Photojournalism Archives - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

A Girl and Her Horse-Maile and Luna

October 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Horse and Rider Photographer, Lifestyle Photography, personal branding photography, Photojournalism, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

If you haven’t guessed by now, my other passion is horses and riding. Years ago I used to show horses, jump them etc. I’m still an equestrian, and I ride and working on riding more and more each week as my schedule allows it. I met Maile at a farm we both rode at a while ago, since then she and her two horses have moved to Sporty Acres Farm, but we’ve kept in touch and remain friends.

She has this amazing thoroughbred horse named, Luna who is an amazing jumper and mover, loves to go fast. Maile is an amazing rider and watching her ride this horse, you can see the connection between them both.

I had this idea for a photo shoot and I wanted to originally shoot Maile and her husband David as he has a horse named Sailor. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it. My idea is to showcase a horse and rider, for personal branding. Many equestrians have their own websites, are on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Riding is an expensive sport, so getting sponsorships really helps us.

To better understand more about the costs:
How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter Jumper Show?
What Is Equestrian Show Jumping?
What Does It Take To Become and Olympic Equestrian?

Being an equestrian at a professional level is more expensive than sailing or tennis:

By having professional pictures to showcase at our trailers and stalls during shows, and online shows the commitment we’re making. Basically marketing ourselves to small and large brands to help us to afford what we do. And this includes our training, upkeep of our beloved animals, outfits, helmets, saddles, bridles, etc. The list is enormous, and why do we do this?

Because we love it.

The inside of the stables is pretty dark, so while I tried a few shots without my flash, I ended up having to use it.

Love the tail flip! The day was gorgeous, and the sun was perfect.

After Maile’s ride, I wanted to get some shots because I could tell that both were pleased with their ride. I suggested to Maile to take off her helmet and give Luna some kisses and hugs.

No one was using the indoor arena, so Maile helped me with the large muslin background that I brought. The idea to have Luna step on it, I wasn’t too sure of, so we put it up, I set up one light. Thinking that I was going to Photoshop/extend the background to cover up the windows, but as I was editing the pictures, I decided to leave it alone.

With the lighting set up, I didn’t want it to be too punchy or bright, and the colour processing I did in Capture Pro One gave me the look I was going for. The pose Maile has in this first one with her composed, and serious face reminded me of the old paintings when no one smiled but held their horses in a regal manner.

Thank you Maile for letting me come and hang out with you and Luna! We need to get together again soon!

If you’re interested in having me come out to your stables to photograph you and your horse(s), please contact me.

Bordentown Rotary Club Young Professionals-Walk 4 Recovery-Love The Addict, Hate The Disease-Covered by Photojournalist Deirdre Ryan

November 15, 2018/2 Comments/in event photography, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

Last night, I volunteered my photography services with my local Rotary Club for the first Walk 4 Recovery(#walk4recovery). We all met at Hope Hose Humane Co. 1 Firehouse, which is literally steps from my home. The night was cold, our breaths made clouds in the air, but the common ground we all stood upon was one to last and encourage.

This walk was also to support those fighting against addictions, which is a disease, their families and friends who are helping them. To get rid of the stigma of addiction.

I saw many who have lost family members, and friends to addiction, a lot of familiar faces. One family here in Bordentown have lost a son and, very recently, lost a daughter to addiction.

Our local police blocked off the streets, making it safe for us to walk. This was all made possible by volunteers, from the t-shirts, the food, everything. Bill Mercantini, our Bordentown Rotary Club President spoke, then Mayor Lynch. Angelique Flynn spoke of her struggles with addiction, who is now 8 years sober. Father Matt Tucker offered a prayer and spoke out at least 50 names of those lost or struggling. This walk was enormous for its the first time, I think about 200 people attended.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

The article below is from The Burlington County Times, their reporter, Kelly Kultys and photographer Dave Hernandez, covered the event, as well as The Register-News(which is now back).

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/20181114/bordentown-residents-walk-for-recovery

Bordentown residents walk for recovery

By Kelly Kultys

Posted Nov 14, 2018 at 9:40 PM Updated Nov 14, 2018 at 10:41 PM

The Bordentown Rotary Club and the Young Professional Rotary Club of Bordentown hosted the first Candlelight Walk as a way to help break the stigma of addiction.

BORDENTOWN CITY — “I walk for …” signs covered the backs of hundreds of people Wednesday night as they walked with candles in hand around the city.

The crowd gathered together for the first Rotary4Recovery walk, aimed at helping break the stigma of addiction and recovery.

Dawn Walton, of Mansfield, was walking for her son Boomer who passed away on Aug. 12 after he struggled with addiction.

“It’s great to see everyone come together and support this,” she said.

The walk was organized by the Young Professional Rotary Club of Bordentown, a new group formed out of the Bordentown Rotary, which began earlier this year.

Co-chairs Hillary Moore and Katrina Brophy, both of Bordentown City, said they thought it was important to get everyone together and show they supported those in recovery.

“I personally have lost someone to addiction,” Moore said.

That’s why she said it was important to get a large crowd together to “break the stigma” that those with addiction face.

Bill Mercantini, the president of the Bordentown Rotary, said the event had been a vision of his for a while and he was glad to be a part of the walk for those in recovery.

“I’m walking for Nick,” he said, referring to a family member.

For many of those in attendance, the loss from addiction weighed heavily on their minds as they walked. Michelle Trogdon, of Hamilton, Shannon Sticca, of Bordentown Township, and Chris Millington, of Bordentown Township, said between their family and friends they lost three people to overdoses within a three-week span over the summer.

Millington said it was great to see more than 200 people turn out for the walk.

“It’s so awesome and the thing is, it’s a sad thing and it’s a good thing, we know everyone here pretty much and it’s kind of sad because we’re all so connected,” she said.

For Angelique Flynn, of Burlington City, being a part of the walk allowed her to share her story to try and inspire others in recovery.

“I’m active in the community as a volunteer,” she said. “I own my business, I teach yoga. I am a homeowner and I live a truly amazing life and I’m so blessed to have it. I tell you all of this because this wasn’t always my story.”

She recalled trying to fill a void in her life and never being quite able to do so.

“My favorite thing to use was drugs,” she said.

Eventually, she was able to get into a 12-step program and now has been sober for eight years, but she still sees how addiction is affecting her community.

“The longer I stay clean, the more people I’ve lost,” she said.

Bordentown City Mayor Jim Lynch said the best way to try and tackle the problem is to come together for events like the walk to show that the community members support each other.

“You have no better cooperation than we have right now between the two municipalities (Bordentown City and Bordentown Township),” he said.

Lynch highlighted the work of resident Kevin Moore, who has been active with Bordentown Residents Against Drugs, and currently serves as the Bordentown Township/City Municipal Alliance Coordinator, for his work to bring resources and awareness to those struggling.

Before the walk, a list of more than 50 names of people both living and deceased who had battled or were battling addiction was read so that those walking would have them on their minds.

Here are some of the images that I took the other night:

Toscanos donated their fabulous Mac-N-Cheese!

Hampton Behavior Health Center

Sundays Catering

Bill Mercantini our Bordentown Rotary Club President.

Bordentown Mayor Lynch

Angelique Flynn

Hilary Moore of the Young Professionals Bordentown Rotary Club.

Father Matt Tucker

Hilary Moore asking for a moment of silence before heading out.

Once again, thank you all for participating and volunteering. This event I think will be even bigger next year.

Yours In Rotary,

Deirdre

Day 3-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park of NJ

August 16, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography, Horse and Rider Photographer, personal, Photojournalism, Portraits, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

If you didn’t see my post on Day two click here to see it.

Day 3 was on a Sunday and I got there later than I wanted to. This time, I brought my husband and our daughter, it was her very first time at a horse show. It was super hot and it did rain a little. But we sat in the covered seating area and we had a packed lunch. My friend showed earlier in the jumping and dressage, and I wished that we could’ve seen her. Oh well, there will be plenty of other times. But still I wanted our daughter to see these events. This is a breed show to show the many ways this horse can perform.

Brielle hurt her back jumping with Baby, but had one last class on Kora in a flat class. She did really well and placed 2nd. All in all, she placed with two seconds and two fourths for the weekend, not bad considering that Kora is a horse that has only been under a saddle for just two months! And I got the word that Kora has been adopted!

They had a HUGE flat class of 25 riders, that benefited the Race for To Cure MS, and one of the riders that was sweeping the entire weekend has MS. She’s wearing the long sleeved blue shirt, riding Xrossing The Delaware. I wanted to meet her badly!

I love Fruit Punch Gatorade on ice and I made a mixed green salad with feta cheese, tomatoes, chick peas, plain macaroni noodles, drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and Penzeys Ozark seasonings. We also had fresh cherries for dessert. And yes, our daughter loves this salad too.

I like this one, an English and Western rider….

Because of the heat and rain, the judge was in the area where we were seated.

The red ribbon means to stay away because that horse could kick. Kora is not experienced in a show ring, and the day before, other riders were getting too close to her. I’ve ridden an Arabian named Annie who had to wear one, she would literally stop, back up to kick another horse in a show ring or during training. Did anyone pay attention to that ribbon? Nope! Did Annie do her thing without warning? Yup!

A very exhausted but happy Brielle!

Because Brielle was hurting, I helped with cleaning out the stalls, holding on to Baby while her other helper cleaned the other stall, and made sure that she was ok. She went one to place at Gladstone the very next day!

If you’re all wondering if I’m going to show soon, yes I am! Stay tuned!

Day 2-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park Of NJ

August 12, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography, Horse and Rider Photographer, personal, Photojournalism, Portraits, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

If you’ve been following me online, it’s not a secret that riding horses is a love for me that goes back to when I was a little girl. I didn’t ask for a pony, I wanted a Trakenher. It’s still one of my favorite breeds. I jumped horses in shows, and now I’m back into training since August 1991.

A breed that has gained my attention is the Standardbred . My sister in-law Lillian and her husband, Jim, are very involved in the horse world. I’ve been volunteering when I can at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in Cream Ridge, NJ.

This weekend, my friend, Brielle, who works there, is showing two horses at the Standardbred National Horse Show here at the Horse Park Of NJ. The park is only about roughly 20 minutes from where I live. I haven’t been here since 1991, so yeah a lot has changed! LOL

She’s been there since Friday, today is the last day and I’m going to head over there soon. Photographing horses in motion like this is “fairly new” for me,I used to photograph team sports for a newspaper. They came out pretty good, I really had a lot of fun, in spite of the intense humidity and oncoming thunderstorm.

Brielle rode Kora in just one class. Her own horse, Shake Baby Shake, is showing today with Kora.

That’s Lillian taking pictures from the stands. I joined her there to take the other images.

After a practice run in the ring, they had opening ceremonies:

This class is for Standardbreds that are currently up for adoption.

Below is Brielle’s horse, Shake Baby Shake:

After this image, I stayed on to watch some more classes, that were mainly Western, with Lillian. It was fun to relax, chat and of course be around horses 🙂

Editorial Photoshoot Showing A Cervical Cancer Survivor Whose Future Is Bright

January 10, 2018/0 Comments/in Editorial, Lifestyle Photography, Photojournalism /by Deirdre Ryan

Have you ever sat in your doctor’s office and seen these magazine titles?

Diabetes Health Monitor
Pediatrics Health Monitor
Eye Care Health Monitor
Heart Care Health Monitor
Arthritis Health Monitor
Living with Cancer Health Monitor
Dermatology Health Monitor
Digestion & Diet Health Monitor

Each time I would read one, I would think, you know, I should contact someone from this publication and see if they could use a photographer like me.

Well, one day, as I was sitting at my computer working on images back in October or November, I got an email requesting an editorial photographer to go on location to photograph a woman and her family for an article for the Living With Cancer Health Monitor Magazine.

It’s funny how things happen, right?

Amanda is a cervical cancer survivor who lives in New Jersey, married and is a mother to an adorable little girl. To read her amazing story click here.

After getting the approval for the project, I contacted her to decide on the best time to do the photoshoot, where we could do it, and asked some questions so that I could get to know her before showing up. I found out that she and her family have much in common with mine, a love of books, music, movies, and comic books. Getting to know the people who I’m going to photograph helps to break the ice, create an intimacy so that they feel comfortable with me, because it’s not every day that someone shows up with camera equipment and starts taking pictures. Not once did we talk about the article or what she went through, I wanted this to be about Amanda and her family, as though cancer never entered their lives. Just a fun afternoon, hanging out, playing Uno and eating popcorn with a friend.

Originally, we were going to photograph outside and some in the kitchen, but the weather was unseasonably bitter cold and windy. So we stayed inside their home, it was really comfy and had great light coming into their living room window. Based on our conversation before, I was able to chat easily with them, also I have an 11 year old daughter who loves to read.

As usually, I packed way too much and used barely half of it. I recruited their daughter to be my photo assistant. I showed her how to unfold the light stands, how to set up the flashes in the Westcott Rapid Boxes(she helped to set up those as well). I also had a large reflector that I unfolded, she loved that one. Their adorable pug allowed me to get some doggie time, which I relish each time I go somewhere and see a dog.

I wanted to give the magazine a variety of images to possibly use. I understood that this wasn’t going to be a cover story, but from what Amanda has gone through, I wanted people to see what a loving, beautiful, fun family they are.

Instead of using the flashes, I used natural lighting, utilizing the sin coming in their from window. I defused it by closing the sheer curtains and I set up the large silver reflector their the right,(our left) just out of view to give some additional light. Whenever I moved around them, I moved the reflector to where I needed the light to hit them.

For the images of Amanda and her family eating popcorn, I had to use at least one or 2 lights, so I set them up wirelessly, one in the front off to the side and the other in the back to fill in the kitchen.

First we started off by having them read a great Harry Potter picture book(I have it on my Amazon Wishlist).
Then I suggested that they play a game, so we all decided on Uno. This is also a favorite of ours in our family, and it gets quite ruthless!
We could’ve stopped after playing Uno, but I wanted to give another scenario in a different room. So They made some popcorn and I took pictures of them having some fun with it.

I didn’t want any posed shots, my goal was to get everyone natural, relaxed and having a good time. Okay, I admit, the last shot with the popcorn, I suggested, because it’s fun to feed mom and dad popcorn when you’re a kid LOL!

Below is the final article from this month’s issue of Living With Cancer Health Monitor. If you go to a doctor’s office and see the magazine, check it out as January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. You can see which image they used and I think it was an excellent choice.

Thanks so much Amanda and your family for letting me come into your home. I had a great time chatting and getting to know you all. Thanks Health Monitor for contacting and working with me on this project.

Interested in working together on a project? Use the red button on the right hand side towards the bottom titled Get Started to contact me. Thanks!

Laughs For The Left Behind, a Benefit for Our Friend, Pat -NJ Photographer

September 30, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

This is a post that needed to be written a long time ago. It’s still difficult because Pat was a friend of ours, a really good childhood friend of my husband’s, best friend of his sister’s and the best friend of my friends here in town. It’s weird, Shannon and I grew up together, then we moved back to Bordentown. My husband and Pat reconnect via Facebook and find out that Shannon’s husband, John, is Pat’s best friend! It was perfect since we all share the same sense of humor, political views, and John and my husband both work in tv.

We found out about Pat’s passing as we were literally driving down to Ocean City, NJ last summer of 2016. I mean I was reading Pat’s posts on FB I think an hour or so before? Next thing I knew, I get a message on FB that he died while my husband was driving. It was horrible and we couldn’t do anything until we reached our destination. I mean at first we thought it was a prank, but no our Ring Master was gone at the young age of 48.

Pat was happily married to his wife Terry and have two amazing boys together. Their wedding was at Madison Square Garden with Pat in full clown makeup from when he was in Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
To read a great tribute to Pat go here:
http://www.clownlink.com/2016/07/rip-pat-cashin/
There are links to his wedding and more.

The funeral memorial was touching, sad, and full of people cracking jokes and stories. Afterwards we all went to a great place called The Circus Drive In, which is now closed unfortunately.
I found an article about it here
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/people/2016/08/22/circus-clown-dies-but-legacy-lives/88813922/

A group of his friend want to do something, so a celebratory comedy show was out together to benefit the family, friends and community.
http://www.clownlink.com/2017/04/laughs-left-behind/
I quote the article:
“The Laughter Arts Foundation (headed up by Michael Rosman) is putting on the event to remember Pat and to raise money for the family and for the clown community.

The evening will be headlined by Tony Award and MacArthur fellowship winner Bill Irwin.
Other performers include:
▪ Archie Cobblepot
▪ Barry Lubin
▪ Circus Stella
▪ Dick Monday & Tiffany Riley
▪ Drew Richardson
▪ Eepybird (Maine)
▪ Greg DeSanto
▪ Hilary Chaplin
▪ Jeff Gordon
▪ Kevin Carr
▪ Mark Gindick
▪ Michael Rosman and others!

It was held at the Seashore Day Camp and School on April 8, 2017 at 7 pm. Pat was, let’s say an avid collector, of all things that had to do with the circus. So there was a silent auction of his collection, people who volunteered to get a shaving cream “pie” in the face, and more.

We brought our daughter to this fabulous event and had an amazing time! I used my Canon 5D Mark III and I let my daughter use my Olympus mirrorless camera outside. The lighting was what it was and while they had an official photographer who used his own lighting, I of course stated out of the way and captured the event from where I was sitting among friends in the front. There is video, but I think it’s still being edited, I’m not sure. But I can’t wait to see it, and I’m not the only one! LOL

Being among so much talent that night and seeing our caught taking it in was amazing. Meeting people and friends that we know via Facebook was great too. And hearing the stories, I mean there should be a book.

I quote the FB Page https://www.facebook.com/LFTLB/ for the event:
I need to thank a lot of people…I’ll divide them into the audience people, the committee people, the performer people, and the donor people,. In many cases, people were part of more than one group.
I thank the audience and especially the VIP ticket people for buying the tickets and expending the costs and effort to attend. We actually had people who flew in just to see the show. Thank you all.
I want to thank the committee people for sharing the vision and saying ‘yes’ to everything I asked. Committee people included Joey K, Phil, Brenn, Archie, Cybele, Doug, Kevin, Shane Hansen, and Greg
Here is a partial list of some people I’d like to call out for specific help. It includes committee people, performers, and other overall helpful people:
Joey Klein for doing so so so much of the detail work, including handling and posting our social media content, and donating the shaving cream Damian Blake for the logo,  Phil DePalo for the background support, the ticket website, handling the finances, and riding shotgun.  Cybele for driving VIPs Gary Schwartz for playing piano  Members of the Williams family and Cashin family for many many tasks including airport runs, helping with diet coke setup, babysitting, concessions, clean up, etc . Doug Young for pipe and drape Anthony Parziale for the video screen and the poster work  John Frangio for sound  Steve Sarafian Photos and Sharon (Stranger Cinematics) video Greg DeSanto for handling the sale of the collection pieces.  Brenn for waiting patiently till I needed her, then stepping up perfectly,  Joseph Salamone (and other Shrine Clowns) Archie and his wife for poster layout work,  Dexter for picking up 250 whoopie cushions,  Spencer Dystra and Owen Sahnow – stage hands/tech Elmo for being especially handy and helpful , Shane Hansen and Andrew Scharf , Joe Holiday for lending me a valuable prop that didn’t make it into the show
Thank you performers,  Kevin Carr , Hilary Chaplin , Greg DeSanto,  Archie Cobblepot , Mark Gindick,  Jeff Gordon,  Fritz Grobe,  Bill Irwin,  Barry Lubin, Joey Klein , Dan McCallen,  Dick Monday,  Harley Newman,  Tiffany Riley , Drew Richardson,  Ethan Rosman , Sophia Rosman , Steve Voltz Doug Young.

The numerous people who donated but didn’t attend ( including these few who donated last minute; Greg May, Center Ring Circus School, Ted Baumhauer- Flower City Vaudeville, Ted Lawrence- Slapstick Science, The Bindlestiff, Family Cirkus, and Keith Nelson and Stephanie Monseu personally, Linda DePalo (for buying 140 2 liter bottles of Diet Coke) Randy Cabral and many more.

Many many people donated to the family shortly after Pat died through the GoFundMe site https://www.gofundme.com/patrickcashin before they knew about this show. We thank them for their support.

Of course we are indebted to John and Sharon Villapiano owners of Seashore Camp and Day School http://seashorecampandschool.com/ for giving us their space to use, and for bringing in risers and hundreds of chairs, and a mop and bucket.

I’m sure that there are many others I am neglecting to list here, including people who did helpful things that I don’t even know about. May you all know that I appreciate your contributions.
Thank you again Joey , Phil, Sophia, and thank you Terry, Shane, and Jamie”

Warning! There are a LOT of images in this post. I meant a TON! However if you’re a fan of magic and the circus, then this post is perfect because people traveled far and wide to be a part of this event. This is a place for fans, family and friends to see what transpired and the amount of people and amazing talent who came together for Pat and his family. They did have it recorded, and I know that I’m not the only one who can’t wait to see it. I would also love to see the photos from the other photographer, I’m sure that they were amazing!

Now…On With The Show!

The entertainment started outside with EepyBird.com Stephen and Fritz. They are best known for a viral videos on youtube that involves Mentos and Diet Coke.

Our daughter took the above and 2 bottom photos with my Olympus. That’s my camera’s flash in the image.

EepyBird.com with one of Pat’s brothers. My husband took a cellphone video of their performance. I’ve never smelled that much Diet Coke in one place at one, and yes..it was an amazing experience!

Terry and the boys with the guys of Eepybird.com and that’s John in the background helping to clean up.

My husband took my Olympus for a bit.

Terry, myself and I think that’s one of Pat’s brothers.

Like I mentioned, I was taking pictures many as a guest and as a family friend. I didn’t want to use my flash if at all possible. But later on, the lights were dimmed and I had to. I think these are in order to the performance, but if they’re not, I apologize in advance. Enjoy, and please, share your thought in the comments section below.

Archie Cobblepot and Joey Klein

Michael Rosman

That’s Pat and Terry’s youngest son, he’s quite the showman already <3

Drew Richardson

Dick Monday & Tiffany Riley

Greg DeSanto and

Jeff Gorden

Apparently our friend John had just the right kind of noggin he was looking for! LOL

We all loved this, his two daughters sitting behind me were cracking up saying look at daddy! I know that my husband was laughing and so was Pat somewhere, laughing his ass off at John.

Hilary Chaplin

A celebratory comedy show to benefit the family, friends and community Left Behind by the unexpected July passing of Patrick Cashin.

Bill Erwin, here, Bill was talking about other clowns taking your ideas and you’re like…..

Bill Erwin is known for being Mr. Noodle and in a music video Don’t Worry, Be Happy. But his career is so much more than this and it was amazing to meet and chat with him. This act was great!

Bill and I 🙂

Our daughter was trying something and it didn’t quite work out so my husband got in his trunk of “Old Stuff”.
I love this images of the four of us, thanks Bill!

This is Barry Lubin, “Grandma”, and I remember seeing him perform as a child at Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

This is our friend Harley Newman, he’s know for quite a few sideshow acts and awesome stuff!

Circus Stella with their beautiful rescue dogs!

Kevin Carr

Thank you to everyone who let me take their pictures that evening. If I made a mistake on a name or website, please let me know. If anyone is interested in an image, just contact me.

Phase One Of Clara Barton Elementary School Playground Is Complete-NJ Documentary Photographer

September 28, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

I’ve been a part of this Playground Committee for a very long time. For four years that me, as a business, I took portraits of kids and parents at the Annual Halloween Spooktacular, and donated all of the funds from those to this. Other parents and local businesses donated time and money too over the years. We’re all very happy for the children and generations to come.

And it’s not over yet. There are more Phases of this project to come that need to be planned and have money raised for to get started. Here are just some one of the events put together by CBS and our PTO to help raise money:

Get Out and Play

The Vision On FB

Here is what it looked like before and while we were planting trees:

A Playground In Need

Over this summer parents, children and other volunteers, planted along the edges of the playground with a variety of plants. I can’t tell you the names of them, but what I can tell you is that some of them prevent weeds from growing in. Perhaps my friends who were there can comment below on the exact names and who donated which kinds, etc. I just know that they look great and that they are green 😉

Then the playground equipment arrived and was assembled. I wasn’t able to get there in time for that. But my daughter and I did go to the playground before they put it up after we spent the day at the pool. I just had my cell phone on me.

But the next time I went I had my better camera and took these:

Then I got word that they were getting the surface laid in, so I headed over again. The guys were super cool and chill and didn’t mind me taking their photos.

The company that came in was The Playground Pros.

That black surface was just the first layer, then they came back to add the final layer and what you see next is the top green. The day was overcast and I had my daughter with me. They let her play a little on the playground before they moved over to that section.

Then this past week was the Official Ribbon Cutting. It was great seeing friends and the kids there. The evening was just beautiful, as it’s been very hot and humid so far. They had free Rita’s water ice, school officials were there, and it was a great event. A lot of hard work was put into it, from years ago until the present, and more must still be done.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this entire thing become a possibility! I can’t wait to continue to with the rest!

Local DJ to Mtv to Author, Matt Pinfield Visits The ManCave- NJ Music and Events Photography

March 15, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography, Music Photography, Photojournalism /by Deirdre Ryan

If you grew up in parts of north Jersey and listened to the radio during the 80’s there was a very good chance that you’ve heard of Matt Pinfield, who was at the WRSU FM 106.3 at Rutgers. If you watched Mtv, you probably heard of Matt Pinfield who hosted “MTV’s 120 Minutes. Within a year, he hosted a variety of MTV shows including “MattRock,” “Pinfield Suite,” “Pinfield Presents,” “Rocks Off,” Say What?, MTV Live, and over 100 MTV specials.”(quoted from Wikipedia)

But while he was a DJ at WRSU he found out about the famous club in Trenton called City Gardens. And it was there that he met Randy Now and Jon Stewart. Since then, he and Randy have been friends. Matt has now been in San Francisco for the morning show KFROG, and a nightly show called Two Hours with Matt Pinfield and recently wrote a book called All These Things That I’ve Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life. He’s been touring around the country promoting his book and came back to NJ and made a stop at Randy’s ManCave for a Meet and Greet, and to sign copies of his books.

That’s Randy in the middle.

Photos of myself with my husband and Matt by: Jen Suwak http://www.roamingdingoproductions.com We got him to crack up and double over with laughter 🙂

A lot of fans came out to see him, the line was out the door, friends from his old neighborhood in NJ were there, co-workers from WRSU, and an “old” flame. He took extra time to speak to each and every one that was there. It didn’t matter the time frame. Everyone was special, he was kind, generous funny and truly loved being there.

I wished that I could’ve stayed longer to chat with everyone, but our daughter had a birthday party to get to.

Thank you Matt! It was an honor to meet you, thank you for writing the book, and signing it for us!

Our Community Stands Together With Immigrants and Against Fear-NJ Editorial Photographer

January 30, 2017/4 Comments/in Editorial, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

My friends Jen, Becky, and others put together a peaceful Candlelight Vigil Honoring Refugees and Immigrants. A little over 100 people showed up, that’s huge since this only went out via email, social media and perhaps a few phone calls.
I quote from the description of the event:

“For much of its history, Bordentown has been profoundly impacted by immigrants. From the earliest days of Quaker settlement to the Irish and Germans who sought refuge and employment on the D&R Canal, to the many African-Americans who organized Bordentown as an Underground Railroad stop on heir journey to freedom, to families of all European heritage to more recent refugees from the Balkan wars; we have been welcoming to all.

In remembrance of those who sought refuge and endured persecution to make this nation great, and to recognize that the concern of refugees is still what brings this great community together, we would like to invite one and all to a candlelight vigil.

We plan to quietly and peacefully walk along the sidewalks of Farnsworth Avenue beginning at 6. We will gather at the Veteran’s Memorial on Farnsworth and Railroad Avenues, across from Boyd’s Pharmacy. Bring a flashlight, or a candle and be present to show that our community stands for inclusiveness and diversity.”

Many of my friends were out tonight, my friend and fellow photographer, Phil McAuliffe, played the guitar and sang accompanied by a flutist. We all sang This Land is Your Land and We Shall Overcome. People shared their stories and struggles, heartbreaking at times….

We are in times of uncertainty for our dear friends of different faiths and backgrounds. What the new White House Administration has done so far has been illegal and unconstitutional. We are better than what is happening and it is up to us to take a stand and make our voices heard and vote those people out. Enough is enough!

Being a person who is a photojournalist, I’m sometimes supposed to be neutral in my blog, however this is way out of control. My voice is my images, my audience is you. Hey, we’re all for having our great and vast nation safer! But they is not the way to do it, not even the governors of the states knew what was happening!

So these are just a few shots, that I took for my own, I’m not with a news outlet anymore. However, I need to be out there with my camera and let stories be told.

Rebecca speaking…

Jen speaking to the crowd gathered.

Bassam Rifai, a Syrian American for speaking this evening on the impact the recent executive order is having on people all across our country and the world.

Everyone walked around the block, from Farnsworth Ave, to Walnut St., Prince St. up Railroad Ave., and back to the Veteran’s Memorial on Farnsworth Ave. where we began. The Bordentown Police Department made sure we had a safe and peaceful vigil, thank you so much! The children got up to start singing.

CALL TO ACTION – If you are in Congressional District 3 which includes Bordentown call Congressman Tom MacArthur and tell him how you feel about this issue. Demand that he get back to you about his position on this issue and make sure he knows you will be paying attention. His DC phone number is 202-225-4765 and his Marlton office is 856-267-5187.

Your Senators are Cory Booker and Bob Menendez.

Bob Menendez’s DC number is 202-224-4744 and local office is 973-645-3030

Cory Booker’s DC number is 202-224-3224 and local office is 856-338-8922

Put these numbers in your phone. Use them frequently. And join us when we visit their offices.

Not sure who your representatives are? Click here http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Linda Holt, author of the book, The Black Spaniard.

Thank you to all who allowed me to photograph this beautiful event in my hometown, especially with so many of my friends and our children. This is America, we all stand together to fight for what is right. Our town is used to being a part of history, looks like it’s time to get back in the game!

Hey everyone, I need to put this on my blog posts. I’ve been burned horribly, but understand it’s a legal thing I have to do to protect myself. Thanks for your support, here it is: All photographs appearing on this site are the property of Deirdre Ryan Photography. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Deirdre Ryan Photography. Copyright ©2017 Deirdre Ryan All Rights Reserved.

The Women’s March in Washington, D.C. Part 4

January 27, 2017/0 Comments/in Editorial, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

I continued to walk when I heard music and saw these three protesting something. Naturally curious, I asked what was going on. Bikers For Trump were behind them. Okay and then on cue someone walked by saying something totally awful to these three because of who they were protesting, etc. Unbelievable.

So I went to check it all out.
They were playing music from an iPod(I think) and Kid Rock’s Cowboy played twice. I thought it was funny, because I kind of like that song, but wondered what that had to do with anything.
The two people here in the middle were pretty cool to chat with, we spoke about music and I was digging her boots 🙂
All in all, it was very peaceful, some heated discussions, but that was to be expected.
I showed them my Press Pass and was polite, taking photos. I’ve found that being friendly with everyone is the best thing, no matter what. We all have a voice and a right to be heard.

A young man(he appeared to be of Latino background) from Georgia and this woman were having a discussion about slavery.
He then had to back off and Google Jim Crow….
Here she is with her three fabulous and beautiful friends, just like her 😀 You had just educated someone that day, remember that.
Don’s Johns were locked up in this area. You may have heard or read about someone covering up the logo for the Inauguration?
People were leaving their signs in places to be noticed, in remembrance…
Mother and daughter….
This woman’s granddaughter made her sign for that day, it’s one of my favorites too.
The sun was setting, the clouds were grey, the light was fading fast. But my lens was fast as well to continue to capture this family in front of Abe Lincoln’s statue at the top of the stairs of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
These two best little girlfriends at the end of a long day with their signs.
The line at the Metro station in front of the Archives Building was long!
The King of The Metro!
Can you see the people waay in the back? Yeah that’s part of the line.
I don’t know where to begin either….
But as a business, I do have to pay my taxes every quarter and every year….

No arrests were made.

Half a million people were in Washington D.C. that day.

Millions more worldwide marched.

The Women’s March was an historic event that I will never forget.My sister-in law was there with her daughter, my niece. My aunt and uncle were also there. I only wish that my daughter, husband and other family members could’ve been with me.

My group from NJ had left on their bus, there was no way that I was going to be able to make it. Luckily, I have an aunt and uncle that live in Arlington right off the orange line of the Metro. I didn’t plan to stay overnight, much less 2 nights. As it turned out, I wasn’t able to get a train out of town until Monday morning.

I met so many interesting people, and those that I handed my cards to, I hope that you are reading my blog posts. Please comment and contact me! The group of women that I was photographing for, we met up to eat dinner. I couldn’t find a cab, so I got a rickshaw near the Post Office Pavilion. That is my favorite landmark in the city of D.C. and it’s now A. Hotel….I’ve been told by a women whom I met right before getting on my rickshaw, that it does look great inside, she works for the historic preservation of the building(thanks again for the cheese and grapes!). The guy getting me to dinner was great, he was in the Army, and from Pittsburgh, PA. He once had Drew Cary as a customer, and said that he was really nice. I’ve heard that too.

Yes, I’m loading images using my Wacom tablet, backing them up onto a portable hard drive. Dinner was fun, delish, and full of satisfying conversation. Thank you Karen for the photo!

Sunday I went to Mass at Holy Trinity in Georgetown, this is where we go, my aunt and uncle do many things with the parish. Holy Trinity is my church away from home. After Mass, Mark Shriver was having a talk about his new book with a Q&A and then a book signing afterwards. I really enjoyed listening to him speak, every sentence was a story. I asked him a question regarding his own challenges, writing, and moving forward with this subject even further. I meant to say branching off, but I didn’t get the words out quite the way I wanted to.

Book Signing with Mark Shriver after talking about his new book titled, “Pilgrimage, My Search For The Real Pope Francis” at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Mark Shriver signing his book for my father, and then one for myself.

My uncle took this photo for me with my cell phone.

The rest of that Sunday was quiet, dark and stormy. I worked on my images, drank chai tea and noshed. Spoke to my family in NJ and relaxed as well as I could. The next morning I caught my train at Union Station. These I shot with my iPhone SE.

On the train, it was really crowded, sold out! But everyone was nice, helping each other out. I got some work done, and started to read Mark’s book.

The train was bouncing around a bit…I was punch drunk tired…but not able to sleep, so reading was the perfect anecdote. Getting off at the Trenton, NJ Amtrak/NJTRANSIT station was brisk and windy. No I’m not having a baby, my jacket is puffed out LOL! But I wanted to show you the size of my 25lb bag on me. This is how I was during the entire march. I walked, climbed on top of things, and at one point, jogged/ran. Being a mother, I still had things to do, errands to run and a daughter to pick up from school who was incredibly happy to see her mommy <3 I didn’t sleep until later that night.
A HUGE thank you to Becky who organized the bus and everything to get us all down there, the women of UniteWomen.org,(I miss you ladies already!), everyone whom I met and had conversations with, especially the women who lives in/near Union Station, my fingers are crossed for you. Another big hug and thank you to my aunt and uncle who I was able to stay with. Thank you both for EVERYTHING, I love you so very much!

And of course, THANK YOU to my husband, my daughter and my parents. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to have gone down. I love you all <3

All photographs appearing on this site are the property of Deirdre Ryan Photography. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Deirdre Ryan Photography. Copyright ©2017 Deirdre Ryan All Rights Reserved.