Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of seeing my best friend Yves do what he does best, however this time it was a bit different.  Equinox of Great Neck hosted an amazing Master class taught by Yves, Clay, Dwayne and Jonathan. The fellas definitely   represented something fierce. The studio was packed and I get why.  There were people of all ages who got down to 90 min. of dance, choreography, live percussion, intensity and fun.

This day also inspired me to continue with my training regimen.  It was great to be with so many beautiful people and document this event.  To my best friend Yves, you are an awesome trainer and motivator.  Thanks for sharing this part of your life with me.

Peace.

I have known Jamie since High School and in what seems to be rare these days, with people we have known in the past, we have managed to keep in touch over the years. Our best friend Jay, Jamie and I used to dance together and use to hit the NYC clubs with the best of them, back in our day. These days, we see less of each other and I hope we can change that, but I will always have Jamie’s incredibly distinct laugh in thought to remind me of our younger years.

I was honored to attend her wedding as a guest and partake in such an beautiful moment in Doug’s and Jamie’s life. You both share something very special. Make sure to always water your seeds of love, adore one another, sweat each other and keep it official like a ref’s whistle. I love you.

Well, you know, as a photographer I had to bring my camera and was not gonna let the official wedding photog take all the pictures. Below are some of my favorite images of the big day.

Our best friend Jay and his fiance Gisella

I cannot wait for you wedding in Mexico later this year.

Laila has been asking Jen to get out of the house lately and I don’t blame her for asking.  These cold winter days kinda limit the outdoor family activities we can do, so this past presidents day, I took my ladies to a trip to White Post Farm in Long Island.

I know what your thinking, a farm, but it’s to cold to go to a farm.  However, they have an indoor animal farm/petting zoo.  Laila loves animals and had a blast. Now, we have to figure out what to do next weekend. Here are some pics of our family day.

The icicles speak of how cold the day was.

Laila feeding the goat. She loves it.

Laila on the awesome pony.

Jen

Alpaca cheesing for the camera. That's right after he spit on me.

Laila on the train.

This weekend I had the biggest honor of documenting my best friends Heartbeats for Haiti benefit aerobics class at the fabulous Equinox of Roslyn.  I was floored to see the amount of people that came to support such and amazing event.  The benefit class was packed to capacity and I am sure a lot of that has to do with the intensity, dedication, fun humor, and highly motivational spirit of my friend, Yves Maco. Boy does he have a following of dedicated students/clients.  Not only is he well loved by all in the class, but he has a heart big enough to give it right back.

On January 12th, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti and destroyed most of its capital. Most of us watch the horrific details on the news.  For a lot of us, our impulses led us to help through monetary donations.  For Yves, he had the same Idea, but on a greater scale.  Yves organized the Heartbeats for Haiti benefit class along with Pam Polestino, manager of Equinox who graciously sponsored the event.  Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the fundraiser.  Your generosity will go a long way in helping the children of Haiti.

Below are some images of everyone working out in solidarity for the Haitian people.

Waiting in anticipation.

Let the class begin!!!

After the class Yves and I had some time to make these:

My favorite shot of the day.

Peace.

]]> http://www.willsalomon.com/2010/02/07/heartbeats-for-haiti/feed/ 1 http://www.willsalomon.com/2010/01/26/for-sale-canon-100mm-400mm-l-lens/ http://www.willsalomon.com/2010/01/26/for-sale-canon-100mm-400mm-l-lens/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:55:08 +0000 WillSalomon http://www.willsalomon.com/?p=192

As part of my new year resolution, I promised  to trim the fat off this year, not just in the mid section, but also with stuff that I no longer have use for. Hence the title to this post.

I have a Canon 100mm-400mm f/4/5-5.6 L IS USM lens that is in excellent shape.  I have had this lens for about 1 1/2 yrs and have rarely used it.  I mostly used the lens while on family trips to the zoo and for some candid shoots of my daughter playing sports.  Buyer will also get Hoya UV filter with the purchase of this lens.It’s a great sports/wildlife lens.  Click on the link to B&H (I bought it from them) for more details on the lens. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162616-GREY/Canon_2577A002AA_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6L_IS_USM.html

All original packaging is included.  Please email me at will.s.orellana@gmail.com if you are interested.  Thanks.

Price: $1100.00

What better way to begin my new photo journal then with some images of our great friends Yves, Rhonda and Nia Maco.  Yves and I went to high school together and became good friends (along with Jay) during our tenure at John Dewey’s Dance Ensemble.  He is also a co-founder of the infamous S…Co.   But, I’ll save that for another day.

That was 15 years ago, we were teenagers free of life, eager to take on the world and even though life has taken us to different paths, we were always committed to staying connected, albeit through who we call the “glue” of our group, Jay’s efforts.  I’ll be writing more about Jay in the near future. Time truly does fly!

As I may have deviated from the dance life, Yves continues to do what he loves, though with a twist.  Yves is an amazing choreographer, fitness instructor and personal trainer in Long Island.  I have yet to take one of his classes, and that’s because I hear they are brutal, but very effective.  He is also hosting a fundraiser for the Haiti Relief called “Heartbeats for Haiti.” You can check out his website for more info here www.takethisclass.net

Yves is married to the love of his life Rhonda and they have a 3 year old daughter, Nia.  Rhonda  is also an incredible  lawyer and has been our lawyer for the last few months working on something very special for us.  Their daughter Nia is 3yrs old.  And what an amazing, beautiful, fun, intelligent little girl she is.  Apparently Nia and my daughter are now best friends as well.

Below are some images from our play date this weekend.  Yves and Rhonda, thank you for having us over this weekend and for being one of our closest friends.  Have fun in DR.  We love you.

Yves and Rhonda

The girls.