Archive for December, 2008

A South Jersey Bris for Sam

Monday, December 22nd, 2008


This was a first for me and JPG Photography, and yet a proud moment to share. A bris is not an easy ceremony for a man to be around. It is, how do I say, painful. (understatement) But I was moved by the tradition and spirituality throughout the event. You could tell how much this meant to the family, and yet at the same time, how difficult it is to put your newborn through. The range of emotions was smiles to tears. It was beautiful.

I had the pleasure of documenting this important Jewish tradition for the Schuster’s, and I work with the new dad, Alan, at the Courier-Post. The family was a complete pleasure, and even though the weather in Haddonfield wasn’t the best, you’ll see that Alan and I went out for a few shots with his son, Sam.

It was an honor. Thank you all for sharing your culture. You taught this Philadelphia Wedding Photographer a great deal. I’ll always remember being with you all with and for Sam.

Best,

Joe G

The event will be placed online soon at Pictage: www.pictage.com/602476

Philadelphia Phillies Gifts

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

I, and most of my immediate family members are huge, huge, huge, Philadelphia Phillies fans. So, when the team wins it’s first World Series in 28 years, longer than I’ve been alive, you don’t mess around. Instead, you make sure to go all out for the holidays. So, this is what I tinkered with tonight…

I know many of you enjoyed my Phillies shots during the victory parade on Halloween. I covered the parade for my newspaper, the Courier-Post. It was one of the best days of my life. Seeing my team win simultaneously made me proud for all those years of cheering and to again, call Philadelphia a city I’m proud to support. Hey, no offense to Sylvestor Stallone, but until the Phillies won in October, our loveable FICTIONAL boxer named Rocky was our only winner.

This collage is a 16×20, so hopefully my family members will enjoy it. They don’t get much larger without changing the layout of the room…

Photojournalistic Family Portraits outside Philadelphia

Monday, December 15th, 2008
Photojournalistic Family Portraits in Bucks County

Photojournalistic Family Portraits in Bucks County

OK, one of the best parts of being a photographer is documenting your friends and family grow up with you. Last month, I had this very opportunity with Sara Franco and her family. Sara and I were friends in high school, me at La Salle and her at Gwynedd-Mercy and I had the pleasure of her company during one of my dances. I think it was junior year, right Sara?

Anyway, as a very sweet gift, her, and her two great sisters, decided to give family portraits to her Mom. Despite some of the cold weather, we went out to Tyler State Park in Bucks County, PA, and just had an amazing time. We found wonderful light and candid moments with everyone.

When everyone has fun and is truly happy, (NOT cheesy), is the time when the best images are captured. And that’s photojournalism

We had a great afternoon. Thanks Franco’s! Happy birthday to Mom!

Photojournalistic Family Portraits in Bucks County

Penn’s Landing Wedding in Philadelphia with Deanna and Wes

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Philadelphia Photographer
For all the good reasons, this wedding at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia looked and felt like a true October wedding. The leaves were great, the weather was brisk, and we had amazing colors all day to work with.

Deanna and Wes live in South Jersey (but we won’t hold that against them) because they’re true Philly fans at heart, especially the Phillies. They’re such great fans that I got to go over their wedding schedule the week before the wedding while watching the Phillies win a playoff game in their beautiful Gloucester County home. Any couple cool enough to watch the game and talk weddings during commercials is AWESOME in my book.

That’s why we HAD to shoot this at the wedding:
Philadelphia Photographer
The day of, the two of them didn’t let me down. Totally relaxed. Totally cool, calm and collected. Just a pleasure. I got started with the dress shot above, had some great getting ready moments and moved on to a beautiful portrait of Deanna before we left.

Philadelphia PhotographerPhiladelphia Photographer
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Faye’s)
Philadelphia Photographer
This is at the Hyatt Regency — Penn’s Landing. A great hotel!

Philadelphia Photographer
Then there was a beautiful ceremony at this beautiful historical church, St. George’s UMC.

Philadelphia Photographer
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Bec’s)
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Faye’s)
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Faye’s)
Philadelphia Photographer
Philadelphia PhotographerWe had some fun on Independence Mall after the ceremony!

Philadelphia Photographer
And then on to the great party at the Hyatt Regency: This place is beautiful. It was classy and had plenty of space and bars for a great party!

Philadelphia Photographer

Philadelphia Photographer(One of Faye’s)
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Faye’s)
Philadelphia Photographer(One of Bec’s)
Philadelphia PhotographerPhiladelphia PhotographerCongrats you two. We had a blast! you’re love is amazing, and thanks for a classy day!

Philadelphia engagement shots in Love Park

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Philadelphia engagement
Aanchal and Nitin are quite a couple. Besides being completely in love in the frigid Philadelphia temperatures, they’re up for many of my wacky ideas! Boy were they in trouble. Don’t trust everything this Philadelphia Photographer says!

Just kidding. These two were great. I only tempted fate for a second and had a pre-teen skateboarder jump over their head a Love Park. Killer shot!

This long distance couple is madly in love, and I’m proud to part of their story. He works in Philly. Her in North Carolina. Have to respect their love over that distance. Bec and I, as many of you know, have been long distance most of our relationship. So gave them some tips and wish them the best!

We also went to the Art Museum, and took advantage of SEPTA at Surburban Station. And of course, City Hall.

Great job guys. We’re thrilled. Can’t beat this Philly Skyline either!

Enjoy their images on Pictage: www.pictage.com/594683

Philadelphia engagement
Philadelphia engagement
Philadelphia engagement
Philadelphia engagementGreat job you two! We had a blast!