photographer

There we were, on a roof deck bar on the 24th floor of a Manhattan hotel. The view of the city was absolutely stunning. It was the first time in years that I felt this kind of awe for the City. We were surrounded by friends. The weather was perfect and Robert and I just spent the afternoon admiring an incredible art exhibit. For the first time in years, I thought Wow, I totally get you New York.

When I was a Sophomore in college I was convinced I was a New Yorker at heart. I thought it was the only city worth living in and I could not wait to graduate from Maryland, move to Brooklyn (or Queens) and take the world by storm. I mean, the bagels and lox alone is reason enough right?

“So apparently there is a huge power outage that hit over 45000 people just a little north of here.” Ryan said as he read his news alert off of his phone.

No one seemed too concerned. The music was going. The drinks were flowing. We were totally content watching the sun go down, chatting and witnessing half of the city completely dark. It felt like nothing could touch us.

But then, all at once, the music stopped, the lights turned off, and we were sitting in darkness ourselves. The power outage finally hit our little bar oasis.

“So time to go, right?” Robert turned to me and smiled.

“Definitely!”

Robert grabbed my hand and we ran down the 24 flights of stairs, down to the street and headed to the parking garage. As we walked through the darkness, I was shocked. I felt giddy instead of overwhelmed. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I knew Philadelphia had power and as soon as we got to our car, we would be headed home. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was with Robert and there is no one else I would rather spend a power outage with. And maybe it had to do with the way the darkness seemed to bring New York together and everyone was lending a helping hand. Or maybe it was a combination of all three… whatever the reason is, I found myself thinking again, I totally get you New York.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are like family. They have been through it all with you. The good, the bad. The happy, the sad. Having them up there with you, standing by your side as you make one of the most beautiful and important commitments of your life, means more to you than you can ever express. How can you show your bridesmaids and groomsmen how grateful you are? How can you even begin to thank them and express your gratitude? A small, personal gift can definitely do the trick! Here are YPP’s six favorite tips and tricks for picking out the perfect Bridesmaids and Groomsmen gifts”

Trust me when I say, a small token can go a long way!

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Quality and Practicality

We have all gotten those gifts that we put in the back of the closet and forget about . Focus on practicality, but aim for quality! Make your groomsmen and bridesmaids gifts something that they can use and appreciate for years to come! You want your wedding party to be in awe of how nice your gift is and be amazed by how many times they see themselves using it. The goal is to show them how much you appreciate them with something that they can cherish and use on a normal bases!

Make it Personal

Some couples’ wedding party is one big friend group and that is awesome! Other couples have a mix of people from all different parts of their lives, which is just as amazing and meaningful if you ask me! If this is the case, all of your groomsmen may not appreciate the same gift. Same goes for your bridesmaids! If you have a college buddy and a little cousin, it might be wise to spend a little more time picking out personalized gifts for each of them. Remember, you want to show your wedding party how much you appreciate them. So, take the time to think about what each person will appreciate!

Spend What You Can

As we all may know, planning a wedding is expensive. The random miscellaneous costs can really add up. Your wedding party understands this. They know how hard you are trying to stay in your budget and they definitely don’t expect you to go above and beyond when it comes to their bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts. It’s the thought that counts. They will appreciate anything you do, no matter how expensive or inexpensive it is. Especially if it is something they love and can use over and over again!

Be mindful

Your friends are the best. Like seriously the best. Chances are this isn’t the first time they put on the nice attire, matching shoes and were a part of a couples big day! Keep this in mind, do a little digging and figure out what gifts they have already gotten at other weddings! You don’t want to get them the same flask as Tim did last year!

Consider the Gift of Time

Between work, marriage and keeping up with your personal needs, carving out time to spend with your friends can be a little daunting at times. Use your bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts as a way to show them you really care and will always make time for them! Give them something you both can do together once the wedding is over. A spa day, wine tasting, fishing trip or even an axe throwing day can go a long way!

Include a Thank you Card

Sometimes, it’s the things that cost nothing at all that means the most. Write each one of your bridesmaids and groomsmen a personal message. This small, yet kind gesture will make them feel that much more important.

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You know your wedding party better than anyone else. You know what each person will love and care about and you know that all they really want is to be there for you and share the love on one of the best days of your lives! Take your time, pick something that they will cherish and never ever forget that your bridesmaids and groomsmen are like family. They love you no matter what!

Robert looked confused… He was sitting across from me at Gryphon Coffee when I opened this fancy box and pulled out a pair of beautiful pink wide framed glasses.

“Why do you have glasses?!” he asked. I smiled and slid them on to my face.

“How do I look!?” I responded as I posed across from him.

At six years old, all I wanted to do was be just like my big sister in every way. So, when my mom brought her home a pair of glasses, wearing glasses became a dream of mine… at six year old. A decade later, it was my biggest fear, and now another 10 years later, I am waiting for the day my eyesight gets fuzzy and I’m going to take the plunge and buy myself a pair of real glasses.

As a photographer, I log more hours behind screens than I care to admit. I’m either sitting behind my computer, trying not to slouch, smiling as I stare at my phone responding to Instagram comments or even looking at the preview screen on the back of my camera… I am always behind screens and I am horrified to think of what the blue light is doing to my eyes and should I mention how it’s affecting my sleep!?

That’s why, when I stumbled upon Klassy Glasses, anti-blue light lenses, I was totally sold. I mean, I’m not one to impulsively buy, but when I clicked the Klassy link, I couldn’t get to the checkout page soon enough. I literally could not resist. Being a photographer, and a human, my eyes are pretty damn important and I want to do everything I can to keep from harming them.

Five days later they arrived and I was giddier than a school girl eating an ice cream cone. I love my Klassy glasses, they work like a charm. They work so well that you can 100% see the color temperature change when you look at your computer and phone. The screens are just warmer. Your eyes are less strained and you can stare at a screen way longer with Klassy Glasses on. For most humans, this is amazing, for a photographer who is constantly adjusting the color temperature of her photos, not so ideal.

On the YPP Scale of Awesomeness, I would give Klassy Glasses a 7 out of 10. They are effective, helpful, relatively well priced and adorably stylish. The only issue is that I can’t use them for the bulk of my screen work, processing photos. And let’s be real, I spend a ton of time processing photos!

For now, my Klassy glasses will always be with me, I will wear them proudly as I blog, respond to emails, post and work on my invoices. Yet, as soon as the photo processing begins, those bad boys are coming off. Because, as I say, “anything for the photo!”

Photo Credit: Rachel Abramowitz

“Call me when you get there” Robert, my boyfriend of exactly 58 days, said as he closed the trunk of my 2010 KIA SOUL. We walked hand in hand to the front of the car.

I nodded. I couldn’t get myself to say anything. This past summer has been a whirlwind. Between leaving my cushy job, moving away from the state I had called home for 22 years and meeting the best human a girl could ask for; I was overwhelmed by the thirty different emotions I was feeling all at once.

I was taking a leap of faith into the unknown, which, if you knew me, wasn’t something I often did. I like to be in control. I like to understand, process and execute. But this time, there was no processing. This time there was definitely no real understanding. And this time, there was only executing. I went with my gut and my gut was now completely terrified.

“We are going to be ok. I know it” Robert said as he pulled me into a big hug. He brushed the hair away from my face. All I could do was nod again. I was on my way to Western Massachusetts for ten months and as I stood there in Philadelphia, staring into Robert’s deep, gorgeous blue eyes, for the life of me, I couldn’t remember why I was going. Robert let go and turned to open the car door.  I should stay I thought.

He gave me a big smile, nudged me to the front seat “let’s go, you need to hit the road and start your adventure already” he said with his award winning smile.

He was right. Robert is always right (don’t tell him I said that).

I had to go. I had this incredible opportunity and I wouldn’t let it go to waste. Hallmark Institute of Photography was waiting for me and I wouldn’t let my fears and insecurities get in the way. I promised myself I would get everything I could out of this experience. I promised myself I would give this a real shot. I promised  myself I was going to live photography, breath photography and do nothing but think about photography…and maybe the gorgeous, blue-eyed, law student who was waiting for me back in Philadelphia.

I was giving myself ten months. Ten months to go outside my comfort zone, move to New England and see if I got what it takes. Ten months to fall even more deeply in love with the art of Photography. Ten months to figure out how the heck to start a business and if I could make this entrepreneurial thing work. In the grand scheme of things, ten months was nothing and I owed it to myself and to my soul to go up there, to freezing cold Massachusetts and give this photography thing one hundred and fifty percent.

So with tears falling down my face and with my Google Maps calmly telling me to make a left onto Girard in 200 feet. I gave Robert one last hug and slowly, climbed in to the car.

“Ok. I am ready”  I said turning on the car and starting the ignition.

“It’s only ten months. We got this!” Robert said.

“We got this” I repeated.  He closed the door and stood back. I put the car in drive.  Looked out my window at Robert. He waved. I pulled out of his drive way. Robert was still standing there. I looked back one last time before turning onto Girard. He was still standing there…and with that I was on my way.

To be continued…

Missed Part 1 & 2? Don’t Worry! You can catch up here!

How YPP Began Part II

How YPP Began Part I

Want to keep reading?

How YPP Began Part IV

Matzah Ball Soup.

Yes, that is right, Matzah Ball Soup will forever and always be my favorite comfort food.

Over the years, I have noticed that everything seems better after a big, steaming bowl of Matzah Ball Soup. I feel lighter, happier and relaxed each and every time. It is truly amazing. It can be in the middle of the summer,  100 degrees outside with the blazing sun beaming down or it can be in the dead of winter, -10 degrees with freezing rain falling from the sky. It has become my answer to just about any issue. From just a simple cold, to any kind of emotional exhaustion and all the way to the worst of mental blocks. No matter what is going on in my life, if I need a little push in the right direction, Matzah Ball Soup has always worked. It is truly magical.

What is so good about Matzah Ball Soup, you may ask?

Good question. I’ve thought about this long and hard. I mean seriously, how can one soup can consistently bring me this much peace and comfort.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that no matter what time of year it is,  Matzah Ball Soup is always an acceptable part of a Jewish meal.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that when I was growing up, we would gather around the table every Friday night over a nice bowl of soup, fluffy challah bread, and great conversation.

And maybe it has to do with the fact that Matzah Ball Soup has become such a big, yet subtle part of the Jewish Culture.  No matter what your Jewish affiliation is, where you live or how you vote, if you consider yourself Jewish, Matzah Ball Soup is a part of your life in one way or another. Jews of all generations, of all walks of life and of all situations have paused, sat down and enjoyed a big warm bowl of soup.  What better way to make you feel more relaxed than knowing you are not alone. You are connected to this huge network of people. You are one small (but important) part of this incredibly big and awesome world.

Whenever I am having a bad day and I need a little nudge; I make soup. It has become somewhat of a religious experience for me. Soup is no longer just soup but a friendly reminder that everything will be ok.  If I am sick, I will get better. If I am feeling anxious, things will get easier. If I am dealing with some sort of mental block, that too will pass.

With every ingredient I throw in, I feel the weight of my adversity lift off my shoulders. With every Matzah Ball I roll, I feel a calmness fall over me and with every twist of the wrist as I stir, I feel serenity set in. And then, when all is said and done, all that is left is a delicious bowl of soup.

” We have been together ever since…” Sarah said with a huge smile on her face. As we walked away from the Starbucks, the place they went on their first date, I couldn’t help but thinking about Sarah and Ron eight years ago. I couldn’t help but think about the adorable and lovely University of Maryland Freshman, Sarah, meeting Ron, the sweetest guy on campus that everyone seemed to know and love. I couldn’t help but picture 19 year old Ron, nervously sitting in the Starbucks, and wondering What coffee drink should I get her?  In typical Ron fashion, he wanted to make sure he had the right thing ordered for his date by the time she got there, but he had no idea what to get her and felt terrible when she walked in and he had nothing to offer. It’s the little things that make a relationship truly great and Ron understood this from the beginning.

Sarah and Ron had a deep, loving, committed relationship since that beautiful fall day at that Starbucks in Georgetown. They are the epitome of college-sweethearts and I couldn’t be happier for them! Amongst the craziness of college life, everyone else around Sarah and Ron were breaking up, getting together or doing the whole on again-off again thing that seems to be very popular in undergrad. Sarah and Ron never stopped loving, laughing and growing together.   And trust me on this one, I was there! I was one of the college kids who took part in the rollercoaster version of love at UMD, but not these two. These two were strong. These two learned how to flourish together, how to push each other to do better, dream bigger and live larger.

Eight years later, I had the immense pleasure and honor of photographing their engagement session. I couldn’t have asked for a better combination of passion, admiration and fun. Their expressions say it all. Walking around Georgetown, seeing where it all began and seeing the excitement in their eyes for their future together, was a dream come true.

Sarah, Ron, my wish for you is to have the most incredible life together. To continue to grow, flourish and be each others biggest support system. To never forget the amazing way your relationship began but always strive for a bigger and better future. You were such an incredible team in college and I feel lucky to have known you then, and even luckier to know you now. Sending you all the love in the world!

Photo credit: Robert Goldberg : )

One week later: 

As I walked out of the metro station and turned to face DC’s Chinatown, I put my hand on the camera bag that was hanging from my shoulder. My Dad let me borrow his Canon Rebel and I was terrified of loosing it. I started walking down the street to the Starbucks on 7th, right around the corner from WeWorks.  I checked my watch, I was a little early, and I was NEVER early. To me, this meant one thing, I was SUPER excited to be there. As I ordered my customary Grande Soy Chai Latte (something I could never imagine ordering now), an older man, probably early 60’s, with long hair, a funky Hawaiian shirt, a cane and a fedora walked up next to me as we waited for our orders.

“You must be a photographer?” He nodded over to the camera bag on my shoulder.

I laughed. “Not really.” I say as I adjusted the bag strap awkwardly. “I’ve never actually used this camera before. I am about to take my first photography class.”

“That’s great! I love photography!”

“Really? I think I am going to also!” I said as the barista put my latte right in front of me on the counter. I grabbed the drink, muttered a quick thank you to the barista and said goodbye to the older man.

I was feeling pretty good about my new found hobby as I crossed the street to the WeWorks. I saw one other person waiting. Before I had a chance to introduce myself, I heard “Are you guys both waiting for the Photography Class?” I’m Sam.  I will be your teacher!” I turned around and lo and behold look who it is, the older man from the Starbucks. He had the biggest grin on his face as he watched my surprised expression.

He unlocked the door and held it open for us.

“What kind of DSLR do you guys have?” he asked as he turned on the lights and gestured to the conference table.

“What is a DSLR?”  I asked as I pulled out my seat and sat down.

“You must be a beginner” he said with a knowing smiling.

“Is it that obvious?” I carefully took my dad’s camera out of the bag. To be honest, it was the first time I was using any kind of camera, besides my phone and the disposable ones that I absolutely adored back at Jewish Sleep away camp, which totally doesn’t count.

The rest of the class started filtering in behind us “Welcome to photography for beginners. Let’s get started, shall we?” And with that, class began.

One hour later, I walked out of WeWorks. One thing was brilliantly clear, my life had changed forever. I know, it sounds a little dramatic, but it is 100% true. I cannot even tell you what Sam said in that one hour class, I cannot tell you which buttons I pressed or what I photographed that day, but I can tell you that I thank G-d everyday that I found Sam’s class online.

As I walked towards the metro ready to head back to Silver Spring. I pulled out my phone and texted Marisa. “What would you say if I told you I want to be a photographer.” I stepped onto the insanely long escalator, put my phone in my pocket and adjusted the camera bag again and felt a new type of warmth and satisfaction. My adventure began and I didn’t even really know it.

To be continued…

Missed Part One? Check it out here: “How it all Began Part I”

Want to read part III?: Check it out here: “How it all Began Part III”

As Heather pulled out the two handkerchiefs from her black bag with such grace and care, both of our eyes began to water. Heather was still in her white robe and I was set up on the Hotel Alcott terrace photographing the rings and invitations. She handed the handkerchiefs over with such delicacy and love, I was truly in awe. As we held back the tears she explained, both handkerchiefs were from two incredible women whom were no longer with us. The first, was given to Heather’s mom by her grandmother the night of her mom’s wedding. The second, was from Heather’s Father’s Aunt who helped raise Heather’s Dad from the age of ten. You could tell by the tone in Heather’s voice how significant these women were to her and how connected she felt with her family.  Heather made it clear that the most important photos to both Billy and her were the family ones. They  loved their families with all of their hearts and cared more than anything to capture every single relative who was there with them.  This was much more than just two people’s wedding day, it was a family celebration and there is nothing more beautiful and more pure than families like these two.

As Heather and Billy made their promises in front of the people that mattered the most to them, I could see the pride and joy in every single guest. There were tears and there were smiles, but everyone in that room felt like they belonged and looked like they could not have been happier.  I too, felt an abundance of love and happiness as we all witnessed the sweetest couple in the world becoming husband and wife.

The entire day was amazing. I think I may have used the word ‘perfect’ a thousand times. The weather couldn’t have been better for a late September Wedding, the couple couldn’t have been more in love and the dancing couldn’t have been more fun. Even the center pieces were stunning and custom made by Heather’s talented mother. Every detail was lovingly and carefully planned and came together in the perfect way.

Heather, Billy, you already know how much being a part of your wedding meant to me. I wish for you to wake up every day and feel even more love and support as you did on your wedding day. You two deserve a life full of adventure, bliss and boundless love. Cheers to you, your family and everything you stand for!

xo,

Yael

“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”

The music queued, the entire church stood and turned to look back at the door. Courtney was a vision; beautiful in every way. Total bliss and love radiated off of her as she walked down the aisle. Right next to her, arm linked, ready to give her away to the love of her life, was her brother Jamie. Jamie and Courtney are Irish twins and have been through everything together. It was only fitting that he would give her away. The bond that Jamie and Courtney share is so incredibly sweet and full that I could not imagine seeing anyone else walk side by side down the aisle next to Courtney. It was evident, from the way Gary looked at Courtney, that he could not wait to be her husband. Gary’s smile only grew bigger and bigger as Courtney and Jamie got closer to him. Courtney’s eyes sparkled with joy and admiration as she saw her groom waiting for her. It was the most wonderful moment to witness.

Capturing Gary and Courtney say “I do” in front of all their closest friends and family was an honor. It felt like I was watching one of my favorite scenes in a Romance Movie that I had grown up with. Their love is strong. Their love is fierce and powerful. Their love has matured together and has helped them blossom into two incredible people (Read all about Courtney & Gary, the early years here). Not only was their ceremony and reception exquisite, but it was 100% true to who Courtney and Gary are; elegant, classic, fun and above all, family oriented.

Their gorgeously tasteful reception took place at Courtney’s family farm, The Woburn Manor. This farm had been a part of her family for over 200 years. It was near and dear to all of them in the most heartwarming way.  Every detail was carefully thought-out, planned and executed by either Gary, Courtney, or someone else close to them. From the second I drove up to the stunning farm, through the moment I saw Courtney’s mother help zip up her wedding dress, and all the way to the tears we all shed during the first dance and family toasts, it was clear that this was a family affair. Courtney and Gary wouldn’t have it any other way. Family comes first to them. I walked out of their reception feeling warm and fuzzy.  Being a part of their love story, their special day of unity and their lovely family affair assured me that I am doing exactly what I am I supposed to be doing; photographing love, life and families.

Courtney, Gary your love for each other and your love towards your friends and family is all consuming and magnificent. I could not imagine a world without the two of you being the power couple that you are.  I wish only the best to you and the newest addition to your family : ) I cannot wait to continue to watch your bond grow stronger and your love grow deeper. Cheers to hundreds of years of joy and adventure!

xo – yael