Upstate NY Photographer: Barn Venue, The Olde Tater Barn

Nestled in between the gently rolling hills of the Schoharie Valley, The Olde Tater Barn claims it's stake in local history and sets the precedent for things to come.
The former potato farm still contributes to the farming way of life, but it also offers the enchantment of an Upstate New York country-chic wedding venue.  The original barn, now with new renovations overlooks the former potato fields that lend a hand at growing corn.  The acres surrounding the farm give it it's secluded and serene atmosphere, perfect for providing guests and couples with a wedding all their own.
It's as country as it gets, but it's flair for style and amazing food leaves the Tater Barn lacking for nothing.  The chef, the host, the entire venue caters to the whims and desire of couples looking to invest their most precious day in all that New York as to offer.
"This is something we do, because we love to do it. That's the basis of this entire place".  Rich graciously escorted me around the premise so I could see for myself all the updates, all the features and the amazing layout of the beautiful country which plays host to every guest.
If you are looking for an upstate NY wedding, you will love what you find here. A gem in Schoharie County.
Rich, who runs the venue with his sister Kate,  does suggest that you visit the premise during the time of year you plan on having your wedding so you have a clear idea of the flowers and other scenic treasures of the NY season.
For a complete history of the Tater Barn visit here:history
or visit the entire site at www.taterbarn.com

Be Inspired!

Upstate NY Photographer: BRAVE: Veterans

Before I became a photographer, I was a journalist. One of the most impactful events I had to cover and photograph was the National Honor Flight escort.  I had blogged about it then...and this is what I had written:

I had the pleasure of photographing 34 World War II veterans from the local area be escorted to the Albany International Airport Saturday morning. From Albany they were being flown to Washington, DC to see the WWII monument. In DC they would be welcomed again with transportation, escorts and many, many American citizens present to say thank you.
 So, on a sunny Saturday morning, 40 biker escorts with American Flags flying from the rear of their motorcycles along with state police who provided the ultimate motorcade through our local towns until the war heroes were met at the airport. I had to wonder what was going through their minds. They were all 20 years old or so when they flew out of our country to fight against another. It was all so long ago, but to them, the memories are vivid. The emotions were written in their overwhelmed expressions as they watched policemen flash their lights and traffic stop to allow their bus to pass through. It was precious to see them talk and joke around with so many sad memories haunting their past. However, they would all say it was worth it, they all said it was for freedom. My generation may take for granted more often they we care to admit. But, it was not taken for granted Saturday, not when I was able to hug and shake hands with so many men who seemed so impressed that a day was created just for them.
I have to admit, the tears came easy when I watched them all walk down the corridor of the airport and people awaiting their own flights stood to salute or clap for them. It's hard to explain the emotions that pumped through the airport Saturday morning, but it was amazing all the same.
Here is one of my favorite pics of the day:

I am still searching for images I took that day. If I find more, I will add them.  Once again, THANK YOU to all our service men and women and their families. <3 p="">

Upstate NY Photographer: BRAVE : My brother

I'll keep this short and sweet.  I had chosen to feature my brother in this ongoing BRAVE series last week and then yesterday slipped away from (when I meant to publish this) and so I am finishing it up this morning. Why is that important? Because, today..May 16, marks 10 years since his devastating car accident. I did NOT plan that. In fact, it wasn't until this morning that it hit me that today was THE day a decade ago.
So yes, 10 years ago my brother was t-boned by a van and his body suffered barely a scratch, his brain suffered everything.
He is a miracle. No doctor, no brain surgeon, no MRI, no evaluation gave him a chance of surviving the first 24-48 hours. I have never cried so much in my life. I have never seen my parents hurt so much either.
But let's not dwell on that. Let's focus on the fact that 10 years later, my brother has overcome amazing odds with the direction of our God and savior who has blessed him with survival and quality of life.  He has married someone I can honestly call my sister and he has a job that I don't really understand in computers.
He has had hurdles that I don't need to explain, but as you can imagine, anyone suffering from a traumatic brain injury has monumental obstacles to overcome.  He has relearned life again, my family and I have relearned God's grace.  Joshua is brave.  He has faced more than a lot of people and he still gives God all the credit. He is just, fair and honest. He is a leader, stubborn and faithful to the Lord.  Today, I celebrate his life and that I have had 10 more years with one of the most BRAVE people I know.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD... (NKJV)

Thank you to everyone who touched our lives during that time..there are too many to reach out to and I am afraid I'll forget someone. Thank you to the staff and wonderful people at SunnyView Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. You were truly our lifeline. 

For an inside look there is a facebook page to raise awareness for Traumatic Brain injuries

It's motorcycle awareness month. Just be careful :)

Upstate NY Photographer: Brave

I have a few ideas and I might use each Wednesday or Thursday to post what I feel is brave or what I see to be brave.  I want to look behind the scenes a little and try to find different perspectives.
The first thing I thought of occurred to me while I was sitting at a red light ( see all good ideas come while driving) and I watched a store owner bringing items into his store from a delivery truck on main street in the town of Middleburgh.
Brave. Brave because over a year and a half ago Main Street in Middleburgh (as well as surrounding towns) was 8 feet under water due to Hurricane Irene. We all have our own memories of that Sunday.  Main Street had been wiped out.
Fast forward with remnants of blood, sweat and many, many tears- our little town has made business happen again, homes have been ever so slowly re-establishing themselves. Our home owners, our business owners in the little town in upstate NY, well, they are brave.

Upstate NY Photographer: Brave. What Does It Mean?

 I think in my car when I drive.  Sometimes the music is on, sometimes I like the pure quiet.  However, that is where almost all my ideas start...I wonder why that is?  I love the song Brave by Josh Groban and maybe that is what got the wheels turning a little bit.

At first I was going to do a whole series on what I thought about being brave, but I decided how rich and eye opening it would be to see what others considered brave.

So here is what I want to do and I want you to join me ( I'll do this each week for May) Take the weekend to photograph and we will post entries on Amber J Photography each Wednesday!

1. What is brave to you?  No rules here.  It can be a person, place or thing. Doesn't matter. Black and white, or color.  You can be any age to submit.  (I do ask if you are submitting the photo of someone under 18, that you provide me with a parental contact number to verify publishing rights )

2. Compose 1-3 photographs that you, yourself have taken.

3. Email them to - amberjphoto@gmail.com
Include: your name
              brief description as to why you consider it a resemblance of bravery.
              twitter handle (if you have it.)
             instagram (if  you have it)



4. You do not have to be a professional, though professionals are MORE than welcome to join too. (Just let me know your studio name so I can include that)

5. I will post a series once I get at least 5 entries. Then, please tag yourself, share the concept and be blessed by the bravery of everyone that surrounds us.

6. I will do this every week for the month of May, you may enter every week with a new concept. I'm all for it.

7. In the end, because I can't help myself I will give away goodies for a bunch of reasons.  I haven't even decided yet. I am thinking composition, storyline, unique idea...I am still figuring that out.

If you have any questions feel free to email me... :)

PS: Please keep it appropriate for FB family - friendly content