Forgive me Internet, for I have Sinned...

It has been almost a Month since my last blog update.
I have been bad. However, feel free to check out my facebook pages which seem to get updated more frequently although not solely with photography related banter.
Personal page:
http://profile.to/jeffpress/

And the J. Mitchel Photography page:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1705494&id=653460818#/pages/J-Mitchel-Photography/38080587212?ref=ts

I am sure there is a short way to link that, but I have not figured it out yet.

So, it has been awhile since we have had a chat...let's catch up:

For my new viewers:
I use this blog as a way for you to get to know me. Because pictures are a commodity. But, Art, is rare. And I create one of a kind images that turn your wedding day, into art. They capture a moment with your family and children like no one else can.

Don't care about me, and just want to see the pics? No problem. www.JMitchelPhotography.com for weddings and www.JMitchelPhoto.com for architectural. Landscape prints are at http://jmitchelphotography.instaproofs.com

I have two worlds that occasionally collide. I have been a compliance and operations professional for over 15 years on Wall St. and no, I am not to blame for this mess. In fact, with more guys doing what I do, we might not even have been in it.

My other world is that of a photographer. Architectural photography pays the bills, but wedding photography and family portraits are my passion. I think my story telling ability crosses over from weddings into architecture and allows my images to have a much stronger voice than the more technical architectural images.

Occasionally, my worlds collide. And that is a good thing. In my years in the markets I have had the role of protector of assets, guardian of your future and of helping your brokers do the right thing. In that regard, I approach my photography the same way. I am your advocate. I have your best interests at heart. I offer a select group of products, like albums, and my job is to find out your needs and match you up with the service and products you really need, not push stuff I want to sell. And there is a difference. I get paid well to provide awesome images, not to push products.
There, got that out in the open. Now we can move on.

Returning viewers...you already knew all that. Come back in the room.
So, I have been down in Houston doing some consulting work in the operations and trade area for the receivership of a certain large firm that may be involved in a Madoff type scheme, and coming home on the weekends. The work is interesting, the people fascinating and there is lots to both teach and learn. But, definitely hard on the wife and family, as well as myself. Fly home, see the family, shoot, shoot, shoot, hang images in a gallery, see the family, get on a plane.


I love to fly. Of course it is more fun when I am at the yoke, but I love to fly...no matter how gray or dreary the day…it is always beautiful and sunny if you go up high enough. Above the clouds there is always a sunset. And after the dusk, at night, when you are above those clouds…above the pollution, above the world of mankind and can see the heavens for what they are, you see differently. The night sky is the deepest black, but hints of intense colors behind the most brilliant sparkles of light. It is a rare treat to see a night sky for a New Yorker. You go decades or more without seeing it. I think the big blackout was the last decent one I saw. And when you do, you are awestruck. You can almost believe that there is something bigger than you. Something stronger, more powerful and with more heart and imagination than I will ever know that was able to create something so magical.

But, Houston is fun.
There are great wine bars, like the one at Truluck's.

There are cowboy bars, like The Armadillo Palace.
And even good music, like the Armadillo Playboys.
Surprisingly, a lot of fun. And there really are folks yelling "Yee Hawww!' during the show.

Did I mention the 20 foot tall concrete and stainless steel armadillo out front?

Secrets of Grand Central Terminal

One of the things I love about architecture is the stories of our past that can be learned from the details of construction, use and demolition. The evolution of New York, like much of the country, can be followed by learning the stories of it's architecture and transportation systems. By digging beyond the present, understanding the past...I think I get a better sense of who we are today...and maybe even where we are going tomorrow.

The story of the Vanderbilt fortune and legacy is beyond the scope of my blog...but I highly recommend checking it out. Here is an excellent start: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/insidegrandcentral/index.html

While I always seem to have a unique view of New York, I got to some amazing behind the scenes places today, thanks to Dan Brucker, Spokesman for the Metro North Railroad and Lt. Kevin Franklin of the BART SWAT team. Here are a few blog images:
This is the very top of the windows on either end of the concourse. The glass floor in the walkways is two inches thick and has a rough surface. The ironwork is amazing and the windows on each side open, to ventilate the station prior to air conditioning.


The windows open via an intricate gear and chain system.


When your train is late, and nobody else knows why....and if you can find them, maybe you can ask...the controllers.
Here in the Operations Center, every switch is monitored, every train is watched. Actually, except for a few desktops with flatscreens, it doesn't look that high tech. Looks just like the control room in the '70's movie "The Taking of Pelham 123".
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's secret presidential rail car, used to transport the president and his Packard car up to street level. This way nobody saw him in a wheel chair, which he viewed as a serious image concern.
The Zodiak mural is actually backwards. The artist made a mirror image by mistake. Still... breathtaking.

J. Mitchel Photography Wishes it's Architectural & Interiors Clients Seasons Greetings

I want to take a moment and say "Thank You" all the clients of J. Mitchel Interiors & Architectural Imaging. It has been a busy year with some amazing projects, and although the current climate is challenging, I know the best will survive. And that group includes firms like Bovis Lendlease, Sotheby's and Archstone. Now is the time to innovate and show your stuff. I know you can do it!

I want to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I look forward to providing you with the images that best show your work on new projects in 2009.




J. Mitchel Interiors & Architectural Imaging provides outstanding images to the construction & architectural trade as well as real-estate professionals. You are good. We make you look that way!

PhotoPlus Expo 2008

Once each year, pretty much the entire photo industry descends upon NYC and shows their wares, shares knowledge and discusses what is new in the field. And I would not miss it for the world. As a New York wedding photographer I provide the best images to my brides, am easy to work with and very affordable. Below are a few images from photowalking from Penn Station to Javits this Morning.
With the financial markets going crazy (OK, I have 15 years on Wall Street and have to be careful what I say here...my day job is in risk management/compliance(and No...I am not to blame for this markets mess!)) there is no better time to have a plan B. I think this photo about sums that up. Speaking of tough financial times, if you are planning a wedding, now is the time to think about getting the best bang for your vendor buck. J. Mitchel Photography offers amazing creative wedding photography from just $2300!












In addition to checking out the latest pro gear, selecting key vendors for albums...prints and design work and learning about the newest techniques in images, there are some amazing seminars from top industry leaders.
One of the best parts, is you just never know who you bump into. Today I was fortunate to bump into several amazing folks.




I got to thank David Jay, from Open Source Photo, my favorite forum. That's me on the left. David got a real kick out of my business card...not everyone remembers 35mm slides. David was just enjoying the show, like tons of other folks.
I let David know that what he has created with OSP was more than a place for pros to share knowledge, it is a community that fosters both professional and personal growth from members that believe there are no stupid questions and are unbelievably giving and supportive. David is not a bad shooter either. Check out http://www.davidjay.com/

I also bumped into Joe McNally...my lighting guru idol. This guy has taught me how to light. Well, Joe and David Hobby (AKA The Strobist). Joe has an awesome book, The Moment it clicks that anyone who wants to learn lighting, simply must read. His blog ain't bad either. Check out
http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/ and www.strobist.com

I have met Scott Kelby a few times before and it was Scott that put together the worldwide photowalk in August and I lead the walk for NYC. (check out the August blog posts for that one). Well, Scott is not only a guy who knows his way around a camera...he pretty much wrote the book on anything Photoshop. Actually, he was written over 25 amazing books and is one of the reasons I can edit a wedding of 800 images so well and quickly. It was great to say hello and listen in on a few of his seminars.

Catching up with D.J. Ladez of Lumedyne (who taught an awesome lighting class on the streets of NYC earlier this year) was a treat. As was seeing the instructor from one of the architectural classes I loved. Turns out we were both drooling over the same Nikon 24mm tilt shift lens, and recognized each other.

Walking the floor with two great guys that I work with, Omar Perine and Michael McNenny just made the day go by too fast.
I am always working on sharpening my skills to provide the best in NY and LI wedding photography and Cliff showed me a neat trick for adjusting white balance on the fly with the Live View on my Nikon D700.
Walking non stop (OK, I did sit during some of the seminars) from 10-5 caught up with me at the end of the day and I was pooped when I snapped this on the way out. Contributing factors were forgetting to eat all day and having a pretty bad cold. I treasure my 8 Month old daughter, Sunny, but I never used to get sick and now I get colds all the time. And they take a week or two to go away. Maybe I am just getting old?The thing about NY is...construction never stops. The economy might slow it down, but there is always something going up.

Tomorrow, I have a a spot on the Rick Sammon boat cruise... a half day seminar while circling NYC on a water taxi. http://www.ricksammon.com/Home.html
The best part??? One of my best second shooters and photographer buddies, Amos Chen, is joining me.

Long Beach Breast Cancer Coaliton Kayakathon 2008

Well, considering the rain and wind yesterday, I think everyone was very pleasantly surprised at what a beautiful Morning we had for this years Kayak a thon, supporting the Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition.
Luckily I did not have to set my alarm to wake up early today. My 7 Month old baby girl, Sunny Logann, is better than a Timex. Up at 6:30AM every day. I had a little coffee in the garden, and then I was off to Empire Kayaks, in Barnum Isle / Island Park.
Empire Kayaks sponsors the Long Beach Breast Cancer Coaltion each year in an awesome fund raising effort to fight breast cancer in Long Beach, and help assist those affected by Breast Cancer with programs that make life easier.

How could you not LOVE a shirt that says Save the Tatas.

Registration was packed by 9:30 and there were tons of folks already on the water as early as 9!

For more information about the Long Beach Breast Cancer Coaltion , check out their website at http://www.longbeachbcc.org

To see all the images from the 2008 Kayakathon, and perhaps purchase a few to support the Long Beach Breast Cancer Coaliotion, check out the J. Mitchel Photography client proofing website at http://jmitchelphotography.instaproofs.com/

ALL profits from images of this event are donated by J. Mitchel Photography directly to the Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition.

I grew up in Long Beach / Atlantic Beach and while I have moved a tiny bit inland, my heart is still at the beach. I embrace the chance to give back to the community I was raised in. Covering the LBBCC events is a great way for me to do just that.

If this is your first time reading my blog, I use the blog as more of a get to know me spot, rather than to show my work.

As one of Long Island's top event and architectural photographers, check out my main website at http://www.jmitchelphotography.com/ to see why I am able to tell your Wedding story, or chronicle your home or commercial space in a way no one else can.

Check out my life and landscape prints at The Spoon Cafe in Lindenhurst. Great little coffeehouse and restaurant that has local live music several times a week. Not into dark smokey bars, but want a great date place? This is it. Frozen Hot Chocolate for two...a must have.