Relay For Life 2009

This years New Milford Relay For Life, hosted by the American Cancer Society was held at Sarah Noble Intermediate School.  The Relay for life is an all night relay to fight raise money for cancer research.  The object is to get teams together and ask for donations and raise funds,  then day of your team comes up with something to do or sell to raise money at the actual Relay event.  One member from every team is supposed to walk the track all night, thus the name RELAY, as they say Cancer Never Sleeps!  It’s a great fund raiser, and a great night for the local community to get together and join forces for something important.  The event opens each year with the Survivor Lap which always brings tears to many an eye, both for our friends who are still fighting and for those who have gone.   During the course of the evening they keep it interesting with different laps such as backwards laps, crazy hat hour, the bubble wrap lap; where everyone walked around with a piece of bubble wrap and popped it as they walked the track (our personal favorite this year .  While walking around, there is lots of stuff to look at, other teams decorations, stuff for sale, games to play, food, drinks and all of the money goes to the ACS.  This year I was working a wedding with my friend Anthony Decarlo so the ladies stepped up and ran the show for me the pictures below were taken by Nicole and Cate, I got to relay myself that night after the wedding at about 11:30 and stayed until 3:30 am walking and doing my part.  Nicole was our camper this year along with our friend Keena who braved the overnight/early am shift you go girls…. how was the bubble wrap bed?? lol

Val – many of you will recognize her from the New Milford Sports Club – sayin a little something about her experience.

My Munchkins with Cate and Joey taking it all in =)

My giirl Karen Karen her thoughts, she was glad to be well enough to stay and walk with us this year was a pleasure to share some laps with you girl!

Keena and her Mommy =)

The Toopers… Cindy.. nice hat girl!

Just goes to show.. Cancer does not discriminate it effects ALL ages, races, etc…

This is Aurora Photography’s second year taking on the team name Shelley’s Super Stars in honor of one of our close friends mother who had a long battle with cance.  Shelly was an amazing asset to the New Milford Relay and to say she is greatly missed would simply be an understatement, we are proud to carry on the name and hope to someday measure up to her great success with the New Milford Relay, in her years as a chairperson and board member the Relay here in New Milford raised more money than it had before, or has since.

This year we decided to raise funds by  having a photobooth.  We brought dress up clothes and a few lighting accessories.  It was $5 to dress up and have fun with it and you received a 4×6 print with the 4 best images on it.  It wasn’t too much of a hit this year, but we had fun doing it, and hope that it will continue to catch on!  We also raised funds this year by  donating a portion of the proceeds from the Teddy Bear Festival  back in June, to the ACS.

I think the Relay for Life is something everyone should do, almost everyone I know has either been directly affected by  cancer, or knows someone who has.  It’s a great way to raise money and get the community together. This years committee should be commended they did an excellent job getting the word out and in general the overall vibe this year was better than in the past, I was pleased to see more walkers over night and more people camping out over night than in my previous two years. I was  a little disappointed at how few people participated this year, the greater the participation the greater our reach is,  I hope for a better turn out each year, and next year is no exception so come on out and join us every dollar counts!

Images from Relay are available on the website at an “event special price” and all proceeds from the event image purchases will be donated to the American Cancer Society.  Contact us at news@aurora-photography.net for the password and details!

Can you believe this sky… a New Milford Relay without RAIN???  AMAZING!!

La La’s Second baby bump…

Many of you will probably recognize my girlfriend Laura, as her first baby bump has been all over my website and her now 2 year old daughter is one of our favorite subjects here at the ole Aurora Photography.  As Laura tells me she is already feeling like a whale.. I think it was a whale, she was dreading her belly session and tried to talk me into doing it at like 20 weeks ha ha ha… you’re funny LA…  Anyway to keep it simple and easy we decided to take the children with us to the beach and just get some shots of the baby bump while we were there… I’ll probably expose m’dear Laura’s belly one more time before her baby boy makes his way into the world but this session was so different from what we did with Kiera’s baby bump it was a lot of fun.. and in some ways VERY LA!.. (secretly she’s a diva and she loves all the attention… or maybe not so secretly)

La. Thank you for always being one of my most lovely models who will do whatever I ask you to even if you do make bodily threats toward me while you comply.  Love you girl can’t wait for baby #2 to get here!

Christian Major

Wednesday I said goodbye to a friend, a little boy who used to live across the street from me when I was little.  As a child he aggravated me, you know the yank your pigtails, pick an argument with you just to get you going so he could smile once you were wound up type…  He and I were both stubborn and intent on getting our own way… I think he liked to tease me so much because he really enjoyed someone who would fight back…

Well as circumstances would have it in the interest of helping others we got to know one another again as adults over the last 6 months or so courtesy of Facebook (don’t hate…)  Christian had grown into a grown up man who was witty and articulate, and still liked to get the girls all riled up =)  Underneath all the bravado and funny stories, he had also grown into a kind and caring person who gave selflessly to others.

Christian served our country both as a Navy Seal and then later in the Army.  I understand from his peers, that he was also very good with the orphan children in Afghanistan where he was living and working when he passed away. He was a real hero, the bona fide real deal, fluent in several languages,he served our country proudly and more than that he was a real and true friend to his friends.  I have learned so many more of his skills and accomplishments, and read account after account of the lives he has touched, since his passing… 

Funny the little boy who lived across the street would have bragged all about his accomplishments and accolades,  but the man he grew to be was humble and generous.  He rarely spoke to me of his accomplishments, he was more interested in sharing stories that would make you smile.

Wednesday I attended his funeral, at 31 years old, he passed away in his sleep in Kabul. I have taken a handful of photographs from his services to share with those who could not attend, you see Christian was well loved all over the globe.  I didn’t shoot that much that day as it was difficult to do so, much of the time my eyes were streaked with tears, it was a moving service, a great eulogy given by his brother, about who Christian really was, and an incredibly tear filled and beautiful burial service. I placed two white roses on his casket, one for me, and one for all of you that could not attend.

Christian,

I am so proud of you, and the man that you became.  I had so many laughs with you this year.  You have such a kind heart, andI wish we’d had that beer while you were home, but I’ll have one for you and I know in spirit you’ll be enjoying it with me!  I hope you are at peace and that you know how much you mattered to everyone down here, I hope that the example you set is followed by many.

Give of yourselves, even in the smallest ways you have no idea how much it means to others.  

Be Charitable, it’s good for the soul.

And Pay it Forward, if someone does something kind for you be sure to say thank you and then pass it on, in these ways we can honor his memory and make the world a better place.

PLEASE VIEW THE SLIDESHOW BY CLICKING HERE

 

His Father and Mother being presented with his flags.

One last goodbye for mom.

The weather that day was so all over the place and incredible sun shining and dry when we needed it to be and pouring when we didn’t,

I had to grab this shot of the sky on my way home, I kinda felt like it was special.

90’s Love =)

Ok you guys are in for a real treat because these two were smoooookin hot, quite honestly we had a really difficult time narrowing down their images because we totally loved a TON of them… So, here’s a little back story for you… these two met back in the 90’s when they were but entering their teenage years, and right away Jian knew he wanted to date Christine. She on the other hand did not think so… lol so he kept at it and didn’t give up, and eventually she agreed to go out with him. As you will see she’s sure glad he was persistant. You have to give it up to someone who knows exactly what they want and isn’t afraid to go for it! Years later they are still together and even tying the knot!  This was the first time that Cate came with me as my only second, her second session out since making the switch to digital, and you tell me ladies and gentlemen but I think she knocked it out of the park GO CATE!!

 Jian and Christine to say we are excited about the wedding would be an understatement we had an AMAZING day with the two of you and can’t wait for the big day! See you in July! I hope you enjoy the song we picked for you two this was all about the lyrics so pay attention =P

 

 

DONT FORGET TO CLICK HERE SO YOU CAN SEE THE SLIDESHOW CAUSE IT FREAKING TOTALLY ROCKS!!!

 

Love…. it’s not a cookie cutter kinda thing =)

Ok so… where to start…

I met Megan last summer when I was shooting some  TTDish bridals for one of  last year’s favorite couples Rob and Denise… (the bride and groom from our very popular STATUES shot)  I went to meet Denise at the Bridal Shop where she was getting her dress… OMG that dress… I still salivate thinking about it =)… anyway as it turns out the shop owner was this totally adoreable and sweet girl who was as jazzed as I am about networking and doing cool stuff with her business… and so it began. 

Meg and I hit it off right away but I had no idea how much time we would be spending together in the coming months, although I have to confess I’m not complaining at all we should all have such nice people for friends and colleagues. Now Megan did mention in our first meeting that she was planning her wedding, but we didn’t really discuss her wedding we were too busy off and running with ideas for our two businesses to work together.  Sometime  along the way she did ask me about her own wedding, but was worried about getting Steve’s blessing… you see these two crazy kids met at Art School and so of course they have many friends who are also quite capable photographers, and so he was going to be quite particular about who they decided to hire.  So Meg and I continued to plan our latest and greatest business ventures, and figured sooner or later I’d get to meet Steve and we’d see what happened from there.

Skip ahead to January and the Bridal Fair at the Aqua Turf, my girls were modeling for Meg and I was shooting the event, and well, guess who came along to support and help his bride to be… that’s right it was STEVE… so not what I had expected him to look like… I’m not really sure why but Meg is this tiny little thing who is just the sweetest little thing so all this time I’d been picturing her husband to be as this preppy guy… BOY WAS I OFF!  And Steve, for the record me and the girls were all thrilled to see you even that day, and we were already whispering to one another.. ohhh he is CUTE, and getting  a little giddy about the idea of shooting your wedding.  I guess I must have done something right because after meeting me Steve was on board with us being their wedding photographers and it was official!

So that was January, Meg and I have of course been in the throws of the season, and a little bit of harassment was required to get a date set for their Engagement Session ;P but, as it turns out it was totally perfect because while it was a bit chilly last sunday we really lucked out and landed at all the right places.

So now that you know a little bit about how I got to know Meg and Steve, I’ll tell you a little bit about our day and thier story… you see all this time Meg and I have been working with one another we have so much else to discuss it occured to me while we were doing their session, that I didn’t ACTUALLY know the story of how they ended up together…  So a little embarassed but with a gleam of mischeif in her eye Meg proceeded to tell me their story.

 Meg and Steve had been friends for quite some time while attending  Pratt Institute, and apparently Meg had been thinking that maybe they should be more than friends for a while, but Steve wasn’t really picking up on that  vibe.  So one day our fiesty little Meg decides she’s going to call him up and invite him to come over… like NOW. So when he did Meg laid on him that well… she’d been thinking about it and thought maybe they should kiss…. guess what… they did!!!  Now there were some twists and turns in the story before these to actually ended up dating, butt… that is how it all began, not exactly your cookie cutter romance now is it?  That’s ok these two aren’t a cookie cutter couple and we love them that way!

Congrats Meg and Steve, we had more fun with you two than words can describe we are privileged to call you our clients and honored to call you our friends and ALL OF US were SUPER EXCITED to share what we grabbed last weekend with you.  I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE WEDDING!!  WE LOVE YOU GUYS!! ENJOY!!  And PS you are totally not off the hook there will definitely be another post with all of our silly shots for the day =)

 I just couldn’t wait any longer to share the SLIDESHOW!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW MEG AND STEVE’S SLIDESHOW!!  

Ok so I’m sure this is bound to not be Meg’s favorite shot… but it’s SO MEG and Steve… laughing and being fun…

I really love this one.. just the relaxed smile she has like she is in the most safe and comfortable place in the world =)

ok… so his hands were a little cold.. and no sooner did she instruct him to warm his hands then we all started to snicker and giggle… as it was a SUPER STAR!! kinda moment =)

Trying to sit on Steve’s lap while he’s sitting on the handlebars of the red tricycle.. not sure why they were attempting this but it sure was funny!

Each of them on their on tricycle =)

LOOOOVE the texture of the barn behind them.

Random cap laying in the train tracks… looked like a neat place for a ring shot.

Me proposing to Meg… she said yes =) Sorry Steve =)

And Finally my artsy shot for the day… a little umbrella and a lot of moody sky =)

Networking, the lifeblood of any thriving business in this particular economy…

 

Ok so I’m going to take off my photographer cap for a bit and just talk to all of you out there who own a small business, networking you need to be out there doing it!!!

What do I mean, I mean actively getting to know the other business owners in your area and establishing a relationship with them!   Why is this so important, this list could go on for hours, but for starters it’s just generally a good idea to surround yourself with people who understand the problems and difficulties you face, it’s a great support network, a place for advice, a cheering squad to keep you motivated, and the best place in the world to meet new clients. 

 It is reaching the point where there are few people I know who’ve not taken a blow from the economy, however I do know quite a few people who are really hanging in there, and even pushing ahead.  The big difference to be seen in those who are pushing ahead is that they  are networking, and  working with other’s to create interest in what they are doing, finding away to combine their resources to maximize the benefit to their client as well as keep their revenues up.  It’s not rocket science in fact to some degree it’s plain common sense, the more people you know who know what you do and can provide a first person reference for you the more people out there are going to know you exist and what it is you have to offer to their clients!  When businesses work together we can offer our clients the best value for their dollar and increase our own bottom lines by sharing costs.

For example we owe a large part of our success to networking, not only are the Aurora Photography girls talented and beautiful but we are all also excellent networkers .  Many of you who read this network with us, we have many business owners with which we work closely and are happy to recommend because we know they treat their customers the way that we treat our’s and we believe that they offer an excellent product or service. (you see a few links off to the side and if you search thru our blog entries you’ll see many more we are soon going to be setting up a page with links to the businesses we network with.

As local business owners too we can help to stimulate our local economy by reminding our own customers that by using local small business they are helping to grow their local economy, why send your money off to some corporate giant, if you can help to stimulate the economy right here where you live!

I believe that one person can really make a difference, but I also believe that when our efforts are multiplied our results will be as well.

And because of that we are working with Widow Brown’s of Danbury to host a local business networking event one week from today!!

Cost will be $20 and will cover a generous spread of Widows best apps as well as fresh fruit and cheese, and fountain beverages as well as coffee and tea!  We will be proving you with some activities to help you get to know one another and network, I will also speak to you all a bit more in depth about how we can help one another thrive in this difficult economy, as well as compliling an excel spreadsheet to distribute after the event of all those who attended and some information about them.  This event can be as successful for you as you plan to make it, get in roll up your sleeves and make some connections!

E-mail me at news@aurora-photography.net  for the registration and survey or click here  To download the form!

Below are some images from some of the other networking we do!  ENJOY! 

Jules Mediterranean Cuisine

Jules Mediterranean Cuisine, Lorelie Carvey belly dancer and personal trainer

The wedding Embassy, Simple Elegance, The Palace Theater, Jules Salon

Joe's Salon, New Milford CT The Wedding Embassy

The Wedding Embassy, Simple Elegance, The Palace Theater, Jules Salon

Jules Salon in Watertown, CT

Elegant Table Linens

Ethan Allen Inn's Preferred Vendor Bridal Fair

Callie's Closet fall find!

BEFORE serious driveway love by Circle Asphalt of New Milford and Mr. Joe Godell (one of our personal favorites!)

The Simple Elegance, Brides.com, and the most amazing dessert guy... EVER!!!

Skin Deep Tattoo Inc.

Skin Deep Tattoo Inc.

Aurora’s Academy of Magnetism – Digital Basics

Hi all, Jenn here!  About a year ago, when I started to get serious about photography as a career, I had been asking around to find out where I could take some classes.  I knew the basics, but I knew there was more I wanted to learn, and more I needed to learn.  Then a few months ago, I moved up to New Milford, and somehow Aurora and I began talking on Facebook- that’s when I found out she was offering classes, and that she only lived 5 minutes away from me!  I definitely think it was fate that I never found classes for all those months- because my search eventually led to me to Aurora’s Academy of Magnetism.

I had thought about starting my own photography business- and my husband was really excited about it too- I had been making some nice side money from a few jobs here and there.  But- I knew there was more to learn if I wanted to start my own business.  Taking the Digital Basics class with Aurora is essentially how I came to work for Aurora Photography, and found that starting your own business is not as easy as it seems!

Aurora’s classes were great- she really knows what she is talking about, and thoroughly helps explain everything to you, and doesn’t make you feel stupid for asking questions…even if your asking the same questions over and over again.  We went over the beginning basics of photography, composition, lighting- lighting indoors, outdoors, at night, in the studio, etc.  We learned all about shadows and the best angles to shoot people at, and how to pose them.  We also learned about editing, and equipment.  Really, she filled me with a ton of information I never knew existed!

Beyond the photography side of things, I’ve also learned what its like to run your own photography business- everything that is involved in marketing, and building relationships with your customers, and all the expenses involved.  There is really a lot involved.  Being on the outside you would never think that there would be paperwork and computer work to do everyday, and how much time it really takes to keep the business going and growing.  It definitely isn’t as easy as one just starting out would imagine it to be- it is a lot of work!  I am happy to be working for Aurora Photography to be learning everything I can.  I would much rather learn to be the best photographer I can, and spend the time and effort learning, then to rush into starting my own business without being able to take the best quality of pictures that I know I can.

After only a few classes, I felt so enlightened with all the information Aurora had given me- I became so excited with everything I learned.  She really gave me a new found confidence about my photography, and I am so excited to be a part of this!

I would definitly recommend these classes to anyone just starting out- to find out all that is really involved, and I believe that no matter how much you already know, you would definitely walk away from this with new knowledge and improvement in your photography.

Click Here for More Details

Click Here to our Event Page on Facebook to register for the classes. We don’t have a lot of spaces left, so register now!

Here are a few photos I took during our available lighting, and portrait lighting classes:

Belly Dancing at Jules Mediterranean Cuisine….. YUMMMMMM

Ok…

So a couple weeks ago… actually on my BIRTHDAY to be exact.  Jenn and I headed out for the day to do two jobs… that’s  right TWO .. what can I say we are popular =)

First we started out at a 75th birthday party that I’m going to go ahead and let Jenn blog about for you since they came to us from her past clients…. But we ended our day with AMAZING food.. and the most AMAZING entertainment…  As soon as we arrived at Jules Mediterranean Cuisine we were impressed with the color and decor it was so warm and rich inside. Jenn and I dined on Falafel (?)  my first and it was yummy! Then we split a combo Kabob platter while we scoped out the place and planned out our evening’s shoot, we really enjoyed everything on the combo plate and Jenn especially liked the bulgar… not that I didn’t.. but someone… had seconds .   Now having seen a lot of these new belly dancing exercise classes I thought wow that will be cool but I had NO IDEA, this was far more than I expected and Lorelie was INCREDIBLE!  I was impressed with her use of the veil and her ability to get the crowd going… if you look carefully you will see that even the Reverend got up and got his grove on!  I will definitely be back to have the food and fantastic entertainment again soon.

You can see the live entertainment on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, seatings at both 7pm and 9pm, and reservations are recommended. (it was a full hose the night we were there!)  BYOB with a $5 corking fee. Come hungry I can say from my own experience that the food was DEVINE!!!

Also for all of you that enjoy belly dancing Lorelie dances for the Riskallah Riyad Dance Theatre Company and also offers amazing Personal Training With a Twist!  Check her out!

I can’t wait to photograph her and the other bellydancers again… i am in love with the costumes and the movement… c’mon I defy you.. turn on the slideshow and stand up and tell me you can stand still and not wiggle your hips a little…  I bet you can’t!

And don’t miss the slideshow for some more killer shots!

I would make a beautiful belly dancer no?

The cutest little clothespin dolls made by Lorelie! how cool!

The falafel before we destroyed it =)

Do you believe this woman has a grandchild?? c’mon now??

I love this one… look at that hip… BAM!

our very special guest dancer

Jenny and I playing out back =)  rockin the AP blue belt… I so want one!

She’s stunning eh?

My favorite.. impromptu moment.. I had an idea.. we tried it out..

I think it’s prety hott huh?

Feels Like Home

I posted a few photos from Christine and Jeff’s wedding, but here is a slideshow with many more more of the images from their beautiful day.  The song I chose for the slideshow was a very special song to the couple, Christine’s Mom sang it at their beach ceremony, it was amazing.  Feels Like Home to Me…

-Jenn

To see the Slideshow, click here!

The Daffodil Festival!!!

We love the Daffodil Festival!! Although we were missing one crucial par of our team…Aurora!  We still did great though!  Aurora was off shooting a christening and Jenn was shooting a wedding for a friend.  So the daffodil festival was left to me! I am so glad that I had Cate, Heather to help us.

So anyways, it was the first time I have done the daffodil festival with out Aurora.  I feel like such a big girl!! It went smoothly, we had a steady influx of people all day.  Hubbard park is just so beautiful; the daffodils were in full bloom everywhere.  The festival is so great, it was perfect weather, there were tons of awesome vendors there as well as a radio staion and some carnival rides.  Plus, they had fried oreos!! I’ve never had fried oreos before, Cate bought them for us because us ladies were having a bit of a sweet tooth towards the middle of the day.

Saturday is alwlays the dy of the parade.  The parade is huge, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to go through the whole thing.  We enjoy it though, it’s fun to photograph.  We got a bunch of pictures of the parade.

During the parade, I let Cate (who shoots film) take my camera and play with it for a bit.  She had a great time and now wants to buy my camera!! Which means….I get to buy the 5d that I’ve wanted for a long time!!!!! I’m so excited.  I can’t wait until next years daffodil festival, it will be even better with three or four shooters!!!

It was great seeing everyone at the festival.  Thank you Cate, Heather  for joining me and doing such a great job.  =)