I’ve never really blogged about the experiences that go on behind the people and events I’ve been fortunate to shoot over the last few years. Yesterday really opened my eyes to one area in particular that has greatly affected the overall outcome of many of my weddings and portrait sessions including the shots I did with Nobu and Robert DeNiro for HD Mag as well as the day covering Slash for Spinner.com and AOL Music last May. I would like to call attention to one salesman who has played an enormous role in the successful sessions and final outcomes I’ve had over the last two years.  This would be my salesman and now friend Efraim, who works in the retail store at Adorama. I can say without hesitation that Efraim is the main reason why I have continued to use one shop for all of my photography purchases. Be it a phone call, email or extremely last minute stop into the store, Efraim has always had a solution.  Any photographer who has asked me where to get this lens or that camera has heard me say, “go to my guy.”  And for a long time he was my secret, BUT I really believe that he deserves as much credit as possible for the job he does.  I needed an SB900 for the HD Mag shoot last minute, and of course when you really need something you normally can’t  find it. Efraim had one waiting for me within two minutes of my phone call on the way down.  I needed a very special lens for a very special situation at a wedding recently and I can guarantee you that this lens was impossible to find anywhere else at that time.  Within 10 minutes of receiving my email, there was a phone call that my lens was waiting for me at the register. For these reasons and many many more I am as loyal to Efraim as he has been to me.  I won’t tell you where to spend your hard earned money, but if you’re looking for the best service in NYC, without the hassle, remember that Efraim is an email or a phone call away from trying to solve your next piece to the photographic puzzle.  If you find yourself on 18th between 5th and 6th Ave. stop in and say “hi” and tell him Jeff sent you (no last name needed ;).

This shot was made with a piece of equipment that didn’t come in one box, but four different boxes from four different manufactures that I couldn’t have pieced together without “my guy.”

I had the great privilege of shooting for a very talented designer by the name of Annie Havlicek back in the early fall.  I found one of my favorite images from the shoot today as I was going threw some of the work.  This shot stood out to me as I knew this was never intended to be used for a book or an advertisement.  The model (Julie) was waiting for the next setup and I walked over with the camera to my eye and clicked this right as she looked up.  I’m so happy to have found this shot. A lot of times I get so caught up in looking for the best images for my clients and forget about the shots that were never intended for use, but just seemed to move me that day.  Just wanted to share this image with you all.  I hope you enjoy it!

Jeff

I just wanted to post that a great friend of mine, Andrew Lobosco, died serving our country on Saturday August 22nd in Afghanistan.  He was a great great man who will always be a true inspiration to me.  A kind gentle soul, who gave his life to save so many others.  God bless you Andy….you will be greatly missed brother.