I have a story for every newborn, toddler, child and couple I have met this year; many moments I will never forget and I am grateful for all of the individuals who have crossed my path this year.

I’m not a “picture perfect” photographer! What I mean by that is my goal is to capture “moments” as they unfold; to capture “personalities” of individuals¬†that depict “who” they “truly” are and to provide individuals and families with those moments that they can cherish forever.

I put together a slide-show that I feel depicts “personalities” if you will, of 2009!¬† After delivering 9,877 images this year and photographing a walloping 94 sessions, I went nuts cutting down on my initial image selection!¬† I had to toss out some really great images and choose “personality” over “picture perfect images!”

I would like to thank Robert Norman & Steve DePino for their never ending support, advice, feedback and constructive criticism they have given me this year.¬† It is so greatly appreciated and has been undeniably beneficial to me personally and professionally.¬† Thank you guys…

Hope everyone enjoys the 2 minutes of 2009!

-Rick O

I have posted so many pics of the band over the last year or so that I’m not gonna do that this time – Instead just a few shots I took while there!

The outside of the restaurant pictured here!

I was really digging this whole look and thought at the time that it would look awesome in B&W!

Since I’ve never posted/blogged a pic of Tony, this is the perfect time! Tony stepped in to play bass while Dom ran to the bathroom!!! I think that is where he ran to! Not sure, anyways, Tony really was tight on bass and dead on! Tony, you really did an awesome job!

As always GTB is awesome to work with!

-Rick O

Here are two of my favorites!

These guys are always a blast to work with – was good to see everyone relaxing for a change!!!

-Rick O

I wanted to spend a good 15-20 minutes prior to her sound check to get some decent portrait shots outside, but I was only able to squeeze 7 or so minutes of her time! What a 7 minutes it was too!!! Bam Bam Bam – felt like Emeril there for a bit!

I was absolutely blown away by her voice and her lungs, I mean the sound check gave me goosebumps even if it was the same 8 bars over and over, but, she is obviously a perfectionist and when she went on later that evening – she nailed it as did the band.

Patryce I wish you all the luck with your new CD and stay grounded as you are and I think all of your hard work and devotion will definitely pay off…

This image was one of the first I took that evening, I just saw that reserved row sign and had to do something with it!

Here are some of the images from our 7-minute-shoot-out! This image just shows how peaceful this wonderfully talented woman is.. I didn’t know her personality all that well at this point, so was being on my best professional behavior!

I saw this fence, and had to use it as a prop, in several images actually. The look on her face here had me confused at first (she’s giving me that “what in the world is wrong with this guy look”)

But that look only lasted a minute when she made some silly comment and cracked herself up!

Of course, without a doubt I needed to shoot her through the fence as well!

Patryce it was a pleasure working with you!!!

-Rick O

Karen getting a little funky here

Katie and her beau! Kate is just striking a pose!

Marcia and Pete showed up – they were there for about an hour! After working with Peter for nearly 6 years and hearing so much about his wife, it was nice to finally meet her!

Phil baby! This was the first time I met Phil he is Georgina’s other half! She’s always talking about Phil and it was nice to finally meet him to!

Georgina and Phil getting a little close!

Pat steppin in on Drums as the Duke had rotator cuff surgery!

Phil talking to Maria! From the expression on her face, either she is looking at something odd or she can’t hear him over the sound of the music!

Nice bar shot!

Phil actually does resemble some sort of mass criminal here!

Miss Patty having a moment!

I was really diggin this shot of George.

I’m not sure who this is, but he was brightly dressed!

Maureen and her husband also showed up!

Doug just doing what he does best!

Maureen’s husband got caught up in the moment of the music and forgot he wasn’t alone!

It was a great time as always guys, hope to see you again soon.

-Rick O

-Rick O

It’s a cute little Irish Pub tucked away in Guilford on Water street. Tall Horses is an acoustic trio cover band and they have a few songs of their own as well, much in the style of Stones, Clapton, Black Crowes, Neil Young and the Allman Brothers just to name a few, be sure to check out their website for more information.

Here are some of my personal favorites from Sat night starting from the outside looking in!

I know Ted said they have only played out for 6 months or so, but they sounded pretty tight to me already

Jam’ On Guys…

-Rick O

My favorite band GTB was down the street last night in West Haven at 313 and I’ve known for some time now, that their former drummer retired (dang ole fart!) and they added a new keyboard player as well, so I thought I’d head down there with my camera for a couple hours and check them out!

Here are a few of my fav’s – starting out with the wildest bass player I’ve ever seen – he’s got more energy than [insert your own thought here - I don't wanna offend anyone]

The lovely Miss Patti just keeps getting better and better each and every time I hear her!

Well well well here is the one and only “T.W.” in the flesh – cheesin it up! Go Tony, Go Tony!

Timing was just so perfect with this next shot – I swear I heard this guy singing as he was walking around the restaurant – think I may have caught a glimpse of him in action or he is serenading one of the Dukester’s lady folk – (don’t mess with the Duke!)

This gentleman had so much character, he was a pip and definitely a player – the women were just flocking to him – must have been the suit!

Alas the new drummer Duke! See you don’t wanna mess with the “D” he looks like a total bad a** – he actually intimidated the heck outta me – until I aimed the camera from up and under his toms – then he gave me a cheesy smile!! Note – this wasn’t that shot!!

The retired drummer “Pat” sharing a moment with his lady “Karen”

What a great time guys – see ya soon!

-Rick O

I wanted to get a nice outside shot of Daniel Street, but it was pretty dark and I had to hand-hold the camera for an 1/8 of a second – the shot looked really good but passer-bys and cars left their streaks, so I had to crop the crap out of the original image – )

Here are a few of my favorites

Another great show guys…

-Rick O

You guys are always right on – if you’re interested in seeing GTB play, they are at JRoo’s every month and 313 in West Haven every month.

-Rick O