I’ll try to make this dialog quick since you would probably rather see the photos below.

As you may know, my brother Ira is a great photographer, he was an intrical part of me becoming a photographer as well. He had a bride and groom hire him to photograph their wedding in Bali Indonesia, which just so happens to be the best Island in the world (Conde Nast said that at somepoint) Anyways, Ira showed the clients my work as well and they had me fly out to document the wedding day with him. Perfect right? To top it off, Andrea; Ira’s wife came out to assist so it was a family affair.

What you are about to see is me on vacation with my brother and sister in law… you think that sounds boring? Well you’re wrong, yeah I ditched them once in awhile and explored solo. Such a great trip! More images to come of the gorgeous wedding!

(Padang Padang, Ira & Andrea are down there about to be ransacked by ME!)

(I swear I’m in a film set)

(Mostly naked brazilians always make the beach experience more entertaining)

(Panang Panang)

(I hitched a ride with him and the sweet vintage vespa)

(Alila at Uluwatu, that structure is suspended over a huge cliff. I think its 300′ Ira thinks its 200′. Fact is… its suspended above a CLIFF! Even worth the $15 cocktail. Photo: Ira Lippke)

(I climbed a lava rock… got cut up, but was worth this view. Photo: Ira Lippke)

(Ira and I on a private Ayana beach)

(Photo: Andrea Lippke)

(The love birds getting frisky)

(Our private pool and cabana at Ayana, thank you to Henry & Gladys)

(Space age)

(Ulu’s)

(The spot)

(Wish I could blow this up bigger on here. I’m going to make a print of this bigger then your mom’s house)

(Life on the edge)

(Farming kelp)

(Uluwatu)

(Exploring caves, I find the best spot for a tshirt on a hot day is wrapped around my head)

(I stopped by the orphanage that I helped at back in 2004)

(Bintang, the watered down (but refreshing) balinese version of beer  that could never quite get cold enough)

(Adventure and then relaxation… my ultimate vacation style)

(Alila Manggis was a great spot in East Bali)

(Traditional Hindu Ceremony)

(Rice paddies with a napping farmer)

(The pool by night)

(Those are all you can eat swimming pools)

(Family of 4 on a scooter… yeah your mom is too protective)

(Lets go Scuba Diving)

(Me  just messin around on a ship wreck)

(My guide was awesome, I took this of her trying to sneak away for a smoke)

(Ira the man beast gets it done)

(Tour De’Bali and Ira’s the sprinter (I’m Lance)

(Downhill doubles as a rest & coolant for my sweat seeped clothes)

(Massage’s on the white sand beach. $8 with tip for a massage and exfoliation)

(This shot blew my mind)

(This is just sand… keep scrolling)

(Have your pick)

(Coconut milk & me just about to destroy it)

(On the way back to the airport I saw these trucks… they reminded me of Elephants at the watering hole, wonder what kind of environmental permits they had to pull for this?)

(Captured the front of this procession in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Jesus and the Soldiers)

New York City

What better place to be during easter?

Here are few images to narrate Audrey & I’s trip to the heart of one of the best cities in the world.

Ira takes in the view from his veranda

(Audrey in Williamsburg shopping in a boutique… doesn’t look like she’s impressed)

(Ira shows his love for Chocolate at one of the best chocolate factories around. Mast Brothers make some amazing chocolate and at $7 a bar, it better be)

(Me and the Indian smoker)

And of course my top 18 parts of the trip in writing.

1. Central Park boating and cocktails With Audrey

2. Basketball with Ira and Nate

3. Roebling tea room for Breakfast

4. Easter Eve Dinner with all of the friends.

5. Dinner with Mary Ann & Matt Gemma at the Bowery Hotel

6. Shopping (Top Man) + Freemans Lunch

7. Shopping with Audrey (soho/topshop/lunch)

8. Rye (Amazing Brooklyn restaurant) w/Audrey, Ira, Andrea,Alyx &Brian.

9. Williamsburg shopping, bloody mary’s & lunch at Cafe Collate.

10.Dinner with the Walkers. (sunset on the balcony)

11. Easter Eve Service (beautiful but Loooong)

12. Subway dancers.(Improv breakdancing…no big deal)

13. Engagement shoot (With the lovely Lauren & Peter)

14. Lakers at Williamsburger

15. Lakers win (watching at Ira’s studio with a bootleg website)

16. Blackbird cafe evening with Audrey (editing,reading and cocktails)

17. Crepe making (Audrey’s specialty)

18. Great coffee every morning.

(Audrey & Ira outside of a store front, SoHo)

(Walking through the Bowery trying to find Freeman’s one of the best restaurants)

(The paint and the girl)

(Audrey & I so excited that lent is over, we were about to feast… also happy that we were out of the 3 hour service)

(Friend potluck with Ira & Andrea & Co. Oysters,Keish,Rum & Tonic, Great wine, cheese and meats…One of the best nights in memory)

(Pipes on the deck. The manhattan skyline in the background)

(The view from Ira Lippke Studios)

(Easter morning brunch at Aurora)

(Audreys parents Matt & Mary Ann, Audrey, myself,Ira & Andrea after brunch)

(Ira took this)

(Cheese Store)

(Ira & Andrea walking their neighborhood)

(My friend Alyx met up with us)

(The Highline)

(Gemma, Bowery Hotel)

(The Bowery Hotel amazzzing dinner Audrey & her mom enjoying themselves)

(How fun does that look?)

(Row boats in Central park on the ultimate NY day)

(Audrey rowing and me just kicking back relaxing)

(What an amazing trip! Huge thanks to Ira & Andrea for being amazing hosts, Matt & Mary Ann for making the week extra special and my lovely Girlfriend for joining me on a New York trip…FINALLY!)

I had the great honor of photographing a beautiful bride and groom alongside the extremely talented Ira Lippke.

Such a perfect event coordinated by Details Details’ Michelle Weita and Carrie Chen, Designed by White Lilac and set at the beautiful location of Pelican Hill Resort.

I’m always a big fan of shooting alongside my brother Ira, he’s so talented, it’s fun to work back to back and team up to get the best shots possible.

Hope you enjoy these images from my percepective.

I photographed Samir in preparation for his wedding day, along with the rest of the wedding day.

(I helped persuade the bow tie over the long tie. Great choice Samir!)

(Marmar’s wedding shoes)

(White Lilac)

(The perfect bouquet)

(Opening his gifts from his bride to be)

(Love these images of Samir)

(Walking to see his bride for the first time that day)

(I love working with reflections)

(A perfect night for silhouettes)

(The ceremonial honey taste)

(One of the best sunsets of the year)

Chelsea and Eric are married at The Gansevoort Hotel in Turks and Caicos. The wedding day stood as the ultimate high point in a 5 day wedding festival where you saw from my last post (Turks and Caicos: Pre-Wedding Adventures) that it was quite the amazing week.

These images document part of the wedding day, where I had the honor of photographing Eric for most of the time while ever talented photographer (and brother) Ira Lippke photographed the lovely ladies with Chelsea. Its such a fun time teaming up with another talented photographer and documenting a wedding day in a far off exotic location. Here are images of Chelsea and Eric’s wedding day from my camera. I’ll post a link to view Ira’s at some point as well.

For now, enjoy these images!

(Rosé Champagne and makeup)

(Chelsea’s 3 sets of shoes… which is your favorite?)

(Sabastian doing Chelsea’s makeup and hair)

(3 outfits for the day)

(Getting ready bridesmaids)

(Eric preparing for his wedding day)

(Groom details)

(Father of the bride giving Eric cuff links and helping him put them on. Grooms father not pictured, but put on the other cufflink)

(Eric and I took a walk & got some great portraits and imagery)

(One of the most emotional parts of the day is when the couple sees eachother for the first time. You can see the romance in the air)

(Perfect balance of color,mystery ,fashion and romance)

(Photographing them was addicting, I couldn’t stop)

(The rainbow came right before the storm)

(The lovely ladies and their custom designed dresses were fun to photograph)

(The Brides Sister Alyx preparing for the ceremony)

(Chelsea is one of the most beautiful, bright, humorous and calm brides I’ve ever worked with, it was a pleasure)

(Eric’s nephews were awesome, great kids)

(Bridesmaids)

Gansevoort Hotel Turks

(Reading the Ketuba during the ceremony)

(I love this image of Alyx after the ceremony…the overall feel of it is what steals me)

(Cocktail hour)

(First dance)

(Cigars rolled onsite. Tabacco from the carribean)

(Congratulations to the newlyweds. May this be the beginning of the most adventurous and exciting life together.)

Venue:

The Gansevoort – Turks and Caicos

Design / Coordination:

Matthew Robbins of MRD

Music:

The Caribbean Allstars, Craig Archibold & Quentin, On the Move

Catering:

Caicos Catering

Chelsea’s Main Gown:

Vera Wang

Cake:

O’Soleil at The Somerset T & C

Photography:

Ira Lippke Studios &  Samuel Lippke

Videography:

Living Cinema; Curtis and Laura Heynes

I spent 5 days in the Caribbean documenting a beautiful couple, their friends and their families. As you can imagine it was quite an amazing experience.

I joined Ira and Andrea to document the week long event. Curtis & Laura were also there shooting the video footage.

This post covers some of my favorite images leading up to the wedding day.

Chelsea and Eric aren’t just the beautiful couple, they are some of the most fun and charismatic people I know. 2 hours with them and you feel like you’ve known them since grade school. I think these pictures will explain what I mean.

Enjoy!

(The horizon. Not a flaw in site)

(Chelsea & Eric on the catamaran)

(Chelsea & Eric jumping off the catamaran)

(The charter map of Turks & Caicos)

(Love the contrast of this image, the colors and the lines)

(Friends and family enjoy the water. Ira’s shooting underwater images and I shot from the boat… until I couldn’t resist anymore and triple backflipped into the water (Ok, it was just a regular flip…so what)

(Eric making Chelsea nervous and the rest of the fella’s jealous)

(The lovely couple)

(A great image of hope for those freezing in most states right now)

(The ladies sunning on the deck)

(Sun on the backs and rum in the glass)

(Love this image)

(Conch penis… its a delicacy)

(A ride in the jeep)

(Love)

(Love)

(Fire dancer. 2 nights before the wedding)

(I’m always a fan of backlight)

(Enjoying their view, 3 couples on the beach)

(The stars looked amazing here)

(The day before the wedding, while the ladies had a spa and pilates day, the men went golfing)

(On the 18th hole)

(Really made me want to play a round)

(The whole week was centered around the beautiful Gansevoort Hotel in Turks and Caicos. I would highly recommend this location…and then booking ME for your event!)

(The ever welcoming beach)

(Something about these 2 pictures makes me really pleased)

(The guys went wakeboarding… I jump aboard to document)

(Eric about to slalom… which made me nervous since I had sprained my ankle doing just that a few months before )

(Preparing for take off)

(Eric making it happen)

(Nothing like wakeboarding in 80º ocean water)

(Love this jump)

(The wakeboards in their secured spot on the boat with the clouds behind them)

(composition)

(Wipeout: I’m thinking about making this picture 40×50. the detail is amazzzing!)

(I just love this image. I’m also glad a wave didn’t come as I was only inches away from the water with my camera)

(On the drive home. Love these colors and kind of Miami Vice feel to this image)

(Paddle boarding with the men… I pretty much documented the wild men while Ira photographed the lovely ladies)

(Turks & Caicos)

(Eric diving underwater)

Stay tuned: Next post will be the wedding day. You won’t want to miss that now would you!?

It was such a great year!

I really can’t thank my team enough as well as the amazing vendors that made everything run smoothly.

But most of all I’m thankful for such great Brides and Grooms!

Here is a tribute to my clients from each of the Weddings I photographed this year.

(Selected Credits are at the bottom)

Enjoy.

Valerie & Jason

(Beautiful LA & San Pedro Wedding: Terrenea)

Glory & Drew

(Fun, unique Ranch style Washington wedding- My Sister!)

Malinda and Aaron

(Los Angeles Celebration. Such a fun dance party)

Yoon and Larry

(Southern California Elegant and mellow beautiful day: St. Regis)

Krystal and Francis

(Lots of energy and humor, gorgeous set up at Pelican Hill)

Stephanie and Brandon

(The industry & party crew wedding at Bacara Resort Santa Barbara)

Cee and Harly

(Sharp, Elegant and meaningful celebration on the 4th of July: Ritz Carlton Laguna)

Gracie and Kyle

(Bright summer Montage Wedding lots of color and fun guests)

Rachel and Kevin

(Style, meets the farm in Bristol Rhode Island)

Sepi and Amid

(“Purple Glam at The St. Regis”)

Cee & Harly

(Thailand Adventure: Suan Thip)

Aubrey and Jordan

(Passionate,Stylish and perfect celebration)

Paris and Kevin

(Pelican Hill, Designer wedding)

Karen and Richard

(Beverly Hills Dream wedding: Montage)

Ana and Daniel

(Hamptons, Architect, Designer wedding)

Kat and Adam

(Avant Garde Soho Fashion Wedding)

Ellice and Johnny

(I was in the wedding party, but took some insane pictures: Marrakech, Morocco)

Erin and Wayne

(Cozy Fleminco dancing feista to remember)

Deni and Michael

(Palm Desert wedding with a refreshing twist)

Marmar & Samir

(A Holiday Wedding with the best Sunset of the year)

Chelsea and Eric

(Gorgeous Wedding festival in Turks & Caicos)

* * Some couples are not posted on here for privacy * *

Credits per wedding:

Valerie & Jason: Event Planner: Details Details: Floral & Design: White Lilac: Location: Terrenea

Malinda & Aaron: Sinai Temple Los Angeles

Glory & Drew: Warm Beach WA. Main Photographer: Matt Land

Yoon & Larry: Event Planner: Kim Bradford. St. Regis

Cee & Harly: Event Planner: Gini Garner. Ritz Carlton Laguna

Gracie & Kyle: Event Planner: Details Details. Floral & Event Design: White Lilac

Rachel & Kevin: Event Planner: Stasia Anthony

Sepi & Amid: Event Planner: Details Details: Floral & Design:White Lilac

Cee & Harly: Suan Thip, Thailand

Aubrey & Jordan: Event Planner: Details Details. Floral & Design: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist

Paris & Kevin: Event Planner: Mandy Rassuli. Floral & Design: White Lilac

Karen & Richard: With Adam Sjoberg. Event Planner: The Special Day

Ana & Daniel: Hamptons, Private Estate

Kat & Adam: MSK Event Planning. Event Design and Florals: LMD Floral Events.

Wayne & Erin: Event Planner: Kimberly Bradford Events, Floral & Design: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist

Deni & Michael: Event Planner: April Whitney Events. Floral & Design: Romance Ect.

Krystal & Francis: With Ira Lippke. Event Planner: Details Details. Design: Fiori Fresco

Ellice & Johnny: Morocco. Main Photographer: Dina Douglass. Event Planned by Johnny & Ellice.

Marmar & Samir: With Ira Lippke: Event Planner: Details Details.Floral & Event Design: White Lilac

Chelsea & Eric: With Ira Lippke: Floral & Event Design: Matthew Robbins Design. Gansevoort Hotel Turks & Caicos

One of my images is in the NY TIMES!

I photographed a wedding with my brother Ira Lippke 2 weeks ago in the Hamptons. The wedding was amazing!

Highlights were abundant and I’m hoping more then the NY Times will feature this stylish wedding.

In the meantime, take a look at the rest of the Slideshow on the NY Times.

Here’s the LINK

Yes, I realize photo credit was given to Ira for the image I took… Disappointing, but I won’t lose sleep about it.

Pelican Hill- I photographed a wedding with my brother Ira Lippke. Always love shooting at Pelican Hill & with Details Details Event Planning.

I had the honor of photographing Francis and then men for half the day while Ira photographed the ladies. Such a crazy group of guys, always up for wild humor (freezing peoples wallets in tupperware, Printing fake money & credit cards for practical jokes)

I’ll post a slideshow when Ira Lippke Studios releases it. Have you seen Ira’s work? It’s pretty amazing. Click here: www.iralippkestudios.com

(Red Envelopes are always welcomed)

(Off to see his bride for the tea ceremony)

(Changing for the exchanging of the vows and ceremony)

(Krystle was a stunning bride)

(I love dove releases)

(Congratulations to the Bride & Groom! Maybe I’ll visit you guys in Hong Kong!)

(Dad & Glory before she walked down the isle-BY:Ira)

I gave you the Creative shoot from Glory & Drew’s wedding day. (Want to see it again? HERE’s the post)

This is the 2nd half of the images, some of the shots were taken by Ira & the others by me. We shared a camera.These are mainly shots of our family that we took. Looking forward to seeing the images from official photographer for the day Matt Land.

Here are some of my favorites.

(Me and my Nephews-Solomon & Emmanuel By: Ira Lippke)

(Hope & Corban)

(Andrea Codrington Lippke)

(My niece Hope)

(Solomon)

(Josiah & Andrea coming down the isle. Ira reading scripture w/Andrea in background tearing up)

(Kaden watching his parents get married)

(Josiah in the middle as I read a passage of scripture – By: Ira Lippke)

(Mom & Dad By Ira)

(Audrey & I on the lawn)

(The original 5)

(Audrey playing Liam in a game of Foosball)

(Hope gets a pep talk from her Dad. By Ira)

(My dad gives a toast to Glory & her new Husband)

My sister Glory just got married this last weekend. A friend of mine and talented photographer Matthew Land was the main shooter for the day. Ira and I did a private shoot with Glory & her new husband Drew.

Scouting the area for a good place to shoot was part of the adventure. I wore mammoth boots to tredge around the woods looking for perfect spots, glad I did, more then once I was ingulfed in mud and stinging nettle.

These images are ones that I shot of Glory & Drew. I’m looking forward to seeing Ira’s images as well as the images Matt took from the entire wedding day.

Enjoy & congratulations to my sister, isn’t she beautiful?

(Drew arriving to see his bride for the first time)

_____________________________

(The first look)

(My other sister Sonora was the maid of honor (left) Brother Ira also photographed with myself and Matt Land (middle) Glory keeps warm with a jacket and the Groom Drew (far right)

(Favorite)

(I love this sequence of images)

(Glory, you’re beautiful, thanks for letting me be apart of your wedding day)

To every elopement there is a huge party that follows. You’ve seen the elopement (Brazil Wedding) Now here’s the party!

Roebling Tea Room Brooklyn NY, Ira & Andrea host a celebration for the celebration of their recent wedding.

Being as though I was the best man, I didn’t shoot that much and being as though Ira was the groom, he literally only took 4 pictures… all of which I have no desire to post on my blog.

Sooooo with that said, here are images that I did take from an amazing celebration in the Tea Room.

(The taxi ride from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Eric & Heather Trine)

(Uncle Joe & Josiah talking politics & smack)

(Daniel & Seanne were highlights of the trip)

(Ira & Bob Covolo)

(The Trines)

(eTrine.com – samuellippke.com/blog – looseluggage.com)

(What better way to be released from photo duty…can’t wait to see his pictures in those cameras)

(Toasting his bride)

(Cutting the…do I really need to tell you what that is?)

(Dad Lippke ruling the toast section… never a dull moment with my Dad in the house)

(Mr. Codrington toasting)

(Josiah & Desiree getting classy)

(Dad talking with the Robinson’s)

(The Lovely Claudine Covolo & I)

(Siblings)

(The Lovely Audrey & Glory)

( My cousin Sarah & Mom)

(The best Sailor I know Jeremy (right) with his wife (& Maid of Honor) Virginia)

(Desiree & Heather wishing for a pizza…our dinner consisted of cocktails, some horderves and more cocktails)

(The Mom’s)

(Claudine & my favorite lighting)

This past week was spent having an amazing time with the Lippke family, joined by my Girlfriend Audrey, my cousins The Buffa’s, Andrea’s family the Codringtons, Daniel & Seanne Wehrenfennig and The Trine’s. These are pictures I took while we were there. The “Party” photos are next, so be on the lookout for those.

I LOVE visiting New York City, someday I’ll move there. But for now I’ll just visit and enjoy every aspect of it.

I’m so happy my whole family could be there and Audrey too!

For now, I hope you can freeze vicariously through me in the park.

(Ira and Andrea in the studio.)

(The subway stairs & my twin (Desiree pointed that out to me)

(Freezing on the Staten Island Ferry)

(Neon)

(Manhattan, NY Self portrait and street walkers)

(The Lippke’s & my girl Audrey)

(My Dad & Brothers)

(SoHo)

(Glory talking about her Taxi ride)

(Central Park  13º)

(Audrey & I doing some shopping)

(I love this picture of Audrey)

(I like the composition of this shot)

I’m in New York City. Its colllllddddd! I mean really cold, 15º + windchill. It gets even colder when you happen to walk througha  makeshift blizzard for some sort of movie production, or maybe just NY city being NY city.

I’ll post more later, its one family event after another. Ira & Andrea’s wedding rehearsal followed by family dinner, then swedish family dinner (drinking songs included) broadway shows, church services, bagel runs, coffee runs, shopping, ice skating,good music and seeing great friends & NY cousins.

For now, I’m off to get drinks and appetizers with good friends from Long Beach! (random right?)

Highlight tonight was watching the Lakers vs. Celtics game in a Manhattan Pub…especially when LA win’s at the last second.

Cheers!

(Central Park)

(Audrey Ice Skating)

(Kaden & Audrey)

(Ira’s Moto Guzzi is pretty amazing)

(Love this shot of Josiah)

Jennifer & Andrew
The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, CA

SLIDESHOW

2009 was an excellent year to kick off Samuel Lippke Studios. We at SLS owe so much of the year to our amazing Bride & Grooms.

We couldn’t have had such a great year without the best clients in the world.

So many highlights documented and so many beautiful families and guests met.

Not only that, but I had the privilege of working with some of the finest wedding industry professionals. I wouldn’t have as many photos that make me proud without all of your hard work.

I’ve pulled 1 image from each wedding that we shot this year. Enjoy!

Ashley & Brad
La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes, CA

SLIDESHOW

Chippy & Josh
Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu,CA

SLIDESHOW

Ellen & Andrew
Corona Del Mar, CA

SLIDESHOW

Jessica & Roy
Four Seasons, Beverly Hills, CA

SLIDESHOW

Priya & Nikhil
New York Historical Society

SLIDESHOW

Whitney & Nick
LA Cathedral & The California Club

SLIDESHOW

Gila & Andy
Paradise Point Resort, San Diego, CA

SLIDESHOW

Dayna & JC
Casa Del Mar, CA

SLIDESHOW

Giselle & Casey
LA River Center & Gardens, CA

SLIDESHOW

Jennifer & Rhett’s Wedding
Osborne Castle, NY

SLIDESHOW

Remy & Joe
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, CA

SLIDESHOW

Hillary & Scott
The New York Palace Hotel, NY

SLIDESHOW

Alex & Robert’s Wedding
Boulevard 3, Hollywood CA

SLIDESHOW

Zarmina & Mustafa
St. Regis Resort, CA

SLIDESHOW

Junko & Yoshiyuki
Beverly Hills, CA

Carol & Jerry’s Wedding
Los Angeles, CA

SLIDESHOW

Ira & Andrea
Ubatuba, Brazil

SLIDESHOW

Special thanks to: Details Details,White Lilac, Kim Bradford Events, Beth Helmstetter, Jon Phelps, Carrie Underhill, The New York Palace Hotel, Melissa Barrad, I Do events, Ira Lippke, Micah Cordy, Niall McCartney, Michelle Mosqueda & All of my Bride’s & Groom’s from 2009!

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami that killed nearly 250,000 people.

I’ll never forget what happened during this trip. The actions taken, hoops jumped to be able to get into “ground zero” 2 days after the disaster. The emotion taken to carry bodies and to comfort small children that couldn’t find any family members, the fatigue from working 16 hour days at the make shift hospital. It was 5 days of pure emotion, pure finesse, 5 days of stress, of wonder, of seeing a people pushed beyond understanding. Families torn apart, injuries you wouldn’t believe. The streets were filled with the dead and the town of Banda Aceh was a ghost town with only a third of the population alive and even less healthy and functioning.

4 of us working alongside anyone that had the will. Ira, Scott,Rolly & I working around the clock. Each of us seperatly trying to form our own crew to help in our sectors. Forming a triage, cleaning wounds, carrying bodies, at one point Scott was performing amputations.

I look back and think how this 5 days working in a devestated town effected my life forever. I will never be the same.

Hear more & see footage from the journey  here in the documentary “Yang Paling Hina” (4 parts on youtube)

(Christmas day 2004 with 24 orphans at the beach)

(Marcus one of the boys at the Orphange in Bali Photo: Samuel Lippke)

On the way to Banda Aceh. This is where we spent the night… on the tile outside.

(Boarding the 2nd flight to Banda Aceh…this was a huge moment because we were the first westerners allowed into the Provence of Aceh in 30 years)

Leaving the plane. I had no clue what I was about to see/smell/hear. I would never be the same.

Photo: Ira Lippke

Scott & I getting dirty cleaning up the streets.

Photo: Ira Lippke

Recruiting help

After days of hard work, we were worn out and ready to go home. The US marine’s finally made it into town with help and we felt like our job was complete.

See more images at www.iralippke.com (Click > Tsunami)

Read more about our Story in the book: Transformation from Tragedy (Buy it on Amazon >HERE< )

As you may know, I spent the last couple days of November in Brazil…for a wedding. Well, the wedding was of my brother’s. He eloped with my new sister [in-law] Andrea; to a fishing village south of Rio De Janeiro. Hand picked his closest friends to facilitate with the ceremony (Priest: Sky Diamond,Video: Adam Sjoberg, Photo: ME ,Hair& Makeup: Virginia)

Everything was pre-planned but unknown to Andrea… until he popped the question (and a ring) just days before the schedule trip!

Here are a few of the images I shot on their wedding day. Slideshow to follow!

I’m soo happy to have been apart of Ira’s wedding, to be the best man was an honor and of course being asked to photograph him and his new bride was also an honor. Cheers to the newest addition of the Lippke family! Welcome Andrea!

VIDEO & Photos on Ira&Andrea’s own site! HERE

(picinguaba)

(So happy for the newlyweds!)

Between trips and weddings, shoots and events, I was able to sneak away with my family to Washington State for some midweek relaxing. Eating good food, boating, rolling around on antique golfcarts, playing with my 2 year old nephew, sipping iced cold beer, playing basketball and tennis and just rejuvenating my head.

Some of the highlights include:

10. Winning 24 of 32 tennis games (4 sets)

9. Making Steaks for dinner. My family Rarely BBQ’s.

8. Quality time with each person.

7. Josiah and I’s private game room downstairs (shuffleboard,pingpong,hoopshooting,foosball air hockey) with a fridge full of beer.

6. Watching “Taken” with the family. Probably one of the most intense movies my parents have ever seen.

5.Talking with Kaden and recording him… He says some of the craziest stuff I love how a 2 year old thinks.

4. Kayak point boating trip. Dad’s new toy gets broken in a little.

3.Sunset Canoe trip/ 3. Wine tasting night (also seen in an article here) (Thanks Andrea)

2. Rootbeer floats (my new addiction)

1.No drama! Its never promised, but always a relief if the drama stays away.

Such a refreshing family vacation.

Thanks to my parents for helping make it happen, I miss you both already!

(Kayak point boating)

(About to board the ferry… Kaden and I)

(Josiah kicking it inside the ferry…where the wind didn’t bite like a cobra)

(Ira being a John Varvatos add)

(My 2 year old Nephew debating hopping off the ferry- My Dad & I… thats where I get the wild hair)

(Mom and Kaden on the ferry deck-Kaden about to jump on my back)

(My good friend Matt Land drove to meet me and the fam at kayak point. Thanks for coming out Matt! My dad’s sweet RV)

(The RV’s name is “The Beaver” or so the symbol would indicate)

Have you been to Ocean Shores? What’s your ideal family vacation look like? Does your parents have vintage boats and wild RV’s like mine? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Such a great trip, wish I had a few more days up there, but now its games time! The photo editing has just begun!

Off to make this happen!

]]> http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/ocean-shores-washington/feed 6 http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/sailing-long-island http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/sailing-long-island#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:45:30 +0000 admin http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/?p=2443

After a hard days work on Saturday, I joined Ira, Andrea and their crew for a sailing trip I would never forget.

Since my Dad grew up in Long Island and just a short drive from where we were setting sail, I had a huge connection to the small town we were in (Stony Brook) I truly felt my soul at ease in this town and the island. It was an interesting feel and I’m pretty confident I could see myself growing old in a similar setting.

On to Sailing. I learned some sailing terms through Jeremy who teaches sailing to students at Stony Brook which is a Boarding school. After 3 hours of sailing.

I started as “the Grinder” and quickly pushed up the ladder to being 1st Mate. So hooked on it! I’m looking into sailing classes here in Long Beach all thanks to a perfect day at sea in the Long Island sound.

Here are some images, I hope you enjoy.

At night was also a HIGHLIGHT! Amazing night! Wow!

When you mix 2 dozen Fresh oysters, a No.-19 cocktail (Mt.Gay Rum,Tonic,Limes,Bitters,Sweets and mint) A raging fireplace, fresh seared Halibut, smoking a pipe by the fire and then sealed with a late night swim…how can you beat it?

(Skipper Jeremy)

(Erick• Andrea & Ira)

(Long Island Sound)

(being promoted to 1st Mate)

(Our Boat’s twin)

(Ira smoking a pipe, No.-19′s, Fireplace in full effect)

(Prepping for our midnight swim)

(Ira shot this of me right before jumping in the water)

After the swim, we jumped aboard the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) and returned back to Manhattan at 2:30am.

A great day indeed.

(I love this ballroom)

Hillary and Scott’s NY wedding was at “The Palace Hotel” in Downtown Manhattan.

After previous days and days of rain and wind, the sky opened up on this day with fresh sun light and a soft breeze. Everything came together just as Hillary had dreamed. They were married at 7:30pm Saturday July 18th and everything was picture perfect.

I absolutely love photographing at a solo location all day, it removes the stress of moving from place to place, it allows me to keep focused and establish a comfortable relationship with the lighting.

Everything from the dress to the flowers, the cake, the boa’s that were passed out on the dance floor, the creative shoot on the street and the chemistry between Scott and Hillary was a highlight!

Here are some of the pictures. I picked so many. Which is your favorite!?

(Getting Ready details)

(Love the shot of Hillary on the phone)

(The natural spotlight on Hillary worked perfect for this photojournalist portrait)

(Bustling the dress was quite the chore)

(1st sight)

(Chemistry)

(Reflections are a mans 3rd best friend)

(Hungry? Why wait?)

(The reflection on the bus is my favorite, my 3rd best friend.)

I was so honored to be apart of Hillary and Scott’s wedding, I wish them the best in their life together. Best of luck to them on their Honeymoon Safari to Africa, I hope thats amazing too!

I can’t wait to show you their Slideshow which should be ready soon too!

(Hillary & Scott driving away in the Maybach.)

I’m trying to post up some images from Saturday’s wedding at “The Palace Hotel” but I keep getting distracted by other shoots (Ira’s Bride & Bloom shoot, Rachel Platten’s, Priya & Nikhil’s Eng), being in NY is fun, hitting the town with friends (Adam & Desiree)

Its been a great trip so far and I’m excited for my next 2 shoots (one of which starts in an hour)

I’ll update more when I can!

For now, enjoy these 2 quick images from Hillary & Scott’s wedding.

Ira asked me to photograph a wedding with him. Since I had the day open, I jumped at the opportunity and quickly found myself sweating hard (mid 90′sº) at St. Regis with my black suit on and photo gear intow. I brought along Micah Cordy so I could show him the ways and Ira brought Adam Sjoberg to assist.

St. Regis is a fun hotel to shoot at due to the royal pillars, natural lighting almost everywhere and spacious rooms. Kim Bradford Events coordinated and Curtis from Living Cinema brought the video to life.

Working with another photographer is always fun and gives you a challenges and goals to accomplish that you wouldn’t normally (ie. Spending 2 hours with one person and making them look good in everyshot, or photographing details one after another half the day) its alot different then needing to take posed shots, creative images of the B&G and pictures of the bride… a 2nd photographer is pretty much there to make sure the groom gets documented… in my opinion. (Details & Cocktail hour too if the B&G decide to see eachother at the alter 1st)

Here are some images to show you what I mean.

Enjoy!

See Ira’s Website here: www.iralippkestudios.com

I would LOVE to show you some images Ira took at this wedding, so I’ll post the slideshow when I get it. When both of our images are combined the puzzle comes together.

(I love the nephews in that bottom R image…priceless)

(She was stunning)

(Paythan Wore a Tom Ford tux. Truly the best way to go)

(I love the watch reflection shot and the tuxed man ordering a cocktail is always a favorite image)

(About to walk down the Aisle)

(The floral was by Nisi)

(Cocktail Hour)

(So many more great shots, but who likes to be over teased? More to come (Via Slideshow)

I photographed a wedding with Ira at the St. Regis Monarch Beach.

Adam Sjoberg flew from NY to assist and my Intern Micah (Intern #1) assisted me.

One of the highlights of the day was driving in Micah’s ol’school VW bus. Nothing like driving one of those bus’s after a 12 hour days work.

I like what Adam had to say about the small photosession we had in the bus.

CLICK HERE>LOOSELUGGAGE BLOG<

(Images from the wedding will be posted as soon as possible)

(Pebble Beach Golf Course is Brilliant!)

Friday was spent driving up to shoot a wedding in Pebble Beach.

Quite the journey getting there which included a speeding ticket (my first ever and well deserved as I was cruising 89 in a 70… which just happened to be the flow of traffic on a straightaway.) The journey also included killing hundreds of monarch butterflies with my windshield, picking up a hitchhiker and downing Red Bulls to stay awake…so you know, normal roadtrip action.

Anyways, Jon Phelps and I arrived at the Hyatt in Monterrey and caught up on march madness at the local sports bar while we waited for Ira to go scout the locations.

Here is the PRE-post before I give you the full taste of the wedding we photographed.

next post:

Bianca and Michael Patterson’s wedding. For now, here’s a small teaser.

(The Teasers!)

(Michael and Bianca)

(Michael and his men)

(Michael and Bianca are now married!)

]]> http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/pebble-beach/feed 3 http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/elie-and-elana-slideshow http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/elie-and-elana-slideshow#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:22:31 +0000 admin http://www.samuellippke.com/blog/?p=1049

(Ira shot this. I love it!)

You may have been sitting at the edge of your seat for this Wexler • Kobrin slideshow collaboration between Ira and I. So now that you have what you want, whats next to look forward too? The end of lent? Summer sun? Lookign forward is nice and all… but for now, live in the moment with this slideshow.

Click HERE to view the show

Previous Wexler•Kobrin post

(Central park+The groom+ his men+ My camera= Sheesh, I love life!)

(Ira captured this one too!)

The whole family (Mom’s side)

I just returned from a weekend trip to visit my whole family in Denver Colorado.

Everyone was there to be apart of my grandmas memorial, she passed away not long ago. The trip was bitter sweet. Mourning a death as well as celebrating a life. I will miss Memommie (Thats what we called her).

The rest of the trip was spent playing with my nieces and nephews, eating with cousins, aunts and uncles, Snowboarding in the Rockies and drinking good local beer. (Fat Tire, Coors Light)

It was a quick trip and half the time I was reeling from exhaustion carried over from firday night’s Bachelor’s Ball .

Back to work now. Just photographed Long Beach former mayor Beverly O’Neil and Robert Garcia (Who is in the running for councilman). Sidenote: I’m Planning a sweet shoot on the 4th, LB shoot on the 5th and The Victorians on the 6th.

My nephews doing what I teach them best.

2 of my men.

Jude took this.

Columbine Memorial. I cried.

Flying over the Rockie Mountains

Boarding the Rockies. Tim, Ira and I. Thanks for the lift Tickets Joan!

Ira trying to escape my iPhone frame.

Getting stuck in waist deep fresh powder.

Climbing out of the woods.

My Niece Hope wearing my Diesels

Adam was amazing at this game. “I’m from Indiana” he kept saying.

No, this isn’t a real miniature gun. Its a safari game that is impossible to beat and extremlly addicting especially with a Pabst Blue Ribbon on the floor next to my cowboy boots. This my friends is a Brooklyn pub called “Levee” where the main attraction is middle American style shooting games, PBR and Jenga… yeah, the balancing technique family game.

This night was amazing and best part about it was the fact that we all rode the subway home PBR’s in hand.

Jenga=2 hours of fun. Cash on bottom right=Loser shot money. Bowl of cheesepuffs= We ate them because they’re free.

Ira making it happen

Adam studying the Jenga stack

Alright, so I wasn’t wearing cowboy boots. But it would have been appropo.

Beth and Ira in the taxi ride over to SoHo.

Last night after a series of great meetings in the studio, a crew of us went out into the city. We started at a Charity event for “Falling Whistles” a non-profit started while in the Congo to help children in the middle of  war. To help them escape a tremendously horrible experience of being forced to be apart of the war. Checkout their site. www.fallingwhistles.com

After a few documentary films,comedians, jazz band performances and PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) we were off to search for food. We found it during a 10-11pm happy hour at a place called “Benny’s”. The drinks were $3, but unfortunately the burritos were $14! What in the name of Frankincense, and Myrrh? Who charges that much for a mediocore burrito? FHHHHH!

Here’s my night in photos.

My favorite tree and wall combo thus far.

Angel’s and Kings in Soho.

Desiree making a stare turn into a golden photo.

Mira Robinson

Sean D. Carasso was in the Congo and had the vision to start “Falling Whistles”

Ira Lippke everyone!

Adam Sjoberg doing what he does best… pickpocketing beautiful women of their hearts.

$14 for a burrito? What in Goldie Hawn’s bosom is that all about?