Fashion shoot with Shanna from Queens, NY

Fashion and beauty shoot with Shanna, a Queen from Queens, NY. Not only is she smart, but she is quite a looker! Shanna was a real pleasure to work with.

  

Article in the New Rochelle Patch Newspaper

Behind the Lens: The Making of Nick Carter

Robert Rennie

 Today, 5:30 AM

THE PATCH, NEW ROCHELLE, NY

Seven years ago, Nick Carter found himself out of work when he was laid off from Iron Mountain, an information management firm in Manhattan where he was working as a Records Manager. What at first seemed like a disastrous turn ended up molding him into what he is today: a photographic artist.

For many, starting a small business is something that always seems just out of reach, something that might happen, only if x,y, and z happen first. What is it exactly that small business owners and entrepreneurs have that allow them to bypass the usual excuses and take what many would consider extraordinary risks? Is it something tangible, like a subscription to a little known investor's newsletter, or something more spiritual and harder to put your finger on?

I had the opportunity to sit down with photographer Nick Carter on the fifth floor of his office in downtown New Rochelle to ask him these very questions. Carter is affable and down to earth, despite being in the enviable position of living his life's passion. On the walls of his office are various wedding and other photographs that showcase his unique ability to capture a memorable shot.

We discussed the “serious level of self-belief” involved in starting your own business and some important things to consider before incorporating and joining the ranks of the self-employed.

Rob Rennie: “Where are you from originally?”

Nick Carter: “Niagara Falls. I moved to New York in ’89 with my band. We used to do jazz and R&B, but it didn't exactly pan out, so that’s when I took an office job working for Iron Mountain as a records manager. It was really boring.”

RR: “At what point did you get involved in photography?”

NC: “I've always been into photography. I took a class in high school where we would go outdoors and just take shots of the scenery and develop them in darkrooms. I guess you could say I was always a hobbyist, taking pictures of my friends at school, at concerts, street scenes.”

RR: “When did you decide to quit being a hobbyist and start your own business?”

NC: “Oh boy. When I was formally laid-off from Iron Mountain about seven years ago, that was the opportunity that allowed me to pursue photography full time, but for years, I would sit at work and think, ‘There's got to be more to life than this.’ This was after 9/11, my mother also passed away at around that time and I was left trying to put the pieces together. I just said, ‘I’m going for broke here and even if I have to sleep in my car, I'm going to do it.’ It's funny, once I committed to it, the doors started to blow open.”

RR: “Really? What do you mean?”

NC: “Well, I heard about this photo-video network out of Jersey that would contract out work to the different photographers who were part of the group. That was how I really cut my teeth and got some good experience doing weddings. I made a lot of contacts like that. Eventually, I started getting referrals, did a little advertising and branched out on my own.

RR: “Aside from weddings, are there any interesting projects you're working on?”

NC: “Next week, I'm going to Mexico to shoot a wedding and at the same time I’m doing a model shoot. I tend to shoot models, food and events for professional organizations among other things. My goal is to shoot more weddings and other jobs globally. I’m also working on doing instructional videos for beginning and intermediate photographers next month on learnmyshot.com.”

RR: “What kind of advice would you give someone who wants to be a photographer?”

NC: “The first thing would be to do an honest appraisal of yourself and ask, ‘How good am I?’ Once you’ve answered that question and decided that you have an enough passion and determination to make it happen, regardless and you starting speaking it like you believe it, the universe starts to shift, like it’s letting you know you’re on the right path.”

RR: “Is there anything else you think is important?”

NC: “When you've been blessed with a talent, it’s a great feeling to be an asset to the others. I think having that desire to use your talent to benefit others plays a big role. Wedding photos are heirlooms, and when you can catch those pictures for people, it’s great. Also, on a practical note, I built my business the old-fashioned way, piece-meal, through savings, not through going into debt. I used to work out of my house. Lastly, above and beyond believing in yourself, it helps to have that faith that God has a plan and that He wants you to be the best you can be.”

New Rochelle Patch Read more…

Improve your relationship, make SOFRITO!!!!!

I was a professional guitarist, I am now a professional photographer. If I were to choose any other profession, I'd be a professional chef. I LOVE TO COOK!
If you'd like to impress your significant other, cook your next meal with homemade Sofrito. It is a base for cooking any meal, and just a few tablespoons in your cooking preparation will make your dish orgasmic, yep, it's that good! You can buy Sofrito in a jar at the store but forget about it, save your money!...duhhhh...losing!!!
There are varying ways to make it, but I learned from some very special folks from the Island of Puerto Rico and added my own little touches. I made a batch today and here is how I made it;
Since I am a photographer I decided to photograph the ingredients and tonight's dinner.
1. (1) Large onion
2. (1) Red bell pepper
3. (1) Container of peeled garlic (about 50 cloves)
4. (1) Package of Ajicito Dulce peppers (look in any spanish market) Remove the seeds!
5. (1) Bunch of Cilantro
6. (1) Bunch of Culantro (look in any spanish market)

Mix all of the ingredients in a large blender with a hint of salt and vinegar. Mix it until it has the consistency of baby food, that's it! You can use Sofrito as a base for almost any savory meal. Today I made a batch of Sofrito and decided to make a pot of Arroz con gandules, (rice and beans) for dinner tonight.
Arroz con Gandules

• Saute 1/2 cup of Sofrito in 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in heated pan
• Add gandules, meat (optional), olives, 1 packet of Sazon, 1/8 cup of tomato sauce and/or Coconut milk for 15 min.  
• Add rice and boiling water, salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat with top on half-way. Cook until you hear a slight burning on the bottom.

Buen provecho!!!

Sebastião Salgado, one of my favorite photographers

  

  

  

I am inspired by photographers, musicians, sculptors, painters etc. who create art. I am also inspired by people who want to make the world a better place for all people, the earth and animals. Sebastião Salgado from Brazil is a combination of both.

Sebastião Salgado was born on February 8th, 1944 in Aimorés, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He lives in Paris. Having studied economics, Salgado began his career as a professional photographer in 1973 in Paris, working with the photo agencies Sygma, Gamma, and Magnum Photos until 1994, when he and Lélia Wanick Salgado formed Amazonas images, an agency created exclusively for his work.
He has travelled in over 100 countries for his photographic projects. Most of these, besides appearing in numerous press publications, have also been presented in books such as Other Americas (1986),Sahel: l’homme en détresse (1986), Sahel: el fin del camino (1988), Workers (1993), Terra (1997), Migrations and Portraits (2000), and Africa (2007). Touring exhibitions of this work have been, and continue to be, presented throughout the world.

Sebastião Salgado has been awarded numerous major photographic prizes in recognition of his accomplishments. He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and an honorary member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences in the United States. 

The wedding of Tara and Andy in Mexico

This is Tara's story~

I always wanted the traditional wedding but as I got older I started to change my mind and being that I am such a beach person I chose destination wedding!!! A destination wedding if it is right for you is the most amazing thing in the world!!! It is truly magical to be outside looking at the bright blue Caribbean ocean and smelling the fresh air with the wind blowing in your hair as you join in marriage and state your vows to each other.To get to spend a week with your closest friends and family in the Caribbean can't be beat!!!  

The joining of two families and friends from both sides was great to watch. Everyone really got a chance to bond. To leave COLD COLD Michigan in February and go to the warm Caribbean to celebrate life and love was incredible!I know the stress my friends have had with their weddings and I thought having a destination would ease the stress, NOT TRUE! I think any bride will always stress about their special day, but there is no reason to. I had no reason to stress.

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular and the Wedding Department at Dreams Riviera Cancun. They were AWESOME. They truly know what they are doing and really, you just need to answer some questions and it all comes together without a hitch!!!

It rained on my wedding day during the reception about 40 minutes before it was over and we were outside on the pool deck. To me a destination wedding would not be the same if we were indoors due to inclement weather. It started to rain on us and we danced and enjoyed ourselves. To me nothing could ruin the amazing day on the beach with sand in my toes!! 

It was the time of my life and I still have a smile as big as ever!!!