jason groupp photography: March 2007

Ladies look out!

Who are the 2 hottest men in Las Vegas? OK - well one well at least one of them IS the lady killer (and it's not Sean).

I just got back from Vegas for a photography conference and to do some portfolio shooting. I think it's important to take some time every year to just spend some time working on your craft. It keeps you sharp so when you need to call on those "creative juices" you're ready to go! I like to do this when I don't have too many weddings so I can make sure I don't get too comfortable!

Here are few pictures of one of my best friends from high school and his son Xavier. They were helping me do some location scouting in Vegas. They moved out there 6 years ago and I miss them so much. I don't get to see them much except when Sean is NYC for work so seeing all of them was a real treat. Later that afternoon, we met up with Xavier's mom Kerry and it was great to catch up. It's so funny how you can get together with your friends you haven't seen for years and it's like we never skipped a beat - miss you guys!

Check back in the next few days for shots from my Vegas shoots!

It's a small, small world!

Living in the most densely populated area of the United States, I am always amazed at who I run into. This past week was exceptional, though. On our way back to NJ last Saturday night, we ran into Michelle and Ed who's wedding I shot at the Liberty House 2 years ago. It was fun catching up again!

Then a few days later, Liz was helping me shop for a new pair of eyeglasses. This is usually a very L-O-N-G drawn out process - fortunately my wife is very patient. My last few pairs have been by Oliver Peoples, there is just something about these specs I really like. Of course, the closest place was a 25 minute drive, but we decided to take a ride. It took all of 10 minutes to decide on the new frames, which was awesome. As we were wrapping up my order, I look down and see this picture on the woman's desk (gotta love camera phones!).

I do a double take and say "Hey - that's my picture!!" She looks at me and defensively says "What?! - that's my daughter!" I responded, "Well - I was your daughter's photographer, wait you're...." Excitedly, she says "Yes - I'm Debra's Mom!"

Of course, the entire store is looking at us now. We laughed and I mentioned that her pictures are still on my website today. They rented this cool checkered cab to drive them around the city and we took a bunch of pictures in front of it. Then, Debra's mom went on to tell me how much she loves all the pictures, but especially the one on her desk - there's nothing more rewarding to me than see that. Thanks Debra's Mom!

Of course, make sure you say hello to Ellen (Debra's Mom) if your're ever in H.C. Deuchler's in Summit, NJ. They did an awesome job! Thanks!

Is it spring yet?

When I walked into the bridal suite to meet Ruth and all the bridesmaids, I said to her "Ruth - I'm sorry it's such a crappy day." :) At first she was like - WHA?!@ Then she looked outside for confirmation that is was indeed the most BEAUTIFUL day we had in weeks! When we chatted earlier in the week, we both agreed that outdoor pictures in Union Square would not be likely, but alas the weather broke and it was a gorgeous day! The last I had checked, the weathermen predicted a cloudy rainy day. Fortunately, the rain held off just long enough for us to get all the pictures we needed. Later that night we discussed how lucky not only Ruth was, but at her cousin Maggie's wedding last July they also had beautiful weather that just "blew" in just in the nick of time.

Here are a few photos - Ruth had the prettiest veil I have seen in years - Luke and I could not stop shooting her.

I also want to take a second to thank Luke (once again) for shooting with me. He came back from St. Louis just to shoot with me and I know it was a bit of a hellish trip - both ways. On top of that, it was his birthday! On Friday night when he arrived at our house, we tried to make his birthday a little sweeter with some hot pad thai and an cool ice cream cake - two of his favorite things. Thanks for helping me out with this Alisha! As always, it's a blast shooting with you - thanks for spending your birthday weekend with the Groupps.

Be sure to check the birthday boy's blog for more pictures. No pressure man - you need a break!

A view from the top.

....and into the grand ballroom, Laura and Gordon danced as husband and wife for the first time. And before their first dance started, Gordon made sure he high-fived everyone in the room. The celebration continued with a crazy Hora, followed by dancing throughout the night.

Did I mention they topped the night off with an aerialist performing from the rafters? What a great surprise Gordon!

The night went by in a flash and I definitely have to thank my good friends. Carlos, thanks for all your help! For those of you who don't know Carlos, he has just won a very cool photography contest. You can see the whole story on his blog. Mazel Tov, my friend!

I also want to thank TJ for making the trip out east and working so hard. Both of you got some amazing pictures.

You can also see some of TJ's shots on his blog.

We will all be together again in a few weeks in Las Vegas, so check back soon for shots from the Sin City!

Here are a few pictures from the fabulous venue: Capitale. From the Chuppah to the centerpieces, this room looked HOT!

Thanks again Laura and Gordon for including us at your amazing wedding! We had a great time!

Oh - and here's the best part. Click HERE for their slideshow!

Even in Portuguese I take a terrible picture. :)

I am excited to announce my first international interview! Last month I was interviewed by a photography magazine in Sao Paulo, Brazil called FHOX. Unfortunately, I don't speak Portuguese, but Leopoldo Saldanha and his associate speak English very well! We spoke about NYC, the market, and my experiences over the years.

It was an honor to speak with both of you and I look forward to seeing you guys again - maybe in Sao Paulo! ;) I have also been enjoying all the emails I have received from everyone who has read the article - thanks!

Click here for Google's translated version.
Unfortunately, in any language I was a terrible model! :) You guys didn't tell me I was getting my picture taken!