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Q + Gaz

July 2, 2009 – 12:36 pm

OMG, these two were such fun to work with!!! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much during an e-session! Q and Gaz are such unique individuals and didn’t need much prompting from me to have fun together, which as you will see comes naturally to them! We met up in Red Bank which is where they first met. I hit up some old standby locations and also found some new great ones as well. We even got to head down by the water where we had the privilege of meeting Ratchet Jaw! A chatty character who never seemed to be at a loss for words, nor asked if you wanted his opinion either! I had such a great time spending the day with you guys and I can not wait to photograph your wedding in September!


Fave!












Taking Street Fighter into the fourth dimension!




By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions, Portraits, Weddings | 4 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Q   -  

    AHHHHHHHHHH!))$&$#)&#$) Amazing x infinity. I should hire Ratchet Jaw as the doorman for our wedding, I think that would make it a thrilling experience for all. Once again, you have produced amazing photos, I can’t wait till the wedding!!

  2. Zaporozhets Sergey   -  

    cool color and emotions!

  3. jeff tisman   -  

    don’t know how you do it todd!!! you da’ man!!!!

    jeff

  4. Rhiannon   -  

    OMG you guys are so funny. best engagement photos ever! can’t wait to see your wedding photos too.

    xx aussie rhi

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Lucrecia + James

July 1, 2009 – 12:34 pm

I met up with Lucrecia (Lu) and James at Grand Central Station this afternoon. It was sort of crowded in there, and I said “geez, it’s like Grand Central Station in here!” *snort* Sorry, I just had to! After a few photos at Grand Central, we hopped on the subway down to Wall Street. This was my first time in that area so it was fun finding some new locations to work with. Lu and James were a blast to work with, although I did have to lug Lu’s purse with me when I would set them up for a shot. That thing weighed almost as much as my camera bag! She must have had a 70-200mm zoom in there! Thanks for a fun afternoon you two, I can’t wait for your wedding next year!


I cut my hand on some glass getting this shot, but well worth it!











James is originally from London, so we had to wrok this billboard in somehow.


By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions, Portraits | 4 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Lu   -  

    Todd!

    They’re absolutely AMAZING! We thank you soooo much!! We had such a blast!

    I can’t get over how beautifully you captured our personalities and everything that we love about each other and NY. These are perfect - we can’t wait to work with you on our wedding!

    PS - my bag thanks you as well for carrying it around all day :) HA HA HA

  2. Jamie   -  

    Todd - thanks again mate, these are brilliant, sheer class. We had a great coupld of hours am totally looking forward to the big day next year! thanks again. Ha Ha Ha, Hee Hee Hee :)

  3. christine   -  

    hey, i see these places everyday on my commute to work! never realized how beautiful they could be though… thanks for the perspective change :)

  4. Carrie   -  

    Fantastic set, as always! I love the shadows on the tree.

Christine + Albert

June 29, 2009 – 12:05 pm

I was super honored to photograph Christine and Albert’s engagement session today in Central Park. See, I was already booked for their wedding date and they had to hire another photographer, but they really wanted some photographs by me. So they chose to do their e-session with me. I loved how Albert was able to make Christine laugh so much, as you will see in their photos! The weather was a little precarious at some points as the skies opened up at one point. But we headed for the bandshell for some cover and were even treated to some spoken word poetry while waiting the rain out! We also got some cool stuff with a passing sun shower as well. Congratulations guys, best of luck to you both!












I don’t think I’ve ever photographed an engagement session during a sun shower before!

While we were working this location I noticed Christine and Albert looking inquisitively at Christine’s shoulder. Upon further inspection…

…it was a butterfly. This butterfly would sit on her shoulder, fly away and come back again!


I know these little dots of light is actually from a swarm of gnats being backlit, but that’s not very romantic is it?! Let’s just say that these are cute little twinkling love fairies instead!

By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions, Portraits | 8 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Christine & Al   -  

    Seeing these pictures makes us even MORE sad that you were snatched up for our wedding day!!! I guess our only means of solace is to look at our e-session pics over and over again ;)
    THANK YOU again for such a wonderful time in the park, for shooting us so diligently and patiently in a place that I’m sure you’re tired of by now for photo sessions! We were able to enjoy being together and laugh so much only because we had the peace that comes from confidence and trust in your skills. We knew we had nothing to worry about - and your photos proved us right!!!!

    It was such a pleasure working with you. Maybe one day down the road we’ll have the pleasure of working with you when we have kids!
    Till then, many blessings on you and your growing family :)

  2. Christine & Al   -  

    ps- as always, your ability to capture and highlight colors is simply phenomenal. Don’t need to be a photographer to appreciate it!

  3. Q   -  

    These are super awesome. The one with the sunshower is really great. It’s so weird to see rain when the sun is so bright. I’m used to it in Florida, but it’s rare up here :D

  4. Enoch Choi   -  

    wow~ priceless pictures.. funny i just found my parents poster size wedding photo and seeing these photos.. wow technology is impressive haha veryy nice

    awesome picturesss! =]

  5. Todd   -  

    Hey Christine. You are SO welcome! I’m sad I can’t photograph your wedding too. :( You guys are the nicest clients I never had! :) Totally give me a call if you guys ever create miniatures! :) No pressure!

    Thanks Christine, best of luck to you and Albert!

  6. christine   -  

    i wish you could see all the comments i’m receiving for your pictures!! don’t get mad at us if you get even busier in the coming years - it’s not our fault you’re so exceptional at what you do ;)

  7. Mimi Koh   -  

    Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures! I’ve never seen my cousin so happy before! I especially love the one with all the fairies =)

  8. Andrea   -  

    Todd you rock! I’m so glad C&A were able to get in a session with you. My favorite was the one with the butterfly =)

Becky + Cuong {wedding}

June 23, 2009 – 12:19 am

I had photographed Becky and Cuong’s engagement session last month, so I already knew they had great chemistry together. In fact, it was difficult to get a photo of Becky where she wasn’t smiling! I met up with Becky and Cuong in the Meat Packing District in the city for some photos of just them. Take note future brides: Becky and Cuong gave me both a great location and almost 2 hours with them! This is practically a slam dunk for amazing photos! I say practically because you still need good light and a couple who are happily in love and don’t mind showing it. Oh yeah, and you also need me, haha! Well guess what, we had all of those ingredients today, and it’s a surefire recipe for great photos! Yay, thank you guys! After their photos we then headed to the ceremony/reception venue, the gorgeous Castle on the Hudson. It had rained on and off all day long, and we actually lucked out in the city with Becky and Cuong’s photos, but once we got to the Castle on the Hudson, the rain came down in buckets and then would stop, and then start again. The ceremony had to be moved inside, but I don’t think it mattered too much as this was perhaps the fastest ceremony I have ever photographed. I checked the time stamps on my cameras and from the time Becky came down the aisle with her parents to the time she walked back up the aisle with Cuong, 9 minutes had elapsed! This was such a fun wedding to be a part of, thank you so much for having me along, and especially for giving me the time to do what I do best! Congratulations, and I hope you have a blast in Italy!















The irony of this shot kills me!


Sometimes the flower girl needs a little help finishing the job!




















By Todd | Posted in Weddings | no comments         No Comments | Add a Comment

Samantha + Dave

June 18, 2009 – 3:58 pm

I arrived a little early to Samantha and Dave’s e-session so I could scout a few new spots in Asbury Park to shoot. When I got to the “Casino” area I saw another photographer working with a family. I thought, hmmm, that guy looks familiar. I get closer and realize that it’s my good friend and awesome wedding photographer Jeff. Jeff actually shot my wedding 11 years ago. I had this strange feeling I would see him there, I can’t explain it. Anyway, I then realize later that Samantha and Dave were actually referrals from Jeff. Small world indeed! Samantha and Dave were so awesome to photograph and a lot of fun to be around too! And even though Dave would sometimes get a little distracted by the smells of food wafting around the boardwalk, he hung in there and gave it his all. Thanks Dave! While we were working this one location I see this really small round guy who was bald on top who was wearing glasses. I did a double take and thought, gee that guy looks a little like Danny DeVito. Sure enough, it was Mr. Devito. While I would have loved to work him into a photo somehow, he was already being bombarded by other photographers. I just thought I would mention that cause I guess it’s not every day you see Danny DeVito, well, unless you’re his wife or something I suppose. Anyway, thank you Samantha and Dave for a fun day in Asbury Park. I can’t wait to photograph your wedding in September!


I love this shot! When we came upon this wall Samantha requested we get a photo of Dave next to the “Pork Chop” graffiti. I didn’t know this, but apparently “Pork Chop” is a common nickname for Portuguese people. Well, if you didn’t spot the Portuguese flag tattooed on Dave’s arm already, he’s Portuguese. I also love how Dave’s shirt matches the blue circles on the wall!











By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions | 3 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Sammi   -  

    Awesome Todd…You are wonderful at what you do and an awesome person!! It was a blast to work with you and we are anxious to see whats in store for the wedding!!! Thank you again for a enjoyable and memorable day!

    Many Thanks
    Sam and Dave

  2. Melissa Papaj   -  

    I LOVE the shot of them against the white wall with the little girl on her bike and the pucker shot! Nice work as always!

  3. jeff tisman   -  

    AMAZING!!!! Great stuff Todd. When’s the seminar?!

Magick + Chris

June 18, 2009 – 3:53 pm

Today I met up with Magick and Chris for their engagement session on the grounds of Monmouth University. This was my first time at the University and I was very impressed with the grounds! And while it did start to rain about midway through our session, it wasn’t a problem because the inside of Wilson Hall (the main building) was just awesome! I had a great time hanging out with Magick and Chris this afternoon and am really looking forward to shooting their wedding at Mallard Island next May. It will be here before you know it guys!











By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions, Portraits | 2 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Anonymous   -  

    It is actually Monmouth University and the main building is Wilson Hall.
    It is the same place where the movie Annie was filmed.

  2. Q   -  

    Hey!! I know Magick from high school!! What a small world that we both have the same photographer :D

Rebecca + Matt

June 15, 2009 – 2:24 am

I loved everything about Rebecca and Matt’s wedding today! First of all, it was held at this really cool old house called Oakside Mansion, where they had a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the garden, and an awesome party in the tent just off the house. Another really cool element of Rebecca and Matt’s wedding was there gear/cog inspired wedding invitations which I believe came from Matt’s cuff links. One of the most unique sets cuff links I’ve seen to date. Not to mention their very personalized wedding bands. Of course Rebecca and Matt were just awesome to work with and gave me plenty of time to photograph them before the ceremony. Yay! They were super cute together and up for anything. But one of my favorite moments from today was when Rebecca’s mom offered me a granola bar during the prep stage of the day. I politely declined, as anyone who has worked with me before knows that I am well stocked with Rice Krispie Treats and Gatorade. And then she proceeded to say, “perhaps some Ovaltine?” in her best Frau Blucha voice. It caught me off guard, but once it sunk in that it was a line from one of my all time favorite movies, Young Frankenstein, I couldn’t stop laughing. Of course, we all then started quoting the movie much to my delight! Yet another great element of Rebecca and Matt’s wedding was where they sat me for dinner. Most reception venues put the vendors out in the cocktail area for dinner, but I must admit, I have also been “thrown” into a broom closet with a lame Turkey sandwich too. Then there’s Rebecca and Matt who not only gave me a proper table in the reception room to sit at, but they also sat me at table #1!!!! That’s right table #1! Thank you guys, you sure know how to make a wedding photographer feel special. Congratulations Rebecca and Matt. Enjoy that slow scenic drive up to Maine!


There’s just something about this shot that I love!

Rebecca, I apologize in advance if random people start calling you “Sugar Booger”!





Check out Matt’s cuff links!










I ask for laughing, and luaghing is what I get!














In Matt’s defense, this is strictly a retaliatory strike!

My sachel of candy certainly made the trip home more enjoyable, thanks guys!

Love!

By Todd | Posted in Weddings | 8 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Momster   -  

    Todd,

    Made you say “Blucha”! The photo’s are every bit as amazing as we knew they would be; thank you so much for the way that you captured forever their very beautiful wedding and how wonderful young love is! And, we very much enjoyed your company at Table #1!

    Best wishes, Bex and Matt; love you both soooo much!

    My deepest gratitude to Tom and Bridget Wilson for making this beautiful wedding happen. I couldn’t possibly wish for nicer in-laws for my daughter!

    Barb

  2. Dennis & Sandra Arbuckle   -  

    Absolutely beautiful! Just with the first picture, I began to tear up again. Rebecca was breathtakenly gorgeous and Matt was dashing & handsome. The photos are amazing and seem to capture all of the love and joy that they have found in each other.

    Thank you Todd, we are grateful for the wonderful job you did in capturing this special moment in time.

    Dennis & Sandra

  3. Kat Forsyth   -  

    Spectacular, spectacular. What a gorgeous bride, and how HAPPY they both looked! Great photos. My favourite is the one of the bride at the ceremony, laughing (or possibly crying and laughing?) with her hands in front of her face. Beautiful, emotional capture. Great job!

  4. Rebecca & Matt   -  

    Dear Todd,
    Matt and I couldn’t possibly thank you enough for all your beautiful work. You were an absolute pleasure to work with and a true professional. You get extra brownie points for getting our Young Frankenstein references…. people usually just give us a weird look. Plus, we were delighted to have you join us for dinner…. we wouldn’t have had it any other way. We are speechless with all of the photographs you posted. You exceeded all of our expectations with your eye for capturing artwork in motion! Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of our heart! We wish you all the best!

    Sincerely,
    Matt & Rebecca

  5. Angela "Adoptee Mom"   -  

    Todd,

    Thank you for the glorioius photo’s you have taken of Rebecca and Matt. You have captured the true happiness and ultimate love they have for each other. Rebecca a beautiful Porclein Doll and Matt a handsome gentle man.
    Sincerely,
    Angela
    I took a picture of you thought you should have one. Will send it out to you.

  6. Hussey Photography   -  

    Wow!
    Todd, these images are GORGEOUS!!
    I can’t make up my mind on which ones are my favorites!!!
    Ok,ok, my favorite shot is this one! http://lafflerphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/img_1783-edit.jpg
    I don’t know why I love it so much, but it’s just so cool!!
    Thanks for the inspiration!!!!

    -Tim :)

  7. Onada Photography   -  

    your work is amazing! I love everything!!

  8. Melissa Papaj   -  

    I too, love the first shot! What a beautiful wedding!!!

Ashley + Jason

June 12, 2009 – 12:00 am

Ashley and Jason really lucked out today, after all the rain we have been having lately, to get a beautiful sunny day for their hitching together. Not that you need a sunny day to have a great wedding, but when sunflowers are a main element to your flower scheme, it kind of helps! Ashley and Jason were so awesome to work with, I loved the entire day. They had a gorgeous outdoor ceremony out by the barn at Perona Farms, followed by some great toasts and dancing during the reception. Ya know, while I’m sitting here typing this, I just had a funny idea pop into my head. I only wish I had thought of it before their wedding. Ashley and Jason are involved in a dodge ball league, which I totally wish I had time for but don’t. Anyway, how funny would it have been to have their bridal party standing around them in a circle, throwing dodge balls at them!? I hate when my good ideas come after the wedding, sorry guys! Congratulations, and I hope you have a blast in Saint Lucia!














During the ceremony, one of Ashley’s bridesmaids played guitar and sang them a beautiful song.







I love first dances!







The fierce Hoboken crew!


By Todd | Posted in Weddings | 8 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Brandi   -  

    Delicious. Gorgeous couple and amazing photography as always.

  2. ChristopherDavid   -  

    It seems you never cease to impress me bro! It was awesome to work with you at this wedding!

  3. Jason and Ashley   -  

    Hello from St. Lucia! You do such amazing work, these are such a teaser! Thank you for all of your hard work. We can’t wait to see the rest of the photos!

  4. Tanya   -  

    Oh this wedding looked like sooooo much fun! Great job…lots of sunlight, I love it!

  5. Mey Ngo   -  

    Hi Todd!

    This is absolutely beautiful! I will always be a fan of your work! I am still bummed out for not having you as our main photographer. :(

  6. jason   -  

    wow. some of these really gave me chills. awesome work!

  7. Bob LoRusso   -  

    Incredible work as always, you are the master of rim light & flesh tones! :)

  8. Cathy Abbate   -  

    These pics are absolutely amazing! Ashley, you were a gorgeous bride! I’m so happy I got the chance to work with you =) Congrats again! Todd, you are amazing!

Crystal + Brian

June 10, 2009 – 1:00 am

So, I’m sure everyone has heard the phrase “rain on your wedding day is good luck” right? If it’s true, Crystal and Brian have more luck than they know what to do with! I don’t really know if it is or isn’t true, but I will be perfectly honest with you, it can be kind of a bummer as far as photography is concerned! BUT, Crystal had the most upbeat and roll with it spirit I have ever seen, and as you will see in her facial expressions throughout the day, rain or no rain Crystal and Brian are happy people. Happy people who also happen to be in love with each other! Let’s hear it for love people!!! So, before I headed over to Crystal’s hotel, I stopped by the venue, The Imperia in Somerset, NJ, to scout things out. As I entered one of the ballrooms I saw a florist getting ready for a ceremony and reception to follow. Wanting to make sure I was looking at the right room, I asked her, who’s wedding this was for. She replied, “my daughter Crystal’s”. Awesome, Crystal’s mom is a florist and of course did the flowers for the wedding. I must admit, she did a spectacular job with everything! I had a great time working with Crystal and Brian today, and I want to thank them for including me along! Oh, and Crystal, although I do have a fantastically hilarious “shower cap” photo of you, you will be happy to find out that I have decided not to post it to the blog! Congratulations you two, and enjoy that honeymoon in Jamaica!




Pay close attention to Crystal’s expressions throughout the day!



A little fun while waiting for Crystal to come down the aisle!

This little guy stole the show with a full blown strut down the aisle!














I love how free and relaxed people get in a photo booth!


I stole Crystal and Brian for a few shots during the reception.




By Todd | Posted in Weddings | 3 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Bob LoRusso   -  

    Awesome post, full of emotion & creativity! Love the dance/shoe shot & sundae flair!

  2. Crystal   -  

    They came out so amazing! I can’t wait to see the rest. I’m so relieved that we’ll have outstanding photos to remember our special day…even though it rained!

  3. Zaporozhets Sergey   -  

    I like your natural warm colors!
    Very good pictures!

    p.s. What raw converter you use, if not secret?

Kerry + Dan

June 3, 2009 – 12:57 am

Kerry and Dan decided on Central Park as their backdrop for their engagement session today. On my way into the city I decided at the last second to not listen to my GPS and go in via the Holland tunnel instead of the Lincoln. Boy, what a mistake! Traffic was a bear and once I finally got into the city, it started raining! Ack! Sounds bad right? Well, quite literally, when I met up with Kerry and Dan, the sun came out and stayed out. It turned out to be a beautiful day in Central Park! Kerry and Dan were so fun and easy to work with, although Kerry had to intervene with some tickling once in a while to get Dan to smile. Thanks for a great day in the park, and I’ll see you in August for your wedding.













By Todd | Posted in E-Sessions, Portraits | 2 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Aunt Em   -  

    Love is sweet when you’ve found your soulmate as you two have. Simply pricelss pictures! You rock kids! August can’t come too soon! xox

  2. Anonymous   -  

    What a beautiful couple you make - and so in love - great things in store for you! Love, Mom B