Jane and Seth at Rockleigh Country Club

Feb 14

We had the opportunity to photograph Jane and Seth’s wedding at Rockleigh Country Club in North Jersey. What a gorgeous place Rockleigh is. We had a great opportunity to photograph around the club, with unlimited background changes.
As you can see from some of the spreads I posted, the gazebos as well as the fountains were just awesome. They had these 2 large fountains that were outside smack in the middle of 2 large ballrooms. We photographed a great amount of night Images. What didn’t hurt was the fact that Jane was absolutely beautiful. What a bride. There was a great combination of weather, great looking couple and a load of desire to make wonderful images, and that’s what made these photograph be as spectacular as they are.
Expressions Cinema did a great job on the video. They have loaded the video on their sight so don’t forget to check it out.
Jane and Seth love their photographs and video and I am honored to have had the opportunity to photograph this wonderful couple.
Stay tuned for more.

Valentine’s Day-The Myth, The Legend

Feb 13

Like nearly all other holidays, Valentine’s Day has been transformed into a commercialized nightmare. Flowers, chocolate, candy, cards and crazy love, have all contributed to the idea that Valentine’s is just a conspiracy by companies to sell more treats.
But there’s more to this day. There are several legends surrounding Valentine’s Day, and when asked about the history of the holiday, many do not really know.
In the pre-Christian era, ancient Rome used Feb. 13 through 15 to celebrate Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival.
Circa A.D. 197, martyr Valentine of Terni was imprisoned, tortured and beheaded in Rome for his Christianity. Per legend, he died on Feb. 14.
In circa A.D. 270, Valentine of Rome, another Christian, was martyred under Claudius II, known as “Claudius the Cruel.” Like Valentine of Terni, he was first imprisoned before being beheaded.
Several versions of this Valentine’s story exist. One says that he performed secret marriages against the emperor’s command; another says that he was imprisoned after aiding prisoners in Rome; still another says that he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter after healing her sight, allegedly sending her letters and signed them “From your Valentine.”
Later, circa A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day, a Christian day for feasting (hoping to replace the pagan holiday Lupercalia).
But Feb. 14 has been associated with more than death, imprisonment and paganism.
During the Middle Ages, many in England and France associated mid-February as the beginning of birds’ mating season, denoting a sense of romance. Shortly afterward and into the 15th century, written valentines began circulating, around the same time Gutenberg invented the printing press.
Throughout the following centuries, other events that have fallen on or near Feb. 14 have been associated with Valentine’s Day.
Regardless of which event people associate with Valentine’s Day, many have mixed feelings on the holiday itself.
“If you really love someone, you shouldn’t need one day to show that,” said freshman communication major Presley Schwisow. “What companies have turned it into takes the meaning away from it.”
In 2009, Valentine’s Day generated an estimated $14.7 billion in U.S. retail sales. Each year, people buy about a billion Valentine’s cards, 100 million roses (in a 3-day period) and 35 million heart-shaped boxes of candy. The average consumer spends $77 on Valentine’s Day gifts.
And Americans aren’t the only ones who become starry-eyed come Valentine’s. The holiday is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, with millions of cupids flying lovably crazy around the area..
Unlike other Western holidays, many today don’t look at the history of this special day. While historians remain uncertain on the specifics surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day, they all agree that the holiday has changed into something uniquely different than any legends had intended.
Whether you’re celebrating the holiday because of what some Roman did several centuries ago or because you just like red roses, dark chocolate and sparkling jewelry, it’s a special day to extend kind words to those most special to you.

Eli Receives His Craftsman Degree

Feb 7

After many years of hard work and love for my trade, with much time spent teaching educational programs to Professional Photographers, I am proud to have recently received my Photographic Craftsman Degree from Professional Photographers of America.
They sent me a letter to post which basically reads:
Eli has met the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America. He has been awarded the Photographic Craftsman degree in Recognition of his service to the photographic profession as an Orator, author and mentor.
PPA, worldwide association, exists to assist it’s more than 22,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science, and a visual recorder of history.
As they say to achieve our highest dreams, we must be willing to put in the time and effort that is what this degree is all about; Time, effort, love, creativity and patience. If it weren’t for my family, friends and clients, I would not have been able to fulfill my dream to become a Professional Photographer.
To My clients, I truly appreciate your trust in me and faith in my photographic abilities and allowing me to be your historian. Thank you all!

Sheva Brachot in New York

Feb 3

I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to photograph a Sheva Brachot in New York. What is a Sheva Brochot you might ask? The orthodox Jewish people believe that after a wedding, the couple should be honored for 7 evenings after their wedding with a dinner and prayers after dinner. Generally 7 blessings at the time of Grace after Meals. Hence the word Sheva which means “Seven” and the word Brachot which means “Blessings”. Alot do not do a full Seven days some might do 3 or 4 nights. Some do all.
Most of the time the Sheva Brachot might be a simple small dinner in a house or a small Restaurant. Most of the time usually friends get together and sponsor the Sheva Brachos for the couple or family get together and sponsor it.
Well this particular Shevah Brachot was more like a wedding. They had about 200 people at the Mandarin Oriental in New York. Absolutely beautiful decorations and the food was great! David and Jason Scharf made a wonderful party for the family (who will remain unnamed). I know David Scharf for many years from my days in New York and both our kids have gone into our prospective fields. He put out a prime on the main course that was 2 1/2 inches thick, shame I am a vegetarian. Expressions Cinema also had a presence at this event.
Here are some really great images. Some great decorations and some really powerful ones. Let me know if you have any questions about.