Through the Tunnel and Over Queens to Long Island I Go

It wasn't until I made it about 15 miles onto 495 that I realized the leaves had yet to change out in the Island of Long.  I was up in Syracuse, NY last weekend, and it seemed as though most everything had fallen already.  Since, I spend most of my time in Manhattan and Brooklyn where the few trees we have seem to be on their own time table, I had forgotten about the extended fall that seems to always makes itself present further east.

Anyways, it was a very pleasant surprise because OF COURSE the bright shades of yellow orange and red, ESPECIALLY when the sun is shining, always make for very nice picture taking.

At the last minute it was decided that I would come out to Smithtown, NY in Long Island to photograph a Stell & Dot Party.  My oldest friend in the world (bff's since 2nd Grade), Jaclyn Mellone, was in town for the long weekend and hosting it at her Aunt Nancy's home.  We both thought it would be a great opportunity for some great pictures and for me to do some very valuable networking.  

Aside from shooting the party, I was going to shoot some portraits of Aunt Nancy's children.  Well, it didn't work out exactly as I had planned.  I hadn't thought about the fact that although these were a bunch of women, all either family or good friends, very happy to be spending some fun time together, it didn't have the emotional presence that a wedding or shower would.  This was more business.  But, this was no problem as they all brought their kids!!! So instead of party photographing inside, me and the kids had a blast making pictures outside in the dirt and the leaves.

It turned out to be a really great day. Every single child in that backyard was a pleasure to be around AND to photograph.  I had way too much fun!!  I also got to a have an unexpected visit with a best friend I do not get to see enough, her two FABULOUS and so very very encouraging and loving Aunts, Nancy and Anne, and her oh sooo huggable and lovable father, Joe.

Please enjoy the beautiful innocent and wonderful faces of Ryan, Nick, Little Jack, Jack, Chris, Mia, and Rocco.