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Category Archives: Brooklyn

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Brooklyn is for Lovers

Brooklyn Is For Lovers is a photography project that celebrates the love you have for Brooklyn, for your neighborhood, and for each other.

By the end of the year, Kristina Hill hopes to have photographed one couple in every area of Brooklyn. Each shoot will take place in the spot in their neighborhood that means the most to them, whether it’s the bar they first met, their favorite park bench, or the coffee shop where they relax on Sundays.

Want to get involved? Simply email Kristina on photos[at]kristinahill.com, telling her the place in your neighborhood where you’d most like to be photographed and the reason why.

From the end of March onwards photographs from the project will be on display here on the blog – keep checking back for new neighborhoods!

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(Brooklyn Is For Lovers banner was handmade by the super talented Nicole Licht of Astulabee.)

Sam & Lee (ReBar – Dumbo, Brooklyn)

Yay! I’m so happy to post Sam and Lee’s reception.

It was held at Rebar in Brooklyn, which made a perfect venue for a truly elegant and incredibly fun wedding. I adored Sam and Lee’s reception just as much as their ceremony. While processing their images I’ve had a smile from ear to ear, remembering events and moments and emotions… I’m excited to share these photos. Enjoy!

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The toasts at Sam and Lee’s wedding were among the funniest, most heartwarming toasts I’ve ever heard. It’s obvious that everyone felt that way!
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Here Comes The Brooklyn Bride (And Other Things)

It’s unusual for me to post like this, but I’ve been up to some exciting things (in addition to shooting). I wanted to share them all with you!

First, I’m putting together Sam and Lee (part two) for the blog. Their elegant reception was held at ReBar in Dumbo. Here is a sneak peak with a promise of a full post coming soon…
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I also spent a few days in Altoon, Pa at a workshop with the amazingly talented Thom Rouse. The workshop was hosted by the wonderful Tammy and Tamar of London Wolfe Photography in their ginormous studio/coffee shop (Yep, that’s right! These talented ladies opened a coffee shop in their studio space, ingeniously marrying my two favorite things – coffee and photography!). I learned so much while I was there and I interacted with some awesome people. It was a great time and exciting to be back in Brooklyn with lots of new photoshop skills and photography ideas! Here is a shot (captured by Tammy) of everyone working…
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Next, I’m getting ready for my first Bridal Show (gulp)! I’m really excited about it especially because it’s in Brooklyn and featuring a lot of great local vendors! Check it out:
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You can purchase tickets here: Buy Tickets Online! If you go, please stop by my booth and say hello!

And last, but certainly not least, I’ve been accepted as a photographer for The Littlest Heroes Project! If you’ve never heard of it, check it out. It’s an amazing organization.
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So for now, that’s it. But I hope to post again real soon.

Sam & Lee (Part One)

You may remember Sam and Lee from their adorable engagement session a few weeks ago.

Over the weekend I spent two amazing days with Sam, Lee, their family and friends, celebrating their marriage. They had the most intimate wedding ceremony I have ever witnessed. Set in their Bay Ridge, Brooklyn apartment with contributions from their friends and family, every detail was a personal touch. The entire time I felt like I was being let in on a beautiful secret and capturing it was a complete honor.

Congratulations Sam and Lee. Stay tuned for day two…

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Make-up done by the lovely Anni Bruno.
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We built up a bit of anticipation when Sam and Lee were about to see one another for the first time!
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Sam and Lee’s friend Carissa married them, perfectly describing their relationship and what their marriage meant.
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Sam & Lee

On Wednesday, I headed to Bay Ridge for Sam and Lee’s engagement session. I had such a great time getting to know them – it made me super excited to photograph their wedding next month!

When I turned up to their apartment, they had set up their Scrabble board to be photographed. For those who don’t know, I’m a scrabble fanatic, so this was very very exciting to see and a great way to start off the shoot!

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Happy New Year!

I interrupt my ‘Best of…” blogs to bring you the following series.

Bright and early this morning I was forced to head outside, not even realizing at first, that it was snowing! While I only had to walk about 5 short and 2 long blocks, I still felt a bit annoyed by having to venture out into the cold. After bundling up and stepping outside, I decided to make the best of it and capture the beautiful snowfall with my iPhone and the CameraBag app.

I really really really love Brooklyn. It’s a pretty inspiring place to live. I try so hard not to take it for granted, but I definitely do sometimes. Especially with the cold, snowy weather, this morning was a nice change to not be rushing to the subway or lugging all my camera gear (though part of me wishes I had brought my 5DmkII). It was just me, empty streets, some fresh snow and a coffee.

Happy New Year everyone!

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Prarthana and Asad

Last night I photographed Prarthana and Asad’s wedding celebration. Having been married in a small civil ceremony a few weeks ago, they decided to have a gathering when family was visiting from India. It was a beautiful cocktail hour at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott (a favorite location of mine!). I had a l wonderful time with them and their family. Here are a few of my favorite shots – will post more once I’ve processed all the images!

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All of the kids were just too adorable!
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I love this stolen moment between Prarthana and Asad…
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Prarthana showing off the pin she received as a gift (I believe from Turkey).
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And, but of course, more kids!
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Coney Island!

So, I’ve made a pact with myself to spend the next week shooting for me (after I work this weekend, of course). Yesterday I was feeling like a grump, so I decided to start my pact early, get motivated and head to Coney Island with P.

I adore Coney Island (see previous blog: Summery Things), but haven’t really been in a while. Though I feel guilty saying it, and I do admit that it is sad without Astroland, Coney Island is still great! I firmly believe that even the biggest sticks-in-the-mud can’t resist the fun of boardwalk. Come on… Claw Machines, Ski Ball, Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Kites (oh my)! Boardwalks and beaches always take me back to summer vacations with my family ‘down the shore’ (Yep, ’tis true. I’ve just revealed that I was born and raised in New Jersey!).

Okay, so on to the photographs:

On our walk to the D train, I spotted this sweet bike horn. I tend to photograph bike bells, but I couldn’t resist this one!
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Normally, I curse the D train. Of all the trains I’ve lived off of, the D is kind of my least favorite. However, when it’s taking you to Coney, it’s not so bad!
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In my “Summery Things” post, you get a different view of this sprinkler.
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I’ve always been fascinated by the people who fish off of the Coney Island Pier. I just think it’s so much fun to watch them!
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I watched this family fish together and interact for such a long time. They were so loving and fun to observe. This little boy was determined to catch a fish. He was so patient while his grandma (pictured) caught about five! His big sister was a total pro at removing the fish from the line and putting it in water! I’d never be able to do that without squirming!
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This guy reads the paper out here every day. He used to work on a print press. He told me “Ink runs through my blood.”
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The sky was totally amazing yesterday! Do you see the kite?!
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Seriously, there is nothing like sweet light.
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While I was photographing the sky, P was getting some raw clams.
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While I won’t eat clams raw, I’ll happily photograph them! (Lensbaby 1.0)
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The board walk was bustling and the sunset could not have been more perfect.
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My photo taking was soundtracked perfectly by the music of Joseph Ardigo.
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Okay, I admit, there are not-so-cheery parts to Coney Island, but they sure do add to its charm.
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Goodnight Coney Island!
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Canon 5D Mk II

I cannot believe that I leave for Jamaica in two days. Totally nutso! I’ve got so much to organize and I’m photographing two, yes two, events tomorrow, so I’m pretty sure that time is going to fly.

I’m hoping for the chance to post some photos from David and Jen’s rehearsal dinner tomorrow night before I head to the airport. I’m especially excited to be photographing at Bayard’s again – it’s just beautiful there.

Quick announcement – I’ve created a facebook fanpage. So if you’re a fan, show your love here: Kristina Hill Photograph Fanpage!

So on to the title of this blog. I’ve upgraded to the 5D Mk II and I’m so excited! I’ve had my eye on the camera since it was first announced by Canon and now it has kicked my old ‘back up’ camera body into retirement, moving into my camera bag with my trusty 5D.

I have not had the chance to shoot any video yet, but I totally intend to do so in Jamaica. I’ve actually taken very few photos on it, but wanted to post a few as some of you have been nagging me to see what I’ve done with it so far!

So here a few from a walk through South Slope/Sunset Park on the first day of our relationship together. May it be a long and happy one!

I know, I know, not too exciting. But since buying my first digital camera, it has become a tradition that photo number one is a tribute to the camera that came before!
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I have dozens of photos like this… I’m not sure why I like to photograph my skirt/shoe combinations!
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A bit blurry, but wanted to test out the capability of the 6400 (yes, 6400) ISO (no noise reduction applied!).
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