Personal

“You need to just get a hobby” Ayelet said as I was sitting across from her at the table in her College Park, Maryland apartment as she was making her infamous caramel cookies. She was literally the best baker and I loved nothing more than pretending like I was helping her create her delicious masterpieces.

” I know, but I don’t even know what I would do.” I said as I unwrapped another caramel for her. That was the problem. I didn’t know what to do. At 23 years old, I was miserable. I disliked my DC production Assistant Job. I wasn’t happy with my social life. Don’t even get me started about my non existent love life. I felt like I had nothing going for me. This was not how it was supposed to be. I mean, I did it all right. I went to college. Had the internships. Got the degree. Started a job. Why was I already this unhappy!?

Ayelet started collecting all of the unwrapped caramels from the table and looked over at me “Just PICK something. If you don’t like it, pick something else.” I sighed and switched the conversation over to her and her graduate school applications, at least she was doing something exciting.

As I drove home that night I decided that she was right. I just need to find something fun to focus on. I could really pick anything. I got home. Put my car in park and decided that I was not going to go inside until I picked a hobby.  So of course, like every good 20-some year old,  what did I do… picked up my phone, opened the internet and went to google…

“50 top millennial hobbies” was the first link that popped up. I clicked it.

Learn a Language… Nope

Garden… Ugh I have such a brown thumb

Baking… That’s Ayelet’s thing

Ceramics… UHHH

Meditating… Ya, I don’t think so

Dancing… I mean I like dancing, but I’m kinda REALLY bad at it

Photography… Now that’s a possibility, I just don’t have a camera. 

Improv… That’s a joke… Right?

After a few more minutes, and a few more lists. My mind kept circling back to photography. I read, “Adult coloring books,” for the fifth time and shook my head. Photography it is! I was going to do it! May as well give it a try right? Spending a few hundred dollars on a photography class couldn’t hurt.

I pulled my key’s out of the ignition and was pretty damn satisfied with my decision. I was smiling as I walked into the house. My roommate Kaleigh was snuggled up on the couch with her cat, Leo, watching HGTV as always. Jess was in the bathroom curling her hair getting ready for her shift and Anne was cooking something up in the kitchen… Things could definitely be worse, I thought as I settled into the coukch next to Leo. It was time to find a photography class. I pulled out my phone again and began to search….

To be continued…

May 22, 2014: Check out my blonde hair … thank god I grew out of that!

Check out Part II & Part III here: “How YPP Began Part II”

“How YPP Began Part III”

It’s 2am and I just got back to the one bedroom house in Philadelphia, I have your multi-colored sweater on as I roll my broken, purple suitcase into the living room. I look around, drop the handle and sigh. I am finally home. I thought I would be relieved, it felt like I had been traveling for days…instead, I felt complete and total awe by the adventure that we just went on together. I knew Paris was going to be amazing. I even half expected inspiring, but never did I think it was going to be like this.  With every step we took, every corner we turned and every expresso we sipped, I felt the weight of our every day lives melt off our shoulders and the only thing left was you, me and 100% bliss.

As I sit here in my big bed with the air conditioning you set up running next to me and the artwork you so carefully picked out, hanging across from me, all I can think about is that we did good. After all we have been through over the past few years, we did good. Really good. After one year of long distance, one law school degree, ten months of photo school, two graduations, three grandparents passing, one small business starting, two months of BAR prep, two days of the BAR exam and everything else that comes with being in your mid-20s, we made it through stronger and better than ever… and then we went to Paris.

Running around Paris with you felt like a dream. We spent the entire time learning new things, discovering old treasures and deepening our admiration for one another.  Paris was a reminder of the immensity of your presence in my life. You have become a part of who I am and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Your thirst for knowledge is infectious, your patience is angelic and your wittiness is something that even the biggest Seinfeld fan would approve of. So, as I sit here at 2am, unable to fall asleep, I cannot help but be proud of who you are as a person and who we are as a couple. Thank you for being my better half. The organic Peanut Butter to my Red Delicious Apple. The double espresso to my flaky croissant. The Robert to my Yael.

2017. What a year. Not only was it the year that brought us the obsession of fidget spinners, the creation of the legendary Romphim and the comeback of the black leather chokers, but it was one hell of a year for YPP. When I think about this past year, one word comes to mind; unbelievable. Don’t get me wrong, there have been ups and downs. There have been weeks that I have felt like nothing could get me down. There has been days that felt like nothing was going right, and then there were those moments when I felt like I was the luckiest person in the world. I am proud to say it has been one awesome, creative and busy year. I could not thank my friends, family and clients enough for all of their support. Yael Pachino Photography has grown and flourished this year because of all of you.

I wanted to take this time to show you a little bit of what I do and what Yael Pachino Photography is all about. Here are my top 10 favorite 2017 moments captured by YPP (please note, these are not in any particular order, I absolutely love all of these photos). These are the photos that had me running past Robert to my computer to upload them immediately after I got home. These are the photos that I love, that I cherish and that keep me inspired to do more, do better and grow as a photographer, a professional and as a person. These are the couples, the people that make me smile and work harder day in and day out. So without further ado here are the Top 10 YPP Photos of 2017!

1. sylvia and shmuel.

When Sylvia and Shmuel arrived at the City Hall of Philadelphia during one the hottest days of the summer, I could tell that it was going to be one fantastic afternoon. With the sprinklers going off at Dilworth Park, the sun shining bright, Sylvia and Shmuel were down for anything and never once complained about the heat.  This moment is one of my favorite of the year for so many reasons. First off, look at the two of them. Sylvia’s stance is strong, feminine and sassy. Shmuels pose is manly, casual and comfortable. You can feel the love flowing between them through their eyes and their smiles. And then there is the light! I love the way the light falls onto the walls of Philadelphia’s City Hall.

2. katylnn & jaleel.

Jaleel contacted me from overseas. A navy man who could not wait to propose to his girlfriend, Katylnn. As he walked into the restaurant, his smile was filled with nerves and excitement. We went out back and set up the shot, Jaleel could not stop smiling. Finally, we got the text that Katylnn was on her way.  As I was hiding in the bushes, waiting for her to arrive, I laughed to myself. This girl had no idea what was coming! She didn’t even know what country he was in and all the sudden there he was, in front of her, on one knee. A week later we had their engagement session and I had the pleasure of capturing this photo. To me this photo expresses everything they feel for each other. Love, admiration, security, happiness and a future that looks bright and joyous. I love this moment it is totally and completely Katlynn and Jaleel and I feel honored to have witnessed their love.

3. tracy & norman.

When I met Tracy and Norman I felt right at home. As I walked toward the beautiful Memorytown ceremony location, right on the edge of a small pond, I saw a man putting up adorable photos near each aisle, casually drinking a Miller, and I laughed to myself because Norman was the calmest groom I’ve ever seen. Tracy was just as relaxed as she sat in front of the mirror getting her hair and make-up done. She pointed to her cowboy boots and her sunflowers and I knew this wedding was going to be special and completely and totally unique. This photo was captured within seconds, as Lee Shelly of Lee Shelly Photography was setting up his shot, I saw the light, I saw the pose and asked Norm to do one small thing, kiss the heck out of his wife. Everything about this photo makes me happy.

4. correene & eddie.

I absolutely love this photo. Coreene and Eddie had their ceremony at this gorgeous church right near the National Harbor. The day was slightly gloomy and rainy but that didn’t stop Coreene and Eddie from having an incredible wedding day. With New Orlean’s traditions laced through the entire day, I couldn’t have asked for a more fun, welcoming group of people. Coreene was stunning and Eddie was handsome as anything. This photo was right outside of the church.  Every time I look at this, I smile. I am absolutely obsessed with the blue reflecting against the window, the architecture of the church and their casual, yet intimate pose. Coreene and Eddie make being in love look so good!

5. shifra & yaakov.

What can I say about Shifra and Yaakov, as we walked around Gantry Plaza State Park, you can see the respect and admiration they had for one another, it felt as if they had been together for decades. But at the same time, these two love birds were laughing and joking the entire time, as if they were two teenagers madly in love.  For their 1 year anniversary, they decided they wanted to have a couple portrait session and a maternity session all in one. I’ve never met a couple like Shifra and Yaakov, so full of life, goofiness and excitement. They got married, settled down, had graduate school and a baby on is way all in one year.  Just look at how happy they are to be side by side, partners in crime, in this crazy journey called life. Between the skyline in the background, the expressions on their faces and the way Yaakov is holding onto his unborn child (who, by the way, is now born, alive and named Sari), this photo makes my heart happy every time I see it.

6. renee & colin.

Renee and Colin’s wedding was a dream come true. It was probably one of the largest weddings I photographed this year, but you could tell that each and every person there had a very personal and special relationship with the couple. It was truly amazing to witness. Renee looked amazing and Colin was dashing as hell. These two met in college, they lived in the same dorm and you can tell, by looking at them, that they spent the years since growing together, pushing each other to do better and become the incredible people they are today. There was so much love, so much joy and so much passion at their wedding and I could not have been happier being a part of their wedding. Renee is absolutely stunning in this photo. Her eyes look vibrant and bright. The window lighting shapes her face perfectly and her soft and casual smile makes her entire face light up. Plus, her eyelashes are on point. I love wedding portraits that highlight the unique beauty of my brides and this is one of my favorite bridal portrait of the year.

7. brittany & ciaran.

With Brittany’s sister, Sydney, there to help with outfit changes and make-up checks, we had an incredible time capturing their engagement session. I knew these photos were going to be gorgeous the moment I met Brittany and Ciaran at the Cherry Hill Panera Bread for their Wedding Consultation.  There is an energy that buzzes between Brittany and Ciaran that is electric, warm and ever-lasting. No matter where they are, what they are doing, you can feel they are connected.  They are not only in love, but best friends who have each others backs no matter what. This photo is one of my favorites because it says so much about Brittany, Ciaran and their relationship. There is a warmth and a calmness that is only created between two people who know each other and love each other the way Brittany and Ciaran do. I hope that we all have this kind of love!

8. cortney & gary.

When I met Courtney, 7 years ago, we were just two University of Maryland students trying to make some extra money working at one of the local college bars while earning our degrees at the best school in the country (I might be a little biased). When I met Gary, very shortly after, I knew that this was it for them. I knew they found the one they were going to spend the rest of their life with.  They were committed to each other but also gave each other the room to grow as individuals, which was an amazing love to witness. Courtney and Gary are best friends first, boyfriend and girlfriend second (now fiance) and partners in crime third. Their bond is strong and beautiful and this photo means so much to me on so many levels. I love that I had the chance to go back to one of my favorite places in the world to capture the love between two incredible people. Maryland will forever be a part of me and I just can’t get over how beautiful the light is in this photo. The hair light alone makes my heart skip a beat. With McKeldin Library in the background and Courtney and Gary curled up snuggling in the foreground, this photo is one of my favorites because it sums up what it feels like to spend the rest of your life with your college sweetheart.

9. ehmud & eliana.

Ehmud called me an hour before our desired start time. He was surprising his wife, she just graduated from grad-school and she was nine months pregnant and all she wanted was some maternity photos so he thought this was the perfect time to have graduation photos and maternity photos. He gave me his address and I was on my way, snow was falling, cars were not moving but I was on my way! When I finally arrived, Eliana was utterly confused. She had no idea who I was and what I was doing there. Within minutes, we were out back in their beautiful winter-wonderland capturing the giddiness and happiness of two people about to be parents. Turns out, within 24 hours, Eliana was rushed to the hospital to bring their beautiful and healthy baby girl into the world. Perfect timing. This photo is one of my favorites on so many levels. The happiness and love that shines through makes my heart full, the snow gives it that extra special touch and the expressions on their faces are priceless.

10. julia & nick.

Julia and Nick are truly an incredible couple that support each other and care for each other in every way. They spend their free time building shelves together for Julia’s non-profit, Kids at Play, cooking together and hiking together. They took me to the one spot that means the most to them, the place he proposed. Well, let me explain, they both planned on him proposing there, but that is part of what makes Julia and Nick so special. This photo is very special to me. Not only do I love the way the light falls on the wall, but I love the passion of the moment; the love that is so evident between Nick and Julia. I just cannot believe a place like this exists right in Philadelphia.

11. lauren & tony.

When I met Lauren and Tony for the first time, I thought, well that is a couple who is going to be laughing their entire life together, and guess what they did during their engagement session, laugh. A lot. I couldn’t be happier. We laughed all over Old City, Philadelphia and it was the perfect way to spend an early November morning. As we walked around you could tell that Tony and Lauren just loved to be with each other. Tony looks at Lauren with such love and admiration and it is evident that they are meant to be. I love this photo, there is so much joy, happiness and silliness and isn’t that what it’s all really about? Finding someone to love, cherish and laugh with?

I know, I know, there were 11 photos here and I originally said 10. Don’t worry, I didn’t miscount, I just couldn’t choose! I am so incredibly thankful to everyone who let me be a part of their love story, their families, their big days, their celebrations, their traditions and everything else that comes in between. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a couples eyes light up when they see their engagement photos, seeing a mother of the bride shed a tear as she flips through her baby’s wedding album for the first time or seeing what kind of incredible portraits we can create running around with a two year old. 2017 has been one incredible year, and I know that 2018 will be even better. Cheers to all of you and I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store for you!

Happy New Years!

– YPP

A few days ago, I was sitting in La Colombe, one of my favorite Philadelphia Cafes, when I noticed an old friend of mine just posted a link to his new website. So, of course, as I was sipping on my draft latte, I clicked on the link. Immediately, it was obvious that he was starting a boutique marketing company.

His style and brand were quick and easy to understand. His work looked great, truly beautiful. So I spent a few more seconds poking around when I ended up clicking on his About Me Page. There he was, one of my oldest friends, staring back at me,  with a picture clearly taken at least five years ago. I’m not going to go into detail, but let’s just say, it looked like a photo he pulled off of Facebook and thought “Well, guess that’s good enough.”

Don’t get me wrong, it was a fine picture of him, but compared to his amazing talent, incredible work and outstanding website, his headshot did not measure up… So, for him, and all the other talented, incredible and amazing people out there, this is why I believe, full heartedly, that every career person, in every industry and in every position, needs a good and professional headshot.

1. First Impression. In todays society, a headshot is way more than just a photo on your company’s website. It is your first impression. When you are looking for someone to hire, what is the first thing you do? Google. That’s right, we head straight to this incredible thing we take for granted called the internet. We can see hundreds of websites and advertisements in just a click of a button. You have 8 seconds to grab a potential clients attention which means you only have 8 seconds to make a first impression. Don’t you want your first impression to say… “Hey I am a professional. I am warm, welcoming and confident.”
2. You are your brand. You’ve heard it once, and you have heard it again… You are your brand. You could be one of the most talented IT Guys in the world, but if people don’t feel like they can trust you or want to be around you, they won’t hire you. It’s unfortunate, but true. People spend more time looking at your photo on your website than the content around it. If they don’t feel like they can talk to and trust the person in the photo, then they will move right past you to someone who looks trusting, welcoming and easy to get along with. People trust photos more than they trust content.
3. Familiarity. If you have a consistent look in all of your Social Media profile photos it creates a familiarity for your potential clients. It’s a game of stability. If they see one photo on your LinkedIn page, then click on the link to your website and see a similar looking headshot and then find themselves heading on over to your Facebook Business page to check out your reviews and see another similar looking headshot, it will create consistency. Consistency creates comfort. Comfort creates clients. 
4. You mean business.  It takes time, energy and usually some internal convincing to get yourself in front of that camera for your headshot.  A professional headshot shows the potential client that you mean business; it says that you take what you do seriously and you are someone who will take their business seriously too. It tells the client that you invested in yourself, you are confident and you are ready for their business. You welcome their business with your warm demeanor and knowledgable insight.
5. Social Media has taken on such an important role in the business world. In 2004, Facebook changed the game. Now, friends, exes, enemies, and potential employers had the opportunity to ‘Facebook stalk you’ for lack of a better term. 13 years later, it is an even bigger deal. People spend thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours and tons of energy creating their online presence. Who you are online, how many followers you have and what the ratings say on your Yelp Business page can make or break a potential clients interest. Potential clients turn to online to see what people are saying, who you are and whether or not you are trust worthy. Let me ask you this… if a company doesn’t have a photo up on their Yelp or Facebook Business page, do you trust them? If instead of a nice photo of the restaurant, you see the big fat question mark, does that make you a little suspicious? Instead of letting a potential client be influenced by just any photo of you, don’t you want to put forth a photo that you are proud of and feel good sending out into the world?
6. Boost Self-confidence. I know, I know, I am a photographer, I have to say this. But it’s true. With todays technology, we are so used to having all these photos taken of us, between selfies, snapchat, iPhone, instagram, and Uncle Henry’s obsession with family photos, it is a constant part of our world… but heres the question, when was the last time you felt really good about a photo of yourself. When was the last time you thought “Yes! That is a photo that showcases how I want to be represented. That is a photo I can feel good about people seeing and judging on a professional bases. This is a photo that makes me feel good about my LinkedIn profile or my About Me page on my website.” You should never dread the idea of your About Me page. You should never role your eyes at the concept of people getting to know you as a professional. Your headshot on your About Me page is a way to put your best foot forward and connect with your target audience on a slightly more personal level. It’s a way to say “Hey! This is why I am awesome. Take a look at my warm, yet knowledgable smile and pick up the phone and call me!”
7. Keeping it classy. No matter how clean, user-friendly, and attractive your website is, if you don’t have a headshot to match the professionalism of your brand, your online space and your product, then your client will take one look at that headshot and leave your website with a bad taste in their mouth.
8. Do you hate money or something? According to salesforce.com email signatures with headshots have a 24% higher response rate than those lacking photography. Let’s think about this guys… that makes complete and total sense. How much harder is it to say no to someones face than it is to reject someone via text message, Facebook messenger, email etc… If you include your awesome and professional headshot in your email signature you are essentially giving a face to the email. It will be a heck of a lot harder to not respond to your beautiful face. Responses equal communication. Communication equals familiarity. Familiarity equals acceptance… Do you see where I am going here?

Let me make one last thing clear, when I say professional headshot, I am not only referring to a photo of you in a suite in front of a plain background. If that is what you are looking for, great, let’s make it happen. But I am also referring to a photograph that portrays you, as a professional and as a person. I am referring to the type of photo where you showcase your clients who you are and what you are all about. Every profession is different. Every person brings a distinct perspective and every headshot should be as unique as the person in the photo. If you are a yoga instructor, we will go for bright, light and calming with a sprinkle of personality. If you are a lawyer, we will go for confident, intelligent, welcoming with a hint of humor. And if you are a  entrepreneur, we will go for creative, innovative and motivated with a splash of warmth. The list can go on and on.

Having your professional headshot taken can be fun, easy and extremely rewarding. So go on, go book your headshot session. Go get your About Me Page looking just as impressive as you are. Go get a headshot that will make you feel good about your LinkedIn profile page. And go take a photo for the sole purpose that you deserve to feel confident, knowledgable and unique.

Since I believe that every one should have a good headshot that they can be proud of, Yael Pachino Photography is offering a headshot special. Sending you good vibes and a bunch of happiness.

YPP

I was sitting at a table at La Colombe, one of my favorite cafe’s in Philadelphia, sipping my tea, flipping through one of my latest wedding album proofs, when a cute elder woman next to me, looked over my shoulder and huffed “OH! I don’t know how you deal with weddings, too much chaos. Just way too much Chaos.” I smiled at her and laughed to myself. I swear, if I had a quarter for every time someone asked me why I liked photographing weddings, I’d be a very rich woman.

So here’s the deal. Your wedding is much more than just your ‘big day.’ It’s much more than the beautiful flowers, decadent cake and your stunning dress. It’s much more than timelines, song cues and coordinated dances. It’s much more than champagne flutes, wedding favors and an open bar. Don’t get me wrong, I love a gorgeous dress and a kickass dance just as much as the next girl. I admire and appreciate all the details you have spent months, maybe even years planning; but they way I see it is your wedding day is just one page in your ever-growing love story and I am here to capture your entire story.

I want to highlight the essence of who you are as a couple. I want your wedding day photos to showcase the beauty, the love and the intimacy you feel for one another, not just today, but every day. I want your wedding photos to capture every moment you have spent falling in love with each other, every struggle you have overcome together, every compromise you have made for one another, every goofy dance, funny face and loving look. Your love story doesn’t begin, neither does it end the day you say I do. Your story deserves to be told.

When I meet a couple looking for a wedding photographer, the first thing I want to know is who you are. I want all the details. I want to hang up the phone or walk out of our meeting feeling like I just had a lunch date with a long lost friend. Once I know who you are as individuals, who you are as a couple and what makes you work so well as a duo, I can capture your wedding day in a a whole new way. We now can create photos that are much deeper, much more meaningful and much more cherished. That’s what it is all about it isn’t? Celebrating the love and the life you have together. Adding even one more beautiful layer on top of the incredible commitment you have to one another.

So, you may see the chaos of a wedding, but I see a special moment in a life time of love. I see two people coming together to make their bond even stronger. When I watch the bride walk down the aisle, I see much more than a bride on her wedding day; I see the day they met. The days they spent binge watch Netflix. The day they said “I love you” for the first time. The days they were there for each other during times of struggle. The day they found their favorite brunch place. The day they realized they will do anything to make this work. The day he/she proposed. The day after the wedding. The day they find out their pregnant with their first kid… I see it all, I see the entire story coming together. I see all the promises and potential a wedding day makes and I love being able to photograph it all and document it for years to come.

Your wedding photos is a glimpse into your forever story and that my friend, is why I love photographing weddings.