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

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

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!

Two of my favorite people in the world, Sal & Alissa Vazquez are a team of certified professional Life Coaches, and Founders of FingerPrints Coaching Group, specializing in Life Purpose and Entrepreneurial Development.  They help people discover their passions & strengths. They offer complimentary sessions for clients.  All sessions take place over the phone so location is a non-essential. If in-person connections are requested it’s ideal if you’re living in the greater NYC area.  Contact Alissa at alissa@fingerprintscoaching.com.

www.FingerPrintsCoaching.com

Incorporation is important because it ensures limited liability of shareholders and ensures that personal assets cannot be seized to repay debts.  It has become much easier to incorporate your business.

There are a few ways to incorporate: 1) contact your local attorney.  Fees vary from state to state.  2) you can incorporate yourself online using www.incorporatetime.com (I’ve used this company 3 times and have no affiliation with them. I’m not a paid sponsor, just a client).  The fees for New York State are $290 for an LLC plus $25 fee to obtain a tax ID.  It’s pretty affordable in my opinion.  All fees are listed on their website.

Here’s some helpful information if you choose to incorporate yourself.

Choosing a Name for your LLC

You can name your LLC anything you prefer however; it must not be the name of an existing LLC, in your state.  Incorporatetime.com will perform a preliminary name check for you.  When you choose your name, it must contain “LLC”, or “Limited Liability Company” at the end of your entity name (i.e. My Unique Business Name LLC or My Unique Business Name Limited Liability Company).

What is the organizational structure of an LLC?

The company may be directly by the members (you), or members may designate a manager. If management is by the members then each member is a manager of the company.

Having a registered agent for your LLC:

All states require that your corporation maintain a registered agent.  A registered agent is a person responsible for receiving any legal documentation on behalf of the corporation.  For my business, I personally act as my own registered agent (note: your address must be within the state that you are incorporating in) and I receive all legal documentation for my business.

Other important info:

When you incorporate using Incorporatetime.com there is a standard State Filing Service, which typically takes 15-20 business days.  You can expedite if you’d like.  Also, you have the option of getting an LLC Kit.  I’ve never purchased this, but it may be of interest.  Here’s some info about the kit:  https://www.incorporatetime.com/LLCKitPrompt.htm

All businesses need a tax ID (Federal Tax Identification #).  You can obtain this yourself or have incorporatetime.com do it.  In the past, I’ve had incorporatetime.com do this.

Incorporatetime.com will perform a name check and let you know if it is available.  They will send you a publication notice for your state.  Publication is your responsibility.  For New York State, they require that you publish a notice in two newspapers stating the formation of the LLC.

The following notice applies to NY State:

Section 206 of the Limited Liability Company Law of the State of New York states:

Upon the effectiveness of the initial Articles of Organization of an LLC, a copy of same or a notice containing the substance thereof shall be published once each week for six successive weeks, in two newspapers of the county in which the office of the LLC is located, one must be a daily newspaper and the other a weekly newspaper designated by the County Clerk. Proof of such publication by the Affidavit of the publisher or printer of each newspaper must be filed with New York State within 120 days after the effective date of the Articles of Organization of the LLC. You must contact your local county clerk for to obtain the designated newspapers for your county.
Limited liability entities that are formed or authorized to do business in New York after June 1, 2006, which fail to comply with the publication requirements within 120 days after their formation or qualification will have their authority to carry on, conduct or transact any business suspended.

Here is a sample letter sent to my local newspaper requesting publication of the notice: Chief publication sample

What’s next after you incorporate? Get insurance for your business! Click here.