New York Engagement Photography | Parris Whittingham

Posts Tagged ‘New York Engagement Photography’

Remarkable Love Stories: Chapter 2 – Friendship

September 6, 2010

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one”
- C.S. Lewis

Behind the Scenes
In Chapter 1 of “Remarkable Love Stories” we explored the how quality of engagement impacts relationships and wedding photography. For Chapter 2, I would like to share the engagement story of Janet & Chip. Experiencing their story (in their own words) helps me reminisce about the first time I heard it. We were on the uptown Avenue of the Americas line at 34th Street and heading towards the Museum of Natural History for their engagement photography session. I asked the couple how they met and they both giggled a bit. The story they shared (see above) is both personal and humorous. A sense of humor is so specific to personality types and its great to see two people who enjoy each others jokes. This quality of wittiness and play really speaks to their friendship…

Observations
Janet and Chip enjoy share many, “What! You too? I thought I was the only one” moments. In challenging times, remembering these unique discoveries of kinship, laughter and connection help sustain us during challenging times. Chip has an unrelenting sense of humor “matter of fact” humor and yet he’s also very articulate about his emotions. Janet is very detail focused and yet she balances this sharpness with a smooth quality of patience. Working with Janet and Chip, I began to appreciate how friendship creates a space for playfulness. Experiencing this “permission to play” transforms relationships and has changed the way I approach engagement photography. Play is active and thoughtful; it helps turn even the most casual conversations into “moments”.

Ideas to Consider
Photography tends to make us feel “camera shy” or “cheesy”. When considering ideas about your engagement photography session, think about places you both enjoy. What places allow you both to feel relaxed? Where do you visit to “unwind” or explore? What time of day do you prefer? Be adventurous. If you can’t think of a place, go on more dates and start exploring. New York City has so much to offer couples; from art exhibitions to sight-seeing, restaurants and nature walks. Collectively planning a getaway in the city will add to your experience together. If you’re really stumped, email me and I’m happy to share some ideas (parris at pswhittingham.com).

P.S. You can check out Janet’s feedback to the film by scrolling down….

Tags: engagement, love stories, love story, new york, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, New York Engagement Photography, new york wedding film, new york wedding films, NY, NYC, remarkable love stories, wedding film
Posted in Engagement Stories, Film Stories | 4 Comments »

Destination i Do | New York Engagement Story

August 25, 2010

“When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it – don’t back down and don’t give up – then you’re going to mystify a lot of folks.” — Bob Dylan

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY – I met Lindsay and David while hosting the Lovers Rock event with wedding photographers Robert Wagner and Christopher Duggan. Highlights from this couples New York adventure are currently featured in the Winter 2011 edition of Destination i DO magazine. Keep reading to explore their New York engagement photography story:

The above image (on the right) from Lindsay and David’s engagement photography session is inspired by The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album cover. Recently, I learned that Dylan was paying homage to an earlier photograph of ”Rebel without a Cause” actor James Dean. Photographer Roy Schatt documented the original image eight years before Dylan recored his album in 1962.

Dave (a huge Bob Dylan fan) loved the idea of a themed engagement photography session (first time for everything). Learning the history of Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan photograph has only added to my enjoyment of this engagement photography experience.

Hanging out in front of The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. What’s interesting about this hotel is that the High Line park crosses directly through part of the buildings design. If you haven’t visited the high line yet, check it out. This is a great location to visit in the summer time and enjoy gourmet ice cream by Van Leeuwen (they have a cool truck that parks nearby). Although this neighborhood has become quite popular for New York engagement photography, there are many hidden gems to be explored.

engagement photography, new york engagement photography, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, new york city, ny

Lindsay and David strike a pose at the High Line entranceway for their New York engagement photography session. If you have a moment, enjoy this video about building the High Line.

A peaceful moment in Saigon; one of the private dining rooms at Spice Market. The quiet ambience of this place is truly captivating and offered a calming element to Lindsay and David’s engagement photography experience. I’ve since returned to Spice Market for brunch with my Grandmother. She loved the selection of herbal infused iced teas they serve and one dessert in particular (something with chocolate ovaltine…ask about it).

Just outside of Spice Market is a wall that constantly features new work by world class street artists. Personally, this is one of my favorite photographs from their engagement photography session.

engagement photography, new york engagement photography, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, new york city, ny

New York offers so many diverse spaces to explore for engagement photography. In the above photograph, Lindsay and David rest Poolside at Plunge; a rooftop lounge at the Hotel Gansavoort in the Meatpacking district.

engagement photography, new york engagement photography, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, new york city, ny

Outside Tanuki Tavern a sushi bar and grill inside Hotel Gansavoort. I appreciate the quiet subtle moments from this engagement photography session. Moments like this, were enjoyable because the day was so relaxing.

Dave exorcises his game face as he and Lindsay wait for a taxicab just outside Hotel Gansevoort. The sun was just beginning to set as we made our way town town toward Greenwich Village and a really cool speakeasy style bar.

Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of time to leave New York for a vacation. Lindsay and David inspire me with their passion for life and willingness to continually explore (even if its in the city). With this New York engagement photography session, we explored the concept of a “mini-moon” (like a short honeymoon…get it) in New York City. From exotic eateries, public parks, cultural landmarks and hidden speakeasy-style bars there is so much to enjoy in New York as a couple. The real challenge is making the time to pull away from work or your routine.

This engagement photography story reveals three passions that I share with most couples: food, travel and art. I am thankful for everyone who made this engagement story possible (Lindsay, David, Carolyn, Jennifer, the hotel and restaurant staffs…everyone!) The end result is truly a labor of love. I look forward to documenting Lindsay and David’s California wedding celebration in 2011.

If you have a moment, check out the current edition of Destination i Do Magazine (available a most major book retailers and magazine shops). The magazine also features some world-class destination weddings.

P.S. David is an amazing writer who produces an insightful food column for change.org.

Tags: engagement, Engagement Stories, love stories, new york, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, New York Engagement Photography, press features, remarkable love stories
Posted in Engagement Stories | 2 Comments »

New York Engagement Story | Beyond The High Line

July 14, 2010

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” - Marcel Proust

CENTRAL PARK, NY – Recently, I documented the wedding story of Jessica and Francois. Their ceremony was held at Cop Cot; an outdoor cottage at Central Park (along 5th Avenue). For Jessica and Francois this was a destination wedding. The couple traveled from their home in Luxembourg and hosted a celebration spanning New York (from Midtown to The West End). Festivities were attended by close family and friends from around the world including: Dubai, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Portugal and of course Luxembourg. The day before their wedding, they traveled around Manhattan for their New York engagement photography session…

The morning began just after 9:00am with a quick tour of the High Line. The park itself is offers a wonderful historic lesson about New York. Originally constructed in the 1930′s for freight trains passing along Manhattan’s West End, the space was scheduled for demolition almost a decade ago. In 1999, Robert Hammond and Joshua David founded Friends of the High Line to preserve the space.

The newly renovated High Line park was opened to the public in 2009. As I learned at the 99% Conference last year, Building the High Line was truly a community effort. Jessica and Francois selected this location for their engagement photography session because they wanted to visit a new yet historic attraction in New York.

===========================

Exiting the High Line, Jessica and Francois began to explore The Meatpacking District of Manhattan. Arriving at Hotel Gansevoort they visited Plunge; a rooftop lounge with a really amazing view of the city and a pool. On the way over, they noticed this street art by Frenchmen Thierry Guetta (he goes by the pseudonym Mr.Brainwash). Guetta is the central figure of the documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop; a film directed by guerrilla artist Bansky that documents the origins of street art. Recently, Guetta’s work was boycotted by some New York street artists. The above piece was covered over 10 days after I captured this photograph.

===========================

Pastis is a world renowned French bistro in New York. Accordingly, Jessica and Francois really wanted a photograph outside the restaurant (we had lunch there several moments later). On their way out, the couple brushed past Martha Stewart who had just arrived with a party of three. I was surprised and a bit amused to learn that Jessica and Francois did not know who Martha Stewart was. So what do park officials, street artist and french bistros have in common?

Reflections on the Day
Each of these movements challenge us to re-examine our ideas about convention and to look at familiar concepts from a fresh perspective. The resulting work is unique, personally engaging and memorable. In the 2008, a street artist helped a president get elected. Every week, hundreds of people flock to Pastis to enjoy fine food at a French restaurant founded by an Englishman (ala Keith McNally). Similarly, each location that Jessica and Francois explored for their engagement photography session was eclectic yet intentional. The High Line is an elevated park (about three stories off the ground) on the fringe of Manhattan (you don’t get there by accident). Pastis offers a very specific style of cousine; their restaurant doesn’t appeal to everyone and they don’t try. Ironically, Pastis was one of the first venues to arrive in the Meatpacking District before it was transformed into a “chic” New York hotspot.

A passion for food, travel and art define the key ingredients in many love stories I document. In this way, each recipe yields a photography collection that is unique and specific to the couple (some like spicy…others prefer savory). Creating a photography collection is more than injecting flavor into a bland arrangement of ingredients. This organic process requires time, patience and engagement. I really enjoyed the months of preparation that went into creating this photography story for Jessica and Francois. Through this experience, I was able to better appreciate their engagement and wedding celebration.

UPDATE: This Online Journal was just nominated for a Bridal Blog Award:

If You’re Engaged: Please read this short article about How to Choose the Ideal Photographer for Your Wedding.

Tags: engagement, engagement photographer, high line, high line engagement, high line engagement photography, meatpacking district, new york engagement, new york engagement photographer, New York Engagement Photography
Posted in Engagement Stories | 2 Comments »