Beyond The Lens Photography

New Blog!!!!!

2009-06-03T12:36:00.002-04:00

Just an FYI, this blog has moved to....
a new blog
so update the rss feeds and what-nots!!!!

Denise and Morgan;Engagement Shoot in Elizabeth Park;Hartford, CT

2009-05-19T08:05:00.003-04:00

Meet Denise, Morgan, and the cutest Golden Retriever I've ever seen, Copper. Seriously, he looks like a giant teddy bear! I had the pleasure of shooting Denise and Morgan's engagement session in Elizabeth Park in Hartford and it as a blast. No pep talk needed for these two. They are naturally drawn to each other, and made my job simple. Add that to the fact that the rain held out just for us, and you get a great session!!! Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Lucy and Chris; Maternity Session in Watebury

2009-05-12T10:24:00.008-04:00

Lucy and Chris are expecting their daughter in June this year. This is their first baby and they were kind enough to invite me into their home and document this wonderful time in their lives. I had my way with the baby bump but those shots are just for Lucy and Chris!
The natural chemistry between these two was amazing, and I really enjoyed capturing the love that they share. Baby girl Sipe is going to be one lucky bundle of joy to grow up surrounded by so much love. Congratulations guys and thank you for sharing!

I *HEART* this first shot.....can anyone say canvas?

Julie and Mike: Sneak Peek; Engagement Session in Kent, Ct

2009-04-30T09:49:00.010-04:00

Meet Julie and Mike...two of the most laid back, go with the flow, "what'evs" kind of people I have ever meet. We had their engagement session this past Sunday at Kent Falls CT and man did they rock-it-out! Even Penny, their Beagle mix, was willing to smile pretty for the camera. Mike also has a soft spot for classic cars, so we did a few shots with one of his "babies" as well. Looking forward to shooting the wedding in June guys!

Here are a few of my favorite shots of the day. Make sure to leave lots of comments for Julie and Mike. I'll be announcing a competition soon for which ever of my couples this year that gets the most comments on all of their combined posts on the blog!

Lindsey and Dan; Love shoot in Milford, CT

2009-04-27T10:41:00.012-04:00

I'm glad to introduce to the world Lindsey and Dan, who are two of the coolest (with a capital "C" ) people on the planet.
Lindsey and Dan absolutely killed their engagement session this weekend in Milford, CT. Their love and friendship is infectious and I loved every minute of this shoot. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the afternoon. I can't wait to shoot your wedding guys!

Kelly & Mike: Wedding at Candlewood Inn, Brookfield, CT

2009-03-31T13:33:00.012-04:00

Once again I had the opportunity to second shoot for Mr. Amazing himself Eric Langlois of Raw Photo Design. It's always a pleasure and a blast.
Meet Kelly and Mike....they were such a fun couple to work with. They were both very laid back and up for anything! Congratulations you guys! You both are a compliment to one another. I wish you many years of love and happiness!!!

Mystic Seaport: Mystic Connecticut, Hanging With my Four Boys

2009-03-24T20:36:00.012-04:00

Joe and I were crawling the walls this past weekend and decided we had to get out of the house. Although it was not the most perfect weather ever....we decided to head over to Mystic Seaport with the boys for the day.

We all had a ball...Bran and Noah got to run around, and Christian got to hang out with Joe and I and have great conversation. I got to play with my new camera, and so Joe got to have a camera to himself for once. It was a blast. With the busi-ness that goes on in this family on a day to day basis, it was nice just to BE...
Just to be with my boys, with nowhere to go......and nowhere to be!

Christian

Christian again....I thought this made an interesting shot....

Guess who got to play? I'm not going to lie this shot does something for me :)

Joe took this shot of the reflection in a window.

And Joe took this shot of me against this uber cool wall that we found on our way out of Mystic.

Bran lost both of his front teeth 2 days apart, I wanted to get a shot of the toothless wonder before the big ones come in.

I love the look in Christian's eyes here...so intense!

This is going to be a canvas on my wall in the very near future!!!!!

I love this shot! I love how all 3 of them are doing something different with their hands. And how Bran is trying to be just like Christian by giving me "the stare", and how Noah has no clue what to do!...Priceless.

Crystal and Matt: Wedding at The Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, CT

2009-03-10T12:15:00.007-04:00

It's so nice to be back into the wedding season. I got to second shoot again this past weekend with Eric Langlois from Raw Photo Design. It was a warm, sun shining, unnatural New England spring day! Crystal and Matt couldn't of asked for more perfect weather in March. I had an absolute blast with Eric and Crystal and Matt. It was a picturesque day and couldn't of been a better start to the wedding season. So without further a-do here are some of my favorite shots from the day!

The guys in their Irish hats....looking all "pimp"

This shot was taken moments before Crystal walked down the isle. I just love the anticipation and reflection in the moment. Seems intense, but only I know what these guys were actually talking about (wink, wink).

The ring bearer Luke, who finally made it into his jacket :)

I love the way Crystal is looking at Matt in this shot. The priest is talking about forgivness in your marrage and knowing when to let things go and how to give "the look". I'd say Crystal has that down :)

Walking out onto the dock for some more "Raw" photos.

And no wedding is complete without a shot of Tom dancing with the bride. I wonder if we can talk him into joining the "Dream Team" just as a wedding favor? I think they are dancing to "Living on a prayer", but it reminds me of "Eye of the Tiger" from the look in Crystal's eyes.

Vegas Baby!!!!!!

2009-02-19T19:38:00.016-05:00

I don't even know where to start with this post.....
I guess at the beginning....

Last Friday I flew to Las Vegas for WPPI. This is the photography convention of the year! It's a huge trade show/workshop/class/networking experience. It was my first year attending and I have to say, i don't see my self missing it next year. I will, however, be bringing my husband next year. It's just too much fun for him to miss.
At any rate on with the experience. My first two nights were spent with the fab-u-lous Val McCormick and her cousin Alicia. Now Val is a slamm'in photographer, and we all know that...but what we didn't know is that she has an AMAZING family. They all took me into their homes, and their hearts and treated me like I was part of their family. It has enlightened my life in so may ways. So the first part of my trip was a lot like a girls retreat, filled with REAL Spanish food, great conversation, and warmth from strangers that became my home away from home. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

On Sunday Eric RAW :) and his wife Amber arrived. How much fun are they? Sunday afternoon we went out on the strip and rocked it Vegas style while Eric took head shots for me. Yes it has been a long time coming, (because Eric is constantly booked) but they are finally done, and I'm sure they'll be up sometime in the near future (wink, wink). We, of course, had a blast which is the "dream team's" prerequisite for hanging out anyhow!

On Monday it was WPPI and classes, and trade show floor marathons, and yes...V.I.P. parties!

Tuesday greeted me with sore feet, bags under my eyes, and a mental breakdown from lack of sleep. I made it through another class, a stroll through the trade show, and made it over to the suite of the uber fantastic Justin & Mary Marantz to throw my ugly mug on the Portrait House PSA, shot by the unbelievably talented Ron Dawson. If you haven't clicked on the Portrait House link yet, check it out. They are doing some amazing work for charity and giving back some love!!! I ended my Tuesday in the airport, rushing to catch a flight home, just to find out it was delayed 2 1/2 hours. Oh well!!! I made it home and the rest is history.

Needless to say, I had a blast. I didn't have my camera out a whole lot, but I did manage to do some shooting...so without further ado...and in no particular order

Here is Alicia, AKA, one of my favorite people on the planet. We went out to Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas.

LOL...Val getting her fuel on!!!!
Red Rock'in view...Are you kidding me????

Alicia again.....

Are you kidding me with those red highlights? This chick has got Sti-Z-Yle

A shot of Val on the airplane...playing with some window light and the 50 1.2

Who am I?

2009-02-03T11:58:00.005-05:00

I'll tell you who I am...
I am a mother
I am a wife
I am a friend
I am a PH-O-Tographer!
To say it in one word or less...I am Phun-D-Mental :)
I just got my Portrait House shirt and I am sooo stoked! (don't think that's spelled right, but whateves!) Can't wait to sport my new shirt in Vegas baby!
Portrait House is an awesome charity that my friends Justin and Mary organized and run (with a few other delightful Ph-O-Tographers) that donates to things like Habitat for Humanity, Make A Wish Foundation, and so many more charities that help those that are less fortunate. If you haven't clicked on the link already...what are you waiting for. Send them an email and get your own cool, Sh-nazzy PH shirt, (fully customizable I might add) and check out the other things up for grabs and give something back :)
Ummm a little side note...if you're going to Vegas, and you gotta cool shirt, I'm suggesting we pick a day and all wear them at the same time to represent some CT in the hizzy! Who's game? Don't be too kool for school!

2009-01-29T17:07:00.002-05:00

This is my Legacy....

I don't know where he gets his charisma...but I like it. I like to think somewhere in his head "In The Ayer" is playing......"Oh hot damn, this is my jam.......!"

Every One Is Different.....

2009-01-10T21:07:00.004-05:00

My husband and I were slightly enjoying the snow today. I use the word "slightly" very loosely because I hate ....make that HATE....no loath, yes I LOATH snow. Snow of any kind. Be it nice and fluffy, wet and heavy, a little, a lot. It doesn't matter. I am a beach bum. I like sun, flowers, green trees, and little butterflies floating on air.

Yes fellow Connecticutians....I loath the snow.

But as my husband and I were watching the flakes fall today. He started telling me how somewhere "They" did a study on how not one snow flake is ever the same. They are like strands of DNA. No one is the same. I started thinking of the quabillions (yes that is a Danielle word) of snow flakes that were just sitting on the rails of our porch. Then my eyes wondered to the quabillions that were EVERYWHERE. My mind boggled. As any photographer would do I went to get the camera with the trusty old macro lens attached to see for my self. I figured I would be able to prove Mr. Smarty Pants wrong. So I took a few shots, one of which I have uploaded here. And as I shot away, and examined, my little eyes could not find one flake that was the same. I'm sure "They" have to be wrong....I mean there are bazillions and bazillions of snow flakes. They couldn't of possibly studied them all.....

But the point is...as I started thinking of the magnitude of it all, it occurred to me. Every person is absolutely different. We all have our very own DNA (minus identical twins) that marks us as individuals. Whether we are adventurous, trusting, caring, shallow, short, tall, round, thin, happy, sad, or something inbetween, we are all individuals.

As I sat there in amazement at how this little conversation had snowballed (no pun intended) in my head, I all of a sudden had a huge appreciation of the snow. And now I think this thing I have always found to be such a neusense and so intrusive will always bring me back to this very simple conversation I had with my husband, and it will remind me that we are all different....thank God!!!

Happy snow day everyone!

Leaving on a Jet Plane.....

2008-12-19T11:30:00.014-05:00

That's right people, I am super mom!!!! I wear a blue shirt with a circled "SM" under all of my clothes everyday! Why you might ask? Because I was able to go out Wednesday night and hang out with all of the kool cats from the PUG (you know who you are) get home at 12:30, and leave my house at 3 am to get my son on a flight to Colorado Springs by 7:10. Therefore, once again, I have proven worthy of wearing my "Super Mom" title with pride!

And of course I have added the cherry on top of that by traipsing (spell check on that one) through the airport like a mad woman with a camera in hand and Noah and Christian in tow, and bloggin about it too!!!!!Hot damn, I can sleep good tonight! That's right, it has been brought to my attention that I have...once again...been neglecting my blog. Thanks Eric L., Eric F., Jake, Val, Geoff, Kathleen, and Rob for bringing it to my attention!....so subtly I might add! Maybe I'll make that one of my numerous New Years Resolutions?

I did have a blast hanging out with all of you despite the EXTREME harassment I received. So let me know you care...and leave a comment fo'!!!!

I also wanted to give a big "Who-ha" shout out to Paul McNerney and Krystal Prue of Studio Foto! Not only are they two of my favorite people, which deserves a shout out all in it's self....but Paul has FINALLY asked Krystal to be his wife. I'm so excited for you guys! I wish you many happy days together!!!

And finally, here are some shots of Christian's 11 billionth airport experience, as he flies home to spend the Christmas Holiday with his Dad, his step mom Nicole, and his new baby brother Lucas! Yes, that's right, now he has 3 brothers and no sisters!

Elise and Justin Married in Famington CT

2008-10-23T10:24:00.023-04:00

Once again I did some second shooting for Eric of Raw Photo Design. Elise and Justin had a perfect wedding day. Great friends, wonderful fall weather...and of course each other!
My day started with the guys, and they were busy from the start. I don't want to insinuate that there was a lot of drinking going on...I'll let the pictures do the talking!

A big thank you to Chris the bartender....

Justin Looking to kool for skool!

I thought my ring shot should reflect what was going on throughout the day....:)

This is Jonah...the ring bearer, busting some moves. Wow was this kid tired...and so sweet about it!!!!!

Jonah and his mom being entirely too sweet!!!

This is Ella the flower girl with her mom...again too sweet!

Ummm...the party bus.....After the reception I was invited to go with Elise and Justin, and some friends to Mohegan Sun on a party bus. Now I'm always up for fun....BUT....I couldn't bring my big'ole camera into Mohegan....BUMMER.....So here are some shots of the party bus. I want to say a special thank you to my bus buddies Darin and John. We were all assigned a buddy when we all got off the bus because Mohegan is huge (yes even when you go with 25 people you can walk around for hours and never see someone you know) and we didn't want to lose anyone! John and Darin made sure I didn't get lost.

I also owe a HUGE "I'm an ass!" to Justin. On the way home him and I got into a debate about a quote from "Anchor Man"...after much research, I am sorry to say...I was way wrong. And I promised if I was wrong I would post it on my blog for everyone to see.....I was wrong, it's not Puma parts...It is for sure "Made from real panther parts."

I don't know why they put the bars on a party bus. Eveyone inevitably tries to do a back flip. It's like a moth to a flame!

I can't really say anything else about what Garret is doing in this picture.

Andy insisted that I take a picture with him and every person on the bus...Here's ONE. I have a ton....:)

Garret, Darin, Andy, and Justin......you guys are too kool for skool here too!

Trash The Dress in Manhattan NY!!!!

2008-10-14T15:02:00.016-04:00

I was so excited to get a call from Eric of Raw Photo Design on Friday asking if I was interested in doing a Trash The Dress session in Manhattan! Are you kidding me????....DUHHHHH
Meet Ilene and Eric. They are the coolest couple ever. One of those couples that have serious chemistry. We started their session in Grand Central, and moved on to the subway, Central Park, and a few other spots around NYC! Thank you guys so much for Trashing The Dress!!!!

Here they are in Grand Central

And Eric and I taking fab subway shots as we watch for the po po!

Central Park......

"Lady in The Water"'ish????

Just a note on the editing....I tried a few different things on these, just playing around in photo shop and light room a bit...

Meridith and Kevin

2008-10-07T12:39:00.037-04:00

Meet Meredith and Kevin. I had the pleasure of second shooting once again for Eric from Raw Photo Design. Meredith and Kevin are very good friends with Eric and his wife, so naturally this was an important wedding. I had no idea how much fun it was going to be!!!!
I had 8 groomsmen to contend with from the beginning (they put me on the roof of the church so I could get a better angle.......seriously what I won't do for a shot!) so needless to say things got a bit out of hand. Then there was crazy light on the gulf course, insane details at the reception, a live band, and a freakin photo booth....are you kidding me! It was the most fun I have ever had shooting a wedding! Thanks to everyone for hanging in there (Yes Rob, I know I was mean for a minute) as we navigated the day...and thanks Eric for the opportunity to shoot this fabulous wedding with you!

Here are the guys taking a travel break from the trolley in between the hotel and the church...hey when you gotta go...you gotta go!

Here they are at the church..being goofs!

Here is the shot from the roof....I'm still cleaning black gunk from my feet and elbows...but whatever...

This is Katie the flower girl, helping out with the bride's dress.

Samantha...not in the wedding party, but equally as cute

Here is Katie again....I loved the up-do she had going on...so pretty!

The wedding party from afar!

Our wonderful couple Meredith and Kevin

Can anyone say sun flare?

The details

The flower girl again

The bride and groom enjoying their first dance!

This is a shot of Tom and Amber hammin it up!

Jessica + Erik = CUTEST WEDDING EVER!

2008-10-02T10:16:00.015-04:00

I had the chance to shoot another wedding this past weekend with Eric from Raw Photo Design. Jessica and Erik are the cutest couple ever!!!! They had a small, intimate ceremony, that was based mostly around their family of five... The kids were so much fun to work with, and of course Jessica and Erik were easy to take pictures of. Thanks guys for a wonderful Saturday afternoon!!!

Both the boys (Joshua and Max) were in these cute little suites....
This is Emily...how cute is she in her princess dress???
And Joshua...all excited about the days events...suit, limo, pictures...it's a lot to handle!
A shot of Erik getting dressed...
and Erik waiting on the limo...
Normally I don't post so many shots of the bride and groom...but I couldn't resist these guys...
Erik was so intense he almost never took his eyes off of Jessica...and I can see why...she is gorgeous and has an intoxicating personality!

This is a shot of Max...I only posted it because he insisted I take this shot of him upside down....he doesn't care about composition, f-stops, or exposure! He only cares that he looks silly with his little snarling lip :)
A shot of Erik and Jessica...dancing...in their living room...to their iPOD....how cool is that???
This is not the greatest picture I have ever taken...I could pick it apart in a million ways...BUT...I love the intensity of the moment here. It's like no one else is in the room except them! I love the passion...

Don't Believe The Hype!!!

2008-09-12T11:22:00.001-04:00

Sunday I had the pleasure to shoot again for Eric of Raw Photo Design.....Meet Dawn and Steve! I say don't believe the hype because Eric told me early on that this was going to be a "Greek" wedding. Of course I began to play back scenes from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" in horror, sarcastically thinking in my head...."Oh dear lord save me!"

When I arrived Sunday morning at the Groom's mother's house, I was pleasantly surprised at how "normal" (of course I use this term losely because who knows what normal really is) everyone was. I spent quite a bit of time with Steve's family that morning, and I immediately felt like I was part of their clan. This family is amazing. Full of love, kindness, and of course...lots of tradition. So don't believe the hype...just because it's a Greek wedding, it doesn't mean there is going to be tacky taffeta, over baring mother's, or a bottle of Windex on every table as a center piece! The reception was off the hook!!!! The most fun I have ever had shooting a reception. I do want to give a shout out to the Grooms' Men as well for being able to hang with me....you guys know what I'm talking about!

Here is Steve getting dressed...
And the guys just hanging...doing what they do...

A shot of the ring bearer...

Steve's parents enjoying the ceremony...
Boy did these two get pegged...poor Dawn was pulling rice out of her hair for hours...

Dawn and her father...
The ladies....enjoying some conversation...hummm wonder what they are talking about ;)
This shot cracks me up....Steve was so OVER pictures!
Steve's parents again...dancing!
Cutting the cake...
And....just the cake...

Oh Baby I like it RAW...

2008-09-11T13:33:00.020-04:00

Whenever I shoot with Eric, at some point the lyrics from this Old Dirty Bastard song get in my head. I think it has something to do with the whole "Raw" thing. I don't even know the name of it, but it sticks...and I'm stuck, and I usually have to beg Eric to get something else going through my head. To which he hands me something like"The Funk's Your Brother"....by D.J. who ever.......anyhow let's get to the point of the blog...
I can't even begin to explain how awesome it was to be shooting with Eric again.....It's been a few months since I got to shoot a wedding with him, and I have to say....I am so glad to be back shooting again. I am kind of a second shooter snob. I believe in chemistry and flow. We have a flow...... we really feed off of each other when we shoot. When he gets pumped I get pumped...if he gets stressed, I calm him down, and when I think I'm not getting my lighting right.....he grabs my camera, fixes my settings, and then shows me what he did and why. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It is exciting to see him in action and he never stops inspiring me. I'd found lately that the whole photography thing was just becoming "hum drum".....and after shooting one wedding with Eric, I am all pumped and stoked again!
At any rate, here are some of my shots from the wedding we shot on Saturday at the Amber Room. Meet Maria and John (I don't think I have any shots of John in here though).

Some details...

The rings...
Maria getting her makeup done by Danny of Faces in Danbury
This is a shot of the Mother of The Bride, and company blowing bubbles as Maria danced with her father... The flower girl...
Maria getting dressed...
The bouquet...
Maria getting her dress on...
The details of the dress...

And the flower girl one more time...how cute is she????

Ode to Nappie Time......

2008-09-10T16:12:00.006-04:00

Ohhhhh I love nappie time......just a few wonderful blissful moments of pure utter quietness....you can hear the breeze move through the house and cars buzz from he distant highway. The birds chirping and the dog snoring. I usually use this time to get a load of dishes done, and maybe some other things around the house. But today I decided to slack off and instead use the quiet time to work on a few edits for an up coming blog post of some weddings I shot with Eric of Raw Photo Design over the weekend.

There I am, cozy on the couch with a nice hot cup of coffee and a few of my favorite shots, pretty hot and heavy into the editing. Ohhh I love nappie time. Noah has been out for about 20 minutes and I am actually getting something.......Oh wait, what was that sound? A small voice comes from the kitchen "Help". I'm a bit startled at first cause I know it can't be Noah. He's got to be sound asleep by this time. Some other 2 year old must of broken into the house while I was all engulfed in my photoshop and snuck into the kitchen. I'd better go find out who is missing a toddler. To my surprise it was none other than Mr. Noah Bean. Who obviously had fallen sound asleep and then suddenly woke up to his growling stomach craving....Goldfish! Not only is he not sleeping. He has managed to climb out of bed, down the staircase, into the kitchen, and onto the second shelf of the pantry to find his yummy snack. What is a mother to do? Grab the camera and blog something while I am waiting for Eric's three day wedding madness post! Wedding bliss will have to wait for now.....there are more important things going on in the Fuller house! Here are some shots of this afternoon's exciting happenings.
Seriously, when is an appropriate age to put your child into daycare and not be deemed unfit?????

"What's up Mom, did you want some Goldfish too?"
"Noah are you ready to go back to bed?"......."NO!"
"Where did you get the Goldfish Noah?" "From that basket!"

"This one over here?"......"No mom, this one right here!"

"How are you gona get down?"......"Dunno...."

Back To School

2008-09-02T10:25:00.008-04:00

Finally......I know there are some people out there that just can't let go, but......I believe in tough love. Thank the good lord for school cause I need a break! The boys went back to school on Tuesday and all I have to say is YIPPIE!!!!

Christian is going into the 6th grade this year. I am so proud of him. He's changing classes this year an has study halls. I see he's getting all "growed up" and all, but he's still my little man!

Branndon is going into 1st grade and he is uber excited to see all of his friends from last year. He's been asking me for a mohawk for weeks, and I must say I was all for it, but Joe resisted. I finally made an executive decision and just let him do it. I think the thing I enjoy most is that he is learning how to be independent and say what he likes, and secondly....he literally wears a halo, so anyone who knows him knows how funny it is to see him with a "hardcore" haircut! Too funny.

Of course Noah is still left at home with me. Just one more year of time though. Next fall he'll be going to pre-school for half the day....Dear lord please let me make it till then!

So here are some shots from them getting on the bus on Tuesday.

Just a note to all of you wondering why I have been neglecting my blog...with 3 kids, a full time job, and summer activities...the blog took a back burner. I'd love to say I'm going to blog more...but who knows!

This first shot is of Noah....He doesn't really know yet that the boys will be gone all day...
The boys getting on the bus...
Bad ass Bran!!! (I think that was wrong on some level, but I'm going to go with it!)
Deep thoughts with Christian...
Just Bran and Christian...waiting for the bus...

All 3 of the boys on the porch...

Eric + JMC = LOVE

2008-08-06T10:50:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I woke up at 3AM and didn't get home until 12AM all in an effort to meet the man...the myth...the legend...John Micheal Copper. I have heard Eric go on and on and on and on about this dude all the time. I'd seen his stuff, and of course thought he was bad ass, but none of this really hit home until Eric called me about 2 months ago and asked if I'd go to JMC's workshop. I was in and on we went. What a blast!!!! Not only did we get to meet JMC and the Wiebners, but we got to meet lots of other photographers outside of our normal loop. The cherry on top of all of this was the mountain of info JMC provided us with. From metering, work flow, and editing tips, to marketing, packaging, and philosophy. Needless to say it was insane! Well worth the 10 hour drive!!!

So I got a few pics...but I am off to Chicago tomorrow and I don't have the time right now to edit them all. I thought I would post this one little picture though....

Nags Head....

2008-07-31T09:57:00.016-04:00

I know I am almost a month behind on this post, but there has been a lot going on here in the Fuller house, so it just kinda took a back burner.

Joe and I rent a house on the beach at Nags Head every summer for a week. This year we invited some of our closest friends to share in the fun. I can't really say that without mentioning that it if a 4 bedroom house and we managed to share it with 13 people without killing each other!

They have all been driving me crazy in the last few weeks to see the shots I took. To be quite honest I didn't have my camera out that often so there are not many shots, but I did get some cute ones.

The first one here is a group shot of all of us...well it was suppose to be. And I brought my tripod just for the occasion, but I forgot the little connector thing for the bottom of the camera. I usually always have it attached to the bottom of my camera, but when I bought the battery pack for my camera I took it off and never put it back on....OPPS! So I am in the shot in spirit!
This is A silhouette of my husband Joe and our youngest son Noah.
Another shot of Noah on the dunes.

This is Bobby, my best friend's youngest son. I can't help but take pictures of him....he's so photogenic....and he loves taking pictures!
Bobby again....
And again...
and again...
This is John and Joann enjoying some rays on the beach. John was hard to peel from the beach. The only break he really took was to make cocktails for cocktail hour....oh yeah, and the kite incident of 08.

Deanna's husband Bob. You can't see it in this shot, but he does wear a halo!

(I'm sure Deanna is wondering at this point why are there are no shots of her, but it's mostly because she is a photographer's nightmare "I don't like my hair in that one" "No re-do it!""That's not my good side, can you do it from the other").....needless to say I don't take pictures of her that often....and I didn't really at the beach!

The sunrise....the only one I got up for, but it was so worth it!

Noah pointing at the sea gulls.

Noah watching the waves...

New Website!!!

2008-07-25T14:05:00.003-04:00

New Website!!!!!

I'm so excited to tell everyone that I have FINALLY updated my website. I have been meaning to do it for months, but I have just been so busy! At any rate....it's done.

I just wanted to add that neither my website, my photography, or my business in general would be what it is today without the help of quite a few people. One in particular is Eric Langlois from Raw Photo Design. He has not only been an inspiration, but he has been supportive, encouraging, constructive, and just plain fun. I also wouldn't have had the opportunities to grow my business and my portfolio if it wasn't for him! My goal isn't to be the most superb photographer in the world...because being quite honest...I can think of at least 12 that couldn't be touched and I love knowing there is still more for me to learn. My entire goal over the last year has been to learn and grow. I feel I have accomplished that, and I don't see my self stopping anytime soon! So a huge thank you to Eric for letting me tag along and play!!!!

I also wanted to thank my husband Joe and my boys Christian, Branndon, and Noah, who have really sacrificed a lot over the last year for me to pursue my new found love of photography. Without their love I'd be only half the person I am!

Also a huge shout out to a few of the Pugger's I've come to know and love....Carla Ten Eyck, Paul McNerny, Krystal Prue, Rob Trensky, Kiva, Robin Dini, Justin and Mary Marantz, Nikki Nicole, Val McCormick, Eric Foley, and Steve Depino.......(did I leave anyone out!) These people have either supported me and given me encouragement, or have been a huge part in my learning process over the last few months! Thank you all...
(For those of you who don't know, this is the Pictage User Group of Hartford CT, and they are some of the coolest people I know)

So it's not that the new site is the most amazing thing ever, but I have seen a huge improvement in my photography over the last year and I wanted to showcase that, but more importantly I wanted all of you to know that I am only able to do this through the experiences and support you have all selflessly given me!

What is a Diva???????

2008-07-22T09:07:00.010-04:00

What is a Diva?....

A diva is a term usually used to describe a celebrated female singer or actor. The term was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. It derives from the Italian word 'diva' meaning "goddess" or "fine lady"[1]. TIME magazine observed in its October 21, 2002 issue: "By definition, a diva was originally used for great female opera singers, almost always sopranos."(from Wikipedia)

Meet Rebecca.....she is my Diva sister!!!!! This chick simply rocks. She is one of those charismatic, quick witted kind of women that you just want to be around all the time because she is a pure blast no matter what you are doing. I think "Diva", "Goddess" and "Fine Lady" describe her perfectly. I met Rebecca back in the spring while second shooting at her wedding with Dave Jeffrey from CT Photo Group. We made pretty quick friends (because I am naturally drawn to women of her caliber) and she eventually asked me to trash her dress. Needless to say I had an absolute blast this past Sunday afternoon at Kent Falls trashing her dress with her and our 50 million onlookers. Man did we make a spectacle of ourselves. Later we were met by Eric Langlois of Raw Photo Design and he also has some rockin shots from the affair, so check out his blog.

Here is my sneak peak of the trashing....and I'll do another post in the next few weeks with my final edits. Rebecca I hope you enjoy them....:) and thank you so much for the awesome afternoon!!!!!

(P.S....just a side note here....I have really been neglecting my blog. Between the kids being on summer break, the new deck we built, and our vacation in Nags Head N.C....I have been beyond busy. This post is out of order, but I wanted to get them up for Rebecca...so hopefully I'll be getting the other posts up that I have been meaning to do!!!)

Bean Town...

2008-06-20T15:41:00.023-04:00

I had no idea Boston was called "Bean Town" makes sense though since they are famous for their beans! Anyhow....I recently made a trip to Boston with the hubby and the two younger boys. It was my first time in Boston and I was so amazed! It's so clean and you can actually drive down town as opposed to NYC! I had a blast while we were there and I thought I would share some of the shots I took.....no wedding or engagements here people...just good old fashion family fun!

We found this State Park that had these walking trails, which were a lot of fun for the boys to blow off steam after being trapped in the hotel room.....but Bran kept going into this field and getting blades of grass to chew on...Ohh he makes a redneck mama so proud!

A butterfly...can't help but go back to my roots from time to time!

We stopped at this little beach and the boys played for a while. I tried to explain to the boys that it's not really the beach because there are rocks not sand...but they didn't care!

This shot was taken down on Newbury Street....a shopping girl's dream!!!!!!!

We also went to the Children's Museum while we were there and the boys had a blast! For anyone who knows Noah...I'm sure you can appreciate him being trapped behind bars...ahhh so peaceful!

We also went down to this fort thingy (yes that is the technical term for it) by the waterfront. It was really cool cause there were plans taking off right over our heads. This is myhusband playing kissy face with Noah!

I really love this shot of Branndon...he always has this playful little look on his face.

Who doesn't love sausage????

2008-06-07T23:37:00.004-04:00

So... Eric is probably going to kill me...but come on, I couldn't resist...who could hold back after finding this jem in their camera! This is Eric from Raw Photo Design at his son's birthday party today. I'm just wondering who left him unsupervised at the grill?

Eric, aren't you taking the whole "Raw" thing a bit to far???

Since I am a true redneck, and not a closet case like this guy...I'm off to Pocono tomorrow to hear some vroom vroom from those sprint cars...peace out people!

Engagement shoot...kinda!!!

2008-05-27T16:31:00.024-04:00

I finally got the chance to second shoot an engagement session with Eric Langlois this weekend. I've been touch and go these last few weeks with CRAZY things going on in life. I had scheduled this with Eric, but of course things came up...so all in all I drove and hour and a half, to shoot for an hour and a half, and drive the hour and a half back home! I have to say Kelly and Chris were a lot of fun, but I'm sure things really heated up after I left. Thanks again Eric for the shoot....next time I'm not leaving till it's done!!!!!

And lastly...some shots of Eric, rockin out!

Boys and Their Bubbles...

2008-05-21T08:42:00.018-04:00

I have been out of the loop for a bit with some family things going on. My husband had knee surgery, and now that he is all heeled up I can stop waiting on him hand and foot and get back to business!!!!! Not really, but I did get the camera out...

I took these shots last week of the boys outside playing with bubbles. Noah (the little one) loves to be outside. As soon as his feet hit the floor in the morning he is asking to go outside. Branndon and Christian decided to take him outside and blow some bubbles with him. While he couldn't really blow the bubbles...he loved chasing them!

These two are the most amazing big brothers a kid could ask for. While they don't get along with each other all the time, their love for the littlest Fuller binds them! They constantly are at his beck and call...

Wishes.....

2008-05-05T22:47:00.004-04:00

I know I am suppose to be taking it easy and all...but I did get out today to play with my new lens and I got this shot of Branndon that I just love. To me, these are the gifts that we get. As photographers I mean. We get to go around and capture everyone else's special moments, but every now and then we actually get to capture our own. I love my little gifts...my little boys....this is my little Branndon.

Rachel + Geoff = LOVE!!!

2008-05-05T13:51:00.015-04:00

I finally got to second shoot for Rob Transke!!! Rob and I have been talking about shooting together over the last few weeks and the opportunity finally came up! The most exciting part of the day for me was in the very beginning when we started shooting Rachel getting ready and we were in the convent next to the church where the ceremony took place. The light, texture, and over all personality of this place was just INSANE...and it really got our creative juices flowing! I did get a bit carried away with the shoe shots, but the video light was so much fun to play with. Anyhow....... here are some shots I took, in no particular order. Thanks again to Rob and his wonderful assistant/better half Kathleen for having me :)

This is the same shot, but I couldn't decide which editing I liked more? Feedback?

Jill and Nick's Big Day...

2008-04-27T22:04:00.015-04:00

I got to second shot again this weekend for Eric Langlois from Raw Photo Design. Jill and Nick are one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. The kind of couple that you just know are going to have a long lasting, and strong relationship. I was honored to be a part of this significant time in their lives. They also were super fun and into trying anything, so I really got to watch Eric strut his stuff and get completely out of the box. As a photographer it is couples like this that make it all worth while. I just wanted to add.....that I could not get enough of the kids in the wedding party! These little ones were so cute, sweet, and bursting at the seams with energy. I followed them around all night. Thanks Jill, Nick, and Eric for a great experience!

Ohhh...and Eric putting the dress in a tree...INSANE!

Meg and Jay

2008-04-20T23:54:00.018-04:00

I had the distinct pleasure of watching Eric Langlios from Raw Photo Design in action this weekend. I got to second shoot for Meg and Jay's wedding and I had such a blast! The bride, groom, and the wedding party were hilarious and it just added to the fun. Here are a few of my favorite shots...

This is the ring bearer who refused to walk down the isle! He was so funny to watch...
There was a bar across from the church...and hey, everyone needs a drink once in a while!

The groom outside the church...
And some ring shots...ohhh wait, that's Eric taking his ring shot......
This ring shot was totally Eric's doing....
A ring shot with one of the engagement shots that Eric took....
And....cake.....

I finally cut Noah's Hair....

2008-04-18T12:38:00.007-04:00

For those of you who are around Noah a lot......for some reason I was really struggling with cutting his hair. Don't ask me why, and I don't think I really realized that it was an issue until I started looking at pictures of him and he looked so "unkept". To be perfectly honest I thought the crazy hair fit his personality sooooo well! He is a rebellious, headstrong, independent toddler that will stop at nothing to have things his way. Now that his hair is a bit more presentable, I am appreciating how much of a sweet little man he is! So I'm not going to go on anymore about the hair cut...but I did finally cut the lovely locks! Here are some pictures of him playing outside!

The first one is of him doing this Neanderthal thing he does by showing how big his belly is. He doesn't do it on demand...just whenever he feels like it.

This is him in the hammock.
Just a random shot!

And him dipping in for a closer look of what is popping in the forest!

More Love in the Surf and Sand!!!!!

2008-04-15T21:14:00.009-04:00

I have been knee deep in the editing process of these photos and it occurred to me that I haven't posted on my blog in a while....so...lucky for you guys I decided to share a few more shots from the Jamaican Wedding of Kirk and Tabitha! They have arrived safely home after being away FOREVER!!!!! So glad to have you guys back!
I can't take complete credit for the first shot...it was all Nolan's idea (he's the guy on the right)
So in order it is...
Kent, Tabitha, Inna, Rich, Kirk, and Nolan

This is Nolan and Inna, and it seems to me they may be next in line for a wedding photographer consult...these two were hot and heavy the whole time I was there....

I did some "tea staining" on this shot. i just love the faded effect.

My eyes welled up right after I took this shot. Tabitha looked up at me and asked "How do I look?" so I showed her this shot and was like..."You look amazing!"

This was my "Alight now everyone do something crazy" shot...yeah that's Nolan being superman apparently....

Carla Ten Eyck and Steve Depino ROCK!!!!!!!

2008-04-08T10:13:00.008-04:00

I had such an enlightening and inspirational day at the workshop that Carla Ten Eyck http://www.photosbycarla.com/ and Steve Depino http://www.stevedepino.com/ provided that I don't even know where to start. The entire day was full of knowledge, fun, and inspiration! The workshop was also very hands on, which was, to me, the best part. I met so many talented photographers, and got to watch them strut their stuff too. All in all the entire day was just sick, and for those of you that wanted to go, but couldn't, if the train comes around again, I would highly suggest clearing your calendar and jumping on!!! A special thanks to hair and make up, as well as the phenomenal models Kara, Nicole, and Justin Marantz and "The award winning" Mary Marantz of Justin Marantz Photography http://www.imagine-imaging.com/ who took time out from being photographers, to let us take shots of them! The first image here is my favorite of mine from the day, but it would not of been possible without the help of Kiva from http://www.annandalephotography.com/ who saw the shot I was going for and gladly handed over his own lens to help me achieve it!!! Thanks Kiva! So here's what I got out of the day and I hope I did enough name dropping!!!

Super Model!!!!

2008-04-04T18:29:00.008-04:00

Here she is....Amy the rockin super model! I have been locked in the digital darkroom since 8 this morning, (with all the Jamaican photos I "tooled") but I did get to a few of my favorite shots of Amy!!! This was a shoot I did last weekend with Eric from Raw Photo Design, whom as you all know, is kick ass!!!! (http://www.rawphotodesign.com/) I had such a blast on this shoot I can't even explain it. Amy was a natural behind the camera and just tore it up! You go girl! And it wouldn't of been possible without Eric's lovely assistants either! Here are a few of my favs and at this point who knows when I will get to the rest??? :)

Love in the Surf and Sand....

2008-04-03T10:43:00.006-04:00

Hi all you bloggers out there! So I just got back from Jamaica, where I shot a wedding. This is Kirk and Tabitha Arneson, and they are very close friends of mine! It was such an honor to be able to see them get married, but I was even more honored that they in-trusted their most cherished memories to me! Thank you so much for a fun couple of days guys, I had a blast..... and Tabitha, you clean up SOOOOOOO nice!!!!!!

So here are a few of my favorite shots. It is going to take me forever to process the 3000 photos I tool, but this is a start........

Bouyaaaah!!!

2008-03-23T23:05:00.007-04:00

So Eric, from Raw Photo (http://www.rawphotodesign.com/) invited me out to shoot with him on a mock bridal shoot! Everything about it rocked, including Eric's choice of locations (I apparently left before the basement shoot) and the model who was FABULAOUS!

Anyhow here are a few of my favorite shots from the day. I'll work on some more in the next few days. It was awesome shooting with Eric and I can't wait till next time!

Sunshine, Laughter, and Texture...

2008-03-11T09:17:00.006-04:00

What could be better than that?

I've always enjoyed seeing photos with texture, but never really understood how to do it. I love the depth it adds and the way it makes a typical photo stand out. As usual if I like something I try try again until I learn how to do it. I'm learning that less is more, but here is some stuff I worked on. I took my two youngest boys out last week to the park for some fun and some shooting! I absolutely loved being out shooting, and they didn't mind my lens in their faces (very unusual)!

This is Noah running around, no i didn't give him anything to drink first, refreshments came after!

This is Noah again enjoying one of those bouncing, rocking horse thingies (yes that is the technical name for them)!

This is Branndon. He just turned 6 on Saturday! This kid has a heart of gold.

This one is Noah again, probably my favorite from the day!

A Day In The Life....

2008-03-04T12:43:00.000-05:00

So...Under the advice of all of my current advisers I have created a Blog! I don't live any kind of a glamorous life (Not taking away from the fact that I myself am G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S) so I am not really sure what to post, but here is my feeble attempt at being cool! (Must keep the natives appeased)

My name is Danielle and I am 29 years old. I live in the hills of Litchfield county CT. I have three wonderful boys, ages 10, 5, and 18 months. I also have the privilege of being married to the most wonderful man in the world. He truly is my "better half"! I love him more and more everyday. I know how lame that sounds, but you really would have to meet him!

I have loved photography all my life and our home is plastered wall to wall with pictures, but I never became serious about it until recently. I just had this "Ah Ha" moment! I didn't want to look back when I am 40 and feel like I was never really following the path that I was meant to. So of course, me being me, I jumped in head first! It has been a whirl wind so far and I have met a lot of wonderful and talented people! I hope to continue with those bonds and look forward to all of the new ones along the way.

My photographic style would best be described as photo journalistic. I believe there is always an emotion to be found, and I strive to capture it and bring it to the forefront for all to see. You can see some of my current work at my website www.BeyondTheLensPhotography.com . I have been couped up in this house for the last 4 months FREEZING up here in the hills so I am anxious to get out and get going again. My philosophy is that there is always something to learn and something to master so I'm looking forward to getting out into the sunshine (anyone seen any?) and get at it again! Also a note on the website: I'm planning to revamp the whole thing in the next few months so if anyone has any advice or knows someone who does that sort of jazz let me know!!!!

Alright I have babbled long enough here. So much for having nothing to write.

Tune in next time when I......