back of Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine. Home of the full lobster in a roll (Texas toast!) drizzled with butter. :) Also the most expensive rolls we ate... just saying, they are proud of their rolls I guess.

I love the way the mangled lobster traps appear to be a sea creature themselves.

This was shot along the cliff side hike on Prouts Neck, Scarborough, Maine. The hike we thought would take us to Winslow Homer's studio. It did, but it's not open to the public. (thanks everyone who told us how to get there but never thought to tell us it wasn't open for tours!)

Possibly Winslow Homer's studio. Not for sure since there were no signs, but from the pictures I've seen it could possibly be. Nice house whomever it belongs to...

Really pretty, no? I'll be posting more on flickr or on my website (or both) so make sure to look around those places for more soon!

9.9.10 Pic theme: Goofing off

2010-09-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

Why is it that whenever I have something to do I end up getting other stuff done first? I suppose one thing inspires me to work on another... here are some of the fruits of my labor.Now back to editing :)

8.29.10 Pic Theme: Wedding Teaser

2010-08-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I once again had the great pleasure of 2nd shooting with the wonderful and talented Caitlin Scott. It was a long one folks and my hands are still hurting from juggling cameras all day, but so worth it! Great looking couple, super fun wedding party and guests, great locations, and a fun photographer to work with makes me one happy camper :) With that said I give you, the teaser ;)

8.25.10 Post Theme: Contest!

2010-08-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, would you like to win a free portrait session or an 11x14 fine art print from my catalog? All you have to do is join my facebook fan page and get your friends to do so too. Have them put your name in a comment box on the fanpage and that is all you have to do!

On September 20th I will tally up all the names and the person with the most names will win a portrait session or a fine art print. Use it yourself or give it to someone as a gift. :)

Join today!

8.25.10 Post Theme: Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)

2010-08-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 99 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 26,000 students. (from their website)

I had the honor of being contacted by KIPP to photograph one of their former students that had gone on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and low and behold they put one of the images from the shoot in the header of their newsletter.

8.9.10 Alter-ego portrait

2010-08-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone, I hope all is well. I've been a busy camper with portrait sessions and party pictures. All good stuff, just hoping to keep the ball rolling. To that end, be on the lookout for a coupon to be going out on eversave.com for a discounted portrait session. Part of the proceeds goes to charity!

If you hire me you could do something like this! Alter-ego portraits were kind of thrown onto the national spotlight thanks to an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. In a nutshell the subject dresses in different outfits and is positioned in differing locations in a single frame. I've posted photos I've made of myself on here for fun and a few weeks back I had the pleasure of being asked to do one for this lovely lady. She's a full time mom, a nursing student, and a loving wife.

Pretty cool stuff, no?

7.28.10 Pic Theme: The wedding of Jenn & Rick

2010-07-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing this great looking young couple as a 2nd photographer for the wonderfully talented Caitlin Scott. Jenn and Rick were super nice and so in love with each other as you'll see from the looks they were giving each other all day. I will have the pleasure of seeing most of these people again as I will be teaming up with Caitlin once again for the wedding of Jenn's sister!

The wedding was held at Auletto's Catering in Deptford, NJ. Anyone looking for a scenic venue to host an event I would recommend Auletto's for the extensive amount of lovely background.

You're invited

Auletto's main dining room. (HDR process)

The dress (also in HDR)

The Shoes

The best man

A toast to the groom's good fortunes.

The groom's first glance at his wife to be.

I think she's into him...

and he into her.

The sun was starting to set

and there was much rejoicing

Together.

7.26.10 Pic theme: Lens protection and other fun stuffs

2010-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hello my peoples, I am writing today to share a few images from my day trip to the historic, iconic, and a few other "icks" Coney Island! Yes, when I arrived I wondered aloud, "I thought this was going to be an island?" But I digress. The main point I want to hammer home here is that a lens filter does something so much more important than create photo effects, it protects the lens!

The lens, but what about the body? Well the body is important too, but most are built to take a bit of beating and quite frankly the lens is the most important part of the equation. For you newbies out there spend your hard earned money on the best lenses you can afford and get a pro-sumer body. The lenses will last you a life time while even the best body now will fail in a few years...and by that time the pro-sumer body will have 10X the ability at 1/10th the price.

So that said, spending a few extra dollars on a filter is nothing compared to the safety it provides. Take this picture below. My friend's camera fell off his neck while taking his daughter off his shoulders. An action so common I'm sure cameras are broken everyday this way. But because he had a filter on the lens, we were able to clean it off and continue shooting. (Psst, Mike if you are reading this don't forget to go buy a new filter!)

Ok, that's my PSA of the day. Now for a few other images.

looks like a giant, man-made flower

in the running for the cutest ever, Izzie

War of the Mystics trash can. Reminds me of this:http://www.flickr.com/photos/localcolorphotography/274269779/

Ohhh, and speaking of my flickr account. Make sure to stop by there in a day or two as I will be posting more HDR images. This time from Coney Island. Stop by now to see the Sandy Hook lighthouse in HDR!

7.20.10: Jeff+Laura

2010-07-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Jeff+Laura

10.13.10 Pic theme: Holiday Road, a photoshop masterpiece

2010-07-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've often thought that most of us have a little 'cousin Eddie' in us, but it seems some have more than others. My girlfriend's brother has recently acquired a sweet 33' 1984 Winnebago to accommodate his travel needs

and has been seemingly working on it non-stop. When first hearing about this plan the GF and I both immediately had pictures of Eddie in our heads (it's spooky how often this happens) so putting this together became an imperative.

Holiday Road

Yes, you more technical folks will see that I could have blended his skin better and adjusted the brightness of "Eddie" to fit in with the nighttime RV, but to be honest I started doing so and it just wasn't as funny!

7.9.10 Pic theme: Wedding

2010-07-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Just a recycled idea to make a little montage of wedding photos instead of showing one by one. The idea is in the near future to do a few with various weddings and portraits to be printed on postcard stock as thank you's and delivered to the newlyweds for them to add to their thank you cards...or use instead of thank you cards even. What do you think?

6.6.10 pic theme: Fireworks

2010-07-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I should be working on weddings (Sarah and Laura if you're reading this I promise I will get right back to your weddings!) :) but I just wanted to post another 4th of July pic.

July 5th Post theme: HDR 4th

2010-07-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello hello everyone, I hope your 4th of July weekend celebrations were safe and enjoyable!

The girlfriend and I went to Atlantic City to enjoy the weekend with many of her family and made some new friends as well.

One of the highlights was hanging out on a boat in Trump Marina to watch the fireworks. Of course I got anti-social for a few minutes to take pictures. I made this just before the display kicked off. I have a few more I'd like to share and may post during a break in the coming days of editing weddings :)

Check it out, I hope you like. Not bad for my first-ish attempt at HDR goodness :)

6.12.10 Pic Theme: Pet Portrait

2010-06-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Lots going on this weekend and I'm starting things off with a little image of my buddy Leo.

Do stop by here and the website in the coming days as I'll be shooting the Hopewell Valley Central High School's 2nd Annual Car Show, benefiting the school's Auto Enthusiasts Club. This was a huge event last year and is expected be even bigger this year. There will be food and music to go along with what I expect to be some amazing cars. I'll be selling images to the participants and will be giving 10% of the profits to the Club. So if you see an image you like you can feel good about buying it :)

Sunday's weather is looking a bit, how shall I say.... HOT. I don't know, I think I've been out of Texas too long and anything over 80 gets me these days! In any event, I'm expecting a great day of shooting. The day starts with a family portrait session then switches into high gear with what promises to be a fun wedding set at the Normandy Farms in Blue Bell, PA.

Without further delay, I give you Leo.

6.11.10 Pic theme: Dramatic Graduation

2010-06-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend's cousin gave the commencement speech at her graduation recently and I had some

fun taking pictures. This one image in particular stuck out for it's pure drama.

Congratulations Marla!

ok, one more for it's pure comedy!

oh look, diplomas!

6.6.10 pic theme: Wedding

2010-06-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

With the gracious permission from one of the studios I freelance for I am posting a few photographs

I made at a recent wedding.

Abby & Giulio were married June 4th at a lovely ceremony at the William Penn Inn.

It was my great pleasure to be there and document the occasion for the two sweethearts.

William Penn Inn at night

The happy couple

yes!

Garter Toss. I love the expressions, especially the guy on the far right with his arms crossed...

phone fun

Maid of honor & the bride

Thanks again to everyone there for being so great!

Congratulations Abby & Guilio, and good luck in Italy!

5.23.10 Pic Theme: Pretty

2010-05-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

A quick post to show one photo of my friend Kat on her wedding day.

5.20.10 Pic Theme: Surf's Up

2010-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

So many pictures, so little time. :(

Well for those that don't know, I recently spent a wonderful "6 day" weekend in Southern California

to celebrate the wedding of dear friends. Here are a few Non-wedding related pictures I took at their wedding, which took place at a cliff side park over looking the ocean in La Jolla, Ca.

as always, more to come...

5.14.10 Pic theme: Words

2010-05-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Words.

Is there a greater invention of man? I am sometimes crippled in fear that one day I may not be able to express myself. Sure I could write...maybe. Who knows. Photography is a vehicle for expression, but what if I lose that too? Move over extreme heights and suffocation, a new fear is in town!

"So where are you going with this Tom", you ask? Well my post tonight has to do with a few words I encountered on a recent trip to southern California. Truth be told, this past weekend held so many great words and phrases that it will probably be remembered as one of the most enjoyable weekends of my life. In fact we embarked on this magical time for the purpose to hear two friends say two words to each other...

"I Do"

Without further ado (and before I start crying...it's the Nyquil I promise!)

I give you...

DICKSONIA

and

RESTAURATION

More pics from the trip to follow :)

4.23.10 Pic theme: Rusty Old Trucks.

2010-04-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

This may not be the last time I post this theme as I am beginning to trek to junkyards, or as they are now known "Auto Salvage Lots", looking for a few items for my Jeep and Classic 1971 Karmann Ghia. I probably won't be bringing my camera along with me, but this is just as well as it allows me the time to play with my phone's camera. I am really loving the way this 2MB camera's images look almost like an impressionists painting when enlarged.

4/20/10 Pic Theme: the Baptism of the Cole

2010-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

If any of you viewing this happen to be friends from my WPL days then you will certainly understand why it has been close to 25 years since I stepped foot into a Lutheran Church. In all honesty I don't think I've even shot a Lutheran wedding in my time as a photographer. Hmmm.... anyway, this has nothing to do with Lutherans in general and in fact I am quite grateful for the religious education I received and happily say "Lutheran" when asked religious affiliation. That said, I'm sure 99% of the faculty of WPL would be SHOCKED at the amount of knowledge I've retained so many years later! I know for a fact that more than a few teachers had written myself and several of my misfit friends off as bad seeds before bothering to take the time to put us into some nurturing soil to see if we'd grow. Well grow we have and I'm also grateful to Facebook for bringing many of us back together...but I'm ranting off subject!

This past Sunday I was happy to join my girlfriend and much of her extended family in celebrating not only the confirmation of her nephew, but in his baptism as well. Cole is a great kid and I am glad I could be there. The church is comfortable and inviting. The large picture windows bringing the NJ countryside and all its beauty into the room create a perfect setting for worship. I love stained glass and religious paraphernalia, but for my money nothing man made can equal the simple beauty of birds flying in sunny, puffy cloud filled, blue skies over a forrest of trees... Oh, and I appreciate the pastor's amazing parallels between the book of Revelations and the Lord of the Rings! My girlfriend suggested that if he can tie in Lost we may be back ;)

So without further ado, here are a few pictures from Sunday's baptism of the Cole.

4/16/10 Pic Theme: Engagement pics...and a pet portrait :)

2010-04-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings all, happy day after tax day! It's a beautiful time of year and love is in the air. This was evident last weekend as I followed Jeff & Laura around Forbidden Drive in the northern parts of Fairmont Park.

Cute couple

Forbidden Dr. Fairmont Park

Under the covered bridge in Fairmont Park

Oscar has David Bowie eyes!

4.10.10 Pic theme: RAW out and about. Washington Crossing and Fairmont Park. Art Museum and Boathouse Row

2010-04-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air. Sunny skies, 70 degrees...what is this? San Diego?

(see you soon SD!)

These are a few random shots taken while out exploring. One from a recent hike with my girlfriend and two shot in Fairmont Park near the Art Museum while scouting portrait locations.

I know this image has been photographed 1,000 times, but doesn't this look really sharp?

Psst, don't tell anyone but these are metal sculptures.

So pretty.

4.6.10 Theme: Catching up. Boxing and Bar Mitzvah's and everything in between.

2010-04-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well well well, where does the time go? The warm sunny weather has come, Easter has passed, and baseball has begun. "Yeah, so where ya been Tom?" Well, I've been pretty busy as of late and thought I'd post a few pics from recent events.

Fight Night in Hamilton, NJ. (Hamilton Manor)

This guy brought the fight

For the most part that chandelier was a pain in my butt, but every now and then....

One of the big draws of the night, this guy was on "the Contender"

This guy beat "the contender"

This is what happens when you drop your hands

Day before Easter Wedding. (Philadelphia, PA)

Lovely

LOVE this shot!

Doug B getting some head shots done in Center City

(City Hall, Boat House Row, Art Museum)

Bar Mitzvah at Citizen's Bank Park

Last name Savage, first name is not Fred but it could be...

Biggest post yet, but a lot to share!

I want to thank everyone for allowing me to be a part of each of these events. I do my best to blend in and be the "fly on the wall" but make no mistake, I'm having as much fun as everyone else!

3.18.10 Pic theme: More phone camera pics!

2010-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

We got a lot of rain last week. A LOT! So much that we had to use this giant cauldron and a crane to get all the water out of the basement!

Ok, that's a lie. But it did rain a lot!

fishin'

3.15.10 Pic Theme: Clones

2010-03-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil

3.12.10 Pic post theme: Fun with photoshop

2010-03-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am slightly hesitant to put this out there, but I'm just vain enough to toss caution to the wind despite the obvious flaws. :)

Me, Myself, & I

3.11.10 Pic Theme: Cell Phone Photography

2010-03-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

As further evidence that I am always late to the party, I've just discovered an emerging trend in cell phone photography. Of course this has been going on for years, but how would I know? I couldn't tell you if my last phone even had a camera... anyway, it was by pure selfish folly after upgrading to a phone that could take a picture worth looking at that I thought,

"Hmmm, I wonder if anyone else is making cool photographs with their phone?"

The answer is yes. A thousand and thousand times yes! The movement has as many enthusiasts as my beloved toy camera and Lensbaby does. I can't say that I am jumping ship just yet, but let's face it. We all have our phones on us all the time and even though I try to never leave the house without my camera bag, there are times when my DSLR isn't within reach. Here are a few images of such instances.

Lou

Pond

Wall Shades

Broadway is Dirty

Leo

A Path Often Taken

On my wish list: Canon L series coffee thermos

2010-03-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

How do you say badass? I say it, "Canon L series Coffee Thermos"!

Canon had these gems made up for a special promo to hand out to Olympic press photographers.

I hope and pray they will release these to the general public... or at least loyal Canon users (hint hint). In the mean time I'll keep my eye on eBay and if any of you out there know where I can get my hands on one LET ME KNOW!

3.2.10 Pic post theme: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

2010-03-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

I spent a great day with my girlfriend and her nephews in Philadelphia this past Sunday.

The day started at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens and ended at Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse

for some delicious BBQ. I recommend everyone check out both places if you get the chance.

2.20.10 Pic Theme: More Snow!

2010-02-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

HOLY COW, how about these last few weeks?!!?

If you are on the east coast like me then you got a one, two, three punch of snow recently.

Here are a few more images captured while running around in the snow... ok, actually no running. More like trudging down River Drive and the Tow Path in the middle of the blizzard like an idiot! Of all the things I've ever wished for in my entire life these were shot on the day in which "Snow Shoes" first ever made their way into my top 5 things I wish I had!

My favorite

a close second for my favorite...

amen

Gothic graveyard

side door

tow path

more tow path

and more again

and another!

2.18.10 Pic Theme: Red, White, Black, and Blue.

2010-02-17T22:31:00.000-08:00

Well it's happened again! Days bleed into weeks and next thing you know I haven't posted in about a month. Lots going on folks and most of it revolves around the snow. Here are a few photos made during and after the recent storms.

In other news: I've also been working on my website and invite everyone to stop over and check it out.

Stay warm and enjoy the photos... oh, and I promise more will be uploaded soon!

1.28.10 Pic Post Theme: Icy goodness

2010-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how many times I heard, "So, you're escaping the snow!", when I told people I was going to Arizona for Christmas. Well folks, it snowed plenty! I've lived in some pretty cold places and visited even more, but I'm here to tell you I've never experienced anything quite as cold as the Grand Canyon in late December, but that's for another post. Here is a series shot while hiking in Prescott during the the trip.

Burrrrrrrrrrrr

1.21.10 Pic Post Theme: Dakota

2010-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

I meant to post more of this pet portrait session before the end of last year, but alas it slipped the mind.

Here are a few of the favorites from the day.

1.17.10 Pic Post Theme: Abstracts

2010-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Today I'm presenting a handful of my favorite abstract images. I am currently trying to pick 3 to hang at the NJN (New Jersey Network) studios in a month. Feel free to leave comments or email me and tell me your favorites!

1/14/10 Pic theme: Goldwater Lake in Prescott Arizona

2010-01-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

I think this is my favorite of the day

I have so many duck pictures I'm going to be known as the duck guy! I don't mind. They were my mom's favorite animal (next to cats) and I think of her every time I see one.

Happy New Year! Pic Post theme: Raspberries!

2010-01-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well I can't say enough about how disappointed I am in myself for starting the year off by not posting to my blog until the 12th! Inexcusable and shant happen again I assure you.

To kick this year off with a bang I am posting one of my favorite pictures from a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. While there I came across a small pack of mule dear featuring one 10 point buck and several doe. After shooting them repeatedly (photographically that is) this one doe had had enough and gave me the raspberries! I love it!

12.21.09 Pic theme: Cookies!

2009-12-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Cookies.

Possibly my favorite word in the entire English Language, and I would bet I'm not alone!

Well in case any of you were wondering where I was and why I hadn't posted all weekend it was because I was snowed in with my girlfriend watching her bake these amazing cookies.

Fresh out of the oven

Cooling

Iced and ready to eat.

12.16.09 Pic post theme: Old Buildings

2009-12-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

Scotch Rd. Barn

Valley Forge Cabin I

Valley Forge Cabin II

Valley Forge Cabin B&W

Valley Forge Utility Bldg.

New Jersey Barns

Bear Tavern Rd. Barn

Washington Crossing, PA.