Left of Center Photography » events

Plated Landscapes: Auburn Twin Oaks

Paul — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:28:44 +0000

A few weeks back I got to spend the evening with Ben, Brandon, Jess and the rest of the crew that makes up Spice of Life Catering while they served up dinner at Auburn Twin Oaks Winery down in Chagrin Falls. This is the third year I’ve work with Spice of Life on these dinners and they just keep getting better and better.

The night began with appetizers and cocktails before heading out on a short tour of the winery. As usual, dinner followed the tour. Each course was paired with a wine from Auburn Twin Oaks. Once we were happy and fed, we all walked back up to the main building for more wine and dessert. Did I mention this place had wine? There was very good wine. And chocolates. And pork belly. And sirloin… The meal was good. Better than good. It always is.

Not sure how many dates are left for this summer, but if your interested give Spice of Life a call and book one of these meals before the season ends. If you can’t get in this year, then you should make a point to get out and spend an evening or two with them next year. It’s a great time!

2011 Cleveland Triathlon – United Cerebral Palsy

Paul — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:37:09 +0000

Without a doubt, one of the most rewarding relationships that I’ve developed has been with the incredible people at United Cerebral Palsy. Three years ago I became involved with them when I volunteered to help shoot pictures of their involvement with the Cleveland Triathlon. I had a reason to help out in that a friend from high school had a son that had CP. Little did I know what I would be getting into. Back then it was a dozen or so families that pushed and pulled their children around the downtown in an effort to raise money and awareness for UCP. Since then the number of families has grown and so have the abilities of those children that were once pushed and pulled. This year two of them rode bikes and one walked the course on her own! It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you just try.

I’ve taken this exact same picture of Chris and Tyler three years in a row. I will take it again every chance I get.

Click for more picture from the event

A New Look for United Cerebral Palsy – Cleveland

Paul — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:13:01 +0000

Two years ago I started volunteering with UCP Cleveland to shoot pictures of their involvement with the Cleveland Triathlon. My connection was through some friends from high school that have a wonderful son, Tyler (his picture is down below), that has CP. He’s a great kid and I was looking for some way to give a little back. It was a great connection and UCP has been using my images on promotional materials for the race every year since. I love doing it. I already have this year’s race on my calendar.

Late last year they got in touch and asked if I would be willing to help out with their website. Not sure if you ever saw their old one, but it was nothing to write home about. They were giving it a complete make-over and needed new photographs for it. They also wanted fresh images they could use going forward for their literature.

In the end, I spent two days with them at various locations around Cleveland building a library of stock photography that could be used for everything from their website to annual reports (and they were!).

So while, that sounds cool, and it was, the best part was actually working with the clients and staff at UCP Cleveland. Everybody was so very kind and friendly. It’s easy to see that staff and clients are family to each other. It’s not just children either, young adults adults get help from the programs at UCP and from the smiles on the faces I saw during my two days there, they all really love what they do for each other. That happiness is contagious and I spent two days shooting with a smile on my face as well.

Make sure to click over to see the UCP Cleveland’s new website at http://ucpcleveland.org and learn more the services they provide and how you might be able to help!

Inspired to Tri

Paul — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:39:23 +0000

Every August I get up early and head downtown to my little part in helping out United Cerebral Palsy – Cleveland by taking pictures they can use to promote their involvement with the Cleveland Triathlon.

Watching these families and their children, the support they get from loved ones and friends, is really inspiring. This is the promo slide show for this years race. Take a few seconds to watch it.

The first 30 seconds are so is all my work and then there are several other shots through the rest of the slides.

I’ve got some other work with UCP that’s going to drop soon as well. I’ll be sure to share it as soon as it’s available!

Birthday! Lincoln & Roman are One!

Paul — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:41:21 +0000

I first met Lincoln, Roman and their parents back around July when I took their six month old pictures. Since then we also got together for some fall portraits and now I got to have a cupcake and take pictures for their first birthday party. Even though it was cold and snowy outside, the party had a much more enjoyable summer like outdoor, woodsy theme.

And no birthday party is complete without present time (present time! present time! open the presents and see what’s inside!)