Danfredo Rivera

Down Time.

2013-04-29T14:45:00.002-04:00

It's not very often that husband and I have a weekend off, but when it happens, we take advantage of it. Most people try to forget about work when they're enjoying time away from the office, but not me. I just don't feel right without my camera - so we bring it out to play with us, too.

And we made a video during our walk, too, because that's becoming more of a thing.

Daysi + Eury | Wedding

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

When Daysi's best friend, Melissa, told us she was planning to get married at City Hall WITHOUT A PHOTOGRAPHER, my jaw dropped. "But it's only City Hall," was her response when I asked her why. City Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, a sky dive free fall...it doesn't matter. It's your wedding day and it should be documented regardless of venue. So I invited myself to Daysi and Eury's City Hall elopement and we had a grand ol' time. And a wet time. Very wet.

She wasn't planning on a bouquet either, so I surprised her with one as a wedding gift.

I'm kinda against brides doing their own makeup for their wedding, so I stepped in here, too.
I do many, many things - makeup being one of my favorites.

Remember when I said I do many, many things earlier? Well, that includes video, too. I do that and I did that for this lovely couple. Much love, lots of happiness and many happy years, Mr. and Mrs. Torres!

Featured | Pretty Pear Bride!

2013-04-09T13:51:00.000-04:00

Great news, folks! Pretty Pear Bride Magazine published Roz and Alex's love story along with their adorable engagement photos. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today! It's a great read, promise.

The Move.

2013-04-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks have been rough on husband and me. We've done our best to live a very minimalistic lifestyle over the past few years, but despite that, there's just no easy way to go from living in a VERY large 1-bedroom apartment to a studio. Packing up our place was tough, but we did it and in less than a week! We had to sell a LOT of stuff in the process, but again, we did it. And all we broke during the process was a set of Santa bowls.

We made the move to Fishtown last Monday and spent the entire week exploring our new neighborhood. The Bronx will always have a special place in my heart - I grew up there and started my business there - but guys, I don't think I can ever go back. There is SO much to do in our new neighborhood and it's all only steps away from our front door. We wanted to do ALL THE THINGZ this week and had to constantly remind ourselves that we actually live here now - no need to rush anything.

I busted out the big girl camera for a walk last night, but I'm going to save those photos for later. For now, here is our week according to our iPhones.

Child's Play.

2013-03-25T09:21:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, we braved a snow storm to have dinner with our friends, Christine and Kevin, at their Brooklyn home. We caught up with each other's lives and shared good conversation over an obscene amount of wine. They won the "Who Has The Most Exciting News Between Us Two Couples" Contest with a little announcement that I eventually had the privilege of bringing to life through video.

Philly Bound!

2013-03-20T06:50:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that I lived in Philadelphia for seven years before I met my Love Cub. Once Wil and I started dating, I picked up my life, sold my house and headed up the Turnpike to begin my new life in New York City (okay, the Bronx). Sure, the Bronx isn't glamorous, but I grew up here and I expected my family would grow up here, too (or in Brooklyn - it's all NYC to me). So it really took me by surprise when husband asked me this question over New Year's Day brunch.

"Have you ever thought about moving back to Philly?"

After I cleared the piece of egg I had swallowed whole from my throat, I stared at him for a good ten seconds before I answered, "Not really, but I do miss it." The fact is although I grew up in New York City, it never felt like home to me. That's probably because I lived in the Bronx which is about as different from Manhattan as Biloxi. But even so, if I have to be totally honest with myself, I'd have to admit that Philly got me. Yeah, I grew up in the Bronx, but I GREW UP in Philly. In Philadelphia, I bought my first home, landed my first real job, met my first set of adult friends and discovered who I really was as a person.

Philly is home to me and on April 1, it'll be home to us.

We were not planning on moving back this soon. Our plan that was sketched out over brunch all those months ago involved us selling our home here, buying a new home in Philadelphia and Wil finding a new job (not necessarily in that order). But things never work out as planned in this family (I'm sure you've realized that's a trend for us) and Wil randomly got an awesome job offer in the City of Brotherly Love that we just couldn't walk away from. So we're not. We've no place to live there and don't even have our apartment on the market yet, but we're moving anyway. Let go and let God, right? Right.

And about the photography business - that's the beauty of this whole thing. Philly is only 100 miles and an 1:17 train ride away (and that's pretty much how long it takes me to get to SoHo from my apartment now because Bronx). Nothing about our business will change. Philly, NYC, OCNY - it's all the same to me and my camera. Plus, our parents are thrilled about having us crash with them for a few weekends over the summer and fall when we come up for work. Love them.

I'll share more details about the move once we get settled in, but for now, I have to put my nose to Craigslist to find the cheapest Fishtown apartment I can find before the end of the month. Wish me luck!

Oh, and Wil resolves to remain a Giants fan. In Philadelphia. We'll see about that...

Salsa Sundays | 43.

2013-03-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's embarrassing to admit this (even though you can figure it out on your own if you look through the archives), but this is the first Salsa Sundays we have posted (of ourselves) since December 2011. In fact, we haven't really gone out dancing at all since then. Something weird has been happening to me every time I try to dance.

After a song or two, I start to feel super nauseated. After another 3 or 4 songs, I'm ready to lose my lunch. I've never had issues with vertigo or anything, but the more I look into the problem, the more I realize that may be it. I'm going to get it checked out because I really, really miss dancing. Like, really. Also, don't judge my outfit/hair in this video too much. We filmed it last weekend when I still had The Plague.

Friday Finds | 61.

2013-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am forever using Pinterest to gather ideas for what I want our next home to look like and it changes drastically from week to week. These days, it's looking a little bit like this. I think I'll forever be torn between colorful and classic - or maybe classically colorful could be our thing? Colorfully classic? Whatever, I like it.

Subway tile is the prettiest.

Love this work space.

If we ever had to live in a studio again, this.

Now that I've completely kicked my coffee habit, I want a cute tea tin collection.

Another pretty work station.

Sixty Years Of Memories.

2013-03-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

Right before I came down with The Plague, Wil and I had the pleasure of attending a surprise birthday party for our dear family friend, Nelson. I promised his daughter, Linnette, that I would enjoy myself at the party and not take any photos, so I didn't...I took video instead. Silly, family! Y'all should know I enjoy myself the most when I have a camera in my hand. Happy 60th birthday, Nelson!

Once Upon A Time In Mexico...

2013-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, we've been back from Puerto Vallarta for over two weeks, but today is the first day that I can honestly say I feel like a human being. I must've picked up some weird bug on the plane back or something because I have been TOTALLY out of commission since we came home. Husband, of course, was perfectly fine and nursed me back to health. He even cooked dinner for us all by himself for the ENTIRE week! God, I love that man and his baby culinary skillz.

Before I got The Sickness, I edited some of the photos from our trip. The sunrises/sunsets in Mexico are just wow. I want to go back to there...

...Aaaand, We're Off!

2013-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Danfredo Photography team is kicking off the wedding season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, TODAY! I'm ready. Obviously. See you Monday!

A Contest.

2013-02-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

One of the reasons I've been in hiding these past few weeks is because I've been putting together some AWESOME marketing materials for Danfredo Photography. For 2013, we decided to create guide books for each category of photography we get frequent inquiries for (wedding, event, maternity, portrait and boudoir). These may be totally unnecessary, but if I were shopping around for a photographer, I might give a little more consideration to someone who presented me with a magazine as opposed to a boring PDF. I seriously hope our clients think like I do.

I've finished all of the books with the exception of the maternity and portrait ones. I had the privilege of shooting SO MANY awesome couples last year and because of that, I can't decide whose photo I want to use on the front covers - that's where y'all come in. I've decided to hold a Facebook contest where YOU choose the cover images for those particular guide books. How it works //

1. Like Danfredo Photography on Facebook.

2. Vote for your favorite cover by going into the "+ contest +" album, clicking "like" underneath the photo and leaving a comment for the couple (it's the comment that counts as your vote).

3. The couple with the most votes in each category (maternity and portrait) by Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10:00am wins a $50 print credit.

You can only vote once in each category and I reserve the right to remove any not nice comments left under the covers. Play fair, people! Here is a glimpse at our lovely contestants. Have fun and good luck!

Friday Finds | 60.

2013-02-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Another week went by and I had nothing to say on here. I really hate making excuses for not blogging, but husband and I have honestly been so busy and now we have to get packed up for work in Mexico next week. I'M NOT COMPLAINING! But I honestly miss this blog and the days when I used to put together thoughtful, interesting content. I'm going to work on that...when I get back from shooting that destination wedding. I'm not going to say "I promise" because I've said that way too many times, but I promise to try.

This is how busy I've been...I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized husband's 35th birthday IS NEXT WEEK! Totally forgot (sorry, husband). Good thing for me, he has a wish list on Pinterest. I guess I'll be Braving Nemo (why isn't this a meme yet?!) this weekend to snatch up a few of these goodies for him. Since we'll be out of the country on his actual birthday, I'll have to end the tradition of making mac & cheese and brownies for his special day. I promise to try to make those dishes when we get back, too. Too many promises. Anyway, man things!

1. J. Crew Denim Jacket // 2. Gap Lived-In Slim Khaki // 3. New York Knicks NBA Hardwood Classic Wave T-Shirt // 4. Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer (this MIGHT be a gift for me, maybe) // 5. The Tie Bar Silk Knitted Skinny Tie

Friday Finds | 59.

2013-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy, everyone! Another week has come and gone and seriously, HOW IS IT FEBRUARY ALREADY?! It's crazy how fast this year is flying by. Anyhoot, if you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, you've probably seen our new photography showreel 2358230758 times (because it's that much fun), but I wanted to share it on here as well. And since this is technically a Friday Finds post, I'd like to share some other videos with you by the woman who inspired us to make our silly, little film. Be prepared to get lost in Hailey Bartholomew's Vimeo page for HOURS. Up first, US!

Sightseeing In Philly.

2013-01-31T11:47:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month, Danfredo Photography took a little field trip to Philadelphia for a boudoir event at uber swanky, Hotel Monaco. Yes, the WHOLE Danfredo Photography team went meaning husband, too. He wasn't allowed to hang around while I worked, obviously, so he decided to spend a few hours exploring the city with his camera. Here's some of the stuff he saw. Oh, and he had a little something to say about the experience as well. May I present...another blog post by Wil!

While Danielle was busy doing her boudoir shoots in the hotel, I did some sightseeing around Philadelphia. Some of the highlights of my adventure were Independence Hall, The Signer Statue in Signer's Park and Reading Terminal Market, a public market located in Center City. I also did some sightseeing along South Street where there are lots of cute little shops, restaurants, clubs and businesses. If you haven’t been around here, I highly recommend it! You won’t be disappointed.

Wil snuck in that last one of me while I was soaking in the fanciest of fancy tubs after a VERY long day at work. NOT PICTURED: LOTS of wine. Tons. Why not?

Top Secret Stuff.

2013-01-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

Husband and I worked on a Top Secret project this weekend. I CANNOT WAIT to show you what it was all about! Creepy to some, maybe, but definitely awesome.

Friday Finds | 58.

2013-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's just that the sun is actually out today, but it feels like a bonafide spring day here in The Big Apple. Weather like this makes me want to run outside with my camera and take pretty pictures of everything in sight, but alas, there are deadlines to meet and tons of work to do. I suppose I'll just do what I always do on pretty days...stalk Instagram (I'm @danfredophoto) and live vicariously through the eyes of my favorite IGers. Here are my top five favs. Happy weekend!

Jessica + Thomas | Wedding.

2013-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you haven't figured this out by now, you're going to be bombarded by 230948572034897 wedding posts over the next few weeks. I had every intention of catching up on all my blogging during the off season, but I didn't exactly HAVE an off season. We have been busy bees over here and I kinda like it.

I had the pleasure of working with Elkin Cardona Photography for this beautiful wedding. I'm so grateful to have gotten to work with so many talented and amazing photographers over the past year. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!

L + F | Wedding.

2013-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

When Twah from Style Art Life asked me if I wanted to third shoot for her at a fancy venue in Long Island, I jumped at the opportunity. There was only one catch - I was going to be in Orlando the day of the wedding. I took the job anyway, you know why? Red eye, folks, red eye. When you want something bad enough, you figure out how to make it work. That's just how I roll.

The Vasquez Family | 80th Birthday.

2013-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do you remember way back when I used to blog everyday? Yeah, it's getting hard for me to remember those times, too. I think I'm feeling helpless and lost because I'm still blogging stuff from way back in July. I mean, that's almost a year ago already! Not really, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, our family came together at The Lobster Box in City Island to throw a surprise party for Wil's grandpa's 80th birthday. The food was great, the music was outstanding and the event was a complete success! Just look at how happy he was.

Welcome, Little Man.

2013-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still trying to put my feelings about this particular assignment into words. Once I'm able to articulate the events from last weekend in a comprehensible way, I'll share my story. Until then, there's this video. It'll have to do for now.

T + D | Wedding.

2012-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Something unprecedented is going down today...WIL IS WRITING A BLOG POST! See, my hubby second shot a wedding with Twah of Style Art Life back in September without me and I didn't think it was right for me to blog about it since I wasn't there. He kicked and screamed, but he FINALLY agreed to sit down and write a bit about the day. This is his story...

Wow! It’s been a while since I have written a blog post, but here it goes! Thanks to Twah and her husband, Tim, I had the privilege of shooting a wedding with Style Art Life at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. It’s funny because I never heard of this place and both Twah and Tim looked at me with an “Are you FOR REAL?” expression. Yeah, I need to get out more - sorry, guys. But, Twah was super-helpful in giving me some photo tips and keeping me at ease because yeah, I was pretty nervous (this was the first time I was shooting without Danielle around to help me out with stuff).

As far as the couple goes - it was such an amazing experience to share this day with them and their family. I remember speaking with the groom at the first look location before the bride arrived and he was great. We chatted for a bit and he told me a little about himself and in turn, I did the same. I did my best to keep him calm because with me being recently married, I knew what he was kind of going through.

Well, that’s it! I hope I didn’t bore you too much. Thanks again to Twah, Tim and the newlyweds for letting me share this special day with them! Here are some of my favorite shots from the day.

Friday Finds | 57.

2012-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

You don't know HOW DIFFICULT it was for me to resist the urge to do a round up of zombie stuff for today's post. How many of you remember when this happened? No self-control back then at all. Now I'm all grown up and here to share with you a couple of projects that are going to get started around here after the holidays. My father-in-law is sharpening the circular saw as we speak. So pumped!

I've had the same $99 Walmart kitchen table since I moved out of my house at 17. No more.

We love our Ikea desk, but this is more us.

Our next place is going to have three bedrooms. We currently only have one bed.

THIS COFFEE TABLE (the stag isn't half bad either)!

For the kid...when she comes.

A + Y | Wedding.

2012-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is another post that I don't know how to start, mostly because I really don't know the details that started it all. One morning in June, Isabelle emailed me asking if I was available to shoot with Twah of Style Art Life. When I told her I was available that day, she put me in touch and we set up a lunch date to feel each other out. I was nervous. I mean, DID YOU GO TO HER WEBSITE?! Her work is GORGEOUS and she was considering me, the photographer who had only second shot ONE WEDDING at that point, to work for her. And she hired me. And we ended up shooting seven weddings together this season. And she used Wil as a second shooter on a day that I wasn't available. And I have no idea how many weddings we're scheduled to shoot together next year.

When I opened up Blogger, I had every intention of sticking to the facts: A and Y are an adorable, sweet, considerate, fun and TOTALLY in love couple and I'm so happy that I got to share the most important day of their lives with them. But it is also a fact that this wedding changed a lot of things for me - both personally and professionally.

Twah is now the person I text almost as much as my husband. Twah is now the person I turn to when I'm having a bad day professionally because she gets it (Wil gets it, too, but he's not a girl and he doesn't deal with wining too well). Twah is my gossip girl, my buddy. In this VERY independent and isolated profession, it's nice to have a coworker I can call a good friend - didn't think I'd be making many of those in my old age. I can't wait to see what crazy adventures we have next year...if the zombies don't eat us tomorrow.

Oh, and I took some damn good pictures that day, too.

Carla | Boudoir.

2012-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I really love boudoir sessions. I think that all women are beautiful and should celebrate their femininity and sensuality through pictures (preferably, with me) at least once in their lifetime. Miss Carla obviously agreed with me and spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon getting pampered by Nydia of Makeup By Nydia and me. The results were, well, here.