A day in the Orchard


The phone rang last Saturday evening from a guy in Brooklyn inquiring if I covered proposals & engagement sessions? Maurice was planning to propose the very next day in an apple orchard  upstate NY - he asked if I could preposition myself out in the orchard & capture him & his girlfriend walking down through the orchard? I told Maurice, after thinking quickly about the logistical aspects, I'm all for the session.... but I was left with more questions than answers.... what was the connection to upstate & an orchard? He explained that his girlfriend (Victoria) opened a bottle of Snapple and under the top it explained that in Greek mythology - when a man tosses an apple to a woman & she catches the apple - that is a marriage proposal.... So, Maurice & I worked out the what time & where I would be waiting for them....



I stood in the orchard realizing how big it was, but since the parking area was up on a hill and I'd probably be the only guy with a camera with a big long lens - I'm  thinking he should be able to find me.... everything went like watching a movie, the sun warming the fields, the sweet smell of the apples - it was really kind of surreal - very romantic - I give Maurice credit - it's a day that they will never forget - neither will I....





Fall Maternity Session Part II


This past Sunday afternoon's maternity session with Elijah, Jade and their beautiful baby Gabriel - aka "The Captain" was a great way to spend the afternoon. We started the session indoors with some natural soft light - soft focus images, then after working through all of the pre-discussed capture ideas, we went to the local park for a bit of color and outdoor lighting....



There are still more images to process, more quiet moments and the "Captain" was as much of a pleasure to work with as are his parents!  I had a blast relaxing into a mellow session and hanging with some very cool kids.....

Tips For Brides to be...

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important vendor choices that you will make as you prepare for your wedding day. As with everything else in the world there are so many choices to consider when getting the right photographer, but the bottom line is, the photographer you do choose will be the one that will capture your memories... or maybe not?

Tip #1 - Choose your photographer by his/her photography style. If you have interviewed a few already, or have attended any bridal show events - you will notice that 1-2 photographer's work does not fit the typical cookie cutter visual style of what we think wedding photography should be. All of my clients tell me that the reason that they hire me - is "Style" - photography is painting with light - good photography will look as different and creative as the photographers themselves.


  Rich,
    We could not thank you enough for the beautiful pictures you took on our special day. You captured every essence of what was important to us on our wedding day. The venue and weather on our day was perfect, but it still took great skill to capture and convey the atmosphere and events, which you did perfectly. You made us and our guests feel very relaxed and open to having our pictures taken.  The results were more than we ever could have hoped for.
    When we got back home from New York, we were amazed at how fast you had all the pictures uploaded to your website. It took us hours (because there were plenty of photos) to look through them and we were reliving our wedding.  Our friends and family were also impressed with the work you have done.
    Once again, great job and many thanks!
Shane and Sandy Seeley 
September 4, 2009


Tip#2 - Choose with you eyes, not your budget.... the couples that end up with great images from their special day - put their wallets aside when making the decision of whom they will hire to capture all of there special moments.... not to say that the photography coverage will break the bank - just find the photographer that their work speaks to you - then try to come close to your budget for the amount of coverage & product(s) that you need.


Hi Rich,
We are back from Mexico!!!!!
Thank you so much for a great wedding!!!   You were a great photographer and we were so happy with everything that you did for us!!!!   We had the best wedding and the greatest time!!!!!!
We have been checking the website (so has the rest of the family & friends)!   The pictures are amazing!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Mary




















** More tips to come in the days ahead.....

More for the Brides...

Tip #3 The timeline... every couple should try to put pen to paper when it come to the day's timeline of events, not only is it needed for organization, but when it comes to photography - the timeline is key. With every wedding that I cover - I meet with the couple at the location(s) for their upcoming event - actually doing a walk through defining what will take place where & when. This is another way to make sure that there's enough time allotted to formals &  the portraiture session for the Bride & Groom. Many times this also aids the couple with determining the amount of coverage that they need to tell the story of their wedding....


Rich,
The photos are so beautiful!!! I can't wait to see them all. I see alot that we like. I will talk to you about the coffee table books b/c 2 of them will be different b/c they are to my side and Joe's side. I have been getting rave reviews as well and everyone loved you.

Katrina & Joe 



Tip #4 
Questions to photographers, is as known as location to Realitors - asking the right questions will make the difference between having the photographer that you wrote the check to, be the person showing up on the day of your wedding to provide the coverage. Also, don't be afraid to ask for references... references can remove a lot of doubt about one's business practice, but you as the consumer have to do your homework. Here are a sample of just a few... Do you use an assistant? Do you post edit all of the images yourself? Is there an extra cost for color corrections and color conversions? How long until our images will be posted for proofing? When I meet with each client, I go over a list of questions that I think most couples should know the answers to even if they didn't ask - this relieves any further stress from the couple so they can rest assured that I'm fully working for them when they aquire my services.




Thanks for working with us once again.
And for capturing our most sacred & special times in our lives
in such a beautiful way.
It means so much. For me, as an artist, it is as though
its a visual account of time, 
you as the photographer have stolen these
moments and frozen them for us & preserved them,
and they can exist forever.
 Rich, its a beautiful thing to do with your life!
I hope Elijah and I will one day be fortunate enough to work
in a creative field that is both meaningful and rewarding.
I have faith that we'll find that someday.
I just always get choked up looking at the photo shoots
you have done for us.
Thanks once again. Talk to you soon!
Love,    

Jade,  Elijah  & Gabriel 

The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY - Shane & Sandy


In from Las Vegas, Shane & Sandy were married at the Grandview  in Poughkeepsie, NY - the day started out warm & sunny with the Hudson River in the background - it was an beautiful day. Under the tent was perfect for this event - I thougherly enjoyed capturing this day for them. The colors, joy & laughfter ran well into the night...



 

 

 

Starting November 1st




Starting November 1st - book any wedding package during the month of November & receive $150 off your wedding package... be sure to visit www.richstecher.com - click on "Wedding Details - Pricing Coverage" for a listing of all photography coverage.

Dutchess Manor - Brian & Dawn


Some images from the pre-ceremony preparations...


 
Rain threaten but did not dampen the mood - the ceremony went off without a drop...



Facebook

Be sure to stop by & visit my business page on Facebook - just search Rich Stecher Photography...

Music Video Released


Look Here...Small Dog ~ Small Paws releases new music video for the band of Dario & The Clear titled "Selling Fear" click the link - watch the video - buy the song from the video at itunes.
You can also see the video here....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlo_v-NeTKY



http://www.rjsimages.com/Selling-Fear/Selling-Fear-Video/7726765_VCtbT#502126943_VFD99

Check out this Band...




If you get a chance, get out to see this band - they are original with a cool mid-western vibe...
Here are some places & dates that you can see them.....


Performing Schedule

Don't Forget Your Pet



All of our pets are part of our families.... don't forget to have their portrait done as well - give me a call to schedule a sitting for them as well....

Charles & Bianca


Congratulations to Charles & Bianca on their upcoming June Wedding ... it should be spectacular... I spent Saturday afternoon with them checking out the grounds of the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. We had a nice relaxing photo session, while going over plans of the big day. View more imagess from the session at www.rjsimages.com

Metallic Prints














Now available, Metallic Prints via the www.rjsimages.com site - they are truly jaw dropping!

This is Stacey, now living in Las Vegas.....











Behind the Scenes of Video Production



On Location...

Beautiful Displays.....
I was joined on this project by Lynn Segarra from www.dreamspiritvideopro.com -
Above are some of the behind the scenes from the filming sessions & some awesome creations by Gayle...

Please Eat The Daisies - DVD Release


I am very pleased to announce that one of our clients has just released her first instructional DVD titled "Flowers From Your Fridge" - Chef, Gayle Shankman makes her art form available for everyone to learn via her step-by-step instructional video. From fruit baskets to Rose Beets, she truly shows you the magic of her culinary artistry. Check out Gayle's web-site at www.pleaseeatthedaisies.com - also contact her in order to secure your copy today... she has 2 hours of instructions waiting for you, so you can create a stunning displays for your dinner table, party or BBQ!

Video Update


The new video from Dario & The Clear - "Selling Fear" a Small Dog ~ Small Paws Production, is hoping to have the video available for download on itunes very soon...... stay tuned...

Upcoming Video Release



We have just finished a Music Video production for the band Dario & The Clear... pending release notes, dates & shows to be announced shortly, so - be sure to check back...

Back on Track

It has been a while since updating this blog - I will do my best to make sure it is as current as possible.