Saturday, January 23, 2010

Milan: The Fashion Capital of the World

Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first trip to Europe. My friend, Rebecca, and I planned a 10 day back-packing trip through the country during the month of November. We planned all the details from the type of transportation we would need, to the hotel rooms, to the museums and sites...everything. We coordinated 6 locations into our itinerary: Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Siena and Rome. Our first stop was Milan as our long flight from Boston dropped us there first. It was quite a culture shock climbing on a bus full of people speaking Italian while the bus driver listened to Alicia Keys on the radio! We didn't know where to get off the bus as we didn't understand what anyone was saying. Thankfully, we hopped off at the correct train station and were on our way! We spent only one afternoon in Milan, which was just enough time to see the major sites: Galleria, Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and a local cafe. Our first meal in Italy was at an outdoor restaurant right outside the Galleria. The Galleria is a must see. It is in the same square as the Duomo (or cathedral). The square is full of pigeons and people. Beware of street peddlers that may try to get you to pay to take photos or feed the pigeons. I learned my lesson quickly as can be seen in the image below. After sightseeing, purchasing our postcards and taking a few photos, jet lag set in. We hiked back to our hotel room to sleep the next 12 to 14 hours. Check out the Living in Milan, Italy website for more information on this city of fashion!





Friday, January 15, 2010

Big Apple

As I was running on the treadmill tonight, I was trying to think of a new topic for my blog during the next few weeks. I read an article once that said it is best to write about something you are passionate about. I have many interests, but one of my favorite passions is travel. A few weeks ago I took a quick day trip to New York City. It was my third visit to the Big Apple and probably one of the most crazy and spontaneous. It is most certainly a trip I will laugh about, but would not want to relive. At this point, I am sure you have an example of a similar memory in your mind. Based upon my past experiences and a little research, I have put together an attainable itinerary for a single day in NYC. What's important is that you choose a few sites to see and then take your time and enjoy everything the city has to offer!

My first suggestion would be to purchase a MetroCard first thing in the morning. If it is your first time in the city, pick up a New York City Street Map. Start your morning out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You may recognize it from the popular movie, 'Night at the Museum'. I was able to browse this museum in a few hours. Across the street from the museum, you can take a walk through Central Park. You could literally spend most of the day here. While in the park, make sure to check out Belvedere Castle. If you are claustrophobic, the narrow, winding staircase to the top may be a challenge, but it is well worth it for the views of the park. Make sure to have a camera with you!

By this point, it's afternoon and time for lunch. There are so many places to eat in NYC that you can spend precious time trying to decide. I recommend staking out a place during your morning walk to the museum. To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, spend the afternoon in Greenwich Village or take a bus tour of the city by riding the M1 Bus down Fifth Avenue. Grab Chinese food for dinner in Chinatown and then head over to the Empire State Building to see the view of the city at night. Be prepared to wait in line and to go through several checkpoints of security. The view is unbelievable from the top! Well worth the wait and cost. It is the perfect way to end your short trip to the city!

Here's a few images from my trip. Feel free to post a response with a story of your own!









Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Guest Photographer for Just One Place

This week I am taking a break from posting new images on my blog. Unfortunately, my camera had a malfunction last Saturday while I was second shooting an engagement session in Boston. So, for the next few weeks I will have the opportunity to post a few of my older photos to a great new blog I heard about through Twitter! Please check it out! http://www.appleshavewings.com/ Here's a link, if you'd like to meet me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/mindstirphotos

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Don't forget the reason for this season!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Family Portraits at Churchill's

My first visit to Churchill's in Exeter, NH...quite impressed! If you have a green thumb or just want to be 'wowed' by the beauty of floral design, stop by Churchill's. There are even monthly events, demonstrations and seminars! Check out there events calendar. I will be visiting this store all year round. The employees are friendly, the flowers and arrangements are beautiful and you can't help but smile while you are there. Below are a few images from my family Christmas portrait session as well as a glimpse at what Churchill's has to offer this time of year. For more photos of Churchill's, check out my Flickr page.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Hampton Beach Family Portraits

In the winter, Hampton Beach is an entirely different world. It is missing masses of teenagers in swimsuits, open t-shirt shops, smells of fried dough and pizza, and the beeps and whirls of the arcades. It has the feel of the western ghost towns. On the day I was to photograph a family there, it was blustery and in the high 40s. Thankfully, the snow had not yet arrived. Below is a sneak peek of my portrait session with Chris and her children.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The Nubble Lighthouse

Every year the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine has an annual lighting the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The event begins at 5:00pm and includes caroling by the York High School Chamber Singers, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and the lighthouse covered in holiday lights! Dave from Mere Image Photography and Joe from DiMattia Photography joined me at the event. We arrived early to scope out the best spots to photograph the sunset, lighthouse and festivities. Below are a few photos from the evening. To see a complete album, click here.


Friday, December 4, 2009

Cody & Brody - Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love watching the Macy's Day Parade, cooking with my mother, talking for hours with family, and eating turkey! Thanksgiving is a day for remembering all that we are thankful for. It is more of a reminder to me of all I take for granted. I hesitate saying this, but I have far more than I REALLY need. God is so good to me!
I am so thankful for my family. There is nothing in this world that can replace family. We are only given a limited amount of time on this earth and should make the most of every opportunity we have with our loved ones. My family's pets have always been part of every holiday and event. I always have so much fun watching them and this year I spent a little time photographing them.