Roots really isn't over & I honestly don't think that it will ever be, at least not for me. I learned so much in such a short amount of time & I know that it will forever have an effect on how I shoot. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the first one. I met so many amazing people. Emilie and J (along with all of the mentors and team leaders as well) did an awesome job. I went into this with both eyes closed and left wide eyed and full of wonder.

Roots is not for the faint of heart, you must shed any preconceptions of your work at the door as well as your ego. Your work is going to be thoroughly critiqued by those who are true photojournalists. If you are sensitive or lacking in thick skin, stay home. This is exactly the type of workshop that I was looking for, I wanted my stuff torn apart & then be given the direction that I needed to grow.

It comes down to one image, one image to tell a story. Is it possible to tell a story with a single image? It's certainly not as easy as you might think.

My assignment was to document AmeriCorp volunteers from AmeriCorp Cape Cod. AmeriCorps Cape Cod is a fulltime residential service program committed to addressing the environmental and disaster related needs of Cape Cod's community and fragile natural resources. I was thoroughly impressed by these young people; they had to deal with some pretty nasty stuff & do some pretty hard work. Not once did I ever hear someone complain nor did I see anyone not doing their fair share.

I truly hope that I did them justice in documenting their efforts.

Here are a few extra links showcasing yours truly getting down & dirty: Jennifer Domenick, Emilie Sommers, Eric Laurits

Sunday morning I will be heading to Cape Cod to spend four days getting my learn on at the very first Roots Workshop. I have been looking forward to this for the better part of a year. It's unlike any other that I have attended in the past; rather than sitting around in a hotel conference room listening to someone speak, we have to work.

Here is the breakdown:

"Wedding photojournalism is a popular buzz word in our industry. But few know that photojournalism actually refers to news photography. Instead of just adopting the trendy style, invest the time to truly learn the craft.

Roots Workshop is an introduction to photojournalism for already-established wedding photographers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the roots of this chosen genre. Taught by some of the best photographers and photo editors in the country (including visual editors from National Geographic and Newsday) and wedding photographers with a background in news photography (including Greg Gibson, Jennifer Domenick and Emilie Sommer), Roots is different than other wedding photography workshops because it blends students with staff who have actual experience in the editorial photography, all living together under the same roof."

I might be a little hard to get a hold of next week, I'll be answering emails just as quickly as I can. I'll be sure to post images just as soon as I return too.

New rates for 2009 go into effect on 7/1/2008. So the offer for locking in '09 dates at '08 rates expires in two weeks.

A “Heart Gallery” exhibit of 43 portraits of children awaiting adoption will be on display at the Noreen Reale Falcone Library on the Le Moyne College campus.

Yours truly was one of over thirty photographers who volunteered to create special portraits of these children who are hoping for a “forever family”.

The opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. A former foster youth who was adopted at the age of 20 will be speaking on her experiences and the importance of permanency for children of any age. In addition to the portraits, the exhibit will also include video clips of 15 children sharing their thoughts about themselves in hopes of finding a family. The exhibit will remain on display at the college library through June 30 during regular library hours.

"As you tour the exhibit and learn about the hopes, dreams and interests of these children, may you be inspired to open your heart and your home to a child through mentoring, fostering, or adoption," said NYS Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrión, Esq.

The exhibit is a collaboration among the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and its Syracuse Regional Office, local departments of social services, voluntary agencies and talented photographers from the Professional Photographers' Society of Central New York. These photographers have donated their time and talents to help children find families. Ellen Dunbar of Auntie El's Photography and Videography, a Le Moyne College alumna, also donated her videography services and helped the children to feel comfortable talking about themselves in front of the camera.

The exhibit was inspired by the original Heart Gallery held in New Mexico in 2001. Heart Gallery exhibits introduce some of the waiting children through the artistic inspiration of talented photographers. Heart Gallery exhibits have been featured throughout New York State.

The exhibit will be on display throughout the remainder of the year at the following locations:

July: Utica Public Library (315) 735-2279 August: Flower Memorial Library - Watertown (315) 785-7701 September 1-12: Beard Building Gallery at SUNY Cortland (607) 753-4928 October: Broome County Public Library - Binghamton (607) 778-6400 November: Onondaga County Court House - Syracuse (315) 671-2111 December: Tompkins Public Library- Ithaca (607) 272-4555

Currently, there are more than 1,400 children in New York State who are waiting for a permanent home. Most children available for adoption in the state are in foster care. For more information about the exhibit, call the NYS OCFS Syracuse Regional Office at 315-423-1200. For more information on adopting, visit the NYS Adoption Service website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us/adopt or call 1-800-345-KIDS (5437).

Recently I've received a number of inquiries for next year's rates & dates.

For the time being 2008 rates are applicable into 2009, that is subject to change.

So booking your '09 date now will lock you in @ '08 rates.

My good friend John Larkin snapped this shot while I was in the midst of contemplating a leap from one brick wall to another. I was on the verge of throwing caution to the wind when I saw John raise his camera & encouraged me to "go for it"; then I knew it would be a mistake.

Time is running out on the free engagement sessions.

Choosing a wedding photographer is difficult because there is no “do over” and you want to make sure that you’ve chosen the right person. So what better way to find out if we are a match made in heaven than a no strings attached engagement shoot? We’ll hang out for a while get some cool stuff and take it from there.

I’m serious!

So for a limited time I’m doing absolutely free engagement shoots. Just hit me with an email for all the juicy details!