westportphotographer

Why I Take a Camera Everywhere I Go

I carry a camera with me almost everywhere,not because I’m always “working,” but because I’ve learned that the best moments rarely announce themselves.

Maple Row Farm Easton, Ct

The light shifts unexpectedly. A quiet interaction happens between people. A scene comes together for just a second and then disappears. Those are the moments that don’t wait for a scheduled shoot or a perfect setup. They happen in between.

Looking for the perfect tree.

Photography has trained me to pay attention. To slow down just enough to notice how light falls across a wall, how someone’s expression changes mid-conversation, or how a space feels when it’s lived in, not staged. Having a camera nearby means I’m ready when those moments show up.

Some of my favorite images were never planned. They came from being present—walking through a city, spending time with family, traveling for work, or simply stepping outside at the right time. When you carry a camera, you start seeing differently. You anticipate moments before they happen, and you learn to trust your instincts.

This mindset carries into my professional work as well. Whether I’m photographing a brand, a business, or a family, I’m always looking beyond the obvious. I’m watching for the real moments, the ones that feel natural, honest, and meaningful. Those are the images that last.

You never really know when a moment worth capturing will happen. That’s why I keep a camera close. Not to document everything—but to be ready for the moments that matter.

Corporate Photography Can Be More Than Conferences

When people think of corporate photography, they usually picture large conferences, investor days, and ballroom stages filled with presenters and bright lights. And while I photograph those events often, corporate work can also look a little different — and a lot more relaxed.

Wakeman Town Farm Westport, CT

A cozy kitchen/conference room for meetings.

Recently, I photographed a corporate meeting at Wakeman Town Farm in Westport. It’s a small community farm with a kitchen and conference space that blends rustic charm with modern functionality. The setting was perfect — fresh air, animals roaming nearby, and a casual environment that still had a sense of purpose and professionalism.

Years of shooting have made me become an invisible man. Capturing everything unobtrusively.

A mixture of really good lenses sparks creativity and captures the moments.

Photographing in a place like this is a reminder that corporate photography isn’t just about documenting business; it’s about capturing connection and collaboration — wherever that happens. A meeting around a farm table can be just as meaningful as a keynote on a big stage.

A beautiful setting for any event.

I use variable sized lenses to capture the feel of the day.

I am not afraid to get into the conversation.

Or get close to animals.

I enjoy storytelling with my camera.

Composition can be your friend.

What a transformation!

If your team is planning a retreat, meeting, or offsite, consider how the setting can help tell your story. And of course, I’d be happy to capture it.

Fall Drone

Autumn from Above 🍂🚁

This time of year is pure magic for flying drones. The foliage is at its absolute peak — vibrant reds, golds, and oranges painting every hillside and treetop. From above, it looks like nature’s own abstract masterpiece. But it’s fleeting — just a few days before the wind and rain pull the color away. If you’ve been thinking about capturing fall from the sky, now’s the moment. Get out there, take flight, and soak in the view while it lasts.

I was comissioned to photograph the Westport Senior Center.
This is for an annual report for a local business.

Video is a great media to use for websites, social media and promotions.

Photographing Manresa Island: A Rare Glimpse Into Its Future

This past week, I had a unique opportunity that combined two of my passions,photography and community. As a volunteer judge for the Stamford Camera Club, I was given the chance to spend a day photographing Manresa Island in Norwalk. For decades, this site has been off-limits to the public, but soon, it will be transformed into something extraordinary.

Anchored by the massive, decommissioned power plant that once defined its skyline, Manresa Island is on the verge of becoming Manresa Wilds—a publicly accessible park that will reconnect the community to the waterfront for the first time in nearly 75 years.

Plans for the park envision more than just open space. It will be a place where ecosystems are restored, people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature, and waterfront access will be abundant. From educational programming to year-round community events, Manresa Wilds promises to be both a sanctuary and a gathering place.

It was really dark inside and you really shouldn’t touch anything!

I used available light on all images. No tripod and no flash photography.

There were very interesting colors in all sorts of spots.

Lots of pipes and valves.

I found the command center which was totally surreal.

As a photographer, stepping onto Manresa Island felt like stepping into a world frozen in time. The hulking remains of the power plant stand in contrast to the surrounding natural beauty—a powerful reminder of both the island’s industrial past and its bright future. I was drawn to the textures: the rusting steel, crumbling concrete, and the way the late afternoon light wrapped around the plant’s silhouette.

Real live people!! Tours were taking place during our shoot.

Photographing Manresa Island wasn’t just about creating beautiful images; it was about witnessing a rare moment of transition. Soon, this once-industrial site will be reborn as a thriving natural and cultural space. My lens became a way to document not only what the island is now, but also what it will become—a place of reconnection, community, and discovery.

This was a really fun building to photograph.

self portrait.

The roof to

I left the island feeling grateful. Opportunities like this remind me why I love photography—it’s not just about pictures, it’s about storytelling. And Manresa Island has a story worth telling: from closed-off power plant to open, vibrant parkland that will welcome everyone.

It’s a love story… baby, she said yes! Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift engaged (plus my recent engagement sessions I’ve photographed)

It’s a love story… baby, she said yes! Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement got me thinking about all the incredible couples I’ve had the pleasure of photographing over the years. Engagement photos are such a special way to capture the excitement, love, and personality of a couple before their big day.

Evan and Annie photographed at Saugatuck Shores Westport.

Annie and Evan in front of the clubhouse.

Annie and Evan close up.

Nice rings!

One of the things I love most about engagement sessions is finding the perfect location. Sometimes it’s a chic, intimate setting like a beach club in Westport, where the light hits just right and there’s a relaxed, elegant vibe. Other times, a natural, airy beach scene in Fairfield provides the perfect backdrop for couples who love soft sand, gentle waves, and that feeling of freedom that only the ocean can give.

The surprise enagement is always so much fun to shoot.

Fairfield Beach

An apple orchard upstate Connecticut. I travel.

Every location tells a story. Whether it’s a sophisticated, private venue or the quiet charm of a coastline, the right setting helps couples feel themselves, which always makes for authentic, memorable photos. My goal is to create images that capture the story of each couple, their connection, and the moments that feel uniquely theirs.

I also love to have motion and emotion in my images.

A tractor ride to the main camp and the engagement party.

Fairfield Beach.

Apple Farm Connec

Engagement photos aren’t just pictures—they’re a keepsake of a moment in time, full of anticipation, love, and joy. And just like Taylor and Travis, saying “yes” is only the beginning of the story…

Photographing Commercial Spaces: Himalaya Sono in South Norwalk

Interior image of Himalayan Sono

Commercial photography is all about telling a visual story—and recently, I had the opportunity to do just that for Himalaya Sono, a new restaurant in the heart of South Norwalk, Connecticut.

Owned by Nawang, Himalaya Sono blends rich Himalayan heritage with modern, welcoming design. From the moment you step inside, you’re met with warm textures, ambient lighting, and a thoughtful layout that invites guests to relax and stay awhile. My job was to capture that feeling and translate it into images that reflect the brand’s personality and atmosphere.

When photographing commercial spaces, especially restaurants, I focus on a few key things:

  • Lighting: Showcasing how the space feels at different times of day—bright and airy for lunch, or moody and intimate for dinner.
  • Details: Highlighting materials, decor, seating arrangements, and brand elements that give the space its unique character.
  • Versatility: Providing the client with a mix of wide shots, vignettes, and social media-ready images for marketing use.

Nawang wanted to create a visual presence that matched the care he put into designing the restaurant—and that’s where professional photography makes a difference. Strong imagery helps businesses like his stand out online, draw in customers, and establish trust before anyone even walks through the door.

There is a stage where live music is played at selected times.

If you’re opening a new business or looking to refresh your visual content, I’d love to help you showcase your space in its best light.

📍 Himalaya Sono – South Norwalk, CT
📸 Photography by John Videler

Why Professional Photography Matters for Openings Like This

Short Pump, Virginia just got a little more delicious with the opening of Emmy Squared Pizza, and I had the pleasure of documenting their newest location with a full commercial photoshoot.

Image captured with my drone. It shows the neighborhood as well as the restaurant.

Interiors before the crowd.

From the moment I arrived, I knew this was more than just a restaurant launch—it was a thoughtfully crafted brand experience. Using a mix of drone photography, still images, and detailed interior shots, I set out to tell the story of Emmy Squared’s arrival in Short Pump from the ground (and air) up.

The first 25 customers get free pizza for a year!

The lucky winners.

If you’re opening a new location or rolling out a brand refresh, don’t underestimate the value of capturing the moment professionally. These aren’t just pictures—they’re your brand’s visual handshake with the world.

We highlighted everything from their signature Detroit-style pies and inviting ambiance to the thoughtful design touches that make each Emmy Squared location unique. With drone photography, we captured the surrounding area and the buzz around the opening from above. On the ground, we focused on crisp, high-resolution images that showcase the textures, colors, and style that define their brand.

When launching a new location, your first impression is everything. Strong visual storytelling can make all the difference—especially in today’s digital-first marketing world. As a commercial photographer, my goal is not just to take beautiful photos, but to create images that work hard for your brand—images that stop the scroll, tell your story, and get people excited to visit. Whether it’s for press coverage, social media, or your website, having a professional set of opening images gives you a polished, consistent look that builds credibility and draws people in.

School of Rock provided the music.

Mix of drone and photography are a good match.

The Beauty of an Early Morning Photo Walk (Even at 4 Degrees)

The world looks different in the early morning. The streets are quieter, the air is crisp, and the light has a softness that disappears as the day unfolds. Even when the temperature hovers at a brisk 4 degrees, there’s something magical about stepping outside with a camera, embracing the cold, and seeing the world before most people are awake.

I lost feeling in my fingers in the first 20 minutes.

Shooting with an old Fujifilm xt-1 is always fun.

Providence is a great walk, there are visula treasures everywhere.

Photographers chase good light, and few times of day offer a more delicate glow than the moments just before and after sunrise. The sun rises slowly, painting the sky in pastels, and frost clings to surfaces, transforming ordinary streets and landscapes into something ethereal. The golden hour may be famous, but the blue hour—those final moments before dawn—can be just as breathtaking.

What a nice design for a place to sit.

There’s a peace to walking with a camera when the city hasn’t yet woken up. The usual hum of traffic is subdued, footsteps are rare, and the only sound might be the soft crunch of frost underfoot. It’s a time for solitude, for noticing details that get lost in the rush of the day—mist rising from a quiet river, the way streetlights glow against a frozen sidewalk, the first hints of sunlight kissing the tops of buildings.

So glad I didn’t miss this work of art!

Walking outside at 4 degrees may sound like an endurance test, but the chill becomes part of the experience. Bundled in layers, with breath turning to vapor in the air, you become hyper-aware of your surroundings. Your fingers might tingle, your boots might leave deep impressions in the frost, but these small discomforts are reminders that you are present, alive, and fully engaged with the world around you.

I really enjoy shooting architecture.

So, the next time you hesitate at the thought of an early morning photo walk, remember: the best images often come when the rest of the world is still asleep. Even at 4 degrees, the beauty is there—you just have to step outside and find it.

Why Professional Photography is Essential for Modern Businesses

When it comes to corporate events, conferences are among the most dynamic, multifaceted, and rewarding experiences to photograph. This past week, I had the privilege of traveling to Orlando to document a three-day conference, capturing its essence through still photography, video, and drone work. From vibrant keynote speeches to lively evening gatherings, my goal was to tell a story—one that showcased the energy, connection, and scale of the event.

Like everything I photograph, I always want to be telling a story.

The Power of Visual Storytelling at Conferences

Conferences bring people together for learning, networking, and inspiration. As a photographer, my role is to preserve these moments and create visuals that evoke the spirit of the event long after it ends. In Orlando, this meant being everywhere at once: documenting speakers delivering impactful presentations, attendees engaging in workshops, and evening celebrations brimming with camaraderie.

One highlight was using drone photography and time-lapse video to emphasize the scale of the conference. These tools added depth to the story—whether showcasing attendees filling a massive hall or capturing transitions from bustling day activities to illuminated nighttime festivities. The result? A visual narrative that was as dynamic as the event itself.

A moment of calm.

Here is a brief time lapse video.

Morgan Brennan from CNBC was there doing interviews.

Michael Saylor being interviewed.

In today’s competitive landscape, the way you present your business matters more than ever. High-quality event photography not only preserves the memories of the day but also serves as a valuable tool for:

Client and Employee Engagement: Celebrate your team’s achievements and build connections by sharing professional, vibrant photos.

Marketing and Promotion: Use compelling images to promote future events, highlight key moments, and engage your audience on social media.

Brand Storytelling: Showcase your company’s personality and values through authentic, behind-the-scenes captures.

“The Super Bowl
of consumer conferences”

Jim Cramer
CNBC

Night events each evening.

A nice mix of business and pleasure.

Long exposures to show motion.

Corporate events are a unique opportunity to showcase your company’s culture, achievements, and vision. I specialize in capturing these moments with creativity and expertise, ensuring your event’s energy and professionalism are reflected in every image.

If you’re planning a corporate event, let’s connect to discuss how I can help make it unforgettable through exceptional imagery. Together, we can create a collection of photos that highlights the best of your event while serving as a powerful tool for your company’s growth and success.

More long exposures.

Drone image I took of The JW Marriott Orlando.

Photographing Basketball for the First Time: Lessons Learned and Tips for Better Shots

As photographers, it’s easy to get comfortable with the subjects and settings we know best. But stepping out of our comfort zone and capturing something completely new can make all the difference in improving our craft. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a basketball game for the first time, and it turned out to be a valuable learning experience that deepened my understanding of how to handle different shooting scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, venturing into unfamiliar territory forces you to think on your feet and adapt to the unique challenges each subject presents.

Driving with stop action with the Canon R8. the focus is amazing.

Basketballs athletic moves are amazing to catch.

Playing hoops myself gives me an idea where the ball was going and where the action is.

D

Photographing basketball for the first time was an eye-opening experience. I learned about the importance of proper settings, strategic positioning, and adaptability—all of which will help me become a more versatile and skilled photographer. Whether you’re shooting sports, events, or anything else, the key takeaway is to embrace new challenges and push yourself to experiment in unfamiliar scenarios. In the end, it will only help you become a better photographer and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of capturing moments in any environment.

So, if you get the chance to photograph something outside of your usual realm, don’t hesitate. Take it as an opportunity to learn and grow, and you might just surprise yourself with how much you can improve your craft.