Ava's Birthday Party {NYC}

I dropped my daughter off at one of her best friend's birthday parties a few weeks back, but before I left, I couldn't help but capture some of the simple, kid-friendly details that made this party something special.  And of course, I snapped a few portraits of the beautiful birthday princess herself. 

What I didn't get pictures of before I left, but heard about from my daughter later on (who was grinning from ear-to-ear as she bounced up and down), was that there was face painting, giant coloring pages, pizza, and the most amazing favor bags EVER. I guess I need to step it up next year.

 

 

 

 

 

p.s.  I never knew you could get personalized birthday balloons. Awesome.

Saturday Night at the MET {Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC}

Magic. That's the only word to describe it. 

When you come to New York and the MET is on your must-see list, do yourself a favor and plan to experience it on a Friday or Saturday evening.  It's not crowded whatsoever, the museum is open until 8:45pm, and there's something incredible about the way the live classical music reverberates off the limestone in the Great Hall when you enter. 

I spent nearly every Friday and Saturday night here while I was an intern in NYC for a semester.  That was nearly 9 years ago. Because I went so often, I can fill a medium-sized Christmas tree with my MET pin collection. Literally.  

My feet always seem to find one of two paths through galleries that invariably lead me through the European Paintings wing.  Just like a bug to a light.  I just can't help myself.  

It's been a while since I've been there alone, and it was fascinating to be a silent observer. To watch the way people interacted, engaged in conversation, and made insightful/hilarious/totally ignorant observations about the art in front of them.  I think I'm going to go back regularly just to people watch. That, and there's pretty good art there too.  

 TIPS

• Make your Friday or Saturday evening at the MET a night to remember with dinner and live jazz music in the Petrie European Sculpture Court, which is open from 9:45am to 10:30pm, but the live music doesn't start until around 7.  Or get appetizers and drinks at the Balcony Bar in the Great Hall from 4:00-8:00pm.
  
• The MET has a suggestion price, but it is by donation. If you are pressed for cash, just give what you can. 
  

And no, it's not a white balance issue you'll see below, the Great Hall is made of Indiana Limestone, which has a lovely warm glow. So inviting and cozy in a building with such a grand scale.

And just for fun, see if you can spot me in the ceiling of the American Wing (fifth image from the bottom)

 

 

 

 

and some 5th avenue bokeh (shot from the street) 

I'll wager that the widget below is going to refer you to something totally random, but if you liked this post, you'll likely enjoy this post of the Getty Center in LA. I also say "magic" in that post.

Miriam {New York City Newborn Portraits}

A preview of epic proportions for some of my favorite (and most patient) clients.  I consider it such an honor to photograph precious moments like these.