Matt Ramos Photography - Blog bio picture

Hello, and Welcome to our New Improved Blog Version 2.5!

My name is Matt Ramos, and I'm a professional photographer out of the Capital Region of Upstate New York.  This blog serves as a compilation of past, present and future happenings, up to date sneak peeks, as well as a bit of a doorway to my personality and online journal.  I invite you to tag along, check out samples of our recent and ongoing projects, and hopefully learn a bit more about what we are all about.

With that being said, I'm excited to invite you to our new & improved blog and online community - A commonly updated website where I can share samples from recent shoots, take you behind the scenes of the action, or even just post random thoughts about what's on my mind for the day!  At the very least, I'll do my best to share a bit of the crazy personality behind the camera & impress you with some of my stupid humor! :)

Our new Version 2.5 blog is full of new features and improvments to hopefully make things not only much faster to load, but easier and more enjoyable to navigate through.  We have conveniently added an easy to access archive of posts, a new search feature, RSS feeds, categories, links and a new, easy to read comments bar below each post.  things are still a work in progress, so we'll be updating several things in the near future to keep up with the times.  A huge thanks to all the current & future visitors that continue to check in, and hope all of you will enjoy the new blog!  Feel free to leave some love by leaving your comments!

P.S. Join me on Facebook by clicking the link above!


Give the Gift of Photography - New Gift Certificates!

I’ve been busy this year utilizing as much as my downtime (not that I have a lot of it) to try and improve and upgrade a lot of the quality, products & systems in place… as an example, we have recently switched to a much higher quality print lab to fulfill customer orders with, a new gallery wrap/canvas provider, and starting next week, our new image hosting site goes live, which will make things much easier when it comes to ordering prints & products after the wedding.  I’m excited to be increasing the quality of many of the things we are offering and doing, despite others cutting back on these expenses.

Anyway, one of the cool new things we got in this week are some new gift certificates that can be purchased and used towards portrait sessions, weddings, print credits, album upgrades - you name it…. they also make a great gift for a bridal registry for those of you looking to ask for or give something a bit more unique than that crystal bowl in the Macy’s registry!  They can be purchased for any amount  - I’m sure they will get “prettier” as we go, but here’s the first batch we are trying out, and think they came out great!

P.S. I’ve had a couple weeks off from weddings (which was nice, I’ll be honest), but things are back in full swing starting this weekend…. lots of blog entries coming each week from now until November, so stay tuned and check back often! :)  Also, would love to see some of you join me on facebook at www.facebook.com/mattramos.

Matt Ramos Photography

The City of Albany, NY - The Skyline…

I’ve been working on a project for the City of Albany website, which is currently in the works, however with all the rain, humidity, thunderstorms, etc. it has not been an easy task this week.  The project consists of shooting the Albany skyline in a sequence of different times of the day, which will correspond the appropriate image with the right time of day depending on when the site is visiting (at night the night shot will show).  You’d think this would be an easy task or project, however it’s very challenging to find a clean shot of the entire skyline without getting pretty far away…. and then that makes it tough to shoot through the haze.  I’m about ready to start a petition to create a walking aisle across the I90 bridge, so you could get a great view of the city (oh, and while I’m at it, I’d like to request lights be installed onto the twin bridges so they light up at night :)   I shot the following series of images over the past few days with a 400mm lens from about 1½-2 miles away so I could get a clean shot.  Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool to see the final series, ranging from morning, mid-day, evening, dusk, and then night!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson - Your music will live forever!

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Sarah Smith - awsome shots! great view of the city...you did Albany proud ;) Oh and I am in total agreement with putting lights on the Twin Bridges, that would be awesome!!!June 27, 2009 - 1:17 am

Chris W - these are great shots matt! can i make some suggestions? ok, thanks. i will. are there going to be more shots of Albany? these shots, although fantastic; and you give the city justice with that wonderful eye of yours, but if i didn't know Albany, it looks like a very very very small city. and the rockerfeller plaza makes it look like Tatooine from Star Wars. Have you considered shots straight down Pearl or Broadway. Maybe even deep tunnel shots of Central Ave or Western/Madison? A shot of Lark and Western Ave at 5pm or Lark and Madison at night. Pearl on Saturday night with all the street walkers and festive going-ons. Maybe using the cool lighting effects that you use to make cars look like spaceships flying by, etc. Washington Park. Whatever.. you get my point. Good Stuff.June 27, 2009 - 4:12 am

Heather - These are AMAZING Matt...doesn't surprise me though, you're such an amazing photographer!!June 27, 2009 - 8:54 am

Nicole C. - Love the series of shots Matt! And perfect for the city of Albany website...It will look great!July 1, 2009 - 3:37 pm

Senior Portraits w/ Skye… Albany Headshots/Portraits

I’ll be honest that shooting senior portraits is really not my specialty, however do enjoy taking a stab at something different every now and then for fun.  Jessica (my 2nd shooter)’s good friend, Skye needed a few quick senior portraits, so we decided to play around i the studio a bit today to see what we come come up with.  Skye was super cool to work with and has really pretty eyes (as you will see below) that made her really easy to work with - I think we got some great shots today!  Here are a few samples below….

P.S.  Is it just me, or does she have a little Angelina Jolie look to her? :)

(here’s a quick behind the scenes pullback shot before we got started)
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

love this one - her boyfriend ought to be happy I think!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Jessica - My best friend is gorrrgeous (: She brought out her mawdel eyes for youJune 25, 2009 - 3:23 pm

Marianne - Matt, I don't know how you did it, but you captured my daughter's soul in these portraits. Thank you so much!June 25, 2009 - 4:58 pm

Amber Gibson - Amazing!!! I can still see my chubby baby sister, but morphed into a beautiful young woman! Great job, right down to the brown speck in her eye! And congrats on the babies!June 26, 2009 - 8:54 am

%&#$%@!&^&#^*$#$%!!!

Since the beginning of 2006, this blog has been not just a place for me to post photos of the latest shoot, but also very much a “behind the scenes” journal to my life as I continue to grow as both, a photographer and person in general.  There are moments in a person’s life that are truly life changing and beyond exciting, and I enjoy sharing these things with my faithful blog readers, friends & family.  I promised in my last blog entry that I would post the most amazing photo that I have ever posted on the blog….. I’m sorry to disappoint you that I didn’t shoot this one myself, but here it is!!  I’m still in shock, but the Ramos family is about to get just a little bigger (ok, a lot bigger)!  :) :)

Matt Ramos Photography

Sarah Smith - YEAY!!! Congrats what awesome news :) Hope all is well with mom and babies! :)June 20, 2009 - 5:42 am

Jamie Lynn - Congrats Matt! Wish Tonya a happy and healthy 9 months for me :-)June 20, 2009 - 2:43 pm

Sebastien - Congrats!June 20, 2009 - 7:55 pm

Dan Cooper - Congrats to you both. Your world is about to change all for the better!June 21, 2009 - 12:42 pm

Alisha - Congrats you guys.... we love you!June 21, 2009 - 6:05 pm

Jan - Welcome to the world, my darling grandbabies!!!June 21, 2009 - 7:45 pm

Kristina Smith - We are so excited for you guys!!! Two playmates for Sophia =)June 21, 2009 - 10:19 pm

Frank DiMeo - This is the best news ever!!! There is nothing better in life, and you get to experience it x 2. Much love and many blessings now and always.June 21, 2009 - 10:55 pm

Missy & James - Congratulations!! We're so happy for you!! :)June 21, 2009 - 11:32 pm

Heather & John - This is such exciting news. Congratulations to you both!!June 22, 2009 - 8:56 am

Elaine Egliskis - Congratulations Matt!!June 22, 2009 - 12:38 pm

Sarah Schultze Reichelt - Congrats to the both of you x2! So happy for you!June 22, 2009 - 1:07 pm

Amy - Matt and Tonya, Congratulations...were twice as happy for you! As a faithful blog follower, I am elated by the news! We'll see you July, Matt!June 22, 2009 - 1:45 pm

Matt Sloane - WOW..... CONGRATULATION!!!! Thats is wonderful.June 22, 2009 - 3:19 pm

Matt Ramos - Thank you all for the kind words and support! :)June 22, 2009 - 3:22 pm

Beth Egliskis - Congratulations Matt best wishes for a happy delivery!!June 22, 2009 - 6:53 pm

jp elario - tonya & matt - congrats to you both on this exciting time! let me know if you need a family photo ;)June 23, 2009 - 2:43 pm

Kristin & Stephen - Matt and Tonya - congrats!!! This is such good news :)June 24, 2009 - 2:14 pm

Jenn Moak - OH congrats - just saw this. Exciting news! Better get your sleep now!June 24, 2009 - 7:50 pm

Veronica & Matt - Matt & Tanya- Congrats! I am sure you are both so excited about the news.... We can't wait to meet our addition in a few weeks. We cannot imagine how excited you must be to meet your 2 new additions after 9 months!!! Keep us posted.June 25, 2009 - 1:17 am

Tara Ketcham - That's awesome Matt!!!! So excited for you both! Can't wait to see pictures of the little ones as they arrive!June 25, 2009 - 6:02 pm

Kristen Onyon - Congrats Matt!!! We are so happy for you guys.June 26, 2009 - 3:51 pm

April - I couldn't be happier for the two of you! You both will be great parents!June 27, 2009 - 5:17 am

Jen - BIG hugs to you and Tonya!June 27, 2009 - 1:02 pm

Elizabeth & Kal - Congrats to you both!!! Wishing Tanya a healthy pregnancy!!! Best, Elizabeth and KalJune 30, 2009 - 6:51 pm

Nicole & Jeff Casey - What wonderful news Matt!!!!!!!! We are thrilled for both you and Tonya...July 1, 2009 - 3:40 pm

Maureen Onyon - You are about to begin the most amazing, scary journey of your life. Enjoy it!!July 2, 2009 - 4:26 pm

Alisha & Luke’s Wedding - Aurora, NY (Finger Lakes)

When you shoot 40-45 weddings a year as a photographer, it’s a very strange feeling to actually get invited to a wedding as a guest.  When our good friends Luke & Alisha invited us to their wedding, I immediately knew it was going to be challenging to just sit there as a guest, but was greatly honored (by the way, who gets married on a Tuesday, LOL).  Tonya and I spent a couple days in Aurora, NY which is right on the Finger Lakes for the wedding and had such a great time…. every time I travel to Western NY, I seem to love it more and more and almost wish I could move there to be honest - it’s such a beautiful place.

Despite the fact, I as a guest at this wedding, I couldn’t help bring my camera just to shoot a few “snapshots” throughout the day and to document the trip.  Luke and Alisha are both photographers themselves, and this wedding was so unique since out of the 65 guests, probably 20+ were professional photographers from around the country - all shooting and having fun…. this was such a fun and cool experience!  I want to make it well known that their main photographer was the very talented Jason Groupp out of NYC, who is an incredibly talented photographer and awesome guy all around - it was great to hang out with him and watch him do his thing.

Here are a few quick shots from the trip I took - I can’t tell you how hard it was for me to not shoot like I normally would at a wedding, but did my best to stay out of the way and in my seat, LOL.  Congrats to Luke & Alisha….. truly amazing photographers and friends that I’m so glad to have become friends with this year and such an honor to witness such an amazing experience with them!

P.S. Stay tuned for a special announcement I have been waiting to make and the most amazing photo I will have ever posted on this blog over the past 4 years……. :)

Shot this on the ride up….  what I wouldn’t do to photograph a bride & groom in this field!
Matt Ramos Photography

Ok, this is where it gets interesting, this was where I stayed for a hotel, not the church……
Matt Ramos Photography

So you can imagine how my jaw dropped when I walked into the church and saw this!
Matt Ramos Photography

could they have had a nicer day for a wedding? Not a chance, what an amazing day!
Matt Ramos Photography

“stay in your chair, Matt, stay in your chair, Matt, stay in your chair, Matt……”
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

behind the scenes action of Jason Groupp and the entourage doing their thing - awesome stuff!
Matt Ramos Photography

more behind the scenes action…. JP Elario (in both photos) also shooting for fun with me
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

now THIS is a reception dinner site - wow!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Alisha - Best post you have EVER done! :)June 19, 2009 - 5:48 pm

jp elario - matty! a job well done from a guests perspective. seriously, how hard was it to stay in our seats during that gorgeous ceremony? fun time hanging with you all night and i cant wait for the special announcement and the photo to accompany it!June 19, 2009 - 7:49 pm

Frank DiMeo - Matt it was so awesome to meet you, Tonya, and Jp! I love the shot of them walking down the aisle with my son in the background holding the umbrella. Looking forward to seeing the incredible photo you are talking about. It is always niiiiiiiicce when an image can blow your socks off (O; Wish you the best always!June 21, 2009 - 10:33 pm

Congratulations, Kristin & Chuck! Wedding in the Catskill Mountains

I’m a bit behind on my blog entrees and doing my best to catch up, so bare with me!  Last weekend, Jess & I headed south for a fun wedding in the Catskill Mountains with Kristin & Chuck.  Despite the storm quickly approaching, the couple had an awesome ceremony located up on the mountain looking down over the ski lodge below.  I usually have pretty good luck when it comes to rain and weather, however I’ll admit it was a challenging day since 15 minutes after the ceremony it started pouring and didn’t stop all night long…. grrrr!

Kristin & Chuck were awesome to hang out with and their families and bridal party were a lot of fun and made the best of the day despite the weather (exactly how it should be) - a huge thanks for making it a fun day!  We are still going through images from the day, but wanted to post a few quick samples from the big day!  For those interested, you can pre-register to receive an automatic email of when online viewing & ordering goes live in about 30 days… just click the link below!  Huge congrats to Kristin & Chuck and all the best in your new marriage together! :)

http://mattramosphotography.instaproofs.com/enterEvent.php?id=129039

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

all the cool kids are doin’ it
Matt Ramos Photography

sorry I had to do it….. absolutely horrified to walk down the aisle, LOL
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

here comes the rain!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Heather - My sister makes the most BEAUTIFUL Bride EVER!! Matt you did an amazing job capturing these moments!! Can't wait to see the rest!! THANK YOU for holding me over till they're done!! ;) ~HeatherJune 19, 2009 - 11:41 am

MaryAnn Keifer - Matt, The pictures are amazing,the stills at the reception were also the best.Great job at Charlie and Kristen's wedding. Aunt MaryAnnJune 19, 2009 - 3:22 pm

Uncle Dom and John - Great pictures of a great event. The mix of the sepia, b&w, and color is terrific. Can we do this again? Had a great time. Love you both.June 19, 2009 - 6:33 pm

Grandma Lola - Awesome pictures cant wait to see rest. You captured a great day that will live forever in your pictures.June 19, 2009 - 9:15 pm

Uncle Joe and Aunt Jenny - The pictures were beautifl!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see the rest of them.They made us feel like we were there.June 23, 2009 - 9:43 pm

Product Spotlight - The Engagement Album

When booking a wedding package with a photographer of choice, an engagement session is one of the things that seems to be of high interest for many couples these days.  Not only does this session give the couple a chance to get to know their photographer a bit more before the big day, but also can be a great way to celebrate a special time in their lives leading up to their wedding day.  Engagement sessions can be a lot of fun for the couple and a great way to show off their unique personalities in a more relaxed setting compared to the wedding day itself.

While engagement sessions remain popular, each couple is different in how they use their engagement photos…. some choose to just use a photo for a newspaper announcement, some plaster their home with photos, while others like to have a large print made and matted so that guests can sign around the print at their reception.  While not every couple thinks to do this, one of the very best ways to showcase and relive the images from your engagement is with an engagement album.  Most couples are excited to get that wedding album shortly after the wedding (or whenever they get around to it), however in my opinion, the engagement photos are also of equal importance, or at least should be.

Below is an engagement album we received this week for one of the hottest new couples of 2009, who will tie the knot together later this year.  Jen & Paul not only have something very special to showcase their engagement images with, but will also have their album present at the wedding for friends and family to look through and sign, making it that much more special for them.  I realize this may not be everyone’s priority, but it’s certainly something to consider… why not consider an engagement album to showcase and relive your memories with?

P.S. For those of you interested in possibly doing this, feel free to contact us and we can easily walk you through the process (whether we shot your wedding or not).  Some of our new packages automatically include an engagement album, however we have updated all packages to give you the ability to add one as well!  Here are some sample photos below for you to check out….

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

(notice the empty space that can be spread throughout the book for people to sign your album)
Matt Ramos Photography

Jen & Paul - our book looks awesome!!!!!! I cannot wait to see it!!!! yay!June 13, 2009 - 12:47 am

Jen & Paul - oh, and in addition, you are right - I think this is a very useful way to utilize engagement photos. Why just leave them on a CD never be seen again? I love that we will be able to look though this book over the years and remember getting drenched in the rain, haha. Great job Matt!June 13, 2009 - 12:56 am

Congratulations, Lisa & Corey! Riverstone Manor Wedding

Yesterday was another beautiful summer day, and a perfect day for a wedding!  Jess & I had the extreme pleasure of hanging out and documenting the day with our latest 2009 couple to get married, Lisa & Corey.  It’s such a treat when you have not only an amazing bride & groom to work with that are fun and easy going, but also a bridal party & families that make my job easier… yesterday was definitely one of those groups! (thanks guys).

After a beautiful ceremony at one of the biggest churches I have ever been in (wow), we headed to the beautiful Riverstone Manor for an awesome reception and entertainment by Mr. Cap Capello, DJ Extraordinaire!  The Riverstone Manor is a beautiful location and can’t say enough great things about it for those of you considering some places to check out.  You can virutually get ready, have the ceremony, and receptional all at one place that is super scenic and convenient, not to mention the service and food are amognst the top you will find… it’s always a treat to work there! :)

We have some killer images from the day, and I was excited to get this blog entry up to show you just a few of my favorite images.  For those of you that attended this wedding and would like to pre-register your email for online viewing and ordering, you may do so at the link below.  I would like to congratulate Lisa & Cory on their new marriage as well as thank them for being so wonderful to work with!  Enjoy the honeymoon and can’t wait to hear all about it upon your return!  Be sure to leave the couple some of your comments below as Im sure they will be checking this while on their honeymoon! :)

http://mattramosphotography.instaproofs.com/enterEvent.php?id=127169

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

don’t be shy now - check yourself out, girl!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

this church is more like a castle - wow!
Matt Ramos Photography

love the architecture & ceiling the church had
Matt Ramos Photography

The boys… Cody, your hair looks amazing :)
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

I shot this from a mile away….. you cannot hide from the 200 mm f/2.0 - the best lens ever made!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

one of my absolutely favorite images of the entire year so far - love this light!
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

love the end of day light from the shot on the right - you jut can’t beat it
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Corey wasn’t allowed to use any hands
Matt Ramos Photography

Matt Ramos Photography

Winnie Lutz - How lovely! It reminds me of Camelot.June 11, 2009 - 11:38 pm

Dan Cooper - Well done, you're low light shots are amazing, I want a 200mm f2.0...June 14, 2009 - 12:45 pm

Stephanie Doty - So in the picture with the garter...who's feet are on the left?!June 25, 2009 - 2:00 pm

Lisa & Corey - Sneak Peek!

Here’s a sneak peek from today’s wedding with Lisa & Corey… check back Sunday or Monday for a full blog entry and lots of samples! :)

Matt Ramos Photography

Anonymous - How do you get it going?June 7, 2009 - 12:02 pm

Anonymous - Lisa i just want to say i wish i know ho to see the slde show. Love EmilyJune 7, 2009 - 12:14 pm

Anna - The pictures so far are absolutely amazing!!! WOW!June 10, 2009 - 2:38 pm

Sisters - Albany Family Portrait Sessions

I had the chance to do a fun family portrait session last week and wanted to share one of my favorite images from these two cute little girls - we’ll have to do a retake in about 20 years like this :)

Matt Ramos Photography