A Perfect Summer Day at Avon-by-the-Sea

This past summer, my family and I decided to head down to Avon-by-the-Sea in New Jersey, one of those quintessential beach towns that reminds you why summer is the best season. It was one of those days where the sun, sand, and sea all came together to create the kind of memories you hold onto tightly.

This trip was extra special because my family was all there, from my wife and kids to my mom and stepdad, and even my cousin joined us. We set up camp with umbrellas and beach chairs, staking out our spot on the crowded beach as we prepared for a full day of relaxation and laughter.

The kids, as always, were the first to hit the water, excitedly grabbing their buckets and shovels, ready to build sandcastles and search for seashells. My wife and I, always with cameras in hand, couldn't resist capturing these moments. The photos you'll see here were taken on my trusty Olympus OM-1, using a combination of my 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2.8 lenses, and of course, shot on Kodak Portra 400. The film really brought out the warmth of the sand, the vibrant colors of the umbrellas, and the laid-back, sun-kissed vibe of the day.

One of my favorite shots from the day is of my mom and cousin at the shore. My cousin, laughing, holding onto a bucket of seaweed, while my mom points something out, their joy completely unfiltered. It's one of those candid moments that feels so genuine, a snapshot of pure happiness.

As the day went on, we spent time walking along the shoreline, dipping our toes in the cool ocean water. The kids splashed around while we watched boats and kites in the distance. One of my other favorite shots captures a lone sailboat on the horizon, the kind of image that makes you feel calm just looking at it.

We ended the day sharing snacks under the beach umbrellas, the kids exhausted but smiling. We took a final group shot before packing up—it's the kind of picture that, years from now, will instantly transport me back to this perfect summer day. These beach trips are about more than just fun in the sun; they’re about the family moments we create, the laughter, and the time spent together.

This was the last beach trip of the summer, but it couldn’t have ended on a better note.

Beyond the Lens: How Humility and Growth Shape My Wedding Photography

Hello and salutations!

Today, I want to share a story that’s close to my heart and holds valuable lessons for both couples and fellow wedding photographers. This story dates back to one of the first weddings I had the privilege to be part of, a day that taught me lessons I still carry with me in my work today.

The couple in the image below were truly a joy to work with—easygoing, silly, and absolutely in love with each other. It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose to pursue wedding photography. Being surrounded by such genuine affection and happiness fuels my passion for this craft.

But beyond the love and joy, that day also reinforced an essential lesson: service is above ego. I was the second photographer that day, and as fate would have it, the lead photographer got lost on the way to the portrait session location. Since I had driven with the couple, I was with them the whole time. When they asked if I could step in and take the portraits, I hesitated. I didn’t want to step on any toes, so I tried to decline. However, their request led me to a future lesson that has shaped how I work today.

When the lead photographer finally arrived, she was noticeably upset with both me and the videographer. Her reaction, fueled by ego, disrupted the mood of the day, a stark contrast to what our focus should have been—serving the couple. This experience taught me that in wedding photography, our priority must always be the couple’s experience, not our own personal concerns. Our work is about capturing the essence of their love and joy, regardless of who takes the shot.

The third realization I had that day was about commitment to growth. I looked back at those moments and knew I had the potential to be really good at this, but only if I kept learning. That commitment to growth drives me every day, pushing me to improve my craft so I can better serve my couples. It’s why I’ve built a team that shares this philosophy. For example, my go-to photographer Nicole (@photography.by.strain) consistently goes above and beyond. At a recent wedding, she made sure the couple stayed hydrated and cool by providing fans on a very hot day—simple yet thoughtful gestures that make all the difference.

Reflecting on that day reminds me how much I’ve grown and how important it is to stay humble, committed, and focused on what truly matters. Whether you’re a couple planning your big day or a fellow photographer, I hope this story resonates with you. Remember, in the world of weddings, it’s all about love, service, and continuous growth.

Thank you for reading!