2012 Is Upon Us!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
A few days late is better than not at all. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season (which seemed to start after Columbus Day). Personally I’m glad all the hype is over. Especially the e-mail, sale after sale after sale.
Now, on to business…
I think I told a few people that I’d be making some changes about how I get down with my photography. If you didn’t know, now you’ll now.
Going forward, I plan to primarily focus on “event” photography, and taking photos in a crowded nightclub/lounge still…won’t…happen (no exceptions). I am talking about Weddings, Sweet 16′s, Baby Showers, Birthday parties; etc. - in a private setting. Businesses that may require shoots for their product(s), are okay.
So what does this mean exactly?
It means that there will be much less to no shooting in my living room that I convert to a studio when shoots need to be done. My 12′x20′ living room has served me well over the years, on many occasions with seamless paper backdrops, monolights, models, music, jokes & entertainment (MelMarNYC, Fashion Hurtz, Neveah Jeans, Phever, Eflat, Team 440, Boomn Productions to name a few). I may decide to set a up shoots in the future, maybe, but it will be done selectively.
With that said, I ask and urge that if you are going to refer someone to me for photography needs, it CANNOT be for: “my friend is interested in a shoot” / “I need a photo for my FB profile pic” / ”a birthday flyer that a friend is putting together for this party I’m having” / “head-shots” / “family portraits” / “I’m pursuing modeling” / “just because…I want to” etcetera etcetera.
Events and business-related only (might be a grey area there, but I’ll be the judge).
Is that my final answer? Yes, that is my final answer.
To all those that I have done shoots with, I appreciate you, and I thank you for your support. I wouldn’t be called the “Black Peter Parker” or Michael Parks (as in Gordon Parks), without you. 
Regards,
Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Gibson!
Weddings…they’re magical!
This was another beautiful wedding that I had the opportunity to shoot. It was held at Coral House in Baldwin, New York on Friday, October 21st, 2011 at 5:30pm.
Mr. & Mrs. Gibson, 10/21/2011
The Canon Drool Factor…
The CANON EOS-1D X…all I have to say is Wowwwwwwwww to the specs and another wowwwwww because I’ll only be holding it in Adorama or B&H Photo & Video when it is available, $$$$$, lol. 
Countdown
Only a matter of days until Donna & Michael’s Wedding Day…it’s going downnnnnnnnnnn on October 21st in Baldwin, NY. There will be a rehearsal dinner during the week, then it’s a party! it’s a party! it’s a party! Cue the music! Congrats!
Donna & Michael
Something Well-Written
I’m not a professional photographer, but I’d consider myself to be “semi-pro”…and this is just awesome!
Reasons Why Professional Photographers Cannot Work for Free by Tony Wu
Dear potential photo buyer,
If you have been directed to this page, it is likely that you have requested the use of an image or images for free or minimal compensation.
As professional photographers, we receive requests for free images on a regular basis. In a perfect world, each of us would love to be able to respond in a positive manner and assist, especially with projects or efforts related to areas such as education, social issues, and conservation of natural resources. It is fair to say that in many cases, we wish we had the time and resources to do more to assist than just send photographs.
Unfortunately, such are the practicalities of life that we are often unable to respond, or that when we do, our replies are brief and do not convey an adequate sense of the reasons underlying our response.
Circumstances vary for each situation, but we have found that there are a number of recurring themes, which we have set out below with the objective of communicating more clearly with you, and hopefully avoiding misunderstandings or unintentionally engendering ill will.
Please take the following points in the constructive manner in which they are intended. We certainly hope that after you have had a chance to read this, we will be able to talk again and establish a mutually beneficial working relationship.
More after the jump..
(more…)
I’m Still Here!
It was a busy summer to say the least. We all know how it goes…always plenty to do, but never enough time. Let’s see, there was a wedding in June (the 10th), followed by another, exactly one month later in July, during which I was still in search of a new day-job. Then I got a call, had an interview, was offered the job, gave my two weeks notice and started a new gig on August 1. Yay Me! . There was also Hurricane Irene, and two weddings that I attended. Congratulations again to Trevor & Kira (9/4/11), andddddddd Curtis & Linda (9/10/11)!
So that’s what I’ve been up to, and look it’s already October. People have asked if I’ve quit photography. Answer: Quit? Me? Parting with photography? Never! I have photos posted of my own work at my desk, and a picture of a 5DMkII <— because I want one and will have one in 2012. It’s a visual motivator while I’m at the day job, plus I’m always checking out my photography info via my Google Reader subscriptions. There’s still so much I want to learn about photography, just not enough time in the day for it all. It’s already bad enough that I only sleep for 4-6 hours. (Partial blame goes to the Xbox).
Lastly, I have an upcoming wedding that I’ve been commissioned for…another one in Long Island, about one week away, so I’m already preparing, mentally, and checking all the camera gear and such. I’m really looking forward to being in photographer-mode again. So look out for those photos, but while you’re waiting, which I know you are, take a trip on over to www.michaelgabraham.com, check out my photos, and tell a friend. That’s all for now folks!
Mike
Congrats Curtis & Linda
I realized that I did not make a post for them. What a great wedding! Congrats, congrats, congrats. Linda, welcome to the crew!!
September 10th, 2011
Reception, First Dance (Taken by me)
I "borrowed" this one photo from Facebook. I did not shoot this.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Neal!
They were married yesterday on September 4th, towards the end of Sunday service at Pilgrim Baptist Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. Short & sweet ceremony for them!!
Great day for a wedding!!
Congratulations Dafna & Gobinda!
Mazel tov!!!!!
…and I need new business cards because the remaining ones still have my [this] blog as the website.
My first Jewish wedding assignment, and what a beautiful day it was for a wedding! Held a Glen Terrace, Brooklyn, New York. Yep, Glen Terrace, I was there on June 10th for another wedding . Dafna, the bride, is Jewish, and Gobinda, the groom, is Nepalese. I learn about some tradition today, and I definitely will be doing a little reading up. Skimming through some photos now and they look good. Stay tuned here, and on www.michaelgabraham.com for photos!
[Update]
Also want to thank the videographer, Larry…coordinating our efforts to capture everyone, Rabbi Gloria Milner. and Billy Mann, the Entertainer & the DJ who, with ease, kept the guests quite entertained throughout the evening. Was unable get Larry’s contact information, but if you’re looking for an MC, here’s Billy Mann’s.
104-72nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209
877-704-SHOW . 718-680-3793
www.billymannproductions.com
Another Great Wedding!
First of all, congratulations again to the bride & groom, the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Braswell, who are now enjoying their honeymoon!
Friday, June 10th was a great day for wedding, and the weather was perfect (a little humid for me, but no rain!). Held at Glen Terrace, Brooklyn, NY; I arrived early as usual to check things out, talk to the maître d’ & staff, test the camera gear and take some shots at the venue. To my surprise, the bride and her party were already downstairs in the bridal suite getting ready. WIN! The guys started arriving shortly after I did. ANOTHER WIN!
The ceremony was quick, as they always are, but at the end of this ceremony, the couple literally “jumped the broom”!! Then it was on to the cocktail hour, and the reception…which was epic! Kudos to the DJ! The music was great, the food was good, and the drinks were flowing for all. All were dressed nicely and I know everyone had a great time!
I met a few people, did a little networking, and hopefully another wedding assignment will come out of it! I’ll be back at Glen Terrace for another wedding on July 10th. This is a first…two weddings, at the same venue, one month apart!!
From a photography aspect, this was one of the easier assignments, and I feel that I’ve captured their day candidly (plus the posey formal shots lol). I’m looking forward to spending some time in my “editing booth” (aka Photoshop & LightRoom) to bring out the best of the photos, and to tell the story of their day. As I say to everyone else, if someone could not attend a/the wedding, one must be able to look at your photos and feel as if they were actually there! There lies the challenge.
Photos from this wedding to come soon. Will post a shot or three here, but they will be posted on MichaelGAbraham.com.
Gearing Up!! [Wedding]
I’m gearing up for a wedding today, well later this afternoon! It has been a few months since my last wedding photography assignment, but I am always ready to shoot and get the job done. I’ve been prepping, checking, and rechecking the camera gear, skimming through a few wedding photography books and photos for additional inspiration, and well, checking and rechecking the gear .
[would have inserted stolen Facebook couple photo here]
Photos will be posted on my official website: www.michaelgabraham.com, but until then, feel free to visit and check out some of my work!
Mike
Clouds, Fun Stuff!
Another short one here, same music, didn’t feel like searching for another track. This was made with 500 photos with the camera facing out my living room window. I can honestly say that this is fun, lots of fun! Whenever I master this and make some sort of video compilation, it will be a HUGE accomplishment! I can simply say that I’ve done it and pat myself on the back.
Learning is a continuous process.
Nerd out!
Old Trusty Watch Motion
Old Trusty Watch Motion, originally uploaded by agmnewyorkphoto.
Updates
I haven’t updated the blog for about a month, but it’s all good. Okay, let’s see here…
1) I was recently booked to shoot a wedding in July (and it’s in Brooklyn)…YAY!
(I’ve been receiving inquiries here and there, but not all pan out, especially folks looking for “discounts”)
2) Some shoots continue to be postponed/rescheduled…it’s life, I’m definitely not complaining.
3) In early April, I did a quick shoot for some friends:
Well that’s all folks, for now at least. I have not been shooting much, but I expect this to change as the weather changes and warms up a bit, and I regain my mojo to do some casual shooting.
Maleeah’s First Birthday Party!
My friend Ashlee had a little birthday party for her daughter on Saturday, March 12th at a nice spot in Harlem, New York, NY. Lots of family and friends came, and lots of kids. I was armed with my camera for the festivities.
http://www.michaelgabraham.com
Stuyvesant Heights Christian Church
In Late February, I was asked to shoot in and around the church for an upcoming showcase event. If I recall correctly, these photos will be used at an event to attract potential couples to have their wedding at a venue/church of their choice. The pastor of this church and his wife printed 12 8×10′s and 1 16×20″. Here are a few of those photos:
Taken on February 26, 2011
http://www.michaelgabraham.com
Andddddd we’re back!
Well I’m back.
What turned into a huge project [and headache] in my lil’ apartment for two weeks ended on Saturday Feb 5, and I’ve been cleaning up since! Talk about dust…it is [still] everywhere. I’ll be back mentally in March to continue shoots and all things photography!!
To The UK Michael!!
Well not me actually, but one of my photos!! My former manager, James (cool guy by the way), who resides in London, has printed and framed a New York City skyline photo that I shot back in September 2010. Shot was taken from Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the photo itself was impressive. Amazed, staring at it in Lightroom, I made it my desktop background at home, at work, and my iPhone background. But this sepia tone, the framing!!, and how/where it’s hanging [the family dining room] is exciting and just leaves me speechless. The lighting even gives it a gallery-like appearance. Thank you!!
http://www.michaelgabraham.com
NYC in London 2011, by JT.
Purchasing Photos!
Okay folks, after a long long time of constant harassment; etc. especially for my photos around New York City, I have another site hosting my photos that will allow you to make purchases.
VISIT WWW.MICHAELGABRAHAM.COM
I will continue to update this site, and any new posts with photos will link for potential purchase(s).
Thank you for your support!
New York City Blizzard – December 2010
Andddddd the snow fell, A LOT OF IT! About 16-20 inches reported in the city, 20-30″ outside the city.
So I decided to step out for a few to take some snapshots around my neighborhood. Couldn’t really go anywhere as the trains are still suspended! So I walked around for about 30-40 minutes randomly shooting. It’s brutal out, and the wind is crazy! Here are a few shots [that I know some folks are going to steal]. Enjoy!
Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, New York
The MTA is NOT going your way today.
We're Open!
-- Time --
Snowblower Low Perspective
interesting article…
From The Photo Argus – The Business Side of Photography
Where I’m trying to be. Difficult when you have a full time & demanding 9 to __, and pursuing photography.
Latisha & Joseph’s Wedding Day
So it’s been one week since their wedding day, and I’m sure they are having a blast on their honeymoon! I still have lots photos to sort though, and have already chosen some faves, so many good ones. The wedding day, though hectic, was spectacular! I was there quite early, prior to anyone’s arrival to check out the beautiful Chateau Briand and the Leonardo Da Vinci room in which the ceremony & reception were held. All of the staff there were courteous and professional, at times I thought it was U.S Secret Service as several folks had earpieces and all for coordination. I was amazed at how smoothly everything went (and in my opinion, no one was stressed). Family, friends, and other guests had a great time, I’m sure of it! Oh, and the DJ did his thing!
I truly enjoy capturing weddings, and Latisha & Joseph’s wedding day has officially confirmed this! Thanks for choosing me as your wedding photographer. All the best to you guys and your families!
Lighting Finesse!
Check out the video below, I’ve seen this photo of Tyra Banks on numerous occasions. Maybe I will take a stab at trying to create a similar shot in the very near future, and I already have a volunteer 
. I don’t have a ring flash [yet], but it’s on my wishlist.
Lighting is key, lighting is difficult and can make or break a photograph!
