New Blog

Just wanted to let you all know that all future blog posts will be on our new blog which has been integrated into our website. You can check it out by going to the website and clicking on the link to the new blog on the very first page. Hope you enjoy and look forward to reading your feedback!

California Wedding

Just returned from California, where I worked my brother and now sister-in-law's wedding. I wasn't the official photographer - they had a husband and wife photojournalist team who did a great job shooting the day for them. I was actually the entertainment for the wedding - I sang several sets of songs including their first dance. When I get my hands on an image, I'll post it here. I did manage to pop off a couple of shots between my sets - one sunset portrait of Seth and Erin outside the Scripps Aquarium in San Diego where they had the reception. It was a truly amazing day - gorgeous weather, ceremony right over the beach and just a wonderful celebration of a great couple!

Amendment to Press Release

It was brought to my attention that our math regarding our 44% "Inequality in Marriage" discount was slightly off. Technically, there are only 5 states that recognize same-sex unions, leaving 45 states where marriage equality does not exist. Washington D.C. also recognizes same-sex marriages, but does not qualify as a state. Since our original idea was for the discount to reflect the number of states where same-sex marriage is not recognized, we are adjusting the discount to 45%.

We appreciate the support - and the constructive criticism - we have received from the press, wedding websites, gay rights groups and same-sex couples.

We continue to look forward to the day when same-sex marriage is recognized in all 50 states.

Inequality in Marriage Discount

We wanted to share the following press release with you which went out to the media today announcing our "Inequality in Marriage" discount. We're pushing to get this out in front of not only same-sex couples, but mainstream media as well in an effort to bring more focus to the issue of equality in marriage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:

April 6, 2010 Jared Slater

212.591.0642 or 917.403.5538

mailto:Jared@JandJPhotography.net

MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

Wedding Photographer Stands Up for Marriage-Equality

New York, NY - J&J Photography has announced a 44% “ Inequality in Marriage” discount forsame-sex couples who wish to marry, celebrate a commitment ceremony or a civil union.

“We decided the discount should be 44 percent to represent the 44 states where marriage-equality does not exist,” said photographer Jared Slater, who with his wife, Jeanne Slater, owns and operates the New York City-based studio.

“While we know it doesn’t make economic sense for us to offer such an unusually large discount, we are willing to reduce our income to disprove the state legislature’s erroneous perception that straight New Yorkers don’t care about this issue,” said Jared Slater.

As more states recognize the rights of gays to marry, J&J Photography will reduce the discount to reflect the decreasing number of states where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. When marriage-equality exists in all 50 states, the “Inequality in Marriage” discount will be discontinued. Slater says, “We will ask gay couples to pay the same rates as straight couples when they are given the same rights.”

For more information, call 212.591.0642 or go to http://www.JandJPhotography.net.

###

Professional Photographer's Association

I'm excited to announce that I am now a member of The Professional Photographer's Association which is the largest non profit association in the world for professional photographers. This promises to be a great way to grow our business, keep on the cutting edge of advances in the field and provide our clients with the best possible service. There are a ton of great benefits to joining the PPA many of which will directly effect you - due to the PPA's partnership with Midwest Transaction Group we will soon be able to accept credit cards making it much easier for you to book a session with us and order prints.

Our new membership with the PPA is sure to help us provide you with a great overall experience in addition to the beautiful images we'll create for you.

NEW WEBSITE!

Once again, I've been MIA as far as new postings here, but I'm determined to make that part of my new year's resolution and update the blog more regularly. I have been really busy with headshots as well as gearing up for another wedding season. One of my big projects has been to update the website - we'll actually, it's more than an update- it's brand spanking new! All new wedding photos and headshots as well as two brand new galleries: Families & Kids and a Theatrical Gallery where you can see some of my production work, which I hope to be doing a lot more of. The website address remains the same: www.jandjphotography.net Hope you have a chance to check it out and hope you enjoy the improvements!

Monica & Brandon

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is getting to see customs and traditions that I've never seen before, so I was thrilled to shoot Monica & Brandon's Russian Orthodox ceremony this last June. The day started off with preparations in the hotel with a frantic bridesmaid making phone calls to locate missing family members while the other ladies helped Monica get ready.

The church itself was gorgeous - iconography everywhere you looked with an amazing richness of color. The light was beautiful and accentuated by the candles Monica and Brandon held throughout the ceremony.


Crowns were held over their heads for most of the service by the hardest working groomsmen I've ever seen!

They exited the church to the bridal party showering them with rose petals.

At the reception, they were toasted by Monica's father, the nobel prize winner, Dr. Yunus, who has a great sense of humor!

Finally, at the close of the night, guests lined up with sparklers to send Monica & Brandon off to their honeymoon. It was an amazing day and I'm so happy to have been part of it. Congratulations guys!