I am often asked why I love photography and why I’m a photographer. Whether I’m photographing weddings, portraits, or personal art projects, my passion is rooted in documenting moments; fleeting moments that would otherwise only remain (and slowly fade) from our memory. I photograph, not to recreate a moment, but to elicit an emotional reaction when you look at an image; I photograph to remember.

I took one photo yesterday and it was worth it: I took the bus to NYC and brought my camera with me, because as a photographer “you never know” what you’ll want to make an image of.

This very sweet gentleman in the photo reminded me of my grandpa. He was what I would imagine so many people’s grandpas are like. Full of quiet wisdom and nostalgic about the past; always sharing stories about “in my day…”

He was taking the bus with his granddaughter to an audition she had in NYC. During the trip he talked about old skiing trips, controversial movies released 30 years ago, the war, and our current economic crisis. At one point when we were on the outskirts of the City he commented, “Do you know how many times these buildings have been torn down and rebuilt?” Rhetorical of course, but fascinating at the same time. As he looked out the window of the bus he commented, “I keep thinking we’re traveling by train until I see cars go by.” To see the world through his eyes would be amazing.

I caught myself smiling a lot during our trip as I watched how he interacted with his granddaughter. I hope she finds his random stories and words just as endearing as I found them. I miss my grandpa.

I took this photo yesterday and it was worth it.

Every year, I dedicate an “education budget” towards a few key areas to expand my learning and improve my business. One of those areas this year is Lighting. While I am comfortable with photographing natural light, as well as manipulating light, there is always room to learn new techniques. Last week I attended the Rock Your Reception II Lighting Workshop offered by ShootStyle. An intimate group of 20 photographers joined together in Worcester to talk, learn, and play with light; led by instructors (and fantastic photographers): Andree Kehn, Earl Christie, Jamie Wexler, Michelle Turner, Stacey Doyle and Zofia Photo (with Mark Crosby also documenting the event and assisting). We covered everything from on-camera flash, bounce-flash, off-camera flash, using sync cords, various speedlights, pocket wizards and radio triggers, and even a “light on a stick” technique and alienbee studio lighting. You name it, we covered it. It was a great refresher for me of some techniques, and an interesting new twist seeing how others approach light in different ways.

Above is a favorite photo I created of Stacey Doyle while she talked about off-camera back-lighting techniques; a great way to create drama to an image! I’ll be sharing some of my own personal Tips & Tricks regarding Lighting in the coming weeks.

When I first met Tess & Derek last year, I instantly liked them. During our initial meeting, we shared dinner together filled with traveling stories and our passions. Tess & Derek are clearly not only crazy about each other, but they are genuinely wonderful people who I trust could make any stranger feel welcome in a matter of seconds. Tess & Derek live in Brookline and we decided to meet in Copley Square for their engagement session; a rich history center surrounded by the city with hidden commercial nooks and colorful, textured walls (not to mention the Back Bay T we snuck into for an awesome photo opportunity!). They love the combination of urban chic and nature vs. city, so I wasn’t surprised when they told me their intimate wedding will be at the Boston Public Gardens, followed by their reception at the Daily Catch in Boston’s Seaport District. The John Harrington band will be playing jazz and swing classics; which is another perfect and unique choice for Tess & Derek since they have been taking lindy hop swing lessons together for quite some time now. I always have such a great time talking with Tess & Derek, and photographing them for their engagement session was a blast! I can’t wait to be a part of, and capture, their wedding this weekend!

Tess & Derek both sent me sweet thank you’s that I wanted to share: (Have I mentioned how much I *adore* receiving sweet notes from my couples?! It’s so thoughtful, and definitely makes my day!!)

Tess: We had SUCH an AMAZING time at the engagement shoot!  Thank you so much for taking so much time to shoot so many different locations within Boston!  You made everything so easy and gave us just the right amount of cuing and freedom to do dorky things.  We’re so excited about all of the photos too!  We couldn’t help but keep talking about the one with the subway behind us! Thank you!!! These are absolutely AMAZING!!!  We’ve both got giant smiles on our faces as we’re going through the photos!  They make me so happy!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! So excited, Cynthia! They are fantastic and make me even more excited about this weekend (Who knew that was possible!)

Derek: Engagement photos were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I haven’t thanked you myself yet, so THANK YOU!!! So cool. :) (Lots of compliments from family too)

Lauren & Rob were married at Portsmouth Elks Lodge on a day that couldn’t have been more perfect for an outdoor ceremony on the marsh. The view was incredible; such an intimate and picturesque place. I wasn’t surprised that they picked such a beautiful location, since Rob works in the arts industry and they both have excellent aesthetic taste (in my opinion!) and Lauren grew up in that area. Such a laidback and sweet couple, Lauren & Rob were referred to me by a mutual friend Rob used to work with. The day after their wedding, I received the *sweetest* email from them that I wanted to share:

“Rob and I wanted to thank you for being an absolute joy to work with! We loved your style and ideas and had MANY guests comment on how sweet you were and also how unobtrusive you were. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being there and doing such a great job! You made our day even more wonderful!” Thank you for asking me to be a part of your day, Lauren & Rob! I had such a blast spending the day with you both, and capturing all of the sweet (and crazy dancing moments) between you, your friends and family. Congratulations again!

Vendors:

Photography: Cynthia Hauk of CYN PHOTO

Venue: Portsmouth Elks Club

Florals: Renee Carlisle

Cake Artist: June Page

Officiant: New Hampshire Justice of the Peace, Cindy L. Lovett. www.simplyspecialweddings.com

Entertainment: The Dancing Machine Company, Peter Anania.

Krista & Erick were married in Warwick, RI at a Victorian mansion built in the late 1800′s. I was so excited about this image, that I couldn’t wait to share it with their “teaser” post coming next week. I captured this shot of Krista & Erick as they were walking through the staircase near the (questionably haunted) servant quarters of this beautiful, aged home. There are so many intricate details and layered history in this home (now museum), and Krista & Erick were so excited to share their ceremony in this special place (as I would be as well!). More amazing images coming soon from their wedding and very fun party afterward. Congratulations Krista & Erick! It was so great spending the day with you and your family, and sharing in your very unique wedding celebration!

Welcome!

A new year. A new blog. Feel free to take a look around. There will be a TON of posts updated in the coming weeks! Also, please meet Ka’sean Andrew. Born 9.20.09. Awww.