I am a total Christmas junky. I think I listen to Christmas music most of the year (I skip it in spring, it feels a bit sacrilegious to remind the earth that it will soon be dying in winter just as it is blooming in spring). These past two weeks in the midst of a humid New England summer I have been dreaming of the first hint of Autumn (that crisp bit of air that turns and twirls in your lungs) and Autumn of course leads to Christmas. So, Christmas music and Autumny photos have been in my head.

Below are some photos I took back in April (spring yes, but cold enough for a hat and coat) of Instructor and Author Jay Miles. He needed some portraits for his upcoming book Conquering YouTube (coming soon through Michael Wiese Books). Since his photo will be in the book, Jay had to stay in the realm of the traditional jacket portrait but he wanted to dance a bit over the line. Jay has one of those timeless faces, you could snap a shot of him in any era and he would fit naturally. I took him down to a local river community which may not be timeless but whispers of it. Thank you Jay.

If you are reading this from a summer heat, I hope you felt a breeze off the water, a chill beginning in the air and just for a second thought about grabbing your hat before you headed out the door.

Today starts Katie and Nathan’s wedding week. Katie and Nathan are the kind of friends that I want to hang out with even when I don’t want to hang out with anyone. Katie is a scene from a Willa Cather novel, Katie is a porch on a summer night in the middle of a mint field that has been toasted by the sun. Nathan, well, I am convinced that if you took off one of Nathan’s many coats you would find a sword and some armor; he doesn’t need to use these things to fight of dragons very often, he uses them more to lead the way toward new adventure with an encouraging yelp and run. I’ve had the pleasure of taking many photos of these friends, so in honour of their upcoming wedding I thought I would post a few more.

Makeup by Courtney Hart.

White (polka dot) Dress by d.aMa Design.

I am absolutely excited to photograph their wedding on Sunday!

Abigail Zsiga is an international musician. She has one of the most amazing voices I’ve heard. To hear her live gives you goose bumps and makes your skin melt all at the same time. Abigail is releasing two new albums this year and needed some new shots. We had a great (very full!) day. This shoot was styled by local designer Brittany Solem and Erika Morrison, makeup by New York makeup artist Caroline Hahm.

Our first stop was my favourite New Haven vintage/antique store The English Building Market (thank you Carol!)

Dresses provided by The English Building Market

Like I said, this was a very full day. We visited several locations and captured several different looks. Did I mention how fun this was?

Next location – a gorgeous empty apartment on Wooster square (thank you Marilyn!).

Little black dress provided by The English Building Market

A huge thanks goes out to Gayle, Brittany, Erika, Caroline, Marilyn and Carol! What a beautiful day…

Katie Chastain is a wonderful singer, songwriter and artist. She is also a good friend. Vintage dresses provided by Artifaktori.