Eric Foley Photography

Getting to Know You! Bridget and Tom, New Haven

2009-07-13T20:56:00.007-05:00

Meet Bridget and Tom!

Awesome couple #107 and counting! Again, I can't say it enough, I love what I do! I got to spend the greater part of the day walking around New Haven, sneaking into Yale, photographing two great people in love and enjoying an awesome dinner with them. Bridget is a true sweetheart and Tom, well he works at ESPN, HELLO! As if I needed more reason to like the guy. Anyone who knows that much about sports can hang with me anytime.

And besides, he's a Detroit Tiger fan. You have to sympathize with the guy. LOL!

Getting to Know You Session, Jamie and Keith

2009-07-08T22:45:00.004-05:00

Meet Jamie and Keith!

All I can say is YES, I love what I do and I'm doing what I love! Capturing beauty, creating art and documenting life in real time. Jamie and Keith were a blast to shoot and very cool in front of the camera whether they knew it or not. We spent a few hours walking around Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT. Unfortunately we couldn't make it up to the castle because the road was closed and it was a 2 or 3 mile hike. It doesn't sound that bad but we were losing light fast :( However, we found some other great locations.

Next up: GTKYS Bridget and Tom

Enjoy!

Heather and Mike, Engaged!

2009-07-06T20:56:00.005-05:00

Okay, time to play major catch-up! The 4th of July weekend was crazy to say the least. I hope everyone was safe! Get read for some serious posting in the next few days.

Meet Heather and Mike. We started their getting to know you session at wickham park in Manchester only to get POURED ON. Then we got kicked out of the park by a 17 yer old kid with a Yogi Bear Park Ranger Badge on. Gimme a break dude! Seriously, this guy was screaming at us like we were his step kids. I was about to take my belt off and give him something to cry about. But anyway, it finally stopped raining so we stopped at a random spot in East Hartford and took advantage of an old gas station.

Next time I'll bring my picnic basket for the park ranger and make sure I bring a pacifier.

Up next, Jamie and Keith's GTKYS.

Mike rocks out in a band as if you couldn't tell.

This is my fave of the day!

Dyan & Jeremy, Fenway Freak out!

2009-06-26T23:17:00.011-05:00

Okay, so this shoot had a big swirly circle around the date on my calendar for two reasons. One because I couldn't wait to work with yet another one of my awesome couples and two, because our final destination would be none other than Fenway Park! I could go on for hours but seriously, I need to get some sleep.

If your interested in doing a one hour private photo session inside Fenway Park with the run of the house (except inside the dugout), be sure to contact me and we'll set one up asap.

Our first stop, my back yard. Dyan and Jeremy wanted to grab a quick shot with their dogs, so of course we did. What you don't see in this shot is my dog going crazy behind the back door trying to get out to play.
Then we arrived in Boston and hit the T where the three of us looked like we just arrived in the country because we couldn't figure out how to get the right ticket. We just hung out while I grabbed a few candids on a very shaky train.

This was probably the only wide shot I got without someone giving me a weird look. Chill out people!
Then we hit the harbor.

Last but not least, Fenway! We started at the Monstah then worked our way around.

Jeremy, like my self, is a huge Sox fan. I wasn't sure how this shoot was going to go down, I was worried that I would be too excited. It took me a minute to take it in then I was fine.

Is there a better view???

On top of the Sox dugout.

Pedroia is the man!

This was the higest point in the park. The luxery box of course.

Check out the name below the sign.
Thanks for an awesome time guys, see you soon!

Rachel and Kevin, Aqua Turf, Southington, CT

2009-06-24T22:17:00.008-05:00

Meet Rachel and Kevin. You might recognize them from their steamy hot getting to know you session in New Haven HERE.

They got married at the Aqua Turf in Southington. The Aqua Turf always presents a challenge for me because I've been there what seems like a 100 times. The challenge is not shooting the same thing twice. I usually try to take a non-conventional artistic approach with each wedding there.

Thank you again to Missy Vandermause and Caitlyn Bouchard for shooting this one with me.

Enjoy!

Teri and Tom, Amarante's Sea Cliff New Haven

2009-06-19T19:54:00.033-05:00

Meet Tom and Teri, these two drove in two days before the wedding all the way from Ohio. That's crazy! Anyway, we had a beautiful day down at Amarante's Sea Cliff with an awesome sunset. Good food, good music, a beautiful couple and an awesome wedding, you can't ask for much more.

Not to mention, a two week honeymoon in Hawaii! I'm still jealous.

Meet Max, one chilled out dude. He was always ready for his photo opp.

Conventional thinking would say run and find some shade. I say let's shoot directly into the sun!

Meet Ava, she stole the show and knew it too.

I really would've like to know what she was thinking here.
With these next few we shot against the sun using a gold reflector to fill in the light and balance that golden warm feel.

These next two are an example of one pose shot two different ways in seconds.

I had to get some of that light on those rings too.

We stepped out for a minute to cool down outside and grab a few night shots. I love how the grass is highlighted on the side of this next one.

Thanks again Tom and Teri! you guys were AWESOME!

Tracey & Mike The Cascade, Hamden, CT

2009-06-08T21:28:00.024-05:00

Meet Tracey and Mike! This was one of those weddings where you wish you were a guest so you could just let it all hang out. Talk about a good time, to say the least it was a blast. I first met Tracey at a bridal show in 2008 and since then, she has been nothing less than a sweetheart. Of course the minute I saw her on the big day she got on my case about the maple syrup I made and forgot to bring her. No worries Tracey, I promise next year;) Mike was cool as the other side of the pillow, not to mention a Fireman from New Haven.

I wish you guys all the best and look forward to seeing you guys again soon! Congratulations!

Another special thank you to Missy Vandermause and Caitlyn Bouchard for shooting this one with me.

I was so excited when I saw this shot! Loved it!
The beautiful Tracey!

Mike's first look at his soon to be wife.

These two were too cute to pass up.

I showed Mike this image on the back of my camera and he said "it looks like a Hallmark card" I was hoping for Martha Stewart Weddings;)

Seriously?
This party was definitely rockin!

Carolyn & Drew Hartford, CT (The Bond)

2009-06-02T21:30:00.031-05:00

Okay, so now I'm back on track from a whirlwind of weddings the last eight days that brought us to Hartford, New Haven twice then Stafford Springs only to end up in Southington. Thank God gas isn't $4 a gallon!

Enter Carolyn and Drew, the first of four. These two were awesome, Carolyn was beautiful and elegant and Drew, a true gentlemen. They chose City Hall for their pictures so having never been, I was super excited. I have always heard how beautiful it is and it didn't disappoint. It's almost sensory overload when you first step inside. Very over whelming to say the least.

Once we conquered City Hall, we headed over to one of my favorite reception sites, The Bond. The Bond fit Carolyn and Drew to a T and I think we did a great job of Capturing their beautiful day.

A special thanks to Missy Vandermause and Caitlyn Bouchard for shooting this one with me. You guys are awesome, seriously!

Some intense getting ready shots from the salon.

We made a quick stop by the hotel where the guys were hanging to grab a few shots. Here is one of Drew.
What an amazing dress, that's all I can say.
The Bride and her sister.
The bride and mom, now you know where the beauty comes from :)

St. Peter church in West Hartford was all about eye candy.
I love the intensity of this image.
You know I have to roll around the floor at least a couple times to get dirty. Anything for the shot.

On to City Hall!
Classic was the theme here. You couldn't help it.

This session turned out very romantic. I love this image.

On to the bond.

The best man had everyone cracking up, including me.
Get ready for some first dance love!

They ended the night with none other than "sweet Carolyn" Bah Bah Bah
Thank you again guys for letting us be a part of your beautiful wedding.

Carolyn & Drew {Just A Taste}

2009-05-24T11:29:00.002-05:00

Just a taste of whats in the kettle! I have two back-to-back weekend weddings in a row so there will be plenty of blogging love going around very soon. This was a shot I took at City Hall in Hartford, CT last night. I can't wait to share the rest with you and tell their story.

Have fun in Greece Guys!

Sarah and Kurt's Harkness/Mystic Connection

2009-05-14T21:15:00.016-05:00

Meet Sarah and Kurt! Last week we spent a few hours down at Harkness Memorial Park taking in the beautiful day. Harkness is such an amazing place, a photographer's and bride's dream if you will. My one complaint if any is that it is so big (200 acres) it can take all day to hit the whole park. We decided to take the short route then head over to Mystic for a quick session and an awesome dinner at Rice, Spice, Noodles.

These two were tearing it up the lens all over the place. Here's a few from the day.

All my Brides have been rockin the shades lately! I'm loving it though!

The famous draw bridge of Mystic.
Sarah was a magnet to the beautiful golden sun light. I'd say she wears it well :)

I love Sarah's eyes in this one.
Okay, so I told Sarah I thought she looked like a young Meg Ryan. C'mon, seriously!
Kurt looking all stellar.
Gotta love the shades.

Rachel & Kevin, New Haven Style (this ain't no Pepe's either)

2009-05-03T22:59:00.021-05:00

1st off let me say Kevin and Rachel totally blew it up! 2nd, New Haven is really really my new fave place to shoot. I'd give you a 3rd but I don't have anything left at 12:14 am, sorry.

As the story goes, I first met Rachel and Kevin last year and from the first minute we started talking, we hit it off. When Rachel told me her and Kevin were Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Eagles fan, I almost hit the floor. I thought I was the only sucker in CT to like both of those teams.

So last week we headed down to New Haven to do some exploring and we came across some awesome graffiti. I have so much respect for these artist (when it's done tastefully of course) for there precision and creativity. So naturally, you know we had to get down with some of that. These two were total rock stars to say the least. We had a blast and ended the shoot with a great dinner at Bentara. Looking forward to the wedding guys, can't wait!

Next up: Foley family day in Mystic.

Rachel really worked this whole shoot begining to end!

Kevin was cool as a cucumber.
Exibit A. Rachel can hardly keep a straight face.
This is one of my faves of the day.

This was back dropped by a really cool rusted metal wall. Don't worry, we all got tetnus shots after the shoot.

Exibit B. Rachel still not being able to keep a straight face.
Rachel workin the "wind" Good job Kevin!
The look on there faces really makes this image. I think anyway.

Meet Kim, Shane, Hannah and Austin

2009-04-29T21:34:00.016-05:00

So this was the first of it's kind for me. Kind of a "hybrid" shoot if you will. In that I mean this was a family and a Getting to know you session combined into one. What a blast! Not only was it a gorgeous day down at Harkness Memorial Park, but these guys were awesome and so much fun too! It was fun being able to goof off with Hannah and Austin for a few rounds and act like the fifteen year old I really am then turn it on when it was time to get serious for Shane and Kim. How hot are they!!!

Thanks for a great time, can't wait for the wedding!

Next up: Rachel and Kevin's ridiculously hot Getting to know you session in New Haven.

Loving the purple theme they went with.

C'mon seriously? How PHlipping cute are they!
A little mom and dad time:)
This shot was taken on top of a seven foot high wall. It looked allot more dangerous than it was so the kids were a little nervous. I told them we were going to do a Spider-Man shoot. I think they rocked it!
Super hot Kim!

You just have to love the genuine smile on a child's face. There is nothing more beautiful.

A little family surf.
One of my faves of the day below!

What an awesome day, thanks again guys!

Rebecca and Victor, Married!!!

2009-04-23T21:12:00.034-05:00

Okay, this may just be my longest post ever so go get some popcorn and sit tight!

Dr. Mel's forcast: Rain through the morning and letting up around 1-2 pm.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's just say it didn't stop raining until the last hour of the wedding. But I'm here to tell you it did not matter. Sure Rebecca was a little bummed at first, but who wouldn't be? Once we got going though, Rebecca and Victor totally blew the Water View off the chart.

Rebecca is one of the sweetest, most sincere people I know and I was honored to be able to capture her natural beauty. Not to mention, that Victor, a doctor, was the most easy going and relaxed you can be. A true gentlemen that was only concerned about his new wife's happiness and well being.

A special thanks to Nikki Nicole and Caitlyn Bouchard for team shooting this one with me. We had an awesome time. We got sooo many ridiculosly awesome shots, if I could I would post the whole wedding, I would. I hope these will do!

Next up: Kim and Shane's Family/Getting to know you session.

I love these two shoe shots! The intensity of the framed flower in the 1st one and the lighting in the 2nd give me chills.

The beautiful Bride!
I got all crazy on this wedding with silhouetting, there were opportunities everywhere.
This is one of my most fave moments of any wedding. The first time he sees his wife to be walking towards him.

I love the rim lighting in these next two. I think it really emphasizes the moment and really makes you feel it.

Umm, paging Dr. Mel?
I thought we would have a little fun so we got all wet, sort of. They had an awesome sense of humor for this one.
This next image is getting sent directly to the lab to be transformed into a 20x30 gallery wrap. Pronto! My fave of the day for sure.
You know what's next right?
A little first dance, off camera magic. Lovin it.

Victor performing baby got back with his ladies.

This little one's name is Keegan, just like my son. My son Keegan and I actually met him randomly at a park in Newington last year with his mom, the bride's sister. How crazy is that?
Okay so it finally stopped raining so we went back out right before the end of the day to grab a few dry shots.

Aislinn's 1st Birthday!

2009-04-21T21:51:00.016-05:00

Here are a few images I took at Aislinn's 1st birthday party. I really can't believe she is one already, where did the time go. I think with all of life's crazyness, if you don't stop and look around, you could miss all the important things in your life. I appreciate my Aislinn, Keegan and Erin and love them more than words can describe.

I never take them for granted.

Next Up: Rebecca and Victor, Married!

Sure the party was for Aislinn but Keegan had all his boys and girls there too!
Erin taking control of extinguishing the flame
I can only think what's going through Keegan's head at this moment "if she doesn't hurry up with that cake I'm gonna eat it for her"
Hats off, time to get crazy!

What cake? I didn't see no cake? LOL!

Poppa Shawn having fun at baby girls expense.
And Great Grandpa too.

Getting to know Andrea & John

2009-04-20T19:04:00.012-05:00

Last week, Andrea, John and I spent a few hours walking around New Haven and of course Yale. I have to tell you though, when we were walking through Yale, I felt like I was at Hogwarts. Unbelievable to say the least. I think if I could do it all over again I would give Yale a shot. We had a great time and thanks to John's keen sense of direction, we found a few cool spots.

Here are a few shots from the day.

Next up: Aislinn's 1st Birthday

The architectural design at Yale is nothing short of AMAZING!
Here we infiltrated the famous Yale Green swing for a few.
There's something about a swing that just puts you right back as a kid.
I love Andreas engagement ring, those sapphires are beautiful!
I think this is my fave shot of the day. Okay, set it to 1/15 and stay still!!!

I stopped in this coffee shop for a minute and as I was walking out I grabbed this shot. And to my surprise, I didn't get any weird looks:)

Alexandrea (The Entree')

2009-04-14T21:17:00.014-05:00

I had so much fun with Andi, Ken and Alexandrea I had to do another post. This shoot was, sort of, experimental for me if you will. I usually don't do much studio lighting photography but it's something I have wanted to do more of and this gave me the perfect opportunity. Most of these were shot with a simple off camera flash, shoot through umbrella and an over-sized reflector.

Thanks for a great time guys!

Next up: John and Andrea's New Haven "getting to know you" session.

Meet Alexandrea ! (the appetizer)

2009-04-05T21:54:00.010-05:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the family of Andi, Ken and newly arrived Alexandrea Walpurgis. Andi is a fellow photographer so when she asked me to photograph her newly expanded family I was honored to.

Here are a few to hold you over till the entree'. I have so many awesome images to share so check back soon.

I Love Me Some Martha!

2009-03-30T21:15:00.003-05:00

So a few months back Martha Stewart weddings emailed me and asked to use an image for their winter/spring edition magazine. Needless to say, I was super siked!!! This was my first MAJOR publication so I of course agreed :) To say I was flattered would be a major understatement. It's quite funny given my background in the culinary arts that I would end up in her magazine for photography. Back when I was a student at Johnson & Wales everybody used to hate on Martha, I guess it was the thing to do in the industry. Me on the other hand, was the exact opposite. Before I even stepped foot in J&W I religiously watched Martha's cooking show. I learned alot from her so I have always had grande respect!

Funny how things turn out. I have always been good friends with KARMA ;)

Meet Luna!

2009-03-20T22:22:00.011-05:00

Meet the newest member of the Foley family! Luna is an 8 month old pure bred Vizsla, a what?????? Pronounced Vee - shla. Her descent is from Hungary. She is a cousin of the Weimaraner. I have always had a Vizsla growing up and all I can tell you is these dogs are awesome. They are extremely loyal, protective and human like. I have been waiting for years to get one and now with the new house, the time was right. Luna's dad was a show dog and won best Vizsla in show at the Westminster dog show in 2008. How cool is that!

If you are looking for an awesome dog that is great with kids check them out.

Meet Liz and Lynn!

2009-03-16T22:10:00.016-05:00

Okay, so I have totally neglected this blog for the past few weeks and I sooo apologize to the blog world. Please forgive me:( Since my last post, we have added a dog, started the studio renovation, indulged (or obsessed) in my new found hobby of making maple syrup and started planning for Aislinn's 1st birthday WooHoo!!! So I guess it was all for good.

Anyway on to the show! Meet Liz and Lynn, my 1st "getting to know you" session of the year. We were blessed with what I think was the best weather of the year so far, so we trucked around H-town and took advantage. I'd have to say, I have lived in CT for 24 of the 33 years of my life and I have never realized how much Hartford has to offer. We had an awesome time with Liz and Lynn exploring some of the nice and not so nice we could find.

I also want to thank my new assistant Caitlyn for doing an awesome job and getting her photog on. Caitlyn was a bride of mine in 2008 who will be assisting and training with me for 2009 and beyond. I will give her a formal introduction so you get the scoop! Enjoy!

Off Camera Flash Sally and Patryk

2009-02-26T21:50:00.008-05:00

Okay, I forgot to post a few killer off camera flash shots I grabbed from Sally and Patryk's wedding so I wanted to share. I get allot of emails from other photographers asking me how to go about using the off camera flash technique so I thought I would share a few tips.

- I always start with my flash(s) set at manual 1/8 power to start and then adjust from there. I use a Canon 5D, 3 - 580 EXII flashes (one on my camera with a diffuser attached) plus 3 - Pocket wizards w/ light stands.

-The first thing I always try to do is grab a test shot with the available light so I can adjust the power on my flash(s) and camera settings. Use your assistant or 2nd shooter if available.

- Once you find your correct settings it's really all technique and creativity from there.

- Make sure your subject is in between you and your flash. The tricky part for the rim lighting effect is making sure you can't see the flash in your viewfinder. It's best for the flash to be either behind your subjects head(s) (about 10 feet) or just out of the frame in your camera. Although, sometimes you can get some really cool effects with the flash directly in your sight. It's all relevant to your style and the "look" your going for.

- Sometimes to make it easier, I will set up two flashes to offset the couple dancing and hit different angles (can be tough when they are moving quickly). Of course the slower they dance the easier it is to track your flashes and place them where you want in your frame.

- And last but not least, be creative! Put the flash or flashes all over the place. On the floor, 10 feet in the air or even across the room. It's all trial by error from there.

Here are a few from my last wedding.

Here the flash was on the ground pointing up towards heads.

Here the flash was about 10 feet behind the brides head.
Here the flash was just out of my frame on the floor which allowed the cool burst effect.
This one broke my own rules with the flash directly at the top half of the frame. I love this one because of the light shower effect.
Again, just off the outside of the frame. This gives an awesome light streaking effect.

I enjoy using the flashes to give the dance shots life and to create atmosphere. I think it works.

Eric

Foley Farms Maple Syrup = mmmmmmmmmmm!

2009-02-24T23:36:00.004-05:00

As some of you already know, we bought a new home this past December. One of the coolest things this home has to offer is a 1/3 acre yard with a handful of sugar maple trees. And you know what comes from sugar maple trees right? Maple syrup!!!!!! So I took some tips from my good friend Gabe who taps his trees in Tolland and gave it a whirl. Needless to say it was nothing short of amazing!! I guess it gave me a sort of "primitive" sense of accomplishment (or something like that????) to utilize mother nature in her purest form.

I'm still collecting sap so I can have enough to throw a Foley Farms French Toast party featuring my wife Erin's famous pumpkin french toast. Seriously, so stay tuned! The one draw back is that it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 cup of syrup. That's right! 40 to 1, and now you now why the real stuff is sooo expensive.

Check it out! 1st batch = 2 1/2 cups

XL Center - Hartford Bridal Expo! 2.22.2009

2009-02-15T22:43:00.003-05:00

I will be attending the Hartford Civic Center (XL Center) this Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

I have 4 tickets available so if your interested in going and would like to save the 10$ bucks, shoot me an email asap! Come down and say hello and check out all the stuff we will have on display.

Hope to see you there!

The Cascade - Sally and Patryk!!

2009-02-10T22:05:00.018-05:00

Welcome the 2009 wedding season! Congratulations Sally and Patryk! This was a great way to start off 2009. This wedding was awesome in so many ways I can't even begin to explain. Okay, so of course I'm not going to leave you hanging like that. 1st off, my girl Sally is from my home town of Hard Hittin New Britain so you know she's cool. 2nd, I went to school with her sister Concetta, who almost killed me because I couldn't remember her (it's been a loooooong 16 years). And 3rd, she had her whole family flown to the states from the old country (my families native land, Sicili). It doesn't get much better than that :)

Oh, by the way, Patryk is an awesome guy too! Seriously! I'd have to say, these two are my most laid back couple of 2009 (so far?) Sally was a true BRIDE CHILLA and Patryk was like "what ever". We had a great time and I know they did too.

These 1st four are taken at the Salon Medusa in W.Hartford. Wow, this place was screaming with color. I fely like I was inside a comic book. Very cool.

So I guess this was Medusa?
When I look at this image I hear Jefferson Airplane ringing in my ear.

The Groom.

They had these awesome individual wedding cakes for their guest, how cool.
I just love the texture overlay combined with the patter on the wall.
The beautiful bride!

This ring shot was taken on top of a piano with a christmas tree behind it. Love the lights!

Laura and Steve....Happy New Years Wedding Part 1

2009-01-30T21:54:00.015-05:00

Okay, so everything is slowly getting back to normal. Yes we are still living out of boxes and bags (which I can't tell you how crazy that drives me. Those who know me well know I am very particular about my stuff) but it's all coming together. As much as I thought buying a house in the winter was crazy, I couldn't imagine what it would have been like doing so in the middle of the wedding season.

Anyway, introducing one of the first couples of the new year, Laura and Steve! Two of the coolest cats I've met in a while. They had to be that cool because it was like 6 degrees at their wedding at the Pond House in West Hartford. We were running in and out of the Pond House in between shots just to stay warm. Needless to say, I think Laura made Steve, Craig and I look like wimps. She totally toughed it out while I was looking for every excuse to warm my bald head.

There where so many awesome shots we grabbed so I will post more later. And you know there is going to be more off camera flash :)

Another special thank you to Craig Freeman for shooting this one with me as well.

I used a custom white balance for the tungsten lighting on this one. Some times my 5D over compensates for the lighting but for this one I think it came out pretty cool.

It wasn't hard making Laura look beautiful. She pretty much took care of that naturally. I love this image, it reminds me of a European fashion magazine ad

Steve had such a great, natural smile. How in love are they!

I was Impressed with the Pond House decor. They had quite the winter spread.