Have no fear of OVERCAST on the DAY of your SHOOT📷😌🖤

LIKE♥️ if you still haven’t😉
⠀ ⠀Many of our Clients often mention that they “hope for sunny weather!” on the scheduled date. And every time I’m ready to answer: harsh sunlight is the worst lighting condition for taking dynamic shots on the diverse location (what we actually do🗽). Of course, contrast lighting☀️ has some advantages, but it’s definitely not something you should crave waiting for your session. ❌Believe me, you’ll prefer not to get blinded almost all the time, not to waste time while we’re looking for an angle/spot with a better lighting; not to get deep shadows under your eyes and noses🐼.
⠀ ⠀My favorite light for taking the pics is sunrise “golden hour” and...overcast!
⠀ ⠀I love how mild and even is lighting of overcast weather☁️. It already adds some mood to the shoot and make the colors calm, but deep🎞.

⠀ Almost half time of this photoshoot with Violet & Matthew it was lightly raining😳🌧 We had no chance to reschedule so decided to give it a try...
🙌🏻I have so much gratitude and respect to the Clients who totally trust my vision and don’t stick to just one variant of “picture perfect” they have in their mind. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀ ⠀God Bless You, open hearted and open minded!

WINTERTIME OUTDOOR SESSION: fears and facts.

So you’ve decided to book an outdoor photoshoot. In wintertime. And #babyitscoldoutside! Not sure what to do? 

Do you need to wait until spring?
Is in-studio session the only acceptable option?
Is it just the same thing as doing the session in summer?

Based not on theory, but on our experience (as always), here’re some important moments you should keep in mind:

Fear: It’s quite impossible to do outdoors photo shoots at this time of the year, I’d probably book a session with Christmas tree and a fireplace somewhere in-studio. 

Reality: If you’re visiting New York, (or living here, but still doubting where to get your beautiful pictures done) it would be such a waste of your chance to take the shots somewhere in a studio. They will look like any other studio pictures in the world!
First, in Christmas time streets of New York are decorated so atmospheric and movie-like that any studio may get jealous. Plus, outdoor pictures will look much more diverse.
Second, because of the bare trees, the cityscape can be seen in many spots of the city, where usually it’s covered by greenery. This definitely gives more options for taking creative shots.
Third, it’s easier to get a good lighting in the morning – the sun rises later and sunlight is not so harsh.
After New Year’s Day, the City (even tourist locations) is not that crowded as during the warmer season.

Fear: It’s unreal to get beautiful shots outdoors in wintertime. I won't be able to put on my high-heel sandals and strapless dress.

Reality: Wintertime shoot is a wonderful opportunity to get some cozy and comfy shots. If you don’t have previous modeling experience and aren’t used to work in extreme conditions, you don’t need to do a sacrifice and pretend you don’t care about the cold. Such winter accents as a cute hat, scarf and gloves would not only make you feel warm but would “match the season”. Put on an oversized sweater, knitted accessories and you’ll be guaranteed to get perfect seasonal photos.

Q.: Ok, I think I’m ready to do that. I prepared my uggs, my “ugly” sweater and 4-feet-long scarf. But I’m still concerned; do I need to bring anything else? 

A.: What I can definitely recommend – to bring a vacuum bottle with hot coffee/tea/cocoa. It will warm you up anytime you will start feeling cold, plus can also be used as an on-point prop. 
The other great things you might like to use are hand and foot warmers. They are available in any pharmacy during the cold season. 
And the last thing you should definitely bring is... your ENTHUSIASM!
As you're about to get beautiful and timeless memories! 
See you soon at our shoot!

Christmas in the City. Become a part of the magical atmosphere!

So...I'm back! During the last month I've visited more than half a dozen countries, all of them with hot sand and warm ocean, with palms and eternal summer. But the more I've seen, the more I understood how do I love and appreciate NYC! and the real-winter feeling. Unfortunately, I haven't caught the snow days here, but I'm so glad to be home for Christmas. As for no doubt, this season is the most wonderful time of the year in this most incompatible city!

Last year we've captured about 2 dozens holiday-themed photoshoots in December and our Clients really enjoyed their lifestyle outdoor pictures on the streets of "Home Alone II" atmospheric city. Right, we didn't shoot any session in-studio. We remained loyal to our outdoor urban vibe and I truly believe, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Avenue Of Americas giant decorations and Saks 5th Avenue's magical lights look definitely more special than any studio props.

We still have few shoots scheduled before the end of this year. Among them - Family, Love Story, and Individual session! So I can't wait to create some Christmastime fairytale with all these cool guys who are not afraid of cold :)

Stay tuned! ;)

And Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

World, hold on...

I've decided to share one really special thing with you. There's nothing sensational about it. But it's not the usual statistics that most of the photographers can be proud of. 
No, it's not yet the map of the countries I've visited. It's the map of our tourist/non-tourist Client's native countries ^_^
Being honest, I'm a very sensitive person. I remember each unique impression that I've got after photoshoot with our Clients from all over the world. 
...And it's such a warming feeling - to recall in memory all those on-the-go, sincere(!) conversations; to ask my first-time-ever Models the questions about their national food (my favorite *FACEPALM*), traditions, weather, mentality, EVEN THE COLOR OF SUNSETS AND DAWNS in their country!
I've shed a tear, thinking of how grateful I am to become the part of their visit to my forever-favorite-city-in-the-world. To become a part of their life-lasting memory.
Wow, it's precious! 
Thank you, Lord.

P.S. I definitely need more African and South American Clients :D
P.P.S. Of course, I'm not completely sure if I've marked ALL the countries, as some people might not share with me their origin (I didn't mark the countries of those "internationals" who were born in U.S. or those who have been living here since childhood on this map)

Africans, South Americans from any country except Brazil & Argentina - VERY WELCOME! 20% off for your session ;))

#beinghonest 

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Summer is here

Hi world! So, we've completed this spring! The spring with not that much bloom as we expected, but pretty productive though. 
What's next? Melting concrete, guys. If you choose to shoot in the city. Buuut... If you'd like to get timeless portraits with solid background, to get complimented by something eternal, you're very welcome to book a photoshoot at Coney Island. This place is one of the best outdoor photoshoot options in NYC. As it's not only the ocean and the beach; fresh air and a little less of trash (in the morning); wonderful relaxing atmosphere; totally photogenic waves and sand; but vintage/retro/stylish LUNA PARK landscape that feels like "Only in America. Preferably In 60s". 
If you came to NYC and you don't believe that it's only "concrete jungle", but the epic place that contains calm beauty of nature, atmospheric neighborhoods (i don't mean banal "chinatown") and want to feel the different vibe of the "capital of the world", please, don't hesitate to meet us in South Brooklyn.
We personally chose Coney Island for our last love story with Andrew and had really enjoyed two different styles in 1 session that we managed to get! (Check some of these below - captured by talented @romikrad (Roman Rad); edited by Marta Dorosh)
A year ago, my husband also captured me at Coney Island and you might have seen these pictures too. 
Especially if you're a fan of retro (the same as me) + don't like crowds (the same as me again) - don't have a doubt, this option totally deserves your try.

Artists & Business. Artists & Self-Entertaining. BrooklynBaby & Braids

Are there any special entertainments/inspiring time-spendings/crazy hobbies/secret weaknesses in your Family's/Couple's life?

We spend together around 24/7, sharing routine, our favorite profession in creative field(+ all the responsibility package attached - as it's not only about becoming some trendy artists with a limitless reserve of inspiration, but also...

...flawless and respected business Director

...selfless Manager (does the best to resolve each and every issue, being not only intelligent, but totally dedicated; with the highest fair standards)

...accurate, attentive, literate and SUPER prompt Secretary (always happy to provide the most detailed answer to your next billion of questions; takes care of all your worries, concerns and doubts explaining why everything would anyway come out great ;))


As I’m not that self-confident type of person to convince others that some specific idea of mine is going to come out marvelous, so I’m excited to try all those spontaneous, sometimes weird ideas on myself, as it feels easier to experiment without risk to meet someone’s disappointment.
(The other pragmatic reason is that in a short period of time

it’s not that easy to find easy-going model that would perfectly feel the idea and would be ready to follow all the directions for a TFP project)

ABOUT THIS SHOOTING:

Idea: Spontaneous (Husband convinced me to go for a half-n-hour-around-the-block walk, as it happened to be one of the first really warm and pleasant days of the season)
Motivation: Could not miss getting captured with my braids for the last time before taking them off on the next day

Camera/Director/Editing:  Andrew Dorosh

Model/Style/Director/Post-Production : Marta Dorosh

(Sometimes my face expressions are pretty weird👻 - I just got tired of walking backwards-forwards across the street for dozen of times, waving my head with all the strength to make my hair fly🙄. And in the final version, we used only double of these moments, of course🤤) 

#doroshland_photo #doroshland_video #videography #photography #artist #portfolio #streetphotography #streetstyle #blog #blogger

April State Of Mind || #ItsMoreComfortableToExpressLoveInSneakers

I love spring! It makes me feel inspired, even if there's no reason. [And even, if there're some reasons to get stressed xD] 
For me, blooming is a pure magic. Magnolias, sakura, fruit trees, tulips, peonies... How could someone stay indifferent to these?
(Don't forget it may be challenging to take a divine photo next to the most beautiful trees (as they're getting covered by the other bloom-lovers during the season :D)

Except enjoying the charm of nature, spring brings to me that "forever young" feeling. I recall in memory my first April in NYC, the unforgettable month when I was 19 and could believe in any miracle.
That April was made of fun and kisses, NYC atmosphere, leather jackets/white sneakers, candid emotions and great music...

So I dreamed to reflect a little bit of that mood with some creative and easy-going couple. No heels. No fancy dresses. No tight suites or anything that could make them feel uncomfortable, unnatural and especially - constrained in expressing candid emotions.
2 days ago we accomplished my little "mission" with Maria & Alex - both artists and life-lovers.
Looking forward to getting your feedback on the results! 
(You can also check out the Series in better quality at our website)

Love passionately. Kiss more.
Stay forever young, wild and free.
XOXO

#lovestory #photographernyc #photography #streetstyle 

Ready? Steady? Pose! or Expressing your inner self

I believe that modern photography is the way to express the personality, not just to show the visual appearance. So being ready to reveal your emotions at the shoot is one of the "key points" of preparation. If you think that you're "that shy type of person" it doesn't mean that you will feel uncomfortable during our session. You should understand that the more different emotions you will be able to expose, the more unique, candid and sensual pictures we will get. 

1. People say that if you need to share your secrets with someone without any consequences, the best option would be "a stranger on a park bench". In our case this means that you may not bother about how "weird", "unlike", "funny", "crazy" you may look expressing the very best (and interesting) of your personality at the shoot.

2. If you're worried because you haven't prepared the Pinterest folder of poses for THOSE ETERNAL 60 MINUTES, please relax :). Directing of Client's posing is one of the main parts of my work on the shoot which has always been highly rated. lf I feel that the Client is ready to experiment, we may get some really special and outstanding pictures! 

3. Few times my Clients honestly stated that a glass of wine/shot of tequila/a cigarette/*insert your variant* before the session would help them to relax and feel more confident. Please! (we're not taking a headshot for your Linkedin account) you're absolutely welcome to help yourself feeling comfortable in the most preferable way. We're going to do some ARTISTIC work. But YOU are not at your workplace. Enjoy!

4. As long as we're going to do some art, try feeling yourself an actor/singer/famous person. This is your "star moment"! Believe in it. And glow! You CAN look whoever and whatever you desire for these 60-90-more minutes. You don't need to care about anything or anyone in the world for this short time except having fun and showing your beauty/mystique/playfulness/attitude! Really. Just try ;)

5. If you're preparing for Love Story shoot, check out some special tips from me here: http://www.martadorosh.com/blog/secretingredient

If you have any questions regarding other specific moments of your upcoming shoot, do not hesitate to ask me at doroshland@gmail.com 

Hope my tips will be helpful for you and will make your photoshoot preparation more pleasant and exciting!

Ready? Steady? Pose! or Getting Prepared for Your Photoshoot

Going to book your first photo session ever or just not sure about how to prepare, what to wear and how to act during the shoot? No panic🤗 For your convenience I've written some recommendations based on our professional experience😌

 

1. If you're not going to start booking photoshoots every season after your 1st shoot, ask yourself how would you like to present your style and personality on the shoot. My opinion here is: fashionable is always better than ordinary. But...

2. ...please, don't put on anything that will take much time to "work" with. Like evening gowns with endless tails. Or extra high heels in which you can only stand still on a flat surface. Or clothes that don't let you breathe normally. We're going to have dynamic street-style shooting, and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable and not able to follow the directions. So if you have some doubts, you're welcome to ask me for advice. In general, I won't recommend to wear "total white" looks (except newlyweds, of course :D), too vivid color tops (as they can affect your face tone). Great option is to wear mono-colored clothes or simple patterns, but express yourself by using some stylish accessories, as watches, shades/glasses, scarves, hats, gloves, headbands, earrings, rings, etc. You can bring some personal props for certain shots: a meaningful book, a favorite flower, food/drink, other special things.

3. Especially for my dear ladies! Please, don't ignore such "beautification instruments" as make up and hair styling. If you don't feel very confident about yourself, just imagine how disappointed you might be after getting your photos, where the only (but such important!) thing that you won't like will be blushing/frosted red cheeks, thin lips or "everyday routine" hairstyle. P.S. Red lipstick makes a huge difference to even most basic look ;)

4. Ladies & Gentlemen...Manicure! I shoot enough of close-ups and going to ask you to use your hands.

5. Comfortable shoes. Please, keep in mind that you're booking a dynamic photoshoot on a wide location(s). If you still want to shoot in fashionably high heels I highly recommend to bring a comfortable change for walking fast from one spot to another (as we don't want to waste time and your energy level, right?)

Enough about visual appearance.
I'm going to share some "mental preparation" tips tomorrow!

Stay tuned! XO

 

Some examples of stylish & comfortable looks by our Couples

Me on my birthday day in Orlando, Florida in November 2016.I chose flowing cool dress that made me feel "like a queen" and Converse shoes that gave me comfort and easy-to-move feeling.

Me on my birthday day in Orlando, Florida in November 2016.

I chose flowing cool dress that made me feel "like a queen" and Converse shoes that gave me comfort and easy-to-move feeling.

SWEAT NOW, SHINE LATER or photographing Yoga in Williamsburg

So... the spring is here (and let's forget about tones of snow outside)! For me, spring is always a season for renovation, re-motivation and reviewing the life priorities. And what can be more related to this than becoming fit and harmonized? 

Though it was windy as hell on the day and we could barely hold our heavy cameras still, our Client Ivonne Ackerman, founder of "The Sweat Glow. FITNESS FOR THE MODERN, BUSY WOMAN", proved that our body is a magical instrument that responds to our care and efforts. It brings back not only physical beauty, but confidence and calmness to your mind and belief that impossible is nothing.
But, yes, you'll need to sweat for it... ;)

Ivonne booked the photoshoot with us to get new professional photographs for her website.
She selected our Individual package with manually retouched images plus ordered additional touched-ups later.


Always happy to work with young professionals who are passionate about what they are doing!

REVEALING my favorite GENRE in photography: "I am nature. You are art. Let us see how we compare". ("Le Libertine" 2004) 🌓

I finally admitted that my favorite photography genre is dramatic woman portrait. I love capturing not just "headshots", but wide-open eyes, deep glances, expressive eyebrows, sensual lips, hair flowing chaotically by wind; love showing ATMOSPHERE OF THE PERSONALITY! It is my biggest inspiration and passion to get "portraits with the feelings". Since I was 17, I became interested in fashion photography/models and fall in love with those epic never-smiling alien-like women from the pages of "Vogue"... When I started photographing, I understood that it motivates me even more to shoot "regular" people in regular/public/unpredictable places but in "fashionable" manner.

I'd like to to see a model in every woman and to show the angles that she hasn't discovered in herself earlier!

Analyzing my personal vision of the "perfect attitude" of a woman I photograph, I would say that she looks pretty daring or innocent, not sexy or glamorous. She doesn't need to smile, as there must be a little mystery behind her expression...

I have a university classmate and a friend. About 8 years ago I wanted to organize some crazy social (antisocial?) idea photoshoot and she became the one who agreed to pose as a pregnant smoking woman (of course she wasn't pregnant for real) at the ruins of an old kindergarten. Also during that shoot we were tearing photographs (as a symbol of "tearing" past - for the 2nd look) and using some other metaphorical props... After that day my classmate became my undoubted muse, always ready to trust my vision and to experiment with no fear. I photographed her in the bath with milk and guilder rose (because rose petals are too banal :D), in a red wig, red dress and white fur; with and without bra, with glitters on her lips and bright pink eyeshadows...

And all this pre-history was about to finally introduce charming Ninel - my friend’s younger sister
At this photoshoot I refused to experiment for too much, as we had only about 45 minutes and pretty chilly weather outside. But no matter what, I expected to get few different-mood portraits and I think we managed to create some with Ninel.
Thanks for being so appealing, open-minded and easy-going, girls.
Hugs and kisses to you!
P.S. I already have an idea for our next shoot...😉

Resuming that summertime rush...

This summer became the most productive season in my life so far. We've got in touch with so many different people, captured so many future memories, upgraded our work process, discussed our goals and needs... We worked on around 40 shoots and 5 weddings.
There were times when I felt lack of new ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm, as we had really tough schedule and the temperature got literally hellish in some days. And then we had come to the shoot and met up with open-hearted, positive and easy-going people, that made my little inner artist excited. And I began to see the surroundings under the different angle, began to realize new angles and reflections, new directions and ideas came to my mind. And I'm very grateful to God, beautiful world and all those kind people that made me came through the harsh times learning something useful and new...

Sharing some personal photos with you, dear readers.

Big black wedding. Candid people, candid moments, candid love.

Today I want to tell you about the wedding that I shooted in the end of April in Queens. 
It was the biggest and the most candid wedding in my photography experience (around 270 guests (+ around 1 lb of tears ) and I felt really honored that Imani (the Bride) chose me to capture their undoubtedly epic Event of Love. 
When I came in the morning to the Holy Unity Cathedral, beautiful Bride met me at the entrance and forwarded to the room that reminded me of a Fashion Week Backstage. Dozen of ladies - bridesmaids, makeup artists, hair stylists, girlfriends and their daughters; coffee and donuts, cosmetics, dresses, beauty products, accessories... all were there. During 2 hours of "Bride's morning" I had captured around 400 shots, with no posing and "asking for a photo"! as the atmosphere was so dynamic and there were so many moments/details worth to snap. 
At the Ceremony everyone was deeply touched by Bride's & Groom's speeches, they were crying, guests were crying, I was crying and trying to keep my hands no shaking... :D

At the "newlyweds walk" shoot, after we made few group photos with coolest Brides and Grooms Parties, my movie-stars-looking-couple didn't ask for some special directions to show their love sincerely and passionately. After getting some romantic shots, Imani & Rashaan decided to have some of their favorite junk food - Astoria Park street hot dogs. And I was really grateful for this another opportunity to get some more CANDID shots. 

At the restaurant, I took my Tylenol (as I happened to be sick on that big day) and got prepared to shoot The First Dance, the First Glass of Champagne and the beginning of the Grand Celebration. And it was real! Everyone, from the smallest to the oldest was dancing, chilling, having fun and honestly enjoying the party. 
What I'd like to mention, The First Dance was made not as a formal, all-prepared actual dance, but as a play between Bride and Groom - they were singing; acting, showing their attitude and moving/dancing freely during the song. And everyone was charmed. 

What I can say - I'm so grateful to Imani and Rashaan that they gave me the opportunity to capture their most important memories, from all the angles, with whole range of inspiring emotions. 
They showed me that the Wedding should reflect the personality of the couple, not to be sticked to some traditional "picture". 
God bless the couple and let them live happily ever after!
 

The "secret ingredient" of getting perfect Love Story/Family Shoot pictures

For a long time I was thinking about writing an article about love story (can be used for family photography too) preparations/process/expectations.

It could be helpful for my clients or all those, who wonder what "special key" turns a regular shoot into something unique, touching, unrepeatable and "hollywood worth".

The more experience I'm getting, the more consistency I can see - that secret ingredient, every time, is SINCERITY of the couple/family: their ability to stay open-hearted, candid, truthful, loving and tender/sometimes funny and crazy with each other at the shoot. The less they care about the world around (even including me, unless I'm asking them to do something specific), the more epic shots I can capture.

The same thing I've mentioned when me and my husband were captured by few great photographers lately. The main thing that inspired them and what they were expecting from us as the models during the process was the SINCERITY. Our pure emotions, couple little habits, cute kisses (not only the lips, guys! if you're embarrassed to kiss your other half's lips in public, just remember, that there're hands, cheeks, foreheads, eyes, noses, necks, ears left :D ). Don't be shy to keep closer. You're holding your biggest treasure, aren't you? So what for is the distance? :) 

As for the families - don't try to keep your kids still. Don't try to strike the poses like our goal is to capture a single traditional "passport picture style" photo :). Just have fun! Laugh with your kids, jump with them, kiss and hug. Be honest, be real. Keep in mind, that the more active and emotional you will be, the more sweet and touching future memories you will get. 

I'd really appreciate if the Clients that are booking a love story/family shoot with me could realize that my part of the work is to capture and "frame" the atmosphere that THEY ARE CREATING. I don't seem to have problems with giving the posing directions for those who are expecting them, but I wish it would be optional. 

And sometimes... some inspired people are contacting me regarding the shoot, we're discussing the upcoming event to the details, they're sending me some visual examples of what does they prefer/expect/desire to get... and when we meet up... I see, that the couple isn't ready to show their love. And it is the most upsetting thing. As I understand that they've made some great preparations/expectations regarding the shoot. But the most important is the process. Those 60/90/120 minutes, when loving people should feel/act like the heroes of the coolest romantic movie. Just try to do that! Isn't it an amazing experience to get? If you'll be able to keep that vibe just for few minutes, I promise that you will get some unique photos filled with your Private Atmosphere of Love.

What I can say.... It's up to you, guys! I will do my best to make you feel comfortable, interested and open during the shoot. I will give you the directions, suggestions, advices and will share my point of view if needed. I'll ask you some questions and will be joking from time to time only to relax you and to create a friendly connection between us. But after all, this is YOUR SHOOT. this is YOUR SPECIAL TIME, your investment to the priceless story of your life and love...

So what do you think? Are you in?...

Gorgeous Love & Style in Atmospheric Soho

Friends, I'm so excited to share my new Series with you!
Rachel & Bennett are super stylish and classy couple, living in Soho. They contacted me to book an engagement love story shoot with few looks. After we discussed the main details, Rachel prepared and sent me 3 mood boards with some poses, styles and looks, so I could understand her vision and get some inspiration. I really appreciate when clients are so responsible regarding the shoot. When they are preparing their best, sharing with me their needs and trusting my work style. 
So, the locations were: Washington Square - Soho streets - Rachel & Bennett's bedroom.
The looks: 1st - I've named it "Epic. Classic. Dressy" (I said Rachel that she looks like a princess), 2nd - I've named it "Jackie Kennedy with Mr President" (both Rachel (and my mom later) agreed that she looked so "Jackie") and the 3rd - guys put on the same "couple" pajamas (Rachel said "I know, it's so cheesy, that we sleep like that" though :D).
We've put a lot of efforts in this shoot. It was cold enough to feel uncomfortable, guys had to change their looks really fast to fit in our timing, I had to deal with pretty harsh noon sun lighting. But I guess, it was worth it - as the photos came out both beautiful and live, emotional and atmospheric.
Please, check out and leave your feedback!

Creating art with the body...

Today I want to share with you the results of my shoot with talented and endlessly lightful lady. 
Levy was raised in Long Island, NY, but after she finished her studies, she chose to travel around the world, working as an English teacher and living her dream life, exploring new cultures, new traditions, new lifestyles. Currently she lives and works in Japan. 
One of her favorite hobbies/part-time job is yoga and pole-dancing.

Levy contacted me with the idea of outdoor pole-posing photoshoot, that she'd like to organize. After discussing the variants, we stopped on Central Park - that perfect combo of skyscrapers skyline and fresh spring nature. Levy used lamp posts to do her amazing body tricks. (I guess, this was my first shoot without any instructions for the posing, as my mission was not to lose a short moment of Levy's "striking the pose" that lasted no longer than few seconds for each one).

After the park session we moved forward to Upper East Side streets, looking for a thinner pole, so Levy could show few more cooler things :).

During all the shoot and between the locations, this girl was shining with her gorgeous smile and calm confidence, convincing without words that impossible is nothing!

And how do you think?..

Warm feelings against chilly day

Ah, it's not really warm here today.. I even started to worry for magnolias and cherries that had already started blooming. 
So let me at least share with you some warm photos. They were made in a chilly day, but with a sweet family couple that moved to New York from sunny and hot Singapore. 
June & Geoff told me that now they live in Upstate New York, 4 hours far from the city as they are in love with nature - woods, mountains, lakes. They got married in Australia, had another ceremony in Singapore, and the third wedding photoshoot in Paris. And now, they decided to get a city photoshoot (though June was wondering, if there is any "greenery" in Brooklyn Bridge Park, while we were planning our shoot :) )

I was charmed by their style and tender feelings. 
What about you, guys? :)

"There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other." ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone")

...I felt like getting a new friend, not just a new client, when Aliha contacted me for the first time. This girl got her discount because she promised to bring her Gryffindor robe and a copy of Hermione Granger's wand to the photoshoot (yep, that what happens when 2 "Harry Potter" fans meet each other :D). She's the one, who orders "Mars" chocolate bars from France, because they don't have them here in America. The one, who always wears head scarves, but didn't hesitate to change some of her clothing right on the streets during our shoot not to waste the precious time.
Aliha, that came to New York from Pakistan for college study, is doing Photography in her free time and loves fantasy, so please, imagine how many enthusiasm and inspiration she got for the shoot. 
When I first spotted that girl near Flatiron building, she was grabbing a huge backpack in one hand with all her clothing changes (and "Harry Potter" book, and the wand, and her own Canon :D) and a pretty ice-cream cone in the other. Wide smile and the wonderful skirt made my heart melt completely :)
Before we met, Aliha told me that she's not too great at posing, as she's usually the one behind the camera, so I "might have to work with her a bit". What I can tell you - not such thing! All our photoshoot was a real cooperation between 2 creative beings, trying to do our best and most in a short amount of time. 
Aliha was so amazingly positive, sincere and ready to listen to all the directions, that it was a real pleasure for me to work with her. 
I was working on some art editing for this Series quite a bit, so here're just a few of the photos that we got. Please, check the results!

Romantic. Grange. Retro.

I had so-o-o much work lately. Don't even have time to choose the Series and to write any Story that I could share with you, friends. I can't imagine how it is going to be when the "high season" for outdoor photography starts!

For now, let me share with you a result of our shoot with Julia, creative and super positive winner of my winter giveaway. We managed to prepare few looks for this shoot and so could make few different moods/styles - from the "romantic coziness" to "soho grange" and "retro lady".

2 hours for Serbian "Express" Wedding

Hi there! Last Wednesday I was booked for 3-hours Wedding Ceremony and Newlyweds walk photoshoot with Milica & Jay, the couple from Serbia that lives in US. When we previously discussed with Milica what kind of photos do they need and expect, she mentioned that they don't need those "classic wedding photos", except portraits with the family. Also Milica told me that she does photography as hobby and she has much respect for this occupation. 

When I came to NYC Marriage Bureau, the couple represented me to their guests - "This is Marta, she is very creative!" and told me that the planes are changed and we have only 2 hours for shooting. So we had short time frames, 7 closest relatives/friends from Serbia that came to US specially for this celebration and tone of excitement to work with :). After we captured all the family in different compositions with City Hall mural background, did all the paperwork, waited in line for the Chapel, the time for the Ceremony itself came.

As for me, the Wedding Ceremony Chapel in New York City could be more elegant and spacious. But still, it's main purpose it to not to be beautiful, but to become the place, where the couples enter as lovers and exit as a family. For those 5 minutes that we've been there, my camera didn't stop snapping, as I had to capture not only "putting on the rings" and "the first kiss" photos, but what's the same important - candid expressions of the happy families, when they started to congratulate each other with the great event that just happened. 

After we left the Marriage Bureau, NYC's streets greeted us with freezing wind and cold. So we stuffed in Limo as soon as possible. As we were at one of the lowest parts of Manhattan, and got only about an hour left for outdoor shoot, we chose to go to the Flatiron district (though Limo driver was confused and didn't know the address - he excused that it just can not be a classic spot for wedding pictures, that's why he doesn't know where it is - So what? ;)  - I googled the address and gave it to him). 

The atmosphere in Limo was hot and festive. Everybody was singing Serbian songs (well, except me :D), drinking champagne, laughing and enjoying the trip. Jay, standing on his knees, accompanied by Milica's mother, sang a Serbian love song addressing to his happy wife. 
But though those Limos are cool, you could know that they usually crawl too slow in NYC traffic. So when we came to Flatiron, only 20-30 minutes were left for us to take the photos. Pedestrians kept stopping and snapping the couple while I was asking them to jump and move, shooting whatever they usually do to express their love. We had to work fast and dynamic, as I'm reminding, it was really cold (especially for the bride and the guests in the dresses :). After, we made some romantic shots with no family in the nearest square, captured 2 wedding traditions (taking off the garter by the groom and catching the bouquet by unmarried girlfriends of the bride) and even made a photo with the special book, that means much for Milica and Jay so they brought it specially for the shoot. 

What I can say - those 2 hours were one of the most filled with emotions, actions, places, atmospheres and importance in my whole photography experience. And I hope that I managed to show the vibe of that Serbian love and happiness and to create "the feeling of presence" that is my author's goal for the wedding photographs.