IN BOLD

"What I find so fascinating about each person here is if you walk away as enamored as I am, or not, it's something that won't change them and most certainly is something that they will not be devastated by. My portraits are an escape. I love making the person 1000 times more who they are or who they thought they could never be. Because of the social media world we all inhabit these days there's no mystery anymore and we've done this to ourselves. Here I want to give some of that back. I want the faces featured to be beyond reach, untouchable; totally unattainable. " - Andre Steven Rutgersen

Chris B. Long Island, NY 2019 - He was a model trying to break into acting back then wanting to make his way to LALA Land. I a photographer getting back on the horse. After this session there was an exchange of ideas as well as hopes and dreams. He being much younger than myself , it still felt like we were just two young men starting out trying to make our way.

Long Island, NY 2022

There are some that do really believe in photographs, sometimes we want fantasy. He became that. A living breathing marble statue.

Raymond Forrest, Brooklyn, NY Balm Studios 2024 - Portrait photography is always like unearthing hidden jewels. He beyond his obvious good looks is so generous to the camera. These Images are just a drop in the bucket of what was taken this day and I believe show the promise of something even more wonderful waiting ahead.

I don’t press the shutter, it feels like the image does. It’s like being gently clobbered but when this happens I’ll take as many hits as I get given.

It’s never been the actual act of photographing. I like the person. I also like when I can hold a photo in my hand and say ‘Yeah I know them.’ For me that’s one of the best parts. The interaction. Having something that celebrates what’s happened. There’s a real kindness and warmth and openness. Some people tend to devour the camera, with Raymond it’s more two old friends hanging out.

Duncan B. New York, NY 2022- He's got a real swagger and audacity, an arrogance and isn't the least bit ashamed of that or admitting it. The other side of the coin with Duncan is that like everyone else featured he is beyond generous, with a smile that comes as easy as the knowing stare featured here. It's easy to be fooled by the above stare. It's not just his striking looks but the warmth of his hands and smile and soft laugh. He makes it easy to like him. Even more so to want him.

"I'm not shy at all, and I'm not that quiet either. I am honest about who I am and what I like, love, what moves me. Art, sex, nudity and photography don't just get me out of bed, they're a reason for all of this. At least for me." - Duncan

Meaghan W. Long Island, NY 2021 - She has a really fantastic balance in front of and beyond the camera lens. She still remains one of my favorite subjects. As author Truman Capote once said "In my opinion the only thing wrong with her is she's perfect. Otherwise she's perfect. "

Meaghan W. - Long Island, NY 2024

I was told once, a woman's laughter is the true siren song. Her's is one no one can resist.

One of my favorites. She and I both knowing that what we have working together won't last forever so we have made the most out of all of this. She's never disappointed me or the camera and has given me an extensive archive that within the years to come will be shared with the world.

My intention was never to objectify her or cast her in only a 'sexually provocative' light. Buttoned up or with soft shoulders seen she has always come across as a strong, take no nonsense woman. These some years later she still surprises me. I adore her.

Underneath the sexy, seductive, knowing pin-up has always been this hopeful optimistic young woman. This is who I’ve always seen. From the first frame taken.

"All photographs are memento mori. To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s (or thing’s) mortality, vulnerability, mutability.

Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt." - Susan Sontag (Photographer)

I was told I favor her more than most I’ve photographed. She’s jumped off the ledge with me not knowing what’ll happen. I guess that person was right.

She's made for the camera. I knew it the first time I met her.

Mega-Wattage....Meaghan W. Long Island, NY 2023 - It's interesting to witness a man, men, realize that the woman sitting at the table near them is the same one featured here. To Meaghan it's a funny moment as she giggles quietly to me. Dressed simply for our outing, hair in a pony tail and make up free she would simply say "Photography huh?".

These three Images also feature in "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2023 @blurbbooks

Long Island, NY 2021 - Meaghan, The Muse of Muses. - I still don't believe she knows how powerful she is in front of the camera. I wasn't prepared for what she brought to and gave to the lens. It treats her gently and lovingly like a paramour. I think it's the one that won't hurt her.

"Her Emerald Altar..."

"Snow White Lives Again..." This image featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024

This image featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024

Melissa Roy, Long Island, NY 2021 - Some Images of Melissa are featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 - She too embodies everything I want to portray: vulnerability, sexuality, and strength.

Outtake

She's built like Jessica Rabbit. How could I not photograph her in all her splendor?

She has a face like a Madonna!

MARC CIRENZA 1973 - 2026 - Photographed between 2020 and 2025 - Long Island, NY 2023 - Some Images featured in the photography books "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021 as well as "Just A Few Adventures in Cameraland" 2024

Marc A. Cirenza - 1973 - 2026

He was my friend as well as photography subject. Over time our professional would become personal. It's difficult to not have tears in my eyes looking at him or thinking of him. I'm grateful for the years of friendship and for his bravery infront of my camera. After our first session there was disappointment from him about his appearance and his weight. All I could do was tell him that he was still attractive and that it didn't matter. It was about him, his spirit from the inside out. We all age and our bodies don't always survive the journey the way we would like. We would continue to have more sessions and a couple of years later, after hard work on his part he would be ready for another portrait session. He wasn't afraid and threw caution to the wind like the 25 year old young man he once was. The results clearly showing. He hadn't modeled in many years and was extremely hesitant but I knew that he was someone I wanted to bring out of the shadows. His self exile. It was long overdue and I was then and still relish looking at his photos. Those moments of joy that we shared. As each day passes I miss him more and more but I am glad to have these and many other photographs of him to keep his memory alive. He always reminded me of Rudolph Valentino. He resembled him, he made movies like him. His personal life was not easy like Rudolph and at times he found it difficult to reconcile who he created for others and who he was beneath that mask. Despite all of that I loved him then and now. Thank you Marc. You are home now, until we meet again my friend.

"I'm blessed kid, blessed." - Marc

“I look at everything, myself, mistakes and triumphs. No matter what we’re all sinners and I’ve finally found my peace with that.” - Marc

"When you do what I did the idea of aging, losing your looks, gaining weight, you don't matter much anymore. I had no choice but to leave and it was the best thing I did. Doing this again though, the lights and backdrops and clothes, it's fun. I just wanted to have fun and I did for a while, back then. This now though? I like it. You asking me to do this, I figured I might not get the chance again. F*&k it! " - Marc

October 7th 2023 - I miss his laugh, I miss his smile, I miss the way he would look at me with so much depth in his warm eyes. I miss the warmth of his hugs. I miss him.

Robert Jones, Long Island, NY 2019 - Featured In the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 - "Looking at him in this photo, something tells me that no matter what age he might be he's always been and will be capable of putting fear in a person." - Salas Ruiz (Photographer)

The above black and white featured in "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2020. Five prints sold privately. "It's a luxury now to live to a decent age. This man has managed to last a long time. One possible reason is that maybe no one really knows him. He's got secrets, I bet a ton of them that no one'll ever know." - Claude Maurice (Photographer)

Big Paulie Long Island, NY 2023

"I like that he likes fishing and animals and he's honest and not vain or fame-crazed and he shows his gladness for what I cook him and joy for when I make something for him, for both of us." - Sylvia Plath (Poet)

"I like his warmth and his bigness and his being-there and his making jokes and stories." - Sylvia Plath (Poet)

I love his face. If I keep photographing him I won't lose him.

He's become the most important person in my life. He's one of the very few people that has changed the course of it. His belief in me and what I do set the wheels in motion for me to get into photography again. It's something I am and always will be eternally grateful to him for.

Outtakes from the photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023 @blurb.com

From the photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

Evan C. Long Island, NY 2023 - "I don't think this man knows how beautiful he is but it's obvious he has a certain power and is aware of it. I believe once he becomes conscious of just how beautiful and powerful he is, that has the potential to spark a dark tragedy. What an exciting prospect." - Claude Maurice (Photographer)

This Image featured int he portrait photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

Alternate Image featured in the portrait photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

"Zeki_One" I've loved working with him since day one. He's got no fear in front of the camera at all. He improvises every time and knows what to do with little to no direction. His aplomb is something to be applauded and something I always find myself in awe of when the camera is clicking away. Even more fascinating is he bares so much of himself and there's still this sense that he hasn't really revealed anything to you at all. That's why he's one of the people I seem to find myself going back to.

This Image featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 @blurb.com

This Image featured In the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 @blurb.com

He's either going to go all the way or not at all. Working with him I just never know where were headed but it's never dull. Never.

He is featured in the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021 @Amazom.com

"Queen Calo" Cassandra Calo Sarasota, Florida 2022... featured in the portrait photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" Click Available for Purchase Above!

Outtake

Long Island, NY 2023 - Featured In The photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 Daven T. - The only thing that comes to mind when I think of him is "Divine". He's the friend everyone should have and the son every parent wants. He's a subject the camera needs and the framed photo that should be on every wall in every home. He's the man that every woman wants and will someday be the dad every kids needs.

This image featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 *Excerpt - Click On Available For Purchase - “I love this! That baby face, he’s an animal with a baby face. I love animals and he looks like he’s eating life with big fangs.” - Simon Dubbin (Writer) *

No matter what life has thrown at him, he hasn't been destroyed by any of it. He's one of the most remarkable men I've met.

Adam L. New York, NY 2021

Out and about, sun kissed and soaking up this cool breezy moment he's a young lion. No high priest of image in this image filled age I coudln't help but see potential. "When I'm working and out here and get hot I feel like it's God's sweat on my back." - Adam LeVine

Some portraits I capture, simple ones, they feel like being hit with a brick. One's like this are worth any injury.

The first Image featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" *Excpert - "He looked like a fallen angel, replete with all the dangerous male beauty that lucifer could devise." - Lisa Kleypas (American Author, quote from the "The Devil In Winter".

Long Island, NY 2023 - "'IRELAND'...Angelic Hell On Wheels!" This Image Featured in the photography book "Just A Few Adventures In Cameraland" 2024 - I thought that after the book was done that would be it. We just keep finding ourselves continuing to work together. The fact that I don't know anything real or tangible about him outside of this dynamic makes working with him that much more intriguing.

It’s his lack of slickness. There’s nothing oily or rehearsed about him. To a lot of people he’s whistle bait, to even more people it doesn’t stop at a whistle.

It's the fact that he's not afraid to show and share his rugged, masculine side. It's difficult to not get wrapped up in it.

IRELAND 2025

Kyle Dawson New York, NY 2022

outtakes

This Image featured in the Photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

"I'm not gonna change for anyone or anything. Why should I? - Kyle Dawson"

Sarasota, Florida 2022 - Courtney Calo from the photography book BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

outtake...

Courtney Calo, Deborah Houston and Cassandra Calo feat. in the portrait photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023 @blurbbooks.com - “My girls and I have always been the closest knit family. We do everything together. The part that means the most to me is making music with my daughters.” - Deborah Houston (Mother and Drummer)

Long Island, NY 2022 - "Schock Star!" Matt, he's undaunted and indominable in his music and when the camera is focused on him. I think his destiny was already mapped out with a last name like Schock. How perfect. - Some Images featured in the photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023 at Blurb.com

He's one of the faces that immediately makes a person smile without hesitation.

He plays drums in his Pipe band "Roisin Dubh Pipe Band" as well as lead singer and guitar for his other band, "Pine Street Band".

This Image and below featured in the portrait photography book "Bagpipes and Drums" 2023

Joseph O'Rourke Long Island, NY 2020

This Image featured in the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021

Infront of Behind The Scenes w/ Marti (at left) and Coreyanne.

Coreyanne Ann Armstrong New York, NY 2021. This image featured in the portrait photograph book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

"Rawell..." New York, NY 2022

Outtake

Long Island, NY 2019 - Patrick McBride The above portrait is featured in the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021

This Image featured in "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

Outtake

It’s important that the person in the viewfinder know they are safe when we work together. I always want them to know I’d never do anything to hurt them. It’s my job to protect them.

Eric Stein Long Island, NY

Long Island, NY 2019 - Eric Stein from the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021 - My portrait photographs are an escape. I love making the person 1000 times more who they are or who they thought they could never be. I always see it as a success when your left with more questions than answers.

Outtake

This Image featured in the photography book "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023

Long Island, NY 2019 - Tongue's Out w/ Matt LePre

Matt L. outtakes

There are people that you meet, photograph, they move on. Then there are people that stay in your life for a time. I was lucky to have him in mine, to be able to capture him. He's moved on and so have I but these are photos yes. And keepsakes of a great time in my life.

There has to be a sensitivity and a real caring even if it's for 10 minutes or an hour. No matter who it is my job is to protect them when they're in front of the lens. Without that it just becomes appallingly barbaric. That's the last thing I ever want.

Masonville, NY 2019 - Tony Napolitano These first two portraits and the one below are featured in the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021...available for purchase.

Dominick, he's an imposing person in every way you can think of but in front of my camera I still felt the need to protect him. He didn't need my protection, he doesn't need anyone's.

Dominick J. This and the 3rd Image from the photography book "Faces, Outtakes & A Few More Observations" 2021...available for purchase.

This image featured in "BAGPIPES and DRUMS" 2023...available for purchase.

He's a big man, huge. In so many ways, physically, personality, laugh, smile. He's wonderful to photograph and talk to. There is absolutely nothing dull about him. Nothing.

John M. - New York, NY - OUTTAKE - I was so very fortunate to capture this man's image. I just wasn't prepared for what he gave me and the camera. There is something so very Olympian about him.