’16 had her ups and downs. I’d like to think I learned something or gleaned a new sense of self and understanding of the universe though sometimes I’m not at all sure that’s true.
Globally I’ve been watching the larceny of humanity in Aleppo, Syria on Reuters every day for about 6 months now. A visage well beyond my capabilities of intellect or pen. It gives me great respect for human will, and for my own menial wins and losses.
Personally I have been working my way toward some degree of alcoholic failure for about 25 years, and on February 29th 2016 sobriety found me and stayed for the past ten months or so. My life is a better place to live!
In 2016 my family saw the end of active cancer treatment for my wife and a move toward health and appreciating all that comes with it.
My mother was in and out of the ER with a collapsed lung, emphysema, and managed to pick up an nice case of c-diff along the way. She nearly died, her spirit has been challenged, and her partner of almost 40 years has passed on. She’s doing better, but we all think of Red daily, and for me I get a little mushy every time.
Red (11/28/42-6/4/16). My stepfather, detective, screenwriter, pet store partner, saloon owner, professional ball player, lover of Doo-Wop, and humorist.
2016 was a tumultuous year across the board. For my part in 2017 I’ll be looking for little gems throughout the day and will try to capture them as a reminder to myself that there are beautiful moments to be had, hope in the details and love all around us; there to see if only we remember to look.

Image by Iggy Mcdonald: http://www.iggymcdonald.com/
*RED, AKA:The Redman, Thomas Mulhearn, *
I can remember the first time I set foot into that musty apartment. The place where I held court with my own brand of mischief, learned the brilliance of "Victory at Sea", where I tested the regulations of a litter box, had chickenpox, was kidnapped; and ultimately learned something new and different- Red's thirst for knowledge, his unique insight and the love of a father figure- and I would be forever changed for it. On the 3rd floor above a funeral parlor and a florist in Westchester Square, The Bronx. Red saw something in me that no one including me knew was there or understood. Part Tom Sawyer, part Cool Hand Luke. I miss him so damn much and I'm not ready to let go yet.
I hope I am able to make you proud. I love you big guy!
Bonam Noctem.
2016 ING Weddings~
I show up to this wedding and the brides father works in music production locally and dabbles in photography. He walks in with the Canon 5dmk IV-the newest baddest camera on the market- and hands it to me to check out. The wedding just kept getting better from there and that's a pretty great start!
Everyone was truly amazingly kind and there was intense emotion throughout the day!
Shannon is one of those brides where when you say, "hey I have an idea- you wanna try____??" Shannon's response was always: "Let's do it!!!!"
She's a dancer, stunning and a lot of fun.
Technical-our amazing bride: twirling toward camera (turns out she's a champion twirler!). Shutter drag. Canon d5mkiii, 24-70 f6.3 ish, speedlight Wescott Rapid box octa camera left (to freeze motion) 1/4 power. Post production Lightroom, NIK, double exposure.
These two! James is an attorney in DC and Lauren works for the FDA- a power couple if ever there was one! And of course they have civic pride, the hats were their idea! This shot was taken at The Burchfield Penney here in Buffalo. Love this couple!!!
Taken at The Country Club of Buffalo, this was a small family affair. I have been trying to find my voice, style, and narrative and I still am! But along the way you can see distinct changes in shots, or in this case edit style. This is just a fun image on every level so it makes the cut to be shown off for 2016!
I have been meaning to submit to "Cigar Aficionado" as they usually take private images for editorial. I've been lazy but I do Love this image! Technical: Scott Gable (awesome dude, great photographer) lent me his Canon 135mm. This is shot at F4- Ambient. Canon 5dmk3. The Avanti Mansion. Good bunch of guys!
I have not been on the roof of Hotel Lafayette in years (they locked it down) but my persistent groom and a generous office manager granted us access to get this lovely image. #Aqua
Technical: Yongnuo controller on camera, Yongnuo 600ex-rt 1/2 power, modifier camera left: Wescott Rapid Box Octa, Canon 24-70 2.8 V1, Canon 5dmk3, post production : light : Light Room
A hockey player and a real estate mogul meet in the romantic 1000 islands, and share a glimpse of their story with me/us here in the enchanted forests of Ellicottville. Great couple, fun family and a beautiful location!
Tara (left): Hitwoman/beautiful badass
Kayla (right): Doctor, total sweetheart
Together= salt of the earth.
One of our favorite venues! (Tonawanda Castle)
"Friends, family, countryman"
This session was an engagement present to our cousin. She likes our work, we love her and its nice every once in awhile to get to shoot, have fun and just be. That was what this shoot was. Clean, minimal post production, high key, earthy, album cover. Congrats Hannah and Anthony!
To me this is what my job is all about. Having fun and making great images regardless of the circumstances. It's winter, it's cold, the sky is gray, our bride is beautiful, and a trooper! Raining, snowing, trudging through ice and slush and stunning through it all! #Hoyt Lake!
This beautiful couple, new to Buffalo took a chance on starting a life here in the Queen City, as well as hiring me! I've shot at the Avanti Mansion many, many times. It is one of my favorite locations in Buffalo. However keeping it fresh is MY challenge every time my bag and I leave the building. As we began changing post production in '16 I thought we'd try a high end company that does creative edits. It didn't work out so I made this on my own instead! And thus began my workflow for creative edits. Thank You Julie and Adam!
Weddings spill over with emotions no matter where they are located, the size of the crowd witnessing or the who's officiating. They are wrought with excitement, happiness, concern, pride and love.
The niece of the bride cried through the whole ceremony, though spent much of it buried in her bouquet hiding her tears. We caught an instant here when she came up for air.
Decisive moment; I come to tears lookin at the darn image!
Shannon & Adam
Engagement Session. I never get tired of this location, Wilkinson Point
Great couple from the very start!
Believe it or not minimal post production!
City Lights Studio Photography~Work For Hire~ the 2nd shooter gig:
I have been working with Erica Eichelkraut Zilbauerfor roughly three seasons. 2016 was unique in that we got to travel together, she gave birth to her beautiful second child, and we had a pretty heavy workload together. Erica is a kind, warm, extraordinary woman who has taught me so much about people, the industry, and trust- just from being around her. I have a lot more to learn and welcome '17! Thank You!
I love to travel! I had the unique opportunity to spend time with my work wife, her family and a lovely couple in Longboat Key!
Admittedly I was skeptical about this location. I have shot down here before and prefer to actually be in/on Silo City property. Erica had an idea of shooting on and behind the bridge, and darn it if that RIT, sassy mama wasn't dead on!
I romanticize Park Country Club where this was taken. I grew up in and around country clubs in Westchester County in my teens as an employee, mostly as a caddy. My brother and father-in-law are members and it always feels like home there!
I'm not sure who's more giddy here: the bride on the way to her nuptials or me rollin in a Rolls Royce! My first time!
Environmental
https://www.reverbnation.com/adrianmcgrady
Adrian McGrady has helped me by having a vision, loyalty, and trust. We have done two projects together and he forces me to push myself, to find my limits and go beyond them. For that, I thank you sir!
I am a proud associate photographer at: http://www.onionstudio.com/
Dylan has been a HUGE supporter of mine, entrusting his brand and namesake in my skills. This gig was a referral for one of his clients: http://www.tmgbrandfuel.com/
And holding true to my adage: every time I go in the field I try to create something NEW; this image is a bit voyeur, journalism, wedding, and off camera techie. And I lurve it..
Aaron Ingrao a long time friend and supporter of Campus Wheelworks had a scheduling conflict and entrusted me to cover their AWESOME annual event "Cross In The Park!"
This event brought ALL of my experience and skills to bear. Wedding, journalism, action, commercial, interpersonal, and athleticism (or in my case- lack thereof).
fun-FUN!
Product
Rob @ Artisan Autoworks
was kind enough to have me in to take some pictures for their rebranding. Hey beautiful!
Poor dog.. he's been though a lot. Still a great damn dog!!
I have been going to Elmwood Pet Supply for almost 20 years, these guys care! And often know more than my vet so get your ass down there and shop!
I will be pushing to shoot more food in '17. I've been around great chefs my whole life and it has exuded into my consciousness. I enjoy shooting food, the creativity involved in cooking and the joy in feeding friends and family!
BUFFALO NY ~2016
I took this photo from the 300 level of New Era Field which is about 15 miles south of the city. It was before the game and I was up there taking pictures for the pregame ceremony. I have gotten into the habit of keeping my long lens on the canon 5dmkiii during this part of the day. Around my neck the primary rig is the Canon 7dmkii with a 6.5 mm lens which really only works on the crop body because its so darn wide. Hence keeping the long lens ready to go on the the mk3.
I mention all of this because having a moment in my perch, noticing I could see the city through the winter haze, I grabbed this shot. Post production Lightroom and NIK.
I will say this. I've been here in Buffalo on and off since 1995. This City has always been kind to this fool, and has tried to teach me. I hope that I can continue to learn and grow here.
I am proud and humble to call this modest, great, and historic city my home.
We have known the Higgins family via Elmwood Pet Supply for almost 20 years now, but have become personal friends over the past five or so.
They have been kind enough to share their home and lives with us. This is the view from their home on the shore of Point Abino Canada.
TRAVEL
We're leaving for our annual excursion south in one week! I have watched my style and creativity ebb and flow specifically here in Miami. It's a great privilege to get out of the frigid north for even a week. It seems to shorten the winter a bit but I also tune up and experiment on these excursions. This image is a bit playful in trying to bring out the sun rays through underexposure, post processing in NIK, cloning out the ships and other distractions through photoshop and lightroom CC. Yet ominous in content and drama. See you in a week!
What can I say! Its PISA!!!
Climbing the Duomo in Florence is WAY WAY more demanding, however even though Pisa may be a bit touristy, I think this image conveys the beauty of the architecture and location of this stunning city.
San Gimignano is a beautiful town south of Florence which embodies the Tuscan landscape, charm, and beauty. It was rainy and overcast and we didn't care one bit!
About a month after Red, my step father passed I was in Spring Hill, looking for cartharsis, perhaps even closure. I found this.
On my second trip to Italia, this time sober. I enjoyed myself and my time there more than I thought possible. It is a beautiful country, with welcoming people. I look forward to going back, I feel like I have unfinished business there.
the woman behind the man (mostly in front of)
Valerie Ingold, VP @ Commercial Collection Corp. My partner @ ING. Our last wedding of 2016 @ our heroes house!