I have to admit, the romantic bug bit me at an early age, even as I write this I am listening to Jon Secada.  But, it’s hard not to be, especially when you are celebrating your four year wedding anniversary with the love of your life, my Jen.

It’s been such an honor and a privilege to share my life with you Jen.  You bring me so much happiness, peace, love and a hot meal each night (lol)  and for the greatest gift in the world, our baby girl, Laila Skye.  So, to celebrate our love and to exercise my romantic muscle, I surprised Jen with a trip to St. Thomas, Yeah baby!!!!

We stayed 5 nights at the Bologono Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas.  We had an incredible experience there.  It is a family owned and operated resort with the most amazing people, beach, food, activities and drinks.  When Jen and I arrived at the resort, we were greeted by the most courteous staff, they even had a complimentary bottle of champagne waiting for us in our room to begin our anniversary celebration.  If you have ever contemplated going to St. Thomas, just go and check out Bolongo Bay while your there.

Our anniversary was this past Thursday, July 22nd.  We spent it relaxing by the beach and pool and ended the night at one of the most incredible restaurants on the island called Havana Blue over looking the ocean eating and drinking some delicious Mojitos. We had an awesome night.  Thank you babe.

What happened next was serendipitous in every way.  While on our balcony, Jen and I were watching a wedding in progress down by the beach.  There most of been at least one wedding each day at the resort.  While on the balcony, Jen was getting our stuff ready to relax by the beach and I was cleaning my lenses and camera when I noticed the wedding photographer run off leaving the wedding party confused as to what happened.  Ten minutes passed and still no photographer.  I told Jen, the wedding photographer left.  I knew something was wrong.  Jen and I left towards the wedding party and with photo gear in hand, I asked if they needed a photographer and if I could help.  They very much accepted.  They put away their point-n-shoots and I began to do my thing.  I took the formals as the ceremony images were already taken by the other photographer, who I heard had a heat stroke and is doing better now.

How scary it must of been for Tom and Nicole, on the most important day of their lives, to not have it documented by a professional photographer and how honored was I to be a wedding photographer and to have been at the right place at the right time and help a fellow human being in their time of need.  But, most of all, I am thankful for the opportunity in getting to know you and your families and for allowing me and Jen to spend this memorable evening with you.

The family was extremely gracious and appreciative.  Lori, the wedding coordinator at the resort was very appreciative as well and on the next day put us all on a full day catamaran sail to St. John were we were able to bond even more with Tom and Nicole’s family.

So without further more, here are some images from Tom and Nicole’s St. Thomas beach wedding.

New York Wedding Preview

I recently photographed my good friends Johnny and Athena’s intimate wedding in New York. They are an amazing couple. Until I get all the photos ready for them, here is one frame from the wedding day.  Lots more to come soon from one of the greatest cities on earth, New York.

New York

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.

This past weekend I was blessed to capture the children of my good friend Wanda and her husband Herbert.  I had a blast photographing them.  Often time kids are much easier to photograph then adults because they don’t hold anything back.  They no nothing else but to be themselves.  And I love it.

New Orleans is a beautiful city, full of life, music and food!  I had an opportunity to go down this past November for a photographers conference called Partner Con sponsored by Pictage.  Below are some images  I took while participating in photographer extrodinair, Joe Buissink’s bridal portrait workhsop. I took out my film camera and wanted to document my time in NOLA on some celluloid and most of the B&W were taken on film  We had such an amazing model, it was hot, she had heels, but she was all smiles. Peace.

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 past weekend I had an opportunity to be present and document The Gratitude Project in the amazing WOW cafe .   My friend, choreographer, dancer, educator and wonderful spirit Maria Bauman invited me to partake in this great journey of dance, poetry and soul expansion. I was totally captivated by the all the artists involved in the performances.  For me, it was a night of healing and I am grateful for that.

The Gratitude Project was choreographed by Maria Bauman and Dawn Robinson.

Below are some of my favorite images of the night.

Dawn

Maria

Maria Bauman

Lizzy Fox (Spoken Word Artist)

I’m Grateful.

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