2008 Catskill's Parade of Lights

After a great dinner at La Conca d'Ora on Main Street in Catskill, Joannie and I joined hundreds of festive folks on Main Street to watch the Parade of Lights and the Christmas Tree lighting. The weather was perfect, the crowd was excited and the parade was beautiful. It's great to see our perfect little village living up to it's title as one of the top 10 towns in the USA. Thanks to the fire department, the business owners, the village officials and everyone who made this event so much fun.

Miss Greene County & Miss Greene County Teen Winners

MICHELLE SUTTMEIER CROWNED AS MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 & BRITTANY SMITH CROWNED AS MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009
Catskill, New York, November 11, 2008: This past weekend the top finalists for the 1st Annual MISS GREENE COUNTY/MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 pageant competed to win the title of MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 & MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009. Founded and independently owned by Astara Enterprises, this competition defiantly wowed the audience, judges and everyone involved. The intensity of the pageant started on Saturday evening during the Preliminary Evening Gown and Event Wear Competition and kept going all the way up to the crowning of MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 and MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 on Sunday afternoon. Emcees for the weekend were co-owner of Astara Enterprises Danielle Teresa Lanuto and 98.5LiteFM’s Michelle Taylor. The top finalists that competed were Meghan Baxter, Drew Bradford, Bianca Cancel, Amanda Cettina, Kaylee Marie Milller, Maria Cullington, Marchella Frascello, Casey Leigh Mabee, Samantha McArthur, Samantha Mead, Katie Riley, Tess Robinson, Rebecca Lynn Ross, Brittany Smith, Michelle Suttmeier and Danielle Szajer.

The finalists began their competition on Friday evening with rehearsals in preparation for Saturday and Sunday’s big event. During rehearsals the ladies got a chance to get to know each other, staff and the owners of Astara Enterprises. One of the finalists said that it was a memorable experience and she gained so many new friends that she would have never of met if it weren’t for competing in the pageant. Saturday afternoon each finalist participated in one on one interviews with each of the judges, had more rehearsals and then got ready for the competition to begin at 7pm. The MISS GREENE COUNTY/MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 Pageant took place at the Scarlet Lounge in the Friar Tuck Resort, Spa and Convention Center to a packed house of audience members for both days of the competition. Family and friends were very excited to see their young ladies compete in such a prestigious event and were anxious to see who was going to be the first to win. On Saturday evening immediately following the Preliminary Evening Gown and Event Wear Competition the MISS GREENE COUNTY Organization awarded Michelle Suttmeier with the Interview Award, Meghan Baxter with the Style Award, Tess Robinson as MISS Photogenic 2009, and Casey Mabee as MISS Congeniality 2009.

Sunday afternoon began the Final Competition. This consisted of Evening Gown and on stage interviews with each contestant in front of a live audience. The questions were randomly picked by each finalist and consisted of questions created by the judges and staff. After hearing all the ladies speak, the judges decided the top three finalists for MISS and TEEN. Those three young ladies had another chance to answer a question on stage. Following this the winners were announced:

1st Runner Up for MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 is Tess Robinson from East Windham, NY. 1st Runner Up for MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 is Drew Bradford from Catskill, NY. MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 is Brittany Smith from Earlton, NY. MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 is Michelle Suttmeier from Round Top, NY.

Astara Enterprises would like to congratulate all of our winners and finalists for a job well done! We would also like to thank our judges – Brad Cummings partner at Pattison, Howe, Koskey & Bucci CPA PC; Peter Dockery Media Executive at The Daily Freeman; Tracy McNally Executive Director at the Greene County Chamber of Commerce; Cathy Monteverde owner of Adam & Eve’s Beaute Centre; Julie Slaughter Regional Sales Coordinator at Aflac; Bill Williams Facilities Manager and On-Air Personality at 98.5LiteFM and Pageant Historian Joel Weidner. A special thank you to all of our sponsors including Adam & Eve’s Beaute Centre, Douglas Koch Exquisite Floral Décor, Metro Force Sound & Studio, Divine Enlightenment, Captain Kidd’s Inn, Sterling Trophies, Panini Café & Pizzeria, HillCrest Press, V. James DiPerna Photography and our media partners 98.5LiteFM and The Greenville Press.

Pictures from this year’s pageant were taken by V. James DiPerna Photography and can be viewed at http://www.vjdipernaphoto.com/. Douglas Koch Exquisite Floral Décor provided the gorgeous floral arrangements for the weekend and Adam & Eve’s Beaute Centre’s staff were on site all weekend doing hair and make-up touch ups for the finalists. Be sure to visit http://www.missgreenecounty.com/ to see pictures of our winners and event photos.

The titleholders of the MISS GREENE COUNTY & MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 Pageant will personify the combination of intelligence, beauty, poise and success all while becoming a role model for the aspiring. The winners are sponsored by Astara Enterprises, Inc. to participate in the MISS NEW YORK USA & MISS NEW YORK TEEN USA 2010 pageant as well as received a multitude of prizes, including a $1000.00 scholarship to Eagle U’s Success Seminars & opportunities to participate in local events throughout the year. Our titleholders will also be working with the MS Society to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis in our community. MISS GREENE COUNTY 2009 & MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2009 will be helping 98.5LiteFm at their annual “Stuff the Bus” to help raise food for local pantries. Come visit them and get your picture taken with our winners on Saturday, November 15th from 10-11am in front of the Wal-Mart in Catskill.

Will you be crowned the next MISS GREENE COUNTY 2010 or MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN 2010? The application process has begun! Those interested in applying for MISS GREENE COUNTY TEEN must be between the ages of 13 to 17 and those applying for MISS GREENE COUNTY must be between the ages of 18 to 27. For more information on how to apply please visit www.MissGreeneCounty.com, email us at info@MissGreeneCounty.com or call Astara Enterprises, Inc. at 973-229-6875. The Miss Greene County Pageant – Dream It. Live It. Be It.

Astara Enterprises, Inc. is a consulting, event planning and production company established by sisters Angela Lanuto and Danielle Teresa Lanuto.

For more information please visit http://www.missgreenecounty.com/ or call Astara Enterprises, Inc. at 973-229-6875. Email us at info@MissGreeneCounty.com

Trusted Vendors

I've been photographing weddings for over 25 years. In that time, I've come across some great and some not so great vendors. I think the good guys need to be recognized and talked about. Word of mouth advertising is inexpensive and highly effective. So from time to time, when I run across someone that I think you should know about, I'll tell you about them here and provide you a link. I'll also keep the link up on the blog so look over to the right.

Today's topic is flowers. I recently shot a wedding for Serena and Dan and their florist was Douglas Koch. Douglas is highly regarded in the flower industry for his beautiful and creative displays. He and his partner Joe Klene were at the reception overseeing every detail of the flowers and decor. Not only are they extremely creative and talented, but I had a blast working with them throughout the day.

Here's their link, check it out and give them a call next time you need the best of floral displays.

http://www.douglaskoch.com/

Sunday, October 26, 2008

It's the end of October but today the weather was beautiful. Sunny and warm, the day after a torrential rain storm. I spent the early morning shooting an engagement portrait for Rachael and Mike. Lots of fun, great couple that's getting married next year. Mike's family owns Story's Farm on Rt. 32 in Catskill. If you're looking for farm fresh produce, that's the only place to go. I picked up some incredible mushrooms and some fresh picked brussel sprouts.

On the way home, I went looking for some landscapes. I ventured down Mossy Hill road and found the creek that feeds High Falls. Unfortunately, I was above the falls, not knowing how to get below them. The water was screaming down due to all the rain we had yesterday. Pretty dramatic scene. I met Bob Ricketson. I can always tell another photographer when their first question is about the equipment. Bob immediately recognized I was shooting with Canon equipment by the red ring around my L lens. Bob is very talented photographer specializing in nature and landscape photography. Please do yourself a favor and visit his website: http://www.bobricketsonphoto.com/ to check out his work.

So here are a few photos of Rachael and Mike, Mossy Hill Road and one of the mushrooms I got from the farm stand.

Early Morning Fog

Up early this morning, turned on The Weather Channel and heard that it was foggy this morning. So I grabbed my camera and headed down to the Hudson River to see if there was anything interesting. As expected it was very quiet along the river, one lone boat out on the water, one man drinking his morning cup of coffee while reading the paper and the gulls hanging out on the docks waiting for the sun to burn through the fog and take the chill from the air. I could have stayed there all day. But reality set in and I had to come home and get to work.

Catskill Studio Tour

Tonight was the night. The first annual Catskill Studio Tour. I was displaying photos at The Muddy Cup along with work by Dara Young and Lex Grey. Dara spent the afternoon painting in the front window of the coffee shop, later, I came down and set up a street studio and shot a few photos of passersby. All in all, it was a quiet night on Main Street, perhaps by time I got there, folks were already tired out. But it was a beautiful night to be out and I thank those who stopped by to see the gallery and to say hello. Some photos from the night can be found at: http://www.eventproofs.com/ search on Catskill Studio Tour. There's no password.

The First Annual Village of Catskill Artist Studio and Gallery Tour

Lex Grey

Dara Young

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, the Catskill Gallery Association will be sponsoring a tour of studios and galleries in the Village of Catskill. http://catskillgalleryassociation.com/events.html

This is an all day event, please visit the CGA website for details.

Part of the all day event is an exhibit at The Muddy Cup. Below is release by Sarah Barker, artist and curator for this particular event.

"The Muddy Cup at 410 Main Street Catskill captures the sharing creative musings of a life in Catskill for the Open Studios. These four artist are active participants in the Village's flavor and lure. Jim DiPerna, documents life in Catskill as a native with an eye of extreme sensitivity to the beautiful subtleties of the lives and land that define place. Lex Grey opens minds and hearts with her lust for life in a "renaissance" embrace of media and voice.
Hillary Manning has shared her talents in the arts tirelessly for years; helping to revitalize the walls of town with art. Dara Young, gets out on the land to observe what it has to offer and offers a hand in town were ever she sees a need. Come take advantage of these artists openness to their work and process at the Muddy Cup Catskill Exhibition Space. The show will run from September 20th until October 19th 2008."

The photos you see here are some captures I've made to be used in conjunction with the artists work to give you a sense of who they are and how they work. Hope you enjoy the posting and we all wish you'd join us for this inaugural event.

Afternoon with Stettner

The entire summer has gone by and I almost didn't get a chance to spend any time with my friend and mentor, Louis Stettner, http://www.loustettner.com/ . Lucky for me, we were both free this past Saturday afternoon, so I spent some time with him at his home and studio. Louis had spent the previous week working on his photography, so we spent a few hours processing many rolls of black and white film. Since I've started shooting digitally, I haven't been in a conventional darkroom in years. It was fun to get back in there and get wet again. Louis has his own methods for processing film that were new to me and an honor to learn.

Louis is also an accomplished painter and sculptor. We spent some time in his painting studio discussing his recent work and some up coming shows. It is always a pleasurable learning experience when ever I share time with my friend. His work, thoughts and visions are enlightening and inspiring. Thank you Louis.

Louis will have three shows in the coming year. One in Bordeaux, France; one at the Athens Cultural Center, Athens, NY and one at the Bonni Benrubi Gallery, NYC, NY Dec 11, 2008 to Feb 1, 2009 http://www.bonnibenrubi.com.

Mini Cooper

OK, so he's not the car, though I'm sure you'll agree, he's a whole lot cuter. I promised his Mom some photos before he was born. But he lives far away and only gets to Catskill on occasion. Lucky for us, he was in a great mood after a long car ride to Grandma's house. As you can see, he's adorable, with so many expressions. He cooed and talked and laughed and made us laugh. Thanks for a fun afternoon. I hope you like the photos.

Senior Portraits

It's senior portrait season and things are starting to get busy. My first session today was a friend of the family, Ryan. I must be getting old, because I remember when he was born and watching him running around as a child. Now he's a high school senior. Congratulations Ryan, you've grown to be a handsome young man.

If you're interested in a senior portrait that captures who you are at this milestone of your life, give me a call, 518-943-2735. We'll set up a consultation so I can learn who you are and what's important to you. Then we'll schedule your individual portrait session and create a work of art that's special for you and your family.

New email address

I just want to let everyone know that I'm using a new email address. Beginning immediately, please send all emails to jim@vjdipernaphoto.com. The mail account at MHCABLE got corrupted by spam and junkmail, so I'm abandoning it. Can't handle 600+ obnoxious emails every day. So please update your address books.

Thanks,

Jim

Landversicht Family Portrait

So let's start this out by saying, WOW Triplets!?!? Colleen, Kenny and their beautiful triplets were the subject of today's portrait session. What a beautiful family. My daughter and I travelled to their house and spent the morning following the children as they laughed and played in their backyard. Eventually, they got used to me enough to all sit down for this family portrait. My daughter Jillian had to jump up and down and act silly, far from her normal character, NOT!, but the children loved it and it shows. Great smiles.

Both my girls wanted me to send out a special thanks to Colleen. As their teacher in high school, Colleen's dedication to her profession and to her students, has inspired both my girls to become teachers. An honorable profession and you get the summer off!

Thanks again Colleen and Kenny, I hope you had as much fun as we did today!

Catskill High School Reunion

Thanks Roger Moore for asking me to photograph your class reunion. You'll find all the photos at: http://www.eventproofs.com/, search on Catskill High School, password is the year you graduated.

PV2 Andrew Deyo

I had the honor and privilege to make a portrait for PV2 Andrew Deyo of Catskill, NY. Andrew is home for a few days after completing basic training at Fort Benning, GA, https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/.

He'll be shipping out in a few days to Washington, DC where he will begin his three year duty with The Old Guard. This is an elite group of the US Army which serves as Escort to the President or Presidential Guard. For more information on this, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_United_States_Infantry_Regiment_(TOG)

Congratulations Pvt. Deyo for being chosen for such an honor.

Seussical the Musical

I know this posting is late, but I've been waiting for media releases from the school before I posted any photos. I'm still waiting, but in the meantime, let me tell you that if you missed this performance, you missed a lot. This is by far, my favorite high school play in many years. The story line was great, the casting was perfect and the performances, costumes, make up, props and music were out of this world. Into the world of Dr. Seuss in fact. Anyone who remembers these childhood stories would recognize all the characters as they tell the tale of Horton discovering the Who's on a speck of dust. Congratulations to the cast for a wonderful performance, to Mr. G and Ms. P for great music and direction.

The only photo I'm going to post with this publication is of my daughter Jillian. I know she's got a release. She played the part of Amazing Mayzie and I'll be honest and prejudice and let you all know she was truly amazing!

Keep looking back, I hope to have the rest posted this week.

Jenna's Graduation

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the State University of New York at New Paltz, bestowed the honors and degrees to 800 students. Our daughter Jenna graduated, with honors, from the School of Education with a BS in Childhood Education with a concentration in English. Here are a few photos from the day.

Jenna and Rob's Engagement Session

As promised, here are some more photos from Jenna and Rob's engagement photo session. We spent some time at St. Anthony's Friary. We had a lot of fun and you can see by these photos, they are very happily in love. We are anticipating an October 2009 wedding!

Catskill Classic Car Show 2008

On Saturday, May 10, 2008 Catskill hosted its monthly Second Saturday Stroll. This month we were treated to a classic car and motorcycle show. About 100 cars and motorcycles lined Church Street and the parking lot of the Greene County office complex. Hundreds of people enjoyed the show, the fine spring weather.

If you haven't visited Catskill lately, do yourself a favor and stop by. Main Street is alive with new shops, restaurants and art galleries. Visit www.welcometocatskill.com for more information.

You can find the rest of the photos from the show at www.eventproofs.com search on Catskill Classic Car Show

Taconic Hills Prom 2008

Earlier this week my friend Gary asked me if I could come by and take a few photos of his daughter Samantha and a few of her friends as the got ready for the Taconic Hills Junior Prom. What started out as a few students, turned in to quite a crowd. I must say each of the young ladies was glamourous and the young men handsome. Each and every one was wonderfully polite. I had a blast. Thanks Gary and Shanda for inviting me over.

For those of you who were there and would like to see the rest of the photos, go to: http://www.eventproofs.com/. Search for: Taconic Hills Prom. The password is Samantha's last name.

I'm adding a shout out to Chrissy Eggelhoefer from East Greenbush. She was there at Samantha's house doing hair and makeup for some of the ladies. As you can see by the results, she's good at what she does. Great Job Chrissy!

Carthette Burnett's CD Cover

Today I worked with Carthette Burnett on photographs for her soon to be released CD. As the title suggests, the CD will consist of songs of praise. She is still in the studio, but we got a jump on the CD artwork. I got a chance to listen to a few tracks and I can say that her faith and worship are as solid as the rock wall against which she posed.

If you see her around Catskill, ask to buy a copy!

Mahalo Grand Opening

Congratulations to Tina Gagliardy as she celebrates the grand opening of her new boutique on Main St., Catskill. Mahalo sells gifts, jewelry and accessories that are sure to please everyone. Stop in and see the wonderful selection at 401 Main Street, Catskill, NY.

The Candyman Chocolates

I did some product shots for Angelo Amato, owner of The Candyman Chocolate shop in Catskill. Angelo recently purchased this Catskill landmark and is taking this business to new heights. Look for more selection of chocolate, candies and hopefully by summer, gelato! Great work and great chocolate Angelo. All the best with your new adventure.