Photos for Orlando

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It's been 8 days since the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. On June 12th, 49 people were killed and 53 wounded by a gunman at a gay nightclub in Orlando. 

It's sickening. It's a tragedy. It's a devastating act of terrorism and bigotry. And I still don't know what to do or say. I'm not sure if writing this blog post is not my place or uncalled for on my photography platform. But please bear with me and definitely feel free to educate me further in the comments!

As a heterosexual woman who still has so much to learn about how to be an LGBTQIA ally, I've stayed pretty quiet due to fears of intrusion or occupying space that isn't mine. It would seemingly be easy for me to move on, to not spend much time or energy reflecting on what happened. I could tweet a hashtag, add a rainbow filter somewhere, and then forget. But that doesn't seem right.

More effort and compassion must be spread.

As a friend, I'm going to try harder and educate myself more about being an ally. When I hear hateful language being spewed, I'll speak up. While I can't fairly understand the depth of sadness, struggle and frustration that the queer community faces, I'll try to be a better listener. 

As a voter and citizen, I'm going to back candidates who support gun control and are against homophobia and transphobia. I will learn more about how to take direct action and how to exercise my democratic rights, supporting those views.

And as a photographer, I hope to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. I won't discriminate potential clients based off their race, social status, or sexual orientation. I won't tolerate any hate or bigotry directed at potential clients. While I haven't photographed an LGBTQIA couple or family yet, I hope that will happen soon. When that time comes, I will be thankful for the opportunity to learn, expand my horizons, and make new friends. 

Two Ways I Plan To Contribute

1. Photographers For Orlando
Until August 2016, I will be accepting contributions in place of session fees to benefit the victims of the Pulse shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Here's how it works:
1. Get in touch with me via the Contact page.
2. You will send your donation of $50 or more via a Venmo or Paypal invoice, I will then donate the money instantly to either GoFundMe.com/pulsevictimsfund or OneOrlando.org and provide you with a copy of the receipt.
3. We will meet for up to 45 minutes, capture fun memories, and I will send you a minimum of 20 high-resolution digital images. 
[Not in New York? Find a participating photographer at http://www.photographersfororlando.org]

2. Free LGBTQIA Couples Sessions
Until September 2016, I will be booking FREE sessions for LGBTQIA couples on select dates, for anyone based in the greater New York City area. So hit me up and let's make this happen!

Those 49 people at Pulse were having a joyful night out when they were murdered. They were brothers, sister, daughters and sons. They were lovers, friends, neighbors, caretakers. 

Let's not forget their names. 

Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old
Amanda Alvear, 25 years old
Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 years old
Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old
Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old
Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old
Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28 years old
Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25 years old
Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old
Cory James Connell, 21 years old
Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old
Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old
Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old
Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old
Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old
Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old
Frank Hernandez, 27 years old
Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old
Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old
Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old
Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old
Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25 years old
Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old
Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old
Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old
Kimberly Morris, 37 years old
Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old
Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old
Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old
Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old
Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old
Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old
Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old
Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old
Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old
Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old
Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old
Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 years old
Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old
Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 years old

Learn more about these beautiful folks here: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/06/12/481785763/heres-what-we-know-about-the-orlando-shooting-victims

ANDREW WARD / BUZZFEED

ANDREW WARD / BUZZFEED

Vanesa & Jorge // Maternity Photos in Central Park

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Just weeks away from her due date, Vanesa and Jorge arrived at Central Park to take maternity photos!

We met at dusk to celebrate their baby-to-be and their genuine love for one another. With bags of outfits and props in tow, they arrived ready to go! They had moved to NYC about six months prior, so it was a blast exploring the park together. 

Their little boy, Benjamin, will be the first baby of the extended family, to the delight of loved ones in Australia and Argentina. I have a feeling Vanesa and Jorge will be hosting guests very soon and very often.

Benjamin is quite a lucky boy to have such wonderful parents!

During our time together, I could immediately tell how kind and light-hearted that Vanesa and Jorge are. They would consistently and subtly check in with one another, making sure each person was comfortable and feeling good. As they giggled between shots, Vanesa and Jorge gazed at one another with complete love. 

 

Motherhood comes in many shapes and forms. Some women become mothers through pregnancy, which is such an amazing accomplishment of the female body. Other women gracefully decide to adopt, providing a loving home. Family members and friends can also take the role of mothers, as they give advice, share laughter, and soothe tears.

Motherhood is deep and unconditional commitment to loving and raising a child, and that experience is unlike any other. 

Vanesa radiates joy and strength. 

She will undoubtedly a wonderful mother and I can't wait to hear about all of her and Jorge's adventures raising Benjamin!

Jessica // Brooklyn Photoshoot

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Meet Jessica! She is a New Orleans native who lives in New York City. Jessica recently graduated from The New School with her Master's in International Affairs. Most of Jessica's graduation photos from years past were destroyed after Hurricane Katrina, so she wanted to commemorate her most recent badass accomplishment with a photoshoot in Brooklyn.

As a personal tradition, Jessica loves to get henna on her hands to commemorate special occasion and accomplishments.

For someone who was nervous about getting in front of the camera, Jessica SLAYED this entire shoot. What a beauty! Without a doubt, Jessica is going to change the world with her passion for social justice and equality, and her fierce sense of style.

Dani & Ayu // NYC Wedding in Central Park

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From the morning in Brooklyn, to an intimate Central Park ceremony, to the reception in New Jersey, Dani and Ayu's wedding was a wonderful and unforgettable affair. I feel honored to have participated in their special day.

While getting ready in Brooklyn, the room was filled with love. Friends were happily arranging flowers and styling the bride, the groomsmen cooked traditional Ethiopian dishes for the reception, and Dani sewed some last minute details on her groom's coat.

Upon arrival at Shakespeare's Garden, it was time for the ceremony. One of the most striking things about Dani and Ayu's wedding was how loving and supportive their family and friends were.

As Dani and Ayu exchanged heartfelt vows in English and Amharic, every face in the crowd wore a beaming smile. The ceremony included many personal touches, including endearing speeches from Dani's mother and father, and her cousin's moving rendition of Etta James' "At Last".  

Next up, it was party time! Dani's extended family graciously opened their home and hosted a reception, complete with a delicious home-cooked spread and festive tunes!

After changing into beautiful wedding attire straight from Ethiopia, Dani and Ayu enjoyed homemade cake, sparkling champagne, and thus, their married life was off to a very sweet start.

Writing Vows in Central Park // Dani & Ayu

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Dani and Ayu met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this summer and are getting married this Saturday in Central Park! Earlier in the week, we met to nail down logistics and for the couple to start writing their vows. 

Although Ayu had landed in New York from Ethiopia only a few hours prior, his face glowed as he gazed at his bride-to-be. Their affection for one another is immediately apparent, and so beautiful to witness. Their joy is infectious!

As Dani and Ayu drafted their vows, in English and Amharic, there was such a meaningful vibe in the air. In one particularly lovely moment, we realized that the bench they were sitting on was dedicated to a Catherine, a name also shared by Dani's beloved late grandmother. Later in the evening, we also were followed by a family of adorable ducks which has to be lucky!

Dani and Ayu definitely are a fierce couple! They have serious style, individually and as a duo.

With an exciting whirlwind love affair in their past, Dani and Ayu have a steady and strong marriage in their future. Congrats to the happy couple!