Hello, my name is Eric Valentin and co-owner of Valentin Inc.
I have worked in the photography industry for over 20 years. Growing up in the Catskills of New York when the hotels were a big thing is where I gained my early years of experience. I have had the privilege to work with some really exciting and talented photographers that intensely covered events, schools, camps and weddings. We worked at those great hotels like The Concord, Grossingers, The Pines, Kutschers and many more. It was a blast being a photographer back in the days of film.
I have worked with many people over the years from models to small venues to events with thousands of people and even though they’re all fun and I still enjoy them, weddings are my passion. Here’s why:
The passion I see two people have for each other when they are in love and being asked to capture their wedding day as it unfolds is an honor and privilege. Only at weddings can I capture so many significant moments of love, joy and laughter. The one slice of time that stands out the most for me is when it’s time to photograph the bride and groom alone.
Picture this; The two of you are alone, relaxed and shearing thoughts as you walk to the spot we picked out well before your wedding day to be photographed and then it begins... You look into each other’s eyes, you lean in…, it almost feels like your touching each other’s soul. Your so caught up in each other’s world that nothing outside of that moment matters.
That’s it for me. That says it all. Being able to capture that love, intimacy, tears of joy, and feelings you have for each other when you look into each other’s eyes, says it all.
In the end when your presented with your images you will be brought back to that moment of time and remember the thoughts that only the two of you shared. That look of love is contagious and to know you will have something tangible to see what it looks like from someone else’s prospective is magical. Sharing that moment in time with family and friends is priceless!! That is why I truly enjoy wedding photography and that’s what keeps me focused on capturing all those little precious memories throughout your wedding.
If you want to know a little more about my background "click here" which will open up to a new browser and take you to my corporate website, otherwise let’s talk more about you and your wedding.
What to expect
As you already know for me, it's an honor and privilege to capture a wedding as it unfolds which is why I leave nothing to chance. I take the time to listen and really get to know the two of you. Understanding the importance and uniqueness of everyone’s wedding is where it all starts.
My goal at each and every wedding is to show up as if I were an old friend with a fancy camera, blend in, and be a part of your day. This allows me to capture relaxed, signature moments. I don’t want your day to turn into a photo shoot. Most of the images I capture of your day are moments that occur naturally. When the time comes to take the posed pictures, I enjoy making people laugh and feel comfortable in front of the camera.…
I am always looking for the interesting shots, the ones with laughter, emotion, tears of joy, and constantly searching for those little interactions between people that permits me to tell the story of your wedding in a way that you will remember for years to come. Your ceremony will be captured as it happens in a quite respectful fashion and your reception will be captured in its full spirit and celebration from a journalistic standpoint.
Personality
This is a big one. I know it may not seem like your photographer's personality would have much of an impact on your photographs, but I promise it does! Make sure you and your photographer click. When you meet for the first time what is your impression? Do they take the time to listen to you, make you feel it’s all about you, joke and laugh with you? If not then, when? This person is going to be with you on one of the biggest and happiest day of your life. If you feel confident, at ease and happy, that's how you will look! If your family and guests, see you relaxed in front of the photographer they too will feel relaxed which is the start to great photographs.
When it's all said and done, (you know the cliché) the music ends, the guests say goodbye, the flowers wilt, all you will have are your precious memories and photos. Your wedding album is what you will show your children and grandchildren one day as you tell them the story of how you fell head over heels in love with each other. The fact of the matter is; this is a one shot deal when it comes to wedding photography. No retakes, no do overs. If you regret skimping on it, you will be reminded of that for a very long time. I’ve talked to enough people to know it’s worth the investment.
I look forward to the opportunity of becoming your photographer to capture your memories the way you envisioned them, which will be cherished for a lifetime!
I know you have lots of questions and would like to know more about what to expect and what I offer. When we meet I will answer all your questions and review all kinds of things from poses to experience, albums to contracts, gear to lighting, insurance and more…
Call us at 917-791-0069 so we can see if your day is available. Then we’ll address all your questions, make arrangements to secure your day and start crafting a collection based on your vision.