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  • About Shira

    I am an international photographer based in New York, an award-winning member of the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) , ISPWP, and a member of the Best of Wedding Photography Association. My work has been published and acclaimed internationally, appearing in Brides Magazine, Anhelo (Japan), The Knot, and The Knot China. I have also been featured on many industry-leading blogs such as Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, WellWed, Essence, Bride's Cafe, Brooklyn Bride, OneWed, Merci NY and more. Originally from Israel, I have had the pleasure of photographing many American, French, Yemenite, Ethiopian, Korean, Indian and Moroccan weddings and events. I have photographed in New York's most legendary spots like the Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza, The Pierre, Gotham Hall, the Hamptons, and more. Through my photojournalistic style, I aim to capture the spontaneity, joy, emotion and ambiance of the important day with photos that present an unfolding story. My incredible clients have taken me all over the world to photography their weddings; including India, Canada, the Caribbean, etc. I am free to travel throughout the US and internationally, and am available for a wide variety of events. Feel free to look at my website.

    Also, here are a few testimonials from some of my wonderful clients.

  • My Blog

    Welcome to my blog!   This blog showcases not only my work from many of the beautiful weddings I am privileged to photograph, but also reveals glimpses of my personality.    Here is an opportunity to share some great moments  as well as give clients,  guests and friends the chance to comment. I also hope prospective clients will be able to not only explore my photography and style, but will also find inspiring ideas, recommendations , and tips for their own wedding planning.   I myself got married five years ago and I remember how overwhelming it all was- especially picking the right photographer!  :-)

Posted in Weddings

Lauren and Jeff were married at Water’s Edge in Long Island City. The Groom dressed the Ravel Hotel, while the bride preparation was at Lauren’s family’s house in New Hyde Park, close to the Notre Dame Church, where they exchanged vows.

Lauren approached her wedding with the aim of realizing the storybook romance that every girl has been imagining since childhood. I had sensed this during their engagement session, when they related how Jeff proposed- on the banks of the Seine immersed in all the romantic splendor of Paris. As a further example, in the fall months, I am often encouraging my couples to meet before the ceremony, professing that I need as much time as possible for portraits before the afternoon light fades. Charmingly, Lauren would have none of that! As she wrote me “I really want the first moment we see eachother to be when we are walking down the aisle – I’ve always dreamt of that moment”. Certainly, it is a worthy tradition to uphold, and for a documentary photographer, there is inescapable anticipation and suspense etched into the faces leading up to the Ceremony. It is, after all, a girl’s dream about to be fulfilled.

Vendors:
Dress: Alvina Valenta
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Hair: NuBest Hair Salon in Manhasset
Flowers: Spitz & Peck
Band: Hank Lane
Makeup: Raychel Wade of Cheek to Chic

Here is a sneak peak of some of their photos:

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Posted in Weddings

Allyson and Josh were married at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie, which they chose not only for the convenience of being located between both families, but also to reflect the charm of the Hudson River Valley in which Allyson grew up. There was also a hint of Josh’s upbringing at the celebration. His family has been in the wine business for five generations, and Allyson and Josh designed a beautiful wine label with a photo from their engagement session, with bottle given as a gift to all the guests.

Symbolism is quite important to Allyson and Josh and the rings they exchanged in the ceremony, which was officiated by Allyson’s sister-in law Amy, held a very special significance. Josh’s ring belonged to his Father and Allyson’s to her Mother. Allyson’s ring was also incribed in Hebrew with the most poignant declaration of love in the Bible, from Solomons’s Song of Songs: “I am my Beloved’s and my beloved is mine”

Now, I don’t want to say that there was another star at the wedding, except for the Bride and Groom themselves, so let me at least say that Lido, the Greenstein family dog, admirably fulfilled his role as an impeccably attired member of the wedding party. Although I think everyone was a little stunned when Lido, taking extra liberties with his role as a Groomsman, lifted his leg and made a pee on the Chuppah. :) Allyson, later appropriately explained, that as a member of the family, he had to fully participate in the celebration with his own mark.

As a final note, I was delighted to hear from Allyson that on their honeymoon, Josh was inspired to consider a career change and become a photojournalist. Allyson said he was crazy in love with taking pictures and even instructed her to “do what Shira was telling us to do” :)

Vendors:

Flowers: by David Anthony (Monroe NY)
Video: Stephanie Siddi Video Productions
Photobooth (so much fun for guests!): Saratoga Photobooth
Band: Hank Lane

Here is a sneak peak of some of the photos:

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Posted in Brooklyn Museum Weddings, Weddings

Michelle & Thomas were married at the Brooklyn Museum. The magnificent Beaux-Arts Court was recently renovated and provides a splendid and majestic setting, replete with stunning chandelier and arches, for celebrating. There was an inescapable air of sophistication, sipping champaign and walking amidst some of the Museum’s finest paintings- Monets, Picassos and Renaissance masterpieces. I tried to capture some of that art gallery Museum Chic in the photos of the wedding party.

We started the day at Michelle and Thomas’s house. I love glimpsing how a couple lives together, and along with an iguana and a delightful cat, they seem to live in perfect harmony.

I am never sure about the intent of design, but I am perceptive when it comes to feel and atmosphere. I immediately sensed the hue of soft pink in the air, from Michelle’s bouquet, the bridesmaid’s dresses, to the hanging orchids. It reminded me of the colors of the beautiful pink cherry blossoms Michelle and Thomas were so fond of capturing for their Engagement session. For some, it is a song that brings to mind a recollection of a beautiful shared day. Perhaps for a photographer, it is something more visual like a color.

Here is sneak peak of their photos. I will be adding the vendors and the story of how they met soon.

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Posted in Weddings

Fraidy and Tani were married at Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst. The path to their happy union was started by that modern friend of many Jewish singles – Jdate. Even though they actually met on their own, hundreds of people were evidently trying to set them up, so like Tani says “it took a village”.

At the start of their relationship, they were living on separate coasts with Tani out in San Francisco. It was a pleasure to hear the story of their first date. Tani, who was no doubt immediately taken by her, reveled in the many coincidences they shared between themselves- their common traditional Jewish background and experience, her elementary school around the corner from his boyhood home, and all the people they both knew. By highlighting all the things they had in common, Tani was doing his best to spark something genuine. Fraidy, displaying her love of outdoors adventure, with a more pressing test of compatibility and what was important to her, just wanted to know how often Tani went mountainbiking. “Three times a month” was Tani’s impressive athletic response
and, from his perspective, enough to seal the deal. “That’s it?” Fraidy replied.

Fraidy amusingly had chosen a restaurant right near her sister’s house, providing a convenient getaway in case the date did not go as planned. But it went well, and after dinner, Tani played up his fun loving side, by very enthusiastically offering to take out his brand new car on a semi-wild ride on the curviest streets of San Franciso. He was sure that Fraidy would love such a short after dinner drive. Her reply: “Naaaa, I’m just going to go home.” He could only console himself with the obvious conclusion that she HAD to run home to tell everyone what an amazing date they had! Evidently they did, as relatively soon thereafter, Fraidy picked up and moved to SF!

Anyone that moves cross country for love has to have an adventurous spirit, and Fraidy displays that in abundance. I later learned in the toasts, that as a former executive of the Hudson River Trust, and a big advocate of literally immersing oneself in NY’s beauty, she swam in the Hudson River – evidently a much safer experience than rumored! Now, of course, she is immersed in marriage- one of life’s greatest adventures.

Here are some of the photos, followed by a slideshow:

Please enjoy this slideshow of their wedding:

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Posted in Weddings

Yvonne and Jason were married at Bridgewaters. I have felt very connected to this special couple since last year and was very excited to be a participant in their wedding- to witness both the joining of two people in love and marriage, but also to see the melding of their Jewish and Chinese heritages.

The Bride and Groom shots were taken in the South Street Seaport. It was an hysterical moment when we added to the wedding party, by borrowing some “guests” from a dog walker. I love in the picture the wagging tongue of one of the larger dogs that looks as if he wants to participate in the kiss ;)

Symbolism held a very important and rightful place in the wedding, thoughtfully incorporating and melding traditions from their respective cultures. The flowers were orchids, the Chinese symbol of love and fertility. There was the Lion Dance, often performed at Chinese weddings for good luck and to ward off evil spirits. All Lions have to fed of course- by lucky red envelopes placed on the tables, stuffed with money. During the performance, the Lion proceeded to tear apart a head of lettuce and throw the leaves about to spread prosperity. This performace was counterbalanced by the Jewish tradition of the Horah, a dance in which the family and honorees are traditionally hoisted up on chairs. It was also a very nice touch that the ancient game of Mah Jong was represented by the tables markers. Interestingly, this ancient 2000 year old Chinese game had been historically introduced to America and played by Jews, and continues to be a shared passion between Chinese and Jewish communities.

Mazel Tov, the Hebrew expression for congratulations was paired with Double Happiness. Double Happiness, which is also the name of Yvonne’s stationary business (yes, she deisgned everything :), is the traditional Chinese character that signifies marriage, representing in its symmetry the union of two lovers. All I can say then is that I wish Yvonne and Jason the very best- Mazel Tov and Double Happiness!

List of Vendors-

Hair and Makeup:
Suzie Ho and Johnny Lau @ V Salon
75 Elizabeth Street (b/t Hester & Grand St)
(212) 966-7767

Cake:
Bridgewaters

DJ:
Big Apple Entertainment

Florist:
Designs by Ahn

Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaid Dresses:
Young Lions

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