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Beyond The Lens Photography bio picture

Visual Artist Unleashed

I am a mother, a wife, a friend, and a photographer.  Photography is the part of my life that has brought me here:

Welcome to my blog.  Here you can find my most recent work along with other tidbits from life's adventures.  I have had a camera in my hand since my first son was born 12 years ago.  Since then, what was a hobby, has flourished into an obsession and a career.  I find my passion for photography grows everyday.  Whether it is something new to learn, a new friend to make, or a new place to explore.  Photography challenges me, and allows me a creative outlet all at the same time.  So I welcome you to look around and get to know me a bit, feedback and conversation are always appreciated.  And check back often for new posts and stories!!!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Raw Photo Design 

Monthly Archives: August 2009

Sailing in Long Island Sound…not a shark in sight!

As most of you know, Joe and I went on a sailing trip back in the beginning of August with some friends.  I have to say I was getting more and more freaked out leading up to this trip, but I was trying to contain myself so I didn’t freak Joe out.  This was all coming on the heels of shark week, which I never ever…EVER…miss…EVER.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see God had decided to see things my way that day, and we only had calm seas.  I was so relaxed I was able to have my camera out the whole time!  No huge waves, no panic attacks, and no woolly buffalo-ing (I know that’s coming up on the spell checker, but I’m ignoring it).  Here are a few of my favorite shots of the day.

I just want to give a big “Thank You” to our fearless captain George for inviting us.  It was an awesome time and I think everyone really enjoyed them selves.  You can go ahead and sign Joe and I up for next year….or next week…whatever! 

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And one of his first mates….Joe!

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And the other first mate Lincoln.  He’s from St. Lucia and he’s got this whole “island” thing down!

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And this is Pam, Lincoln’s wife, and a deck hand on board.

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This is Peter, George’s son, and it seems to me that he has done this sort of thing before.  You know, growing up on a sail boat and all :)

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HOT….Seriously…steamy hotness!

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Lincoln just has this “Island Boy” look to him…and the light was AWESOME…so I took a lot of pictures of him!

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Does Lincoln have a little Captain in him?…Not in this shot, but it looks like he has before…LOL!

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 Lincoln is checking the shark situation in the water for me here…thanks man.  I didn’t want to tell you guys then, but I swear I saw a 14 ft Great White off the starboard side (is that a sailing term, or just a boat term?).

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September 6, 2009 - 11:48 pm Brianna Phelan - These are awesome - great captures and memories :)

August 28, 2009 - 9:48 am Tab - Wow! Makes me want to try sailing again....as long as it isn't rough! Everyone looks great and it is obvious they had a great time. Great work!

August 27, 2009 - 3:51 pm Peter Berntsen - Wow! I wish we had professional photographers come sailing with us more often! Very, very nice!

August 27, 2009 - 2:55 pm Olga - Nice!!!

August 27, 2009 - 1:16 pm Nancy Berntsen - Stunning, awesome work! Wish I had could have made that trip with you all!

August 27, 2009 - 12:45 pm JoAnn - Seriously, if you don't send those pictures of Peter to J. Crew or Nautica you're crazy!

August 27, 2009 - 12:03 pm Lincoln - Either you or that camera is a miracle worker! Thanks for managing to make me look respectable. As we say in the islands "Ya man, dem pictures irie"

August 27, 2009 - 10:42 am George Berntsen - Great pictures Danielle, Best I've seen on the boat. Glad you enjoyed the trip, we'll have to do it again sometime. (and there were NO sharks!)

August 27, 2009 - 10:04 am Bob - Joe, You are so hot! No, really good pic of you sitting on the boat. Bob

Jen & A.J.; Wedding at The Pavilion on Crystal Lake

Earlier this month I had the privilege of shooting Jen and A.J.’s wedding at The Pavilion on Crystal Lake .  Jen and A.J. are a very unique couple in a lot of ways.  One of the most differences that stood out to me personally is that this wasn’t just a celebration of their love, but also the union of a family.  In the spirit of this, my coverage of their wedding was a bit different than most, and my selections for my favorites also played toward that side.

 Jen and A.J. are still in Greece (they are done sailing now and are visiting Athens for a few days), but I did want to get  a blog post up for them just to let them see some of the shots from the day! 

I also wanted to give a big thank you to Carrie Roseman for second shooting this one with me :)

 

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 Jen got dressed at A.J. ’s cottage where they have spent a lot of their time getting to know each other.  I loved the “homie” feel it had.

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 Jen and A.J. wrote their own vows to one another.  Jen had practiced all morning, feeling like that would keep her from getting emotional during the ceremony.  Who would of known it would be A.J. that would show the first signs of “loosing it”.  In this shot, Jen grabbed his hand to give him some support, and I thought this moment was more emotional than even a first kiss as man and wife.  I loved it!!!

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I think this is my favorite shot of these two!  A.J. almost never smiles in pictures.  He is a happy guy, and EXTREMLY funny, but he always looks so serious.  I love the relaxed moment caught here. Especially the way Jen is looking at A.J. like a school girl :)

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 Prior to the ceremony, Jen and A.J. made it clear to me that they really wanted to play with night photography…..ummm yeah, I’m all over that!

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Another very special moment during the reception was when Jen and A.J. had a special dance with Jen’s youngest children.  I loved this moment I caught between Jen and her son…so sweet :)

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 Trust me, A.J. is smiling on the inside….he really is a funny guy :)

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September 9, 2009 - 11:19 pm Robert J. Trenske - I guess it was already said but I will say it again, nice job with the lighting!!!!

August 27, 2009 - 11:17 pm Eric Foley - Hey, I think you should try some off camera lighting! Oh wait a minute.... Sweet post and I love that color shifting you got going on!

August 26, 2009 - 2:15 pm jenny - OMG amazing shots! Love the last ring shot and the off camera lighting - excellent job!!!

August 26, 2009 - 10:33 am Jonathan - I love how you are able to capture the simple elegance of our facility. I was super excited when Jen and AJ said that they had hired you. I especially love the night shots ..... you are awesome Danielle!

August 26, 2009 - 9:31 am Val McCormick - Rock that light baby!!! My fav is the shot of Jen and her son! Awesome job on these Danielle!

August 26, 2009 - 7:24 am Joe Fuller - Wow, these are awesome baby! Night shots are amazing, they are some of my all time favorites of yours. Uh, Backlight very cool yet very romantic in the arbor picture (my favorite). Oh and that look that AJ has while dancing, I think he is already on the boat!! Great Job babe and congratulations Jen and AJ!

August 25, 2009 - 11:39 am Lucy - Love the night shots !!! and one where A.J. smiles, so cute :)

August 24, 2009 - 11:01 pm eric langlois - dude - those night shots are sick!!!! Way to rock it!!

August 24, 2009 - 4:05 pm ohana photographers - loooove that first shot!!

August 23, 2009 - 4:01 pm aunti - the bride walking down the stairs is my FAV!! thanks again for sharing!!

Jen & AJ; Wedding at The Pavilion on Crystal Lake (Sneak Peek!)

 

Last night I was at The Pavilion on Crystal Lake with Jen and AJ celebrating their grand union, and I just wanted to post sneak peek for them before they set sail for their sailing trip to Greece (yes, I said they are sailing to Greece and I am more than JEALOUS!!!)

I had a blast with you guys last night and there will be more photo goodness to come. Have a blast in Greece and BE SAFE! (watch out for lobster traps Jen, I hear the waters over there are loaded with them!)

 

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August 27, 2009 - 2:57 pm Olga - As always, Superb!!!

August 23, 2009 - 3:56 am Meghan (Pavilion) - This picture is great! I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures from that evening. It was great to work with you!!!

August 22, 2009 - 8:40 am eric langlois - Dude - this shot is sick!!! Love it!!!

August 20, 2009 - 9:54 pm Cynthia - This is such a sweet picture! I love the lighting.

Denise & Morgan: Wedding in Northampton, Massachusetts

Denise and Morgan were married in Northampton Massachusett last Friday.  I had an absolute ball spending time with them and getting to know their friends and family.  We all know last Friday there was a massive storm moving across the entire East Coast, but Denise and Morgan didn’t let that put a dampener on their celebration.  I believe fun was had by all.  I also want to give a big shout out to Carrie Roseman for shooting this one with me.  I had a blast.  Thank you Denise and Morgan for allowing me to share in this special day and I hope you’re having a blast in Jamaica.

Here are a few of my favorite shots of the day:

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 I couldn’t decide between the dress shots, so I had to post a few.

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 Here Denise is taking time out of her busy day to make sure the ring barer is feeling comfortable about going down the isle.

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 I love Denise’s huge smile in this as she’s staring down the aisle at Morgan!

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 HELLO ladies!!!  These guys were sooo much fun during portraits!  I got a ton of them all just ham’in it up!

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 It wasn’t raining during this shot, but we wanted to use the weather to our advantage so we busted out our golf umbrella.

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 I don’t normally do this, but this little guy was such a ham, I had to make him his own little collection of shots.

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 Here are some of the details, including the two pins Denise got from her grandmother and pinned under her dress for luck!

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 I was just capturing some details here, but I really love the color in this shot.

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This shot is hilarious!  Morgan and his brother had choreographed a dance to the song “I come from a land down under”…seriously funny!

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 And here are some moody shots outside as Denise and Morgan were winding down their night!

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September 4, 2009 - 7:08 am robertrory - The scenario of photographs are extraordinary.The wedding dress of bridegroom is awesome.The shots are fantastic.Really great work.

August 27, 2009 - 2:59 pm Olga - My favorite, the wedding shoes shot...

August 24, 2009 - 8:04 am Abner - How wonderful! Maybe they can share their secrets for a happy, long lasting marriage so we can all have happier lives together.

August 23, 2009 - 4:30 pm aunti - wow I didnt know I didnt leave a comment here on these. First of all did the bride match the color of the dresses to her eyes or is that you?? I love love love the umbrella pic sooo unique xo

August 19, 2009 - 10:50 pm Brianna Phelan - These are gorgeous shots and so much fun. It looks like an awesome day :)

August 15, 2009 - 9:35 pm Eric Foley - That shoe shot is the best I've seen in a while! Way to rock this one out!

August 11, 2009 - 10:27 am Patricia and Tom - Morgan and Denise, It was the most beautiful wedding! Even the rain couldn't dampen such a perfect day for the two of you. And these pictures! Amazingly they captured the true fun and energy that everyone shared with you both on your most special day! Love you both! And welcome to our family Morgan! Mom and Tom

August 10, 2009 - 7:49 pm Karen Anderstrom - Beautiful wedding. It was like a dream. The photographs are fantastic can't wait to see the rest. Much love mom and dad.

August 10, 2009 - 4:56 pm Mark and Kenna - Denise and Morgan, We think these are awesome pictures of your wonderful wedding. We can't wait to see all of the others. Best to you both. Love, Dad and Kenna

August 10, 2009 - 1:32 pm Denise & Morgan - We love the pictures!! They look so great! I love all the details and the ones outside with the umbrella and the one where Morgan is dipping me! You did such a great job we can't wait to see them all!! Oh and Morgan looks hysterical in the dancing photo...Awesome!

August 10, 2009 - 3:56 am ohana photographers - love love love the umbrella shot!

August 9, 2009 - 10:08 pm Brianna Phelan - These are beautiful - so many amazing shots! (:

August 8, 2009 - 7:57 pm Lucy - The SHOES....the rings....dress....umbrella....little boy.....the kiss :))) WOW !!!

August 7, 2009 - 2:50 pm Vicki Souza - Awesome Danielle! Love that shoe shot and the dress shots, and that moody one of the couple under the veil! Great job ; )

August 7, 2009 - 2:39 pm Robert J. Trenske - So many awesome shots here but I have to say I am really digging that first shoe shot and all of the details. Seriously nice work Danielle!!

August 7, 2009 - 9:13 am Danielle - Katie, yes...that's Joe, my husband! I for sure married up! And thanks for the comments guys!

August 6, 2009 - 10:56 pm Katie Slater - Awesome job! There are sooo many great photos in this post! :) And what a cute comment - was that your husband lucky girl!! ??

August 6, 2009 - 9:21 pm Gabriel Scala - My God, D...these are amazing. Well done!!

August 6, 2009 - 9:19 pm Nghia Tran - Great work! Love your details. Love coming to your blog! We should plan a shoot together ;) Nghia

August 6, 2009 - 1:50 pm Joe Fuller - I always have a preview of the photos you've taken. What I love the most is seeing photos when you are downloading them and picking my favorites. My selections change as I get to see some of your editting in progress. Finally I get to see your final product, and see if any of my initial picks made the blog. This blog role has totally blown away my first picks. There are too many favorites to name, but I will try; the shoes, the rings, Denise and Dad, dress shots, Denise and Morgan under the lit tree, Denise and Morgan under the umbrella (ella ella eh eh!),and the ring bearer montage! Rainy day, whatever....you rocked it!! Great job baby, when is the next wedding, I can't wait for the blog!!