branding photography

Color Run Fundraiser

Capturing the Spirit of Community: How I Use My Camera to Tell Stories About People

Photography, at its core, is about connection. Through my lens, I strive to capture not just images, but the essence of people—their stories, emotions, and the moments that define them. Recently, I was approached by Megan Rutstein of Westport Moms, who invited me to photograph a special community event: a color run at the SES track to raise funds for Parker’s Cure, a cause close to her heart.

The Power of Community Events

Community events like this color run are powerful storytelling opportunities. They bring people together, not just for a common cause, but also to celebrate life, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together. The event, organized to support Megan’s Niece with a rare genetic syndrome, is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a vivid expression of hope, love, and unity.

Capturing the Energy and Emotion

Events like a color run are visually vibrant and emotionally rich. The explosion of colors, the joy on participants’ faces, and the collective energy of the crowd offer endless storytelling possibilities. My goal for this shoot is to capture these dynamic moments in a way that not only documents the event but also tells the deeper story behind it.

Elevating the Story with Drone Photography

In addition to traditional photography, I see an opportunity to enhance this story with drone photography. The aerial perspective can capture the full scope of the event, showcasing the scale of participation and the beautiful chaos of colors from above. These shots will add a unique dimension to the narrative, offering a view that connects the individual experiences into a collective celebration.

Thank god for a long battery life on the drone. I basically had it floating for a half hour and would capture my handheld photography and then switch to the drone for some

The Importance of Telling This Story

Telling stories through photography, especially in a community setting, is about more than just creating beautiful images. It’s about honoring the people involved, raising awareness for important causes, and contributing to the shared memory of a community. In this case, photographing the color run is a way to support Parker’s Cure, amplify the message, and help bring attention to a cause that matters.

Sharing the Story

Once the event is over and the images are processed, they will be shared not just as documentation but as a visual narrative that can be featured in magazines and other media outlets. The photos will be used to promote the cause, celebrate the community’s involvement, and ensure that the story of Parker and the support she receives continues to resonate with others.

Rinse off always makes great pictures.

Why I’m Excited to Capture This Event

I’m always eager to take on projects that allow me to use my photography to make a difference. This event is not just a big ask; it’s a big opportunity to tell a meaningful story. I’m honored to be considered for this and look forward to the possibility of capturing the spirit, energy, and emotion of this special day.

Commercial Restaurant Photoshoot

As an experienced photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing numerous moments and scenes, each unique in its own right. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct a photoshoot at Emmy Squared Pizza in Westport. This wasn’t just any location—it was a restaurant housed in a beautifully repurposed old fire station, complete with a rustic charm that instantly drew me in.

Emmy Squared Pizza

I remember this being an old fire station.

The stylist working on the food layout.

As a family, we recently had dinner here and it was so good!

The bar area is so cozy and the bartenders are really nice.

From the moment I stepped into Emmy Squared, I knew this shoot was going to be special. The restaurant’s rustic look, characterized by its exposed brick walls and large, airy windows, created an inviting and warm atmosphere. These elements provided the perfect backdrop for the photos, making the space not just a place to eat but an experience to be remembered.

Funny. I was in Miami on vacation and I saw a magazine with the layout from Emmy Squared that I had shot and I am like “this looks familiar” and when I looked closer, I realized it was from our shoot.

We spent the day arranging and photographing various dishes, capturing the mouth-watering appeal of their famous pizzas and other delectable offerings.

As a photographer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than working with others to create photographs that truly represent a company’s identity and charm. I look forward to many more such experiences, where passion and creativity come together to produce something truly special.

As I reviewed the photos at the end of the day, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Each image was a testament to the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded of how much I love what I do

A Wedding Shower

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding shower at Gray Barns in Silvermine, a venue that perfectly blends rustic charm with elegant sophistication. As a photographer, I strive to use my camera to tell a story, capturing the laughter, the intimate moments, and the details that make each event unique. At this shower, the soft natural light streaming through the windows, the joyful expressions of friends and family, and the meticulously arranged decorations all came together to create a tapestry of love and celebration. Through my lens, I aimed to preserve these precious memories, creating a visual narrative that the couple and their loved ones can cherish forever.

I love capturing the details of the event.

Flower arangements were made by the guests and then they could take them home as a gift. Brilliant.

Capturing the feel of the day.

Lots of flowers to arrange.

Story telling with my camera.

Group shot.

Inside Gray Barns.

Candids are always shot unobtrusively.

But sometimes you will mix in a pose.

I like being invited to a fun day.

A Baby Shower

Capturing events through photography allows you to freeze moments in time and share stories in a unique and powerful way. There’s something magical about the process of preparation, anticipation, and then the thrill of capturing those special moments as they unfold.

My first shot was an image that shows what the weather was like. It also gives the viewer an idea of what the neighborhood looks like.

The beginning.

I really enjoy showing what I always called ” My Martha Stewart Shots”. These are the images taken before people start messing up the decor.

Revel with dinner thyme was the caterer for this baby shower. I do like to take images of people at work, I feel it is a very important part of the day.

I like to shoot very shallow depth of field on these so the eye will focus in the foreground. This is my 50mm 1.8 lens, I love it. Shot with the Canon R8.

Mix vertical with horizontal shots. Keep telling a story.

Veggies and candy with the photo of the expected mama in the background.

Veggies never looked so good.

Expressions.

High School Sports Portraits

I really enjoy photographing portraits. The sports portraits are a lot of fun because the kids are so much fun to work with. They have a lot of energy and really want to have a good time. I have a good time with all my portraits because they look for me to make them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the lens.

Must have. Team portrait. 2024 Staples Softball.

The light on these is a single lamp with an Octobox for softer light.

I love matching the sky so you can see the color and the clouds.

The Staples 2024 Volleyball squad.

Godox Octobox as my main light source, but now I also have a “kick” light behind them for some added drama and it brings out the net for an interesting backdrop.

Holy Confirmation Photography

Photographing religious ceremonies like confirmations can be both a privilege and a responsibility, as you’re tasked with preserving important memories for those involved. It is a special experience to witness such a significant event and to document it for posterity.

I use a Godox collapsable Octobox to get a real nice soft lit subject. I like the affordability of the Godox product and it is very reliable too.

These kids are so fun to photograph. I have to calm them a little by telling my bad jokes, but it loosens them up for the portrait. They will soon meet the bishop who will then anoint them at the altar.

Confirmation is a Sacrament in the Catholic Church in which the one who is confirmed (confirmandi) receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hand and anointing with oils by the bishop. It’s considered a sacrament of initiation which means that it brings you deeper into communion with the Church.

Model Shoot

I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with my close friend Brian Sullivan on a special project. Photographing the next Victoria’s Secret model against the backdrop of the building he’s working on added an extra layer of creativity and challenge to the shoot. I enjoyed the experience, and having a beautiful and cooperative model likely contributed to the success of the project. Collaborating with friends on creative ventures can make the process even more enjoyable.

one main light.

A little fun with some plywood.

Weather worked out great.

Workers got involved, I loved it.

why not?

Rhone Store Opening

Nothing helps you promote your business more than having a photographer capturing your grand opening. These events are very important to showcase and to use the images for marketing and promotion. Rhone opened a storefront in Westport and I was there to capture the days events. Pop up bagels, Bar Taco and Two Roads Brewery were only a few businesses to help with the opening. By the end of the day it turned into a “block” party, with lots of happy customers.

Get the scissors out!! We have a ribbon cutting ceremony!

Candids include meeting with the First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Sales were brisk and this is one way to capture them.

People of all ages were welcome.

Pop Up Bagels, so good.

It really felt like a block party.

Main Street happenings.

Meanwhile inside….

Mens active where looks good.

Brothers working together.

They also had an cold plunge baths which made for great expressions.

Hilarious, I wouldn’t do it, way too cold for me.

Brotherly love.

Photographing a fashion show

I was very happy to photograph a fashion show at Christian Ciriano’s Westport store. The show was produced to raise money for Pink aid which raises money for families battling breast cancer. I met a few photographers their who were shooting for various media companies, they were very fun to talk to. And a big surprise for me was Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie Perez were in the audience. I sat next to Rosie at a premier of a Dustin Hoffman’s film, but she did not remember me.

I caught Whoopi’s eye. (with Rosie Perez).

DJ April Larken was amazing! She kept the party running.

I love the beginning of a shoot, people greeting each other is so much fun.

The ‘grab” shots are always my favorites.

Fashion Royalty.

Ready to roll.

Whats a party without these ladies? ( Sholeh Janati ).

Christian Ciriano.

50th Westport Fine Arts Festival

I photographed the 50th anniversary Westport Fine Arts Festival and what a great turnout it was. I enjoy shooting candids but I also like to fly my drone to show how many people were at the festival. Westport’s Miggs Burroughs was there and he was working with Jana Iriejo on an installation piece about Blue Whales and how they are becoming extinct.

Dogs were allowed but watch-out, the pavement is very very hot.

Jana working with Miggs.

The mural was to stay until the rain washes it away……

The welcoming crew.

Observing aRT.

Have you seen this guy around? He is everywhere!

So many great works of art.

Great crowds too!

Westport’s artist, Miggs Burroughs.

A little video recap.