Time for a New Contest!

I know it's hard to believe, but Valentine's day is less than a month away! With it being my favorite holiday, I figured I'd celebrate with a contest! The grand prize? A FREE engagement session with yours truly!

The details:

Do you know someone deserving of a free engagement session? Do you think YOU deserve one? Tell me why! Send me an email at PiconePictures@gmail.com nominating a couple (and yes, the couple can be you and your fiance!). Let me know why this couple deserves the shoot, what the ideal location would be for the shoot, any creative ideas you may have, or whatever you think is best! Feel free to tell me about the couple, what they like to do, how they met, when the wedding is...anything goes! There is no limit to what you can include. Make it fun and be creative! You don't have to include a photo, but feel free if you want to. Also, make sure to include your address (or the couple's address if nominating someone else) in case you win! My favorite stories may just end up on the blog!

Judging:

I will be judging this one all on my own! Location for shoot will be discussed with winner, some restrictions do apply. Winners of past contests, as well as anyone who has received a free shoot from me in the past, are not eligible. But don't worry, there will be more contests in the future!

Prizes:

The prizes will be announced on Valentine's Day! The winning couples will be sent gift certificates via USPS for their prizes!

Grand Prize:
-One 2-hour long engagement session with Amanda Picone, and a DVD of all images (edited as needed)

First Prize:
-One $100 gift certificate good toward an engagement session with Amanda Picone

Second Prize:
-One $75 gift certificate good toward an engagement session with Amanda Picone

Third Prize:
-One $50 gift certificate good toward an engagement session with Amanda Picone


And one final note..............

I am now taking bookings for Spring and Summer 2009 engagement sessions!!! And I'm feeling rather generous today...SO...

For all sessions booked before March 1st, 2009 (session can occur ANY TIME in 2009, you just need to reserve a date by 3/1/09), I am offering special pricing!!

2 hour session with DVD of all images: $200
4 hour session with DVD of all images: $350
-Add on a 20 page custom hardcover photo book for an additional $100
-Inquire about special pricing on all add-ons (save the dates, sign in posters, guest books, table numbers, etc...)

Effective March 1st the price of these sessions will be:
2 hour session with DVD of all images: $250
4 hour session with DVD of all images: $400

So book early for the best deals, and to secure the best dates!!

GOOD LUCK to everyone entering! Can't wait to read your stories!

Happy 2009!!!

I just wanted to take a minute to say a big giant THANK YOU to those of you who helped make 2008 such an awesome year for me! What began as a simple ad on Craigslist turned into more than I could ever have imagined!

So thank you to those of you who had shoots with me, and to those who have already booked me for 2009!! I'm looking forward to a year filled with engagements, weddings, boudoir sessions, sweet 16s...and that's just what I've got planned so far! There will be more contests in 09, so keep an eye out! I'm looking forward to an exciting year and can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for me! My first event is just about 2 weeks away, a sweet 16. The weddings start shortly after!

Thank you to all of those who have spread the word about me!! Words cannot express how thankful I am to all of you. The word of mouth has been absolutely phenomenal, and I owe that to all of you! (Especially to my LI Weddings girls, who seem to constantly be sending others my way!) I'm really looking forward to 2009 (which is about 17 minutes away!). For those who don't already know, I've got a new website in the works that I cannot wait to share with you! AmandaPicone.com hasn't been updated in a while, so it doesn't really feature my best work anymore. The update will be pretty huge, and of course I will let all of you know once it's up. I must also thank my wonderful web designer, Glen, for doing such an amazing job!!

My best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy, and safe New Year! And congrats to the 2009 couples..this is YOUR year!! Enjoy every minute of it! For those of you that have already booked me for your weddings, I can not wait!! Here's to an amazing year for all!!! Cheers!

Merry Christmas!!

In keeping with tradition, I knew I had to use Matthew as my holiday blog once again! Isn't he so handsome? I love this little guy!! We had so much fun shooting his first Christmas photos, and he was (as usual) the perfect model!

Happy and safe holidays to all!!!

Holiday Party!

I was recently asked to take a few photos at a holiday party at The Plaza hotel. Now, if you know me at all, I never just take a FEW photos! Here are some favorites of the 400 I wound up shooting! On a side note, the party was great and The Plaza looks beautiful! I hadn't been there since before the renovations, but they did a wonderful job. The holiday decor (as you'll see below) was stunning! Enjoy!






She thought she could hide...

But I got her later on :)



How gorgeous are these tables?? Winter brides, take note!

My First Boudoir Session!

*Allow me first to preface that I was given permission to post these images. Due to the nature of boudoir images, I give all of my clients the option to choose whether or not they want photos displayed in my blog, along with any restrictions they have (including the option to choose the photos themselves).*

I had my very first boudoir session a few weeks ago with Vivian! We did the shoot at a great little Bed and Breakfast on Staten Island. I was glad to have Vivian as my first boudoir model because we have worked together before, and I will be shooting her wedding in May!

We had a lot of fun shooting, and I can't wait for my next session! I learned quite a bit and have a ton of new ideas to try. Vivian looks amazing, and Victor is going to love the photos! Here are just a few teasers...the rest are for her future hubby :)

Dolly & Kevin

When Dolly and Kevin told me they wanted to start off their shoot at the LOVE statue, I was really excited. We then moved up to a few spots in Central Park. No matter how many times I shoot there, I always love it! It was a bit chilly, but Dolly and Kevin were good sports!! These two are getting married in just a couple of weeks in India, so this was kind of a last minute shoot. I had a great time with them, and wish them all the best for their upcoming wedding!

Finally got to get some photos at the LOVE statue!


My favorite bridge in the park...look at that reflection!


Dolly wanted to get some photos in a tunnel, and this one has the greatest shape!


I love the way the arch frames them on the step...so romantic!


The jump was Kevin's idea. Turned out great!


Stop! In the name of love....Okay, fine, I'll stop with the cheesy jokes!




I couldn't pick a favorite of these three, so I'll show you all of them :)




How cute are they?


One more shot on the steps by Bethesda Fountain...


More photos to come soon!

I'm back!

Okay, so I never really left...I just haven't blogged in a while! With the holidays so close (yay!) I've just been super busy. I do have quite a few new shoots to show you, so I'll be posting them up soon. I also have a vendor review on the way. I'll be posting updates VERY soon, so make sure to check back!