allison, andrew and i hit central park last night for their engagement session. while they wanted to do the park, they didn’t want to do any of “the standard” places – which was great for me since i thrive on the mental buzz i get when i’m “in the zone” searching out the cool shots in a new location. this must be what it’s like when a soldier enters hostile territory – all your senses are heightened and you’re acutely aware of the hundreds of little details that your mind normally filters out all the time. except in my case, i’m shooting and no one is shooting back at me, of course – so, perhaps it’s nothing alike.
allison loves to laugh and likes the playful stuff.
andrew likes the more traditional stuff.
so we did a little something for everybody.
they’re getting married next year at Brooklake Country Club. we’ve been there a number of times and Joe Zingale who runs the place does such a great job making everything just so every time. really looking forward to working there again.
occasionally, i’ll get a note from a client that reminds me why i really do have a special job and one that does have a real impact on people in terms of cementing memories.
today i got a note from stephanie and phil letting me know that their dog Angus that we worked with together about 2 weeks ago (see our 7/14 blog entry), did indeed “give them one last lick and now has his wings”. the note went on to thank me for the ” forever memories” we created that day. man, if that doesn’t touch you hard. i’ve been there so i know what stephanie and phil are going through. i’m sorry guys. we fellow “dog people” understand.
i really do consider it an honor to be a part of immortalizing people’s memories and i’m really glad that i give people something that gives them comfort in times like these and will serve as a basis of reliving good times going forward.
thanks for the memories, angus. good dog.
ok, you have to indulge me sometimes.
i’m nuts about these guys.
besides, whenever i post pics of my kids online, i get major bonus points with my mom.
miles and cole on sunday after the central park zoo and too much ice cream.
btw, that blue izod shirt that cole is wearing… that’s vintage, baby. as in, i wore that thing 37 years ago. now both of my boys have worn it. only my mom could begin a clothing legacy…
after we post an event on Pictage, they send an email to our clients asking them for feedback and whether or not they’d recommend us to their friends. it’s great that for the 69 events we’ve received feedback from so far, 100% of those respondents said they would refer us to their friends. we must be doing something right…
but what’s even more rewarding, is when one of our clients takes the time to write a really nice and detailed recommendation on that forum.
several weeks ago we had the pleasure of working with Kara and Mark at Raphael Vineyards out on the north fork of Long Island. it was one of those days when everything was just beautiful – blue skys, cool temps, and being near the water and then at a beautiful vineyard with a stunningly handsome couple – it just becomes magical.
anyway, i thought i’d share what Kara and Mark wrote about us:
“We will admit that we are not easy to please and because of this, we spent a lot of time interviewing wedding photographers trying to find the one who would not disappoint us. Almost a full year of planning went into the wedding, and we wanted the day to be captured in every detail. We are delighted to say that Brian Dorsey Studios not only met our expectations but exceeded them. We knew from reviewing Brian’s portfolio of previous work that he was talented. It was very important to us that we hire a photographer that could capture the many priceless aspects of a wedding. After seeing our beautiful wedding pictures, we have no trouble adding the word artist to a list of accolades that we would use to describe Brian. The majority of the photos were taken when the subjects were unaware they were being photographed. He captured the entire feeling of the day. The end result was terrific facial expressions combined with beautiful composition making for gorgeous pictures. Brian and his team are so good at what they do; we didn’t even know they were there. They blended into the background but still recorded unbelievable photos of the entire wedding. Additionally, not only were the candid shots noteworthy, the formal shots were equally as good. Their instinct for getting the right shot at the right time is remarkable. We couldn’t have asked for more or be happier with the finished product. Each great shot must be earned by the photographer. From our first meeting, to the big day, the level of professionalism, artistry and enthusiasm Brian and his team brings to work is exactly what it takes to earn such fantastic results. Kara and Mark 7/20/06″
thanks guys. that means the world to us.
~bd
i love working at Angel Orensanz. talk about dramatic lights and color – this is about as dramatic as it gets. and the event planner – Thom Lussier of Cafiero-Lussier and his right hand – Kelly are always so on top of things they make the event just perfect. and Thom wins for having the coolest staff around. everyone looks like a movie star but treats you like you’re the movie star.
Jane and Mac are actors and so Angel Orensanz was the perfect theatrical setting for their wedding. and Jane’s fantastic dress and hat was the perfect counter to Mac’s family tartan (Mac’s a IV so there’s a lot of family tradition there).
this was one of the most fun weddings i’ve been to in a long time. there was so much great energy in the room the crowd danced up a storm right till the last dance. these people knew how to let loose and have a good time.
the band, Bernard Brim and the New York Players, (part of Starlight Orchestras) was probably one of the best wedding bands i’ve heard (and i’ve not only seen a lot of them, but i was a musician myself so i know a bit of what i speak.). man, talk about tight – this isn’t a group that comes together with some charts and makes it up as they go like so many big name bands do. these guys were tight – they knew it all – cold. and rocked the house so hard they had me grooving on the dance floor, camera in hand myself. loved ‘em.
maria is one of those people whose smile brightens not just a room, but a whole park.
Stephanie and Phil had their engagement session scheduled for a couple of weeks from now, but they gave me a call the other day asking if we could move it up. it turns out one of their two dogs, Angus, who has had cancer before has had a relapse and they wanted to move up our session to be sure that they could include him in it.
Angus was born on a Norwegian fishing boat and found a home with Stephanie about 8 years ago. he’s a mix of Chow, Bernese and Yellow Lab and he’s really cool. Emma, his “sister” joined him shortly thereafter. Emma is your typical Jack Russell who can’t sit still for 15 seconds and is happiest chasing down and stopping high speed projectiles.
there’s a certain family resemblence…
“wink wink”
Phil and Stephanie are themselves a lot of fun and really know how to have a good time. I love it when my clients aren’t ashamed to let the child within show itself.
there ain’t nothin’ like hanging out in a playground like Central Park’s Hippo Park on giant hippopotumi. after we were finished, we spotted the water fountain and well… I’m still a sucker for good clean fun in a sprinkler.
I love engagement sessions. We’ve got the freedom to experiment and try new things in new places. Today I had the opportunity to work with Adrien and Sergei – a great couple getting married up in Rhode Island at Blythwolde Mansion.
They live in the financial district and wanted to do their engagement session in that area so I headed down to Battery Park for some fun with them. 
They wanted to have some urban shots near where they lived so we headed east a few blocks to the heart of the financial district as well.
Down the hatch.
Strolling in the hood.
Can’t wait to join them in Rhode Island for the wedding!
