516 593 9760 gary@rabenko.com

You care about photography. You want to look great in your photos.    You want photos that mean something.   More than just a reminder of something that you should remember, for which a snapshot might suffice, you want to feel good when you view the photos.   If you are hiring a photographer for an event, then you want to feel good because the many small as well as large moments are documented.   Because without calling attention – in an unobtrusive way the photographer has captured things that you did not even notice were happening all around you.   Things that involved your loved ones, your family, friends and even yourself, the little things you do,  your mannerisms.

If you need photos for a website, for work, for your wall, you do not want photos that any photographer could take.   You want images that will always be a joy to view and to share.   You want family photos and photos of yourself and your children that show their personalities and characteristics.   You know a cheese smile is not the goal.  Rather you want expressions that come from the heart and are projected through the eyes!

If you are planning a child’s religious celebration, then you know that in the years to come, those images will be judged for substance.   You want true passion, and emotion in those photos.  You do not want fake plastic expressions and awkward poses.   Those are not worth anything.  You want images that future generations will be inspired by!

This blog and site are to help you find what you seek, and to walk you through all the steps needed to successfully and comfortably acquire the finished products.   This site is a work in progress with constant updates and additions in both imagery and text.

I care as much as you.  This is not just a job.  This is my life’s work and passion.

Being a photographer is as much a way of thinking, analyzing and interpreting as it is a way of seeing.   In addition to articles on technical and practical issues related to photography and video, you will find some of my thoughts on other things that over time has meant something to me.  Some might involve history. Some involve human nature.  And some certainly will involve squirrels!    Because an artist has to have opinions – right?   Interesting conversation leads to interesting reactions, expressions and ultimately more meaningful imagery.  That is why I am always interested in your feelings, ideas and opinions, and how and why you may feel that way so I may learn how many different expressions you may have!

Technology has made photographers’ dreams so very possible.   But technology is only a tool.  Some articles will help you understand how those tools can be useful as well as how they can be ineffective, overused, or counterproductive to your goals of good imagery.

Often, talent is the uncanny knack of selecting the appropriate tool at the right time.  Today few have that talent. Because few have the experience using all the tools, nor do they have enough experience with the many situations … to  begin to make the right decision.  Very often, the best a photographer can do is what is right for the moment based on all the circumstances at the time.   So often the client’s needs change moment to moment.  You want a photographer who can feel this.  Who understands that what is most important now, might not have been what was planned for earlier, but which has now become possible!   That is why we are here.  Not to photograph what is happening, but to photograph what is about to happen!