Matthew J. Wagner - Photography

Today is National Bike to Work Day!

2012-05-18T17:26:00.001-04:00

Here's me celebrating National Bike to Work Day! Enjoy!

Portrait of Simsbury Bicycle Sculpture and Sculptor Featured in Hartford Courant

2012-05-16T16:57:00.001-04:00

This Saturday, there will be a special unveiling of the new Bicycle sculpture at the ABC House in Simsbury. This will be a temporary location before moving to it's final installation location at the corner of Winslow Place and Hopmeadow Street. Check out the entire article about the Artwalk in tomorrow's Courant at the link below...

Scores Of Artists, Vendors Part Of ArtWalk Simsbury

We Have Liftoff!

2012-04-11T21:25:00.000-04:00

I love creative projects and working with creative people!

As you may know, we specialize in executive portraits. This client, The Lift Factor, is a marketing company in nearby Essex, Connecticut who is a creative force in the marketing industry. They are a new company formed from a larger marketing company that specializes in 3-dimensional mailings pieces... really neat stuff.

We knew we would be creating black and white images in a square format. I wanted to capture the essence of each individual in the team but also show their role in the company. Here are a few of my favorite portraits from the session.

To see the rest, go the http://theliftfactor.com/ and click on "Who We Are" on the top of the page to see who the "heavy lifters" are and the cool portraits we helped create.

See if you can identify the following just by looking at the portraits below:

Project manager
CEO
Creative team members
Sales and Marketing
Strategy team
Digital team

Check the above link to check your answers.

How many did you get right? Leave your comments below.

Head Over Heels for the GTC

2012-04-10T21:25:00.001-04:00

Our studio has been located only steps away from Simsbury's Gymnastics Training Center for about two and half years now and we are finally going to get to work with them and the amazing children that train there.

Next month we will be photographing the youngest of the GTC's class members and we can't wait. Here's a sneak preview of what we plan to do. Check out this little girl and how closely she matches the frog on the wall!

Daffodil Event 2012 - Azul & Soleil

2012-04-09T14:24:00.000-04:00

And our last chapter from this year's Daffodiil Event, Azul & Soleil. These two beautiful girls with beautiful names (Spanish and French for "Blue" and "Sun", respectively) arrived perfectly dressed and styled. And it's now wonder, since their mom, Monica is a professional stylist and the magic behind MoniKey. Check out her website here and enjoy the photos of her beautiful spring models.

Daffodil Event 2012 - Keeley

2012-04-08T14:23:00.000-04:00

Meet Keeley, our very talented and photogenic new model from our Litchfield Daffodil Event.

Keeley just loves the camera and the camera loves her. These images really capture her and the essence of the day: the blue sky, the green fields dotted with yellow blossoms. I can't wait for my next session with Keeley!

Enjoy these few favorites.

Daffodil Event 2012 - Ava & Marisa

2012-04-07T14:23:00.000-04:00

Two little princesses visited our spring paradise!

Marissa & Ava arrived like two royal daughters in their beautiful gowns. Little Ava would wave to everybody with a Queen's wave. So dainty and graceful!

Here are some of our favorites from the session...

Daffodil Event 2012 - Cheyenne

2012-04-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Meet Cheyenne! What a talented little model!

We met Cheyenne and her mom at the Big Y Kid's Fair back in February. They traveled all the way from New Haven for this special studio event and we are so glad they did. She looked so cute in that white hat and beautiful white dress. Enjoy these images of Spring.

Daffodil Event 2012 - Emma & Julia

2012-04-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

All twins are special. Emma and Julia are extra special.

Portrait photography is an interesting balance of observation and direction. Some subjects need more direction than others. Some subjects don't want direction or even have difficulty taking direction.

With Emma and Julia, I soon discovered that the best thing to do was to observe and find the beauty in them and their activity. In this wonderful setting, it wasn't difficult. I could have sat and watched them for hours. They were singing, reciting, dancing, just totally taking in their surroundings.

This last photo was somewhat an uncanny experience. The two of them just formed this symmetrical pattern with their bodies and arms and stayed that way for a few moments. I don't know why, but it just spoke to me of their connection to each other and the surrounding landscape.

Thanks grandma for bringing Emma and Julia to Litchfield for me to meet and photograph. They are truly special people.

Daffodil Event 2012 - Kenzie

2012-04-04T21:17:00.000-04:00

Everybody has been asking about how our Daffodil Day went so here's the first installment.
With the crazy premature warm weather we had it was really tough to judge the ideal timing for this event. When we arrived it was obvious that the flowers hadn't reached their peak yet. But there was plenty of beautiful daffodils to enjoy.
We started the day with Kenzie, the daughter of one of the students in my recent photography basics workshop. She just loved seeing all those pretty yellow flowers! Her red hair and blue & white dress were perfect for the lovely setting of Laurel Ridge Farms!

Stay tuned for our next installment: Emma & Julia!

Fun with Gavin!

2012-03-27T20:38:00.000-04:00

Meet Gavin!

The cutest little guy of the week award goes to Gavin. I mean, look at him. He's got gestures, personality and smiles galore. And, not to be minimized, good looking parents!

Combine that with a new photographic toy, I mean, tool, that I brought to this session and some cool forms of transportation and you get these awesome images of little Gavin and his folks. Which ones do you like more: on the Jeep? or the motorcycle?

Photography Basics Workshop Series Continues!

2012-02-21T19:45:00.001-05:00

OK here's the proof.

Proof that our photography workshop it fun for all ages, in (almost) any kind of weather and at any time of year. This is our second year for the photography basics workshop and even though we had to postpone the workshop once due to what was supposed to be a snow storm, we still had a capacity-filled room of learners.

That's Nathan up there with the big grin on his face. Meet Shannon below.

Caprice is hiding behind her camera (just a bit shy).

This was Nathan before he knew I was there.

Go Rebecca! She worked with us on a wedding last fall and I think she picked up on some of my techniques for getting the best angle. ;)

Thanks to all our students for making this a great class again.

Since we now have completed 3 classes of photography basics 101, we are announcing a new workshop: "Mastering Manual - Photography Basics 102" on March 31, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This workshop will help students who have completed the first course and now understand the basics of their camera settings. We will cover more on composition, lighting, getting great color from your photos, using an on-camera flash, and more.

The price is only $195. Click here or call 800-320-8254 to reserve your seat! See you there!

Some Enchanted Evening

2012-01-13T12:17:00.003-05:00

Engagement sessions are usually fun. But when there's a theme involved, it can go to the next level.

This session is a perfect example. Nathan and Nicole wanted to give their wedding guests a taste of what their wedding day will be like. The masquerade masks and their clothes were a perfect fit, not to mention a great location for the session: St. Clement's Castle in Portland, CT.

Today we received their coffee table engagement book back from our designer. All I can say is "Wow! Wow! Wow!" Check it out here or click on the cover below to see the book. Enjoy these highlights from the session.

Click here to view the book!

Autumn Evening at the Farm a Success!

2011-10-26T17:15:00.000-04:00

Well, one thing's for sure: Tim Goodwin of the Community Farm of Simsbury really knows how to throw a party!

The turnout was incredible and the weather was great for being outside, riding ponies and eating fresh kettle corn. Here's a visual tour of some of the evening's fun and entertainment...

There was no shortage of live entertainment either. I couldn't believe how may cool bands there were. Here's a group of young guys rocking the farm.

Here's the line for the hayrides.

Visitors to the barn enjoyed a petting zoo and a gallery of some of our favorite fall children's portraits.

Congratulations to Brian Heany, winner of the teacup auction of a family portrait session and gift portrait!

To Do or Not to Do: First Look Before Ceremony?

2011-10-13T12:56:00.001-04:00

Last week I asked my clients how they felt about having a first look portrait session before their ceremony on their wedding day. Watch the video below to see their answer...

Lauren & Kevin's Amazing Wedding at Carlyle on the Green

2011-09-26T20:54:00.001-04:00

There's absolutely nothing like a Long Island Wedding.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wedding for so many reasons. First, my amazing coworkers. As usual, I get to work with my wife Teresa. I also got to work with my buddy and New York-based assistant Lance. We documented the day with our favorite wedding filmmakers, Geoff & Kate of The Light Mill Film Studios. And we met a bunch of new friends.

Then, the location. I got my start photographing weddings in the greater New York City area and there is just something about photographing weddings there that both inspires and amazes. Carlyle on the Green was no exception.

And lastly, speaking of inspiration and amazement, there is Kevin and Lauren. What a beautiful bride and an amazing couple! I am so happy for the both of them and their families. It wasn't easy to narrow these photos down for this post, but here are a few of my favorites from the day...

Lauren and her bridesmaids looked awesome with the help of Stacey and her team from Once Upon a Bride.

The weather was threatening rain but we were able to photograph Kevin & Lauren's first look on the beautiful grounds of the Carlyle on the Green. Look at Kevin's reaction to seeing Lauren for the first time in her wedding gown...

... and Lauren's reaction!

No groom would be complete with a bunch of crazy guys to help him out on his wedding day. These guys kept calling me "Lance" all day. I guess I remind them of their friend Lance. That probably would have been OK if it wasn't for my friend Lance assisting me. Very confusing.

I believe this photo is an ideal example of a glowing bride!

Maya of Swank Productions did a great job setting up this room for the ceremony. Those hanging candles behind the bride and groom were her handiwork.

These people know how to dance and have a blast!

DJ FLO got the party started right away with some amazing grooves. The reaction of the dancers tells the story.

Endearing words from the Maid of Honor and the Best Man, Kevin's brother.

Congratulations Lauren & Kevin! You guys rock!

Lauren & Kevin Engagement Session

2011-07-20T15:29:00.001-04:00

Here's a slide show of Lauren & Kevin's Long Island City engagement session last month. Leave a comment to let us know how you like it.

Teresa and I are looking forward to their wedding this fall. We will be working with our favorite wedding filmmaker, The Light Mill Film Studios!

Janice & Kevin Engagement Session

2011-05-03T19:30:00.001-04:00

Janice & Kevin's wedding is coming up very soon. They chose one of my favorite places in the Farmington Valley to photograph, Collinsville! If you like Janice's makeup and hair, it's because our friend Dana Bartone & Company did a great job! Check out their website.

UPDATE: Since this session we heard that sad news that Janice's mother passed away. Please keep her and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Seeing Double: Daniel & William

2011-05-02T19:20:00.002-04:00

When it's cold, rainy and the trees look like barren wretched twigs reaching to the sky, it's time to stay indoors. This time of year (March / April) doesn't favor our usual outdoor environmental portraits. That's why we tried something different for Daniel and William on their first visit to our studio.

Enjoy the cuteness...

Double trouble!

I sneaked this one of grandma. She looked too good to pass up.

Sierra

2011-04-30T19:12:00.001-04:00

Many of my blog readers probably have noticed that I am not a big fan of the latest effects or heavy-handed treatments. One of the few treatments that I regularly use (and my favorite) is my own sepia toning blend. There is just something about the absence of color and the graduated tones that is surreal.

Here is my new little friend Sierra. As you can see, she is quite a little character.

We Want the Funk!

2011-04-24T12:07:00.002-04:00

I met Cynthia several years ago when we still lived in Brooklyn, NY. I always remember her as a very happy person. When we heard that she finally found her soul mate and was to be married, we were elated!

I didn't get to meet Danny until the day of the wedding, but we spoke over the phone. What a fun couple!
We started the day at Dan's apartment and after a few minutes of helping him choose the right tie for his suit, his roomate heard him mention my first name. "Are you Matthew Wagner?" he said. "Yes" I said. Then he told me who he was. It was Desmond! I hadn't seen him in ten years but we used to work together back in the mid 90's. What a small world! Little did I know that would be a recurring theme to our day with Cynthia and Dan. We bumped in to so many friends and friends of friends throughout the day.

Oh, you might be wondering why I chose the title I did for this post. That's because Dan's last name is Funk. Cynthia is very happy about her new name that is much easier to spell than her maiden name. As you might imagine, the DJ at the reception had his fun playing with "funk" in the title.

Anyway, here are some of our favorites from our day.

Teresa stayed with Cynthia while I went with Dan to scope out the best locations on the island.

Rocky the New Britain Rock Cat Visits Simsbury!

2011-04-19T18:12:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday we officially welcomed baseball season for this year thanks to the help of Rocky the Rock Cat. Rocky is the mascot of the New Britain Rock Cats, our local Minor League baseball team. We teamed up with Kidz Kutz in Simsbury, a hair salon just for kids for this fun outdoor event.
Even though we had a rather cold spring day, we had a good turnout. And what would a baseball event be without popcorn!

Rocky arrived in the Rockymobile and was kind enough to bring along a fun baseball / skeeball inflatable attraction!

Teresa made sure that Rocky knew what to do and where to do his thing.

Honk if you're a Rock Cats fan!!!

This thing was a blast!

Go Noah!

Rocky strikes!

Stewart from Opticians Unlimited in Hartford takes a swing...

Ouch! Strike!
Blake did better than all of us grown-ups!

Everyone who participated will receive a complimentary souvenir portrait from the event. Be sure to stop by the studio for yours.

A fresh haircut from Lisa at Kidz Kutz!

Special thanks to Lisa Chapman (left) of Kidz Kutz for hosting this fun event and to David Richman for letting us use the property!

Matthew J. Wagner's Work Appears in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine

2011-03-24T16:00:00.001-04:00

This past summer we had the privilege of photographing table tops once again for Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine.

The venue chosen for this photo session was AWESOME, the newly opened Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. If you haven't been there you definitely need to check it out. Top notch service and ambiance. I brought Teresa back with me a few months later to enjoy the amazing Sunday brunch.

Anyway, here are a few of the images featured in the current (2011) issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style New England magazine along with the page numbers where you can find the images.

After the images featured in the magazine, I added some other "behind the scenes" photos that were not featured. Enjoy!

The first setup (above) is on page 166 of the print edition of the magazine featuring the following collaborators:

Table Design: True & Wesson (True Event & Chocolate Creative Design) Floral Design: Hana Floral Design Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. , Rentals Unlimited, Wildflower Linen Table/Chairs: Rentals Unlimited

And as for behind the scenes.... let's just say we weren't the only ones who thought it was a great day for the beach.

For more behind the scenes photos of us working, check out the True Event blog post here.

This next image features:

Flatware, glassware and chairs from Ocean House Table & floral design and linen: Elements China: Wedgwood Oyster plates: Alison Evans Ceramics

Here are some close ups of what's on the table and the flowers.

Here's a fun one from page 160, a collaboration of Jubilee Events and Tony Palmieri of Datura a Modern Garden. What made it fun (or challenging) is that we had to move this very heavy glass-mirrored table and all of its settings from a spot in the sun (impossible to photograph well) to this beautiful shady spot. Some funny facts about this location: This is the common locker/shower area. Just off of camera left were shower heads and faucets. Tony was perched atop the shower column holding the left-hand side of the bamboo that holds the flower chandelier. I really love the textures of the large stone wall behind the table and the smooth black stone tile of the floor. What do you think?

Table design: Jubilee Events Floral design: Datura, A Modern Garden Chair covers and napkins: Roberta Karsch-Resource One, Inc. Table setting: Party Rental Ltd. Table and chairs: Luxe Event Rentals Stationery: Posh Paperie

Check out more photos on Datura's blog here.

On to page 150 with Victoria Kenyon of Toria Dolce. I love fondant cakes!!!

And here are some others that didn't make the magazine pages... Enjoy the inspiration!

Fun Kids Event at Kidz Kutz of Simsbury, CT

2011-03-16T16:35:00.001-04:00

Attention kids!

Spring is right around the corner and you know what that means... BASEBALL SEASON!!! To commemmorate this American pastime Matthew J. Wagner Fine Photography and Kidz Kutz of Simsbury are hosting a special event for kids of all ages.

When: Saturday April 16, 2011 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Where: Kidz Kutz, 730 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT

Facebook users can get more details about the event and RSVP here.

For everyone else email us here.

Meet ROCKY from the New Britain Rock Cats at this exclusive Event. We will be there to create an unforgettable portrait of your child (or you) with Rocky from the Rock Cats. Receive a complimentary souvenir gift portrait of each child. FUN giveaways and tickets to the Rock Cats game this season. Don't miss it.

Photos of the week - Sandra's Online Dating Portrait

2011-03-13T13:46:00.001-04:00

"Do you do dating headshots?" Well, yes and no.

We create dating portraits. Portraits represent the real you and highlight the qualities that YOU want to project. We don't like to use the word "headshots" because it doesn't fully represent what we do for our clients. Your profile photo should be much more than a "shot". This is your first impression. First impressions are lasting impressions.

If you are looking for love online, separate yourself from the crowd by having us create a beautiful portrait for you. Most people who use online dating websites try to do this themselves or use a snapshot they had sitting on their computer. The results? Mediocre images that just don't represent the real you.

Call us or email us to find out how to put your best foot forward online.

(860)264-4192