Ciras Photography

New Blog!

2009-02-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

Hi readers!

We have a brand new beautiful blog! Update your bookmarks and join us at http://www.cirasphotography.com/blog

HA

2009-01-22T14:43:00.002-05:00

I found this while trolling my computer today. Jesse put a sign around our fabulous chubby kitty, Tanner: Free Cat - Smells Bad. It's true.

We'll have wedding funness to post soon, but thought this might make some other cat lady out there smile :)

BanQ Boston- Tim*Nicole

2009-01-19T20:09:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple photos from the first wedding of the season! Tim & Nicole's fabulous night at BanQ in the South End. It was the perfect anti-wedding, exactly what they wanted!!

Wedding Tip: Bring a Pretty Hanger

2009-01-11T17:56:00.006-05:00

I know I've been bad about posting wedding tips, but I'm going to try and be better!

Here's one that is simple, and makes a nice difference...

Buy a pretty hanger for your dress on the morning of. Most places stick it on a plastic one, and it's never attractive. So find something fun- anything from classic white to hot pink and use that instead. It makes a noticeable difference!

I had to hide the hanger in this one, you can see that it's sort of pulling down the curtain, but it's ok!

Wedcomp

2009-01-11T08:26:00.003-05:00

www.wedcomp.com

We'll be entering this, like we did last year: http://cirasphotography.blogspot.com/2008/08/we-placed-in-photo-contest.html

Photographik - Boston wedding photographers

2009-01-08T07:44:00.005-05:00

We don't do a lot of advertising- most of our clients find us through word of mouth, which is pretty awesome. But after we saw photographik.org, we knew it was something different. First, all the photographers have to be reviewed and accepted. Then we loved that it was this little community- you don't just post your stuff and see who finds you- you can change your pictures as much as you like, and interact with other photographers in the directory. Then, we loved it's goals- it wants to be THE place for finding a wedding and portrait photographer. A lot of sites say that, but it's actually doing something- it's on the first page of google if you search Boston wedding photographer.

Anyway, we're in and psyched! Check out our profile page in the Boston section of http://www.photographik.org

Engagement Photos - Boston Kim * Mike

2009-01-07T21:21:00.009-05:00

We like our e sessions to be chill - we sort of just stalk couples, making jokes and subtly posing them. Kim and Mike totally rocked it! It's never easy to start - I mean, who is used to being followed by the Ciras Paparazzi?? - but you can see a gradual progression of "comfortable-ness" really clearly here. Kim and Mike trusted us the whole time to do our thing, laughing when we had them sit in front of a large gray wall but trusting that we'd make it look cooler than they were imagining. I had a lot of fun- even if we sort of froze by the water in the winter!

Look how badass!

Merry {Cute} Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:21:00.011-05:00

We've been saving Tia's Christmas photos so you can have a Merry Cute Christmas. We hope it's merry and bright!

Christmas in Boston

2008-12-24T10:16:00.003-05:00

Faneuil Hall Engagement Photos: Tim *Nicole Teaser

2008-12-21T16:31:00.002-05:00

Tim and Nicole are the last engagement shoot of the year, and the first wedding of the new year! We met up at Faneuil Hall, so we could play inside too and not freeze to death, and had a lot of fun. They weren't afraid to be goofy- and we love that! Check back after Christmas to see more! :)

UNVEILED: Boston Boudoir, Massachusetts Boudoir

2008-12-19T09:29:00.007-05:00

I know it's not even Christmas yet, but Valentine's Day is coming! What's a better present than Valentine's Day Boudoir photos?? Heather is booking for early to mid January, and will have everything in time for Valentine's Day. (Jesse's not invited!)

If I get more than 5 people who are interested, I'll book a hotel and have the sessions there. (*If I get people together for a hotel shoot, I'll also offer shorter mini sessions at a discount off the sitting fee.)

What a boudoir session includes:
a 60 minute session
professional makeup services
an album/print credit

These are always a bunch of fun- for you and your hubby or hubby-to-be!

Museum of Science Boston Wedding in October!

2008-12-17T14:33:00.021-05:00

When we met with Liz and Matt over a year ago, we knew their wedding would be a lot of fun. They have this awesome sense of humor, and a funky style. Put those together as they did, and you get one awesome night. Here's a little of them getting ready and their touching ceremony at the Museum of Science.

The view from the ceremony room on a perfect October day:
Getting ready with the Zachim Bridge:Liz's birdcage veil was so elegant:

Liz's grandfathers walked her down the aisle. Everyone was emotional. (Especially Heather who cries at every single wedding!)
Liz and Matt's good friend married them- through tears :)
I love how the Pru is peaking out between them:
We like to do "informal" formals, where you still be yourself, just in front of something pretty! Here's Liz and Matt being their cute, married selves:
The moon was out at sunset! (We added the texture to make this an artsy-er print)

Once formals were over, it was time to put on the cool shoes:
Feeling like they're being stalked by paparazzi

and being chased by a T Rex!

Kim and Mike teaser: Boston

2008-12-14T17:58:00.000-05:00

Bryce braved the cold

2008-12-14T09:17:00.009-05:00

True Love: Boston

2008-12-12T07:30:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you just know a couple is perfect for eachother......

Out of the office!

2008-11-28T12:47:00.001-05:00

We're going to be out of the office until Dec. 8! We promise that when we return, we'll have all sorts of fun things to post- maternity, engagements, boudoir, baby and little kid sessions, weddings. We've been so busy and have neglected you, our lovely blog readers, but we'll make up for it in December!

Ryan and Jess: Jamaica Plain

2008-11-11T17:48:00.011-05:00

Nantasket Beach: Paula and Chris Teaser

2008-11-02T11:52:00.003-05:00

Publick House: Rene and Keith

2008-10-26T14:02:00.007-04:00

Holiday Cards!

2008-10-16T11:13:00.006-04:00

We're now accepting orders for holiday cards! We have a bunch of different styles and colors, two of which are featured above.

If we've already done your wedding or portrait, you can order by Nov. 30 in time for Christmas. They come in packs of 25. If you need a portrait session, email us asap as space is limited! If you book between now and Nov. 18, your first pack of cards is free.

Le Meridien Hotel wedding - Erica & Justin

2008-10-14T20:53:00.023-04:00

What a gorgeous wedding- Erica and Justin put so much time into having a touching ceremony, and intimate, fun reception and it truly showed.

Erika is so expressive. I love her smile!
Before the ceremony, the girls were on one side, the guys on the other. It's called Kabbalat Panim; Erica was greeting guests while guests were singing and toasting with Justin.

The rabbi explained that the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony because of ancient practice- the groom needs to make sure he's marrying the right girl. :) It's also a symbol that outward beauty isn't a priority.
Then they read the Katubah (marriage contract), say vows, and sign the Katubah

Justin and Erica's parents gave them blessings as well. It was moving.

Before the ceremony began, Erica circled Justin seven times, symbolizing wholeness.

The longest first kiss ever! YAY!

So happy they literally frolicked down the aisle. You might remember previous frolicking from E&J's engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum.

What an awesome cake!!
At the reception, the guests entertained Justin and Erica by singing and dancing and being goofy. What a party!! (and all before dinner was even served!)
It worked! They were thoroughly entertained!

Breaking the bread.

Venezia

2008-10-13T17:34:00.003-04:00

Another gorgeous Boston wedding with fun fun people

Museum of Science

2008-10-13T11:07:00.003-04:00

On Friday, our Groom got a little out of hand.....so we fed him to the T-Rex....Don't mess with Ciras Photography

Wedding Tip of the Week - pack comfy shoes

2008-10-05T19:54:00.003-04:00

I love shoes as much as the next girl (and the amount of shoe photos I take might be a little much), but do yourself a favor and pack something comfy and cute. My amazing cousin Lisa bought me some comfy shoes for my wedding day, and I couldn't have been happier dancing around in cute white flip-flops instead of my heels. (I actually still wear them regularly and it makes me happy to think of the first time I wore them!) The wedding we did last weekend actually provided flip-flops in the women's bathroom so noone would be uncomfortable as the night wore on. Erin- I loved that idea!

So, if you don't think you can last in your Jimmy Choos all night- bring a back up :) You definitely don't want any excuse not to dance!

A moment for the men

2008-09-28T20:10:00.007-04:00

This is Jesse and I have broke down. It's time for my first post. It's time to show the ladies that the men also play a role in the wedding day.

Sorry ladies, he is a married man.

Every man needs an entourage.

a timeless moment take two!

2008-09-28T19:56:00.005-04:00

Yes that really is you.

Look how stinkin' cute this kid is!

2008-09-28T19:26:00.006-04:00

Sam had his first photo shoot this weekend and looked like a pro!

Look at those baby blues!

Wedding Tip of the Week - How to pin a boutonniere

2008-09-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

I have a lot of random wedding knowledge in my head and I've decided to share all! So each Friday, until I run out of things to say, I'll be posting random wedding tips.

The tip to get you all started?

Learn how to affix a boutonniere before the wedding day. It sounds so simple, but when one is confronted with the flower and two pins, no one knows what goes where. It's ok, we didn't either. You don't know how many people have ended up with crooked boutonnieres, or have asked us to pitch in. We don't mind, but I'm not going to lie and say we're particularly good at it :) So if you want crooked flowers from your photographers, no worries. Otherwise, check out this step-by-step guide:
http://www.ehow.com/how_10182_pin-corsage-boutonniere.html

Be my friend...

2008-09-19T09:54:00.003-04:00

on facebook!

I've been on facebook for a while, and have recently found that it's really fun to post your wedding pictures on facebook and tag you in a whole bunch! Then you can see them, and tag all your friends in them. If you're a fellow photographer, it's just fun to be friends and spy on each other ;)

Finding the perfect photographer

2008-09-16T12:24:00.007-04:00

So... I sort of have a problem with wedding blogs. I'm completely obsessed. I browse probably 25-30 wedding photography blogs daily, and lurk around on some fun wedding style blogs. (You can check out some of my favs on the right.)

Today I came across this post on one of my favorite sites by a fabulous photographer (Parker J) who I'd never really seen before. And I think it says what we try to express about connecting with your wedding photographer, as well as how to see if the photographer has consistently awesome photos. My favorite line? "Don’t settle with your wedding images. This day only happens once."

Check out the article here.

This "settling" sentiment really resonates with me. We got into wedding photography because, though our own photographer was very sweet and talented, we didn't get exactly what we wanted. We were really concerned with the price, so we got a novice, and we got a decent return for what we paid for. But if I could do anything over again, it would be to put more work into getting two fabulous photographers that get to know me and can therefore photograph who I am, not just what I'm doing. And that's why we do what we do.

a timeless moment

2008-09-14T18:57:00.003-04:00

There's always a few photos from weddings that just make me catch my breath. This is from before the wedding, and Kristin was just walking around in the hallway, posing and getting anxious. :) I just love this little moment - a scene - she's not just moving down the stairs, but moving toward her future. I just love it.Where: Salem Cross Inn

Kick a*$ album spread

2008-09-13T18:13:00.003-04:00

I'm not going to lie, my husband rocks at making albums... not only is he good looking and smart, but he can do this too??!

*edit- I've had "kiss" instead of "kick" as the title to this post. Did anyone notice that in the last few days?! hahaa

Fine Art Wedding Photography

2008-09-10T18:47:00.007-04:00

We haven't been particularly great with explaining how we edit photos after we're done with the wedding, and there's a new fine art section in our galleries that shows the befores and afters of some of our favorites. We definitely don't do this to all the photos - it doesn't fit every photo and we wouldn't have the time even if it did!! But we hand select a half dozen photos per wedding to enhance into fine art. We want married couples to have real art, created from real moments from their wedding day, to hang on their walls. We're artists- and creating this immortal art for our clients is one of our favorite things to do!

Here's an example of a before and after. The first I love anyway, but I think the second portrays the moment in a different way. Let me know what you think!

Erica * Justin Teaser

2008-09-04T22:50:00.002-04:00

It doesn't get more fun than this! Stay tuned for more of this awesome wedding!

Bo & Jason are married!

2008-09-02T21:13:00.020-04:00

Bo and Jason got married at the Tewksbury Country Club. What a beautiful venue! And I know they were a little bummed about not getting married outside, but it was seriously so gorgeous inside that it didn't matter; and the resulting sky and clouds after the rainstorm that only lasted as long as their ceremony was worth it.

Guys getting ready:

Jason's dad surprised his mom by renewing their vows - this was their anniversary! How sweet!the dress!
getting into the dress is such a process compared to what the guys do!

Doesn't she look like a model?!

the rings rarely go on smoothly!

a mini Marilyn Monroe moment!

:)
See- look at those clouds!!

but the inside isn't anything to scoff at

be careful! She's tough!
hahaha- these two were not nervous to be in front of people. They were hysterical!

I love this last look, it took my breath away when I took it and I love seeing the photo again.

Now let's design that album!! Woo hoo!

Boston Boudoir

2008-08-29T22:59:00.012-04:00

Boudoir is hot right now, and so are these ladies! T was doing an anniversary gift for her husband, D a gift for her boyfriend, and J just wanted some pictures taken! Boudoir photos are such a great groom's gift too... I have a few of those lined up for fall weddings, and the grooms are going to be psyched!

This was a group boudoir shoot for a couple of friends. We (amazing makeup artist Andrea and me) met up at J's house. Thanks, girls, for letting me post these. You look great!

Albums

2008-08-23T13:52:00.007-04:00

So I posted about gallery wraps and canvas a couple of weeks ago, so I wanted to show you one of our albums next. I get so excited when our albums come in the mail. It's like Christmas around here all the time. This red one is a 5x7 faux leather album, and has metallic prints. It's so hot for boudoir photos! It comes in a ton of colors - I think I'm going to get lime green next!!

Stacy & Mike teaser

2008-08-21T17:19:00.002-04:00

We had so much fun with Stacy and Mike for their engagement photo shoot in Boston's North End. Here's a teaser- more to come!

We placed in a photo contest!

2008-08-16T09:20:00.003-04:00

We just placed in our first photo competition! We've never entered anything before, but the money from this comp went entirely to charity so it was a win-win!
Check it out here: http://wedcomp.com/winners/08summer/08s_results_portrait.html

Fenway Park Engagement Photos

2008-08-13T23:35:00.010-04:00

Mandi & Dan

What can I say about Mandi and Dan except I love you guys! They were totally unphased by the fact that the Fenway Park tour was completely sold out, and just walking around the park with them was fun! (Though getting there was a treat- I think we scared Mandi with our Boston driving!)

They aren't getting married until Oct. 31 2009, but have booked way in advance and we're so looking forward to next Halloween!

Mandi is such a ham! But don't think Dan is completely innocent. Mandi brings out his inner goofball!

Jesse had fun with the ring~

Here Mandi- I know you want this for facebook and myspace! :)Here's a fun little series. They couldn't stay straight-faced for long!

FUN TIMES!

We're packed with weddings for the next few weeks, so please excuse me if I'm blogging delinquent (Isn't it so ironic that when you have a lot to blog there's no time, but just wait for the winter and I'll keep you all posted on Grey's Anatomy or something!). But wedding and boudoir goodness will be posted in the near future. I promise good things are to come!

Happy Anniversary!

2008-08-02T09:36:00.003-04:00

Jesse and I celebrated our third anniversary last week! We aren't really anniversary-celebrating kind of people, but it was also my grandparents 58th anniversary. And that is real cause for celebration! I just look at them, and see how far love, hope, stubbornness, determination, and understanding got them. It wasn't some romantic fairy tale, but still beautiful. And for them, the best place in the whole world was to be on their back porch surrounded by family. 55 years from now, I hope to be in the exact same place.

And, I could resist posting this cuteness. Tia was loving the cake!

Erica*Justin Engagements

2008-07-26T01:24:00.008-04:00

A library... nature... bubbles?! Erica & Justin put a lot of thought into the venue and different sides of their personalities were able to come through. It was great!

Canvas Wraps/ Gallery Wraps

2008-07-25T19:59:00.005-04:00

I blog often about the photos we take, but I've been a little negligent about the amazingness that we put those photos on.. in? I'm talking about prints, canvas, and albums.

Here's an example of a gorgeous new metallic canvas wrap that I just got in today. I love the metallic prints we often get, so I was dying for the right image to make into this large canvas. I'd never seen one before, and I am totally wowed. I think we're going to start offering these asap because they are so damn cool!

This is a 16x24, and I intentionally left the shine in the upper left corner so you can see that it's reflective.

The canvas wraps all the way around the image sides and it too is the same metallic material. The sides are about 1 1/2 in. think. More pics to come!

Mandi*Dan teaser

2008-07-23T15:15:00.001-04:00

Another happy couple!

More to follow in a day or two!

Erica*Justin teaser

2008-07-23T14:44:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen someone so happy?

Danielle*John

2008-07-20T08:32:00.027-04:00

John & Danielle's wedding was fabulous! The location was great, they both looked beautiful and they succeeded in having a big 'ole party, even though it was the afternoon!

To see more of this awesome couple, see their engagement shots (here) and the teasers from their wedding (here)

Where? Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, MA, one of our new favorite venues! The staff was super helpful and the location was amazing.

punch it out. ;)

John watching Danielle. I love this moment.
first dance
what a cake!

a very intense game of limbo...
.. and a little cheating! ;)

things got a little crazy!

These were some of the best groomsmen ever- they all loved each other and were great fun!

this is John showing off his sweet dance moves!

Here's a spotlight on a few of the details- love the pink & green theme!

Boudoir

2008-07-18T16:27:00.007-04:00

Boudoir Photography- intimate, sexy shots that you gift to your soon-to-be spouse.

A nice pre-wedding gift... or anniversary gift... or "hey, it's wednesday and I love you" gift...

We're working with some ladies right now to plan a marathon session in the next month. If you're interested and available on the day we choose, we're waiving the sitting fee, normally $200.

If you'd like to schedule your own session, we're offering a summer discount- only half the sitting fee.

Albums and prints will be available!

contact us for more details... cirasphotography@yahoo.com

Claire is one!

2008-07-08T17:09:00.007-04:00

I love Claire. I'm biased because I'm auntie heather, but she is so beautiful. And I keep telling her mom that I think she's a genius too, but mom is a little more down to earth than I am.

Here are a few of the pics from her first birthday party.

Claire is psyched to be one!
Clapping for herself...

She does most things with her tongue hanging out!

Claire's first cupcake was a hit.

We'd love to do more baby photos- it's a great change of pace from shooting weddings. :)

I want this couch

2008-07-01T17:08:00.001-04:00

Seriously- how awesome is this couch? If I had a couch like this, I think I'd lounge around in it all day long.

Eryn*Laurie

2008-07-01T00:46:00.012-04:00

Eryn & Laurie were awesome to shoot- they had complete trust and were willing to go wherever - be it in the dirt or on ledges! In the end, it made it harder to pick photos! They have this edge to them (which totally disappears when they look at each other, btw), so we post-processed the images a little more than usual. I think it reflects them a bit more, which is the point, right? :)

Photography's real hard when you have these faces to work with! [note the sarcasm...]

Where: Charlestown Naval Yard

Danielle & John teaser

2008-06-29T11:57:00.005-04:00

We photographed Danielle & John's wedding yesterday... you might remember them from their e-shots last year. This wedding was absolutely stunning and we'll try and post photos soon!
Where? Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, MA

Shopping!

2008-06-27T17:12:00.003-04:00

We've been so busy around here.. editing, making albums, ordering canvas (our new fav thing... pics will come soon!)... but we've made some time for shopping!

Here are our two new favorite things in the world:

an awesome new macbook...

the 5D camera has been used for two weddings now, but the brand new 24-105L lens just came this afternoon. I have already successfully used it for a photoshoot with the cats, but I think the wedding tomorrow might yield more artistic and engaging photos :)

Allison*Richie teaser

2008-06-26T13:10:00.003-04:00

Super fun sweetness... thank God that rain held off for the outside photos!

Steph*Dereck

2008-06-26T00:35:00.006-04:00

A few more of an amazing photo shoot...

Thanks for having complete trust in us and being willing to do whatever! That makes the shoot so easy and fun!

don't they look like models?!

October's coming fast; can't wait for the wedding!

Steph & Dereck teaser

2008-06-15T17:52:00.002-04:00

Hotness from S&D's e-session!

Keri & EJ

2008-06-15T15:39:00.015-04:00

We've known Keri & EJ since college so it was particularly awesome to do their wedding. They're super goofy fun, but also so spiritually connected that their ceremony was moving. Now, I cry at almost every wedding (surprise, surprise) but I could barely compose myself at Keri & EJ's. ;)

Ceremony: North Street Community Chapel in Hingham, Ma
Reception: Adams Inn, Quincy, MA

Keri was a tad late... this is EJ saying "Is this working?"

K&EJ washed each other's feet during the ceremony as a symbol of service to one another.

Watch out for this gang!

They didn't even care about the weather- they were just so happy to be married!

Thanks for letting us be a part of your wedding- we love you guys!

Keri & EJ teaser

2008-06-14T14:18:00.001-04:00

I just think these two are so cute when they look at each other. :) There'll definitely be more fun photos of K&EJ to come soon!

Where: Hingham and Quincy, MA

Eryn & Laurie Teaser

2008-06-14T14:05:00.002-04:00

We have so much awesomeness to blog that it's a bit unreal. In the meantime, we'll be leaving you with some teasers of stuff we've done in the recent past.

These e-shots were taken in Charlestown, Ma at the Charlestown Naval Yard area.

Keri & Demetri!

2008-06-08T23:41:00.015-04:00

It's taken a while to post this beautiful wedding- mostly because it was so hard to choose between all my favorites! K&D were so much fun- just laughing and having a good time all day; it was such a nice wedding to be a part of!

We told them that any licking would appear on the blog!

as well as any growling!!

Look at those guns!

Don't be fooled by that sweet smile, this little man is a ball of energy!

Congrats to you both!!

Jesse? or MacGyver?

2008-05-25T14:05:00.007-04:00

Jesse is always willing to climb around, over, or into things to get the shot!
This was all so that we could take the bride & groom, and flowergirl and ringbearer, over to that dock.
Where? Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA
We really trust our brides! Here's Keri holding Jesse's camera so he can be very very sneaky. But it was worth the "risk":

Heather & Nick

2008-05-17T10:15:00.025-04:00

We had so much fun at Heather & Nick's wedding! We always have fun, because we love running around with our cameras and because we have the best clients, but seriously, the dancing at this wedding was crazy fun! Heather & Nick may have seemed shy and innocent in their engagement photos (see 'em here) but they totally fooled us! And their guests were hysterical!

Church: St. Cecilia's in Wilbraham, MA
Reception: Tekoa Country Club

with their parents looking on...

this was during the YMCA- when Nick and his groomsmen dressed up!

Apparently it's a tradition for all the guys to sing to the bride!

Heather loved it!

Heather & Nick Preview

2008-04-30T22:49:00.001-04:00

We shot Heather & Nick's wedding at Takoa Country Club this weekend... I'm immersed in editing right now, but this photo just took my breath away and so I thought I'd share...

Spring is quickly springing!

2008-04-21T21:54:00.005-04:00

There's a beautiful cherry blossom tree right off our back porch that's absolutely gorgeous. I was poking around outside yesterday and decide to take some fun photos with my 17-70 lens.

Well, what a difference a day makes! The blooms have opened so much by tonight. All the other trees in the area are farther along, so maybe my tree is just trying to catch up. I don't care if she's a late bloomer- it gave me time to think of photographing her!

;) happy spring!

New Website!

2008-04-19T18:46:00.003-04:00

We've finally launched our new site- with a new logo and new photos- just in time to begin the wedding season! It's a much nicer way to showcase our work - Simple and clean. Just like Jesse. haha- just kidding, he's complicated and dirty ;) I also like the white background instead of the black, as our personalities are light and fun, not so dark and serious.

You might notice that this blog has changed colors as well- we're trying to be consistent with our colors and feel. I might end up changing it from green to white because it's kind of driving me nuts that it's not the same green as on the site. But I'm still deliberating...

Here's a snapshot from our new site, you have to check it out for yourself, though!
http://www.cirasphotography.com

New photo competition

2008-04-17T18:08:00.010-04:00

Hello All!

Can you believe that it's already the middle/end of April?!

Jesse and I have been getting ready for our crazy-busy wedding season, as well as meeting with a bunch of potential clients. We've had sooo much fun having people over to our new office. It's so nice to have a space that we can welcome them into. It's also in our home, and I feel like our clients are our friends, so it's like having friends over! I'll post photos of it later, though it's still in the works!

But the real reason I came here today was to get free stuff. That's right- there's a new photo contest in town and you get three free entries if you blog about it. Since I'm a bargain shopper, and since entering contests was one of my professional goals this year, it's a perfect match.

Here's the deal:

Happy Spring!

happy easter!

2008-03-23T21:35:00.002-04:00

I can't resist photographing these beautiful babies!

She has a stare that can look right into you!

And he has this disarming smile... (though here you see more drool than smile!)

Leah & Jean

2008-03-08T18:35:00.020-05:00

This was the first time we met Leah & Jean, as they live in AZ and we in Boston, but we really hit it off. They were definitely not afraid of being in front of the camera and really trusted us to do our thing, so the photos ran really smoothly from the very beginning.

I love it when couples do some photos beforehand, it gives us time to be creative. The country club let us come early to take photos, so we didn't need to do anything between the ceremony and reception. I also love it when the family and friends really break loose for the party afterward. We had so much fun!

Reception: Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA

The amazing flower arrangements were created by Leah's aunt, and the cake was made by a friend!

Buying wedding rings in Boston

2008-02-28T10:04:00.005-05:00

Alpha and Omega Jewelers is going out of business. They are giving huge discounts, and I hear you can haggle for bigger discounts once you're there too!

http://www.alphaomegajewelers.com/

So long polaroids...

2008-02-27T08:57:00.001-05:00

http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/02/27/instant_consternation/

DVD Tin!

2008-02-20T22:24:00.002-05:00

What is this? Two posts in one day?!

We've decided to use these awesome DVD tins- they're more environmentally friendly, will protect the DVD better than simple plastic, leave the couple with something awesome to store their DVD in permanentally - not to mention they look wicked cool!

Back!

2008-02-20T20:58:00.002-05:00

I'm back!

It's been nuts around here- traveling, kitty health problems. But no worries, we're all healthy now and back in good ole Boston. (Which I left when it was 50 degrees and freezing rain, and entered North Carolina at 70 degrees and sunny. Why'd we pick this state again??)

I'm getting settled back into the swing of things just in time for Jesse and I to move. We're heading across town- but our new place will be equipped with an office! We're planning on seeing clients there and really using the additional space for displaying our work!

The blogging will be spotty until we're in the new place, but here's a fun photo to hold you over!

(No photoshop!)

A favorite... with a twist

2008-02-09T22:30:00.001-05:00

I've been having a lot of post-processing fun today, and here's an old favorite recreated...

a very candid moment

2008-02-08T23:52:00.000-05:00

I guess you never know what kids are going to do...

More from Leah and Jean's wedding later!

keywords: Boston wedding photography, Quincy, MA wedding photography, wedding photojournalism, nose pickers hahahaa

An e-session for the animals

2008-02-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

This was the most animal-friendly engagement shoot we've ever done! Not only did Heather & Nick bring their dogs, Piper and Chance, but Heather also found a stray cat while we were shooting!

Location: Union Station, Worcester, Ma

Here's some of our favorites:

Fun wedding blogs

2008-01-30T13:53:00.001-05:00

As I'm sure you're not only viewing my blog, but about a million others, I wanted to alert you to some fun new blogs I've discovered. Check out my blog roles to the right. I'll be updating those often!

And since I can't resist posting a picture.... here's one I'm in love with lately! (Plus is was starting to freak me out to see Chuck Norris at the top of the blog!)

Chuck Norris

2008-01-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

(copyright not Ciras Photography)

I am a sucker for Chuck Norris jokes!

Do this:
Go to google. Type in "find chuck norris". Click "I'm feeling lucky". hahahahaa

James & Joe

2008-01-26T19:26:00.000-05:00

What handsome boys!

This is James:

This is his older brother Joe (sorry for the weird photo- it was film!):

This is older brother Joe at 6 months:

This is older brother Joe now (2 years):

We love you boys!

baby photography

Boston Photo Shoot

2008-01-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

We had the pleasure of working with a beautiful new model today- who also happens to have a beautiful, photo-worthy apartment with a roofdeck!
Here's a sneak peek - more to come in a day or so!

fashion
model photography
modeling
wedding photography

2008-01-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

According to my stats- viewers of this blog are coming from all over the world! Taiwan, France, Spain, South America, New Jersey (haha). Welcome and thanks for stopping by!!

Winter e-session

2008-01-09T00:03:00.001-05:00

The massive amounts of snow couldn't damper this photo shoot- though it meant that we all were pretty stationary! Thanks Richie and Allison- you're so chill! (no awful pun intended!!)

Think Pink

2008-01-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a great organization? I love when photography is used to genuinely help.

http://www.thinkpinkphotography.org

Baby it's cold outside!

2008-01-03T09:49:00.000-05:00

We've been so busy with the holidays, but I wanted to show you all what Boston looked like in December. The snow is now gone, but instead it's -38 degrees outside.

Happy New Year!

Merry [belated] Christmas

2007-12-27T13:17:00.001-05:00

I hope your Christmases were wonderful! I'm lucky because I have an entire week off- so I'm using the time to do fun things...

Danielle & John engagement shoot

2007-12-01T11:17:00.001-05:00

Danielle & John were a lot of fun- and were nice enough to follow us around some sketchy parts of Worcester to have a rellly fun and creative shoot. I'll post more later, but here's a taste!

I just think this one is so funny!

Heather!

2007-11-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at Heather & Tom's wedding~ I've only edited Heather getting ready, so there's no Tom yet. But I am excited and want to show you some early! A lot are in b&w because Heather loves b&w (as do I- great Heathers think alike).

Heather- You're now famous!

Teamwork!
The day was hard for this little man. It got better once he got his monster truck :)

I don't know what Heather's mom said here but Heather's face is priceless!

A little different technique...

Some of the last steps of a single lady!

Getting ready with Heather and her family was so fun- even Jesse came and wasn't overwhelmed by the estrogen. Though he and Heather's step-dad did make fun of female bonding rituals on several occasions, but can you blame them?

I won't be able to post more for a few days, so enjoy these for now!

Wedding Info:
Reception: Leicester Country Club, Leicester, MA
http://www.leicestercc.com/
Cake: By Penny Eagleton
http://www.customweddingcakesbypenny.com/

Happy Thanksgiving party people!

2007-11-22T12:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am spending part of my Thanksgiving editing photos! I'm going through more of Donna & Matt's and LOVE this photo. They were crazy dancing people- so much fun to photograph- but this photo captures a poignant lull while everyone is still arranged on the dance floor. Maybe it's between songs, or maybe something was going on to side, but whatever it was, it's this special moment.

Wedding info:
Church: St. John's Episcopal Church in Winthrop, MA
Reception: Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus, MA
http://www.hilltopsteakhouse.com/content/1/36/

Donna & Matt

2007-11-12T19:14:00.001-05:00

We've been a bit behind in processing because of my new job... but here is one of my favs from Donna and Matt's ceremony...

It really captures how unique and intimate the sanctuary was.

Church:
St. John's Episcopal in Winthrop, MA

Married but still in love...

2007-11-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

Not technically an engagement shoot because Kristen & John have been married three years, but they are still so cute!

Enjoy my (and Kristen's) favorites!

What a fabulous blue wall!! Southie has all sorts of treasures!

I nearly went blind from this shot, but I think it was worth it:

Happy Halloweenie!

2007-10-31T10:19:00.000-04:00

I am in love with this site: http://offbeatbride.com/ It's such a resource for people planning weddings who want to try something completely different. Or people who want to little different accents.

Check out the link for today, a spotlight on a Halloween wedding!
http://offbeatbride.com/2007/10/tinas-haunted-house-halloween-wedding
My favorite is the cake topper with a skeleton bride and groom with the sign: Love Never Dies!

Autumn and Jonathan

2007-10-25T17:42:00.000-04:00

the first look...

I am in awe of this couple - their love for each other is this moving entity that followed them from place to place, saturating everyone around them. If I could redo my wedding day, I'd pick theirs.

Laughing bridesmaids, Sunset Ceremony, and breakdancers?!

2007-10-15T22:11:00.000-04:00

This ceremony was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful ceremonies I have ever seen. And the wedding party was so excitable and fun to photograph. I'm so glad that I assisted at this wedding! And check out that awesome, breakdancing kid!!

Tatoos and Amusement Parks

2007-10-14T16:51:00.000-04:00

Vacation is never complete without abandoned, ghost-town amusement parks and tatoos.

high saturation, under eye circles gone!

2007-10-04T14:19:00.001-04:00

the after... for some reason the before isn't uploading, I'll get it up here later!

I wish I had enough time to do this to more photos, but alas!
I created a bunch of layers- one to up saturation, one to increase contrast and brightness, one soft light duplication of the background. I added a mask on the saturation layer so Katie and Levi wouldn't be orange and cloned under their eyes to avoid serious shadows.
This is so fun!

Cute baby creativity

2007-10-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

It’s so easy for wedding photographers to get “stuck in the rut” of wedding photography. Let’s face it: Many weddings are the same, and if you get a formula that works, it’s hard to try something new. That’s why I love being new at this: We’re still figuring out our formulas and we’re really excited about staying fresh and current. We’ve done millions of hours of research on what we like and don’t like about wedding photography; and what we don’t like is seeming stale or uniformed about trends. So we’re adding different things to our portfolio, like this photocard above. (This one’s a little crazy - but so is MacKenzie! We’ll have traditional and sweet examples soon. This is so cutting edge that we haven’t even made them yet!) They are custom-designed so that your wedding doesn’t feel like the same as everyone else’s. Instead it’s a representation of who you are and what brought the two of you together. More to come!!!

My fav pics of this shoot

2007-09-27T12:35:00.001-04:00

I've been working on some of the images from our trash the dress photoshoot last weekend and really having some success. Yay!

Trash the dress!

2007-09-24T13:00:00.001-04:00

Jenny rocked her shoot! She was fearless: ready to smother a dress - and herself - in red paint, walk into a freezing cold pond, and crawl all over rock ledges to position herself under a waterfall. Some pics were taken underneath elevated railroad tracks, others in a pond nearby. We’re so happy with the pics- check out our site for more!

In case you're not familiar with this trend- check out www.trashthedress.com

H

More experimenting....

2007-09-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

Original Modified

Experimenting

2007-09-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

My new goal is to become more creative in post-process work. I am by training a black and white film photographer, so much of my work post process is to do what I knew how to do in the darkroom- correct whites and blacks, present a real-looking picture. But sometimes its nice to have something different. This will keep my shooting fresh, and encourage me to look for alternative angles and lighting that can later be converted into something like you see above.

Wedding photography changed drastically when photojournalism became popular, and it is on its way to change again as wedding photos become mini works of art. I hope to eventually be able to do a fine art piece for each wedding we shoot. Each bride and groom would then have a custom-designed work of art to not only hang on their wall, but to remember their wedding day.

I’m so inspired and excited!

H

First Post! Wedding Expo!

2007-09-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

Our fabulous booth!

What better time to start a blog than with something so exciting?? Jesse and I did a wedding expo on Sunday at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. It was so much fun! Not only did we meet other cool vendors, but we also met the nicest brides- and grooms-to-be. And much of their extended family!

It was a long day, and my legs literally ached all night from standing in heels for 5 hours, but it was worth it!

Thanks to everyone we met and chatted with!

Heather