Patrick Collins Photography bio picture

Welcome to Patrick Collins Photography!! {the blog}

As you can see, we've updated our look and we're very excited about it!! Actually, it's not just our look, it's a whole new platform for us and we think it's going to be fantastic. So, let's start with the blog...

Well, this is it: our official blog. If you're not familiar with blogging, you're in for a treat. Blogging allows us to quickly and easily keep in touch with our clients, friends and fans and we plan on taking full advantage of that ability to keep you current with what's happening at Patrick Collins Photography. It's also very interactive. You can subscribe to this site and you'll automatically be notified when we post something new. You'll be able to see our latest work and comment on it if you'd like. And, we'll be running plenty of "blog only" specials (like free sessions, discounts on orders, etc.) to keep things interesting. We plan on updating this site at least twice a week, so check back frequently to see what's going on.

Of course, our "traditional" web site is only a click away. You can access it via the "Website" link above and right or click here.

So, don't be shy - check out the posts below and let us know what you think!!!

Kylie! {portraits}

Kylie is extraordinary.  Let me tell you why.  We had originally scheduled her session for this past Saturday.  Because we do everything on location, rain is a deal breaker in most cases, so Saturday was a wash.  No problem, we have a plan B and reschedule for Sunday. Now, we’re up against a bit of a deadline, so Sunday is really it for us.  And when I look out the window Sunday morning, it looks perfect: blue skies, cool clouds and some sunshine - awesome!  Then I actually step outside and get completely blasted with what feels like full blown arctic gale force winds.  AWESOME!  So, what do you do in a situation like that?  Well, you just hope (pray, beg, plead, whatever) that you get to work with someone like Kylie.

We worked outside for most of her session and she never complained.  Not once - not when she was cold, not when the wind was whipping her hair into her face (which was pretty much constantly), not when I kept moving her from place to place as the sun moved in and out of the clouds - not at all.  Kylie was like a pro.  Throw in her fantastic smile and great attitude and… well, we think the pictures speak for themselves.  Kylie, you did a stellar job, you look amazing and I hope you like the images as much as I enjoyed working with you!

Taylor! {portraits}

Sometimes I have so much fun on a session that it just doesn’t seem right to call it “work”.  And that’s exactly what it was like to photograph our latest Model Rep, Taylor.  Why?  Because Taylor is an amazing person to be around.  She’s smart, articulate, a pleasure to talk with and she just has this great energy about her.  Of course, we did have some help along the way - Laura, Taylor’s mom, was a top notch assistant and close friends Nancy & Betty (did I get the names right?) were there for support.  But all in all, the credit goes to Taylor, who kept us all smiling and did it with style.  Taylor - we think you look absolutely gorgeous and we’re excited that you’re a part of the program!!

Devin! {portraits}

Now some of you may remember Devin from an earlier post a few months ago.  Ten minutes into our first session, I knew that she would be a perfect fit for our Model Rep program so we were thrilled when she accepted.  One (of the many things!) that we love about Devin is how incredibly versatile she is - and it’s completely natural.  She can go from edgy to “All American” to athlete faster than I can change lenses!  Throw in her creativity and enthusiasm and we’ve got an extraordinary addition to our team.  There is one very important lesson that I learned while working with her in downtown New Haven: you have to be very careful photographing Devin near busy intersections with heavy traffic.  Why?  Because it stops.

Karissa! {portaits}

Karissa is everything we were hoping to find in a Model Rep - she’s great to work with, we love her sense of style, she plays bass in a band, she works after school, she paints, takes pictures - we could go on and on but you get the idea.  It doesn’t hurt that she photographs like a supermodel either!  Don’t be fooled into thinking this Model Rep gig is a walk in the park - Karissa just makes it look effortless.  What you can’t tell from these images is just how cold it was out there - but she and her mom, Kim, showed up ready to work and Karissa gave it 100 percent the whole time.  Karissa - we think your images are absolutely amazing - you go girl!!

John! {Portraits}

Senior year probably seems a long way off for the current class of juniors right now - but we’ve been busy working with our Model Reps getting ready for the class of 2010!  We had a great shoot with two of our reps last week (don’t worry Devin, yours are coming soon!!) and we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to John.  We’re excited that he’s part of the Inspired Image program - he’s exactly what we were looking for - friendly, easy going and a very talented musician (seriously - check out his music  here).  John - you did a great job and we’re looking forward to working with you again.  Let us know when you’re playing and we’ll be there!

Gabrielle! {portfolio}

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to work with some really fun, talented people! Gabrielle wanted some new material for her already impressive portfolio so we did some location work in Waveny Park against the gorgeous fall scenery. In addition to being an artist and model, Gabrielle is also a new mom and brought her beautiful baby daughter along to see how it’s done. Of course, I had some help on this session - the lovely and talented make-up artist, Leanne Harpin, did a fantastic job bringing out Gabrielle’s natural beauty. And I was lucky enough to have Tiffany and Sionnie, two very capable assistants, from the Hallmark Institute of Photography. Thanks for all the hard work!!

Elena has a new baby sister! {portraits}

And Laura and Will now have two beautiful children! They are amazing people and we couldn’t be happier for them! By the way, Elena is a true superstar (I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that she has parents like Will and Laura)!! Not only is she comfortable in front of the camera - she’s a complete natural and is one of my absolute favorite people to photograph. She’s outgoing, smart, artistic and she’s going to be a great older sister.

So, without further delay, we proudly introduce Julia in her first public appearance…

Trevor, Leslie and Carter! {portraits}

It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and Laura and I were lucky enough to be able to spend it photographing a beautiful young family. We probably kept them out a little too long, but they were just so nice and we were really enjoying ourselves! Carter was a great sport the whole time and took the session in stride. Trevor and Leslie, you both did a great job and we appreciate all the patience. Here’s a quick preview of what’s to come - we look forward to showing you the rest soon!!

What, no people?! {personal}

It happens. Sometimes I photograph something else! Staying creative is a constant challenge, so I try to keep myself from getting too complacent. Usually, it’s with self assignments. I come up with a self-imposed rule or two - something that goes against the grain of what I would typically do. The idea is to try out things you wouldn’t necessarily do on a “real shoot”, like crank the ISO, shoot everything from down low, make the subject blurry, etc. Last week was admittedly on the easy side (but hey, I was busy): photograph stuff in the backyard. I did give myself one “catch” - no 70-200mm (my goto portrait lens). These are some of my favorites (done with either a 100mm or a 24-70mm for those who care).

Luca {portraits}

We’ve known Luca and his family for about two years now. I can tell you that if you are invited over, two things are certain: the food will be fantastic (especially the hand made pizzas!) and the only thing you will do more than eat is laugh. So, I was really looking forward to this session. Laura and I had a great time with Luca and Cris and although there was some debate as to the function of our last location, Laura remains firmly convinced it was, in fact, a morgue!