Photograph by Michael Falco

The dramatic rock formations and stunning natural beauty of the environment in this photograph made it an instant addition to our Portfolio Series.  Photographed by Michael Falco at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, this image perfectly captures the romantic, nostalgic feel created by the vintage car winding through the canyon.  In black and white, the incredible rippling texture and varied shades of black and grey in the rocks stand out, creating a stark contrast with the sleek curves of the white car.  Because the Garden of the Gods is typically a popular tourist destination, Michael shot this photograph from a low point of view and used the road and rock formations to block out people and clutter in the background past the bend.  The result was this peaceful, secluded shot of the car just before it dips out of sight.

New York is an inspiring place to be.  Artists in fields ranging from fine art, to music and theater, to architecture have paid tribute to this city in their works, and great world-wide art movements like abstract expressionism got their start here.  New York is home to some of the finest art and cultural institutions in the world, so it’s no wonder that countless creative icons have been drawn to this place.  New Yorkers pride themselves in constantly striving to be the best at everything they do, so there is an energy that abounds in the city that never fails to result in unparalleled productivity and creative insight.

A new book, titled New York: Portrait of a City edited by Reuel Golden and published by Taschen, has just been released, and it is a narrative of life in the city from 1900 to present, told through photographs.  I am excited to pick up a copy of the book and see all of the great images taken by photographers and individuals who were inspired by daily life here (click here for more information on the book).  As a professional photographer living in New York, I often feel inspired by my surroundings, and am always looking for the perfect shot.  This new book got me thinking about the New York weddings we shoot, and how much the city as a location plays a part in the overall story of the day.

The weddings that we photograph for the studio are part of life as it happens in the city.  Filled with rich historical significance and iconic architecture, it is a meaningful setting for a wedding, especially for couples who call the city home.  When we photograph New York City weddings, we often get access to some of the most fantastic venues and scenic locations, so it’s an opportunity to get great photographs of iconic and special spots.  The fast pace of the city lends itself particularly well to the photojournalistic photography style that our studio is known for--great unscripted moments captured against a city backdrop.  The photographs below are a sampling of the distinctive places around New York where we have had the opportunity to shoot, and they demonstrate the important contribution of a meaningful environment to the overall narrative.  To see more photographs like these, take a look at our New York Weddings gallery.

I recently got the opportunity to photograph the lovely Melinda Gates for the New York Times Magazine (click here to read the full interview), and want to share some extra shots and a behind-the-scenes photograph from our shoot with you.  I was not surprised to discover that Melinda was both kind and incredibly eloquent, traits that have served her well as a philanthropist (she is co-founder and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  A rigorous schedule necessitated that Deborah Solomon from the magazine ask questions over my shoulder while I photographed Melinda, and at one point, Deborah noted “Everybody wants something from you...”.  I volunteered that all I wanted from her was a great photograph, and Melinda’s gracious response was “That’s all right with me”.  She was elegant and poised throughout the shoot, but I found out that there is one thing she does not tolerate...Apple products in their home!  I asked if she would allow her children to have iPods and iPhones, and the answer was a resolute “No”.  I enjoyed photographing and talking with Melinda Gates, and her kindness and generosity in person was truly inspiring.  I hope you enjoy the photographs from our shoot below.

Photograph by Shawn Connell

Mark Ingram, Carley Roney, me, Preston Bailey

Rebecca Crumley, me, Sylvia Weinstock, Carley

Preston Bailey, Carley Roney, Monique L'Huillier

Meredith Goforth, Nicole Fazzini, Karen Bussen, me again...

Lisa Ceci Johnson and of course, Lindsay Landman who did such an amazing job putting this event together. 

Photos by Shawn Connell, Rob Northway and Joshua Dalsimer

See more pictures on our Facebook page here

UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal just wrote about the big event here

Photo by Carolyn Monastra

Fall weddings are always fun to shoot because of the brilliant colors of the foliage and the muted afternoon sunlight that sifts gently through the trees.  Whether you are getting married in a rustic outdoor setting or having a sophisticated city affair, the season can be a great inspiration for wedding colors and details.  I hope you enjoy some of our favorite photographs that make us feel inspired by the fall season. 

above photo by Michael Falco

You may disagree with me after having shot so many weddings, combined with running a New York studio that specializes in wedding photography. One could even say that I've become a wedding photographer by virtue.  But I like to think of myself simply as a professional photographer.  Don't get me wrong--I love photographing weddings. Being invited to capture and preserve the most memorable day of many couple's lives together is something I cherish and feel honored to be a part of. However, I deeply value being able to look outside of weddings as well, and draw my influences and inspiration from the professional realm in photography.

There is a level of excellence in the profesional world of photography that is required and even expected. Becoming a professional photographer is a challenging career path to embark on as one needs to be creative, resourceful and simply better than the next guy. Most photographers start out as assistants which gives them access to all sorts of glamorous fashion & celebrity shoots etc. There is a level of discipline in this world, especially amongst all the supporting staff that is unparalleled and inspiring.

Looking to other amazing photographers in all areas of interest inspires me to incorporate some of the new techniques, styles and technology into the weddings that I shoot. I always admire the works of great established photographers. But new talent is constantly emerging as well, and in order to stay relevant and fresh, it's important for photographers to look at the most recent photo trends in industry magazines like Photo District News, attend museum and gallery openings and simply draw inspiration from other forms of art.

Sometimes I don't even need to leave my studio to see some of the most influential photo shoots. I am constantly impressed with the photographers that I work with, because each of them brings something different to the table. When we get together for our creative meetings, we all have new and interesting experiences with photography to share with one another.

And to update the above: I am not "just" a wedding photographer.

I just love what I do.

Click here to view Shawn’s bio and wedding portfolio.