The Knights of Rutgers calendar - 1766 magazine article - Fall 2009

With the positive response that the Spring 2009 1766 article had, I was asked to write a second story about the men's project. As you can see, it was black and white and mostly close-up. It was November 1982 and to be honest, it was alittle embarrassing going around searching to the best-looking men at Rutgers. It was alot easier on the second time around. After I took the women's photos, I took the men's photographs. The seven photo sessions for the women's project allowed me to get better at portrait photography - even though I taking photographs of Rutgers women starting my freshman year (it was a great ice breaker). Please check out the color pics of Steve, Jose and the others. I hope they don't look too dated.  

The Women of Rutgers poster - 1766 magazine article - Spring 2009

I started a Facebook group to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Women of Rutgers poster. A reporter on 1766 magazine saw the group and contacted me about this article. At that time, they wanted me to focus on the women's project.

In its day, it received alot of press. I remember an ex- Rutgers roommate, who worked in NYC, called me that he saw an article in the Post. That was unexpected. It ocurred because ABC news was doing a story as well. But that's how PR works. While I was only able to get quotes from two of the models (Joy and Denise), I have connected with three more WOR models since last Spring. Its funny to learn that every female Rutgers alumni, except one, moved out of NJ. I'm hoping that doesn't saw something about NJ since I'm a Jersey boy at heart. 

I'm hoping readers will be reminded that I've been involved in photography for a long time (since I was ten). Now Digital, I've gone full circle. 

Jack's birthday party

While we normally have Jack's birthday party in the back of our building, Jane and I decided to have Jack's 6th birthday party at his new school. It was just being practical, especially with eight month old twins. I was happy to see that all the boys got along, especially since they weren't all in the same class. In addition to boys from Jack's kindergarden class, we invited boys who Jack knew from his old school last year who - like Jack - transferred to a new school this year  as well as the boys that Jack met at summer camp who also attended Kindergarden at the school. 

Since the flash on my camera is designed for a 50mm lens. I bought a new Canon flash for the event - along with a side power pack. The new flash enabled me to capture the action, especially using the higher-powered lens. At first, I had trouble shifting from action happening a few feet away to action that happened 40 feet away (at the other end of the gym). I solved that problem by standing in the middle of the gym and rotating in a 360 degree turn every few minutes. I did manage to get photos of everyone - even though the children I knew better probably received more "face" time. 

Speaking about faces, I had a funny face contest in the lunch room. Some of these photos are posted on Facebook (see below link). to be honest, I didn't post them all. I showed the photographs to Jane and she wasn't pleased seeing kids with a mouthful of food posing. Note to self - have funny face contests before the pizza is served. I was able to get two dads to pose (usually its the moms). 

Hope you like the photograph.....

To view additional photos of jack's birthday party, please click here

Jack and Friends

These photographs are very personal and details a few weeks in August after Jack finished summer camp. I had just purchased a new lens and took Jack to visit my mother in August -leaving Jane with the twins home. My mother lives on the border of Lakewood and Brick - which is only a few miles from the beach. Jack loves the beach - not for the water, but to collect shells. Our first day was uneventful (no shells) and decided to go in the late afternoon on the second day. Jack was amazed by all the shells we collected. The next day, my brother, Doug, and his step-daughter came for a barbeque and I got some great shots of everyone in the pool. They didn't have too much time to swim since children have restricted pool hours. I was also fighting the sun which was strong that day.  

After seeing how great the photographs turned out, I took Jack and his friend (and neighbor) Carey, in the park and amusement park. I have to say, Carey is a natural model. I've been shooting photographs of him for years and he's very comfortable in front of the camera. Jack, on the other hand, will give me  a sign (sticking out his tongue) when he's dome modeling and wants to be a normal boy. Most of their interactions were natural. I did suggest that Jack measure Carey at one ride (with so-so results) and Jack to whisper into Carey's ear (with great results). I find that I get great results by suggesting a pose to kids - of course only some of them follow it.  Besides these samples, I've posted over 60 photographs from these outings onto my fan page on Facebook. I hope you like them.  

To view additional photos of Jack and his friends at the beach, playground and amusement park, please click here

Zaslow double birthday at LA club

To view additional photos of the Zaslow double birthday party, please click here