New Portrait & Coffee Table Bridal Albums

Mario & Tara uncensored

This was no ordinary shoot as you’ll see in the photos. I met Mario and Tara near the Lake Club in Cloves Lakes park. This happens to be one of my favorite restaurants. The food is awesome plus my brother worked there years ago. It had beautiful lake views and delicious rasmopolitans. Yum!

We started laughing at the very start of our shoot. I’m not sure what’s wrong with blue speedo’s but Tara found that hysterically disturbing. No! I wasn’t wearing a blue speedo. It was pink – just kidding. Mario was making Tara laugh, I was getting up, close and personal which was making everyone laugh. I’m not sure how to direct men to caress their ladies cheek, but my directions were all wrong and hilarious.

Our adventures led us to the beach to capture a few romantic sunset pictures. The verrazano is such a breathtaking bridge. I didn’t think the mood could get any dreamier but it did.

Tara insisted we all dive into the ocean, but this is Staten Island folks – not a good idea. Ok I can’t give Tara full credit for suggesting we get in the water

For those of you thinking how much fun those water shots look – rethink it before considering it in May. Burrrr! With each crash of a wave we were yelping! It was hysterical but Mario insisted we remain in it because he was having too much fun.

I was sad when their engagement shoot was over. As we walked to the car… sand rubbing in places it shouldn’t. I was already anxious to download these pictures. Here are a few! Enjoy!
Natalie

Neil van Niekerk’s flash photography workshop, truly the best!

One of the most important aspects of photography is lighting your subjects and using flash photography properly. Every person I’ve asked would directly me to Planet Neil over the last two years. The information he provides on his blog has been the foundation for my early education and I’m sure many other photographers world wide.

I spent the day with Neil van Niekerk at his studio in NJ learning flash techniques and we applied them nearby at Lamberts Castle. I gained practical experience of blending flash and ambient light in and outdoors. His flash workshop should be a MANDATORY workshop for everyone. He truly loves what he does and went above and beyond to ensure that I understood everything he taught me.

When I arrived, he reviewed several flash principles in detail and later we applied the techniques using a model.  Throughout the day he guided me and took great care to ensure that I achieved the desired result. Neil would look in my viewfinder and confirm my results, make suggestions and I’d apply the changes. I photographed a model in his studio under different lighting conditions.  I used a video light, softbox, on and off camera flash. I learned the use of gels to balance flash with the ambient light. We controlled flash manually and automatically… had exercises using the histogram to meter. There were no questions left unanswered.

I drove home yesterday filled with inspiration… recounting my experiences. There were so many glowing reviews online for Neil’s workshop and they were indeed correct.

I wanted to post this review, because everyone should have the benefit of meeting Neil. Whether you live on the East or West Coast, hop in a car, take a train or get on a plane because he is truly the best!  Google him and you’ll see this man is truly gifted and giving.  I know his workshops fill quickly just like his WPPI master class. Everyone interested should sign up now at: http://neilvn.com/tangents/about/workshops-and-seminars/.

I am certainly one of his biggest fans.  You’ll see he has many!

Here are a few images from my shoot.  (Thank you Tia – our beautiful model)

Natalie Licini

There’s nothing like a parent’s love for their child.

I had a wonderful afternoon yesterday with Allison and Chris photographing their son little Christopher.  This is their first child and they make parenthood look so easy.  Just watching them together was such a joy, it made it easy to capture a few special moments with baby Christopher.   I love to meet daddy’s who are so hands on with their newborns.  Here are a few of my favorite images from yesterdays shoot. Thank you both for allowing me to photograph your angel.

Natalie Licini

Owner/Photography

Princess Pictures

Contest: Favorite photo 2009-2010

Thanks to everyone who helped me narrow down the favorite photos for 2009-2010. There were so many beautiful photos taken last year in my studio and at weddings & events.   Help us select your favorite image by casting your vote!  The winner of the contest will receive a free 11×14 gallery wrap of the favorite image.  The contest ends on May 1, 2010 and the winner will be announced immediately afterward.

Protected: Mom’s Community on Staten Island

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Jaw dropping custom cake topper!

For all the one of a kind weddings and platinum brides, I have found a jaw dropping custom cake topper.  The custom 6 inch cake topper can be designed in any color, any style and any font to match your invitations.

LOOK you can actually buy it here

(or copy this URL http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7907359)

Imagine a wedding day in which no wish is too extravagant and EVERY request is attainable. It’s a dream come true for any bride-to-be to own this spectacular 24 inch custom monogram with 4,000 swarovski crystals.  This heavenly monogram takes 4-6 weeks to design.  I may order one and put it above my fireplace.  This came from HEAVEN!

Barbie Hill Designs is owned by the fabulous Barbara Hillock. Everything she touches turns to diamonds & crystals!

Written by Natalie Licini

Princess Pictures 2010