Today was the best Monday ever!  Three of four couples I met with last week booked me for their wedding photography, and I'll be shooting at a winery, a beach cabana club and on a yacht.  The best part is each couple is really into photojournalism, and I'm sure they will be a lot of fun to work with.

My editorial work is helping to keep me busy during the week, and I had the opportunity to shoot a fencing tournament for the first time yesterday.  It's probably the only sport I haven't shot in my career, and it was a lot like shooting a wedding -- lots of anticipation and watching the sidelines for reaction.  Although I will say it is easier to see a bride's face through her veil than a fencer's through their mask...

I'll be attending a three-day workshop series sponsored by National Press Photographers Association in New Brunswick, NJ in March.  I'm looking forward to brushing up on my multimedia skills, hearing some fantastic speakers discuss their personal projects, and catching up with colleagues near and far. March also marks my first e-session, first wedding, and first bridal show of the year, so I've got lots of preparation to do in the next couple of weeks. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Cans for Comments" campaign!  Forty cans of food will be donated to the Center for Food Action in Bergen County as soon as I return from Nashville, TN, where I'm attending the Digital Wedding Forum Convention.  January is a great time to recharge my batteries, network with some wonderful wedding photographers from all over the world, and prepare for the upcoming wedding season.  

On Saturday, we braved the freezing temperatures here and participated in a model shoot at some interesting locations in Nashville.  For me, it was an opportunity to work with a new camera and video light -- pushing it to extremes in not-so-perfect conditions, not unlike those I might encounter during a wedding.  Some of my favorite images are posted here, and I welcome your comments.

Help me ring in the New Year in a slightly different way: 

Please take a moment to leave a comment on any of my recent blog posts. For each comment left between now and January 1, 2010,  I will donate one can of food to the Center for Food Action, a local food bank in Bergen County. My goal is 100 cans, so feel free to pass this on to your friends! 

October was my busiest month for weddings this year, shooting every weekend except one!  Norm and Wendy kept their wedding close to home, in their Jersey City neighborhood, which meant lots of great shots while we walked to and from the church on a gorgeous autumn afternoon.

The reception was held at the Hudson Culinary Conference Center, which is part of Hudson Community College.  The space was transformed with impressive ice sculptures, colorful lighting design and beautiful centerpieces and tea lights.  The staff, who are students, were attentive and the food was delicious.  I have a feeling this new space will become more popular as word gets out!