Bar Mitzvah Beginning

I love the story that happens at bar mitzvahs. There is this undercurrent of excitement, with the anticipation of the bar mitzvah boy's reading and the support and love of the family. There are precious moments like the brother locking arms with his sister and waltzing in together. Or the uncle picking up the brother and holding him upside down. The beautiful strips of red light added a spiritual quality, which seemed fitting for the occasion. And since the bar mitzvah boy is into theater, his jump outside was just a preview of what was to come at the party later.

Held

This shoot reminded me of a shoot I did many years ago for my client when she was getting ready to go to an elegant party. I photographed the excitement of getting ready, the beauty of her dress and self and the juxtaposition of being all dressed up and being out in nature. This Thursday, it was like deja vu. My client and her daughter were all dressed up to go in to New York City for a special dinner. The love and connection were so evident inside and out. It is a milestone to see my client take her own daughter to an adult event, since I started photographing their family almost ten years ago when she was eight!

New Canaan Wedding

Teri & Paul have a great connection, so much in love. They were married a few weeks ago at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan and then had their reception at the Weeburn Country Club.  in Darien. Surrounded by people who care for them and wish them all the best. I was honored to be a part of their celebration.

Puttin on the Dog

Great day and great weather at Puttin On The Dog in Greenwich, CT. Met lots of people, some clients came by the booth, and it was fun to see so many dogs and their people having a great time. Adopt-a-Dog puts on a terrific show. Very casual and family oriented.

Going to the dogs . . . and chickens

Shooting Pictures for the Pound was a delightful experience for me. May 1st was sunny and warm. Dogs, kids and parents were all in a fun spring spirit. We had big dogs, little dogs and even a chicken! New puppies full of love for everyone and faithful senior dogs just happy to be with their owners. All of it was connected by the love that people had for their animals. There was a lot of hugging and kissing and chatting and playing, and even a singing/howling a cappella moment that I wish had been on video.

We Einarsens are a huge pet family, and warmed my heart to have us all there. My husband, Paul, managing the image files and my boys, Connor and Carson, helping wrangle wandering pets and kids. But seeing all these people and the animals that are so much a part of their lives made me see Boomer and Gravel, our shelter dog and cat, through refreshed eyes. It made me thankful that I could do something to help other strays find loving families like these.

Thanks to Earth Animal and the landlord, we were able to set up a temporary studio in the empty storefront next door which helped contain energetic dogs and roaming children. We scheduled 23 sessions but the event was so popular with walk-ins that we had to extend the day and ended up shooting 37 families and their pets, plus Perry from Adopt-a-Dog. In the end we raised over $2700 for Westport Animal Shelter Advocates to use for improvements and supplies at the Westport Dog Shelter. I encourage everyone to contact and help out with their great work.

Pictures for the Pound

On Saturday, May 1st, I'm doing a benefit pet portrait shoot at Earth Animal in Westport. All proceeds from the shoot will go to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates to help support the Westport Animal Control Shelter. These are some pictures I took while visiting the shelter.

The Westport Animal Shelter was just renovated on the inside. Now the need is for outdoor runs for each of the dogs. Officer D'Amico runs the shelter along with Kathleen, the assistant.   A group, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA), has rallied to the support of the shelter and works on projects to raise funds and provide volunteers who come to walk the dogs and create a community of caring.The Westport Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter so dogs can remain for a while. Loretta has been at the Shelter for four years.

Another coolcustomer is this Staffordshire terrier/boxer mix who is happy, wags her tail a lot and seems to smile. Her name is Ellie and she loves everyone. Ellie looks a lot like our dog, Boomer. Their faces seem to say, "I understand."

The benefit Pet portrait event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm at Earth Animal, 606 Post Road East, in Westport.

Freezin' for a Reason

The Burroughs Community Center is once again holding a fund raiser for new programs at the center. Here are some photos I took last year. I'll be there to photography Freezin 2010.