A weekend in the Hamptons

For the first time ever, I spent a weekend in the Hamptons! Yes, being a thirty-something year old and living across the sound for most of my life, my family never ventured there. We weren't really the 'type,' preferring to go to the Cape or to Maine during the summers. When I was asked to do a lifestyle photography shoot spending the weekend photographing a family who owned a home in the Hamptons, I was not going to turn that down. I enjoy spending time with a family for extended periods of time and creating a comfortable setting where the family can just be themselves and can almost ignore the fact that I am there taking photographs.

The view from the home

I decided to drive out the whole way as I was dropping my parents off at the airport very early in the morning and it was easier than heading back home and taking the ferry across. 4 hours later, I arrived at a beautiful home! Spent a while exploring, checking out great photo shoot locations and enjoying the view. Went to a farmer's market, farmer's stand and took in the gigantic homes.

The beach right around the corner

awesome fresh asparagus!

My boyfriend was also invited out, which was very sweet of my clients, and so he was able to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the Hamptons for his first time too. We had most of the afternoon on Sunday to explore more of the area and drove all around, had a late lunch and relaxed on the beach. He booked us a Sunday evening ferry back to CT right during sunset which may have been one of the most romantic things anyone has ever done with me. (Well done).

Exploring... also our first selfie together ever (i think?!)

You could rent this for $250k a week

The Hamptons were beautiful and I would be happy doing more lifestyle photo shoots out there!

Prepping for 3 trips... and a 4th

Over the past couple of years I've perfected my packing abilities for trips and for learning how to take only the essentials. Usually the trips I take are spread out just enough that I have plenty of time to be at home, regroup, do laundry, relax and plan. The past couple of months, my trips have coincided and overlapped a bit, but they revolved around going to similar places so my gear was the same.

However, in just a couple of weeks, I will be embarking on three trips spanning a month, and heading to three very different locales around the globe. Hence, packing for three trips. I certainly do not have enough underwear for a month and Victoria's Secret or Hanky Panky has not lowered their prices enough for me to carry a month worth of them with me! Plus, that takes up space and underwear is very easy to clean in the shower! (One of my tips for traveling lighter)

The only clothing that will be the same for all three trips is my bathing suit. That's not super helpful! When I pack, I use these amazing different size bags to organize by Eagle Creek, so I can separate different types of clothing into each of them. When I arrive at a destination, I can just put the individual bags in drawers (if i'm at a location long enough to do so), and then open the zipper and can gain easy access to my clothes without having to dig around to find what i'm looking for. Gallon size zip lock bags also work to help organize.

Packing for the first trip... my initial pairings!

 I will have a 12 hour layover to do laundry and repack for the second two trips which will be Vegas and Utah... Flying into Vegas with three pairs of skis will be interesting!

The fourth trip I mentioned is actually my brother's and since he literally has no time, except maybe to shower, I am packing for him for a trip he's taking to another continent!
I will update with more as we get closer and of course, I will try my best to write daily updates when I travel.

RS Photography Website Blog

Writing a few blogs is certainly a challenge. I'm currently writing a post for this blog, however I just finished up a few posts for my photography website blog, so feel free to check them out. RS Photography Blog

And because every post should have some photos, here's one of me taken by a wonderful photographer and friend in Napa.