I recently had the pleasure of working with the amazing people of Sanctuary for Families, a NYC-based shelter that assists victims of domestic violence. I was asked to photograph their annual fundraiser at Chelsea Piers' Pier Sixty, and was very glad to witness their turnout. I am not sure of the exact number of attendees and supporters, but it was fantastic to see so many fine people come out for such a worthy cause.

The first part of the night was spent photographing the wonderfully decorated venue, then the attendees as they arrived. It was a perfect June evening, which let us make images from the entrance all the way to the river walk behind/outside.

As guests moved into the dining area, the presentation and recognitions began with an educational film short about their mission. Brief introductions and speeches by committee members and honorees were both eloquent and enlightening - I do truly hope their benefit evening was what they need it to be to bring support to all of those in need.

Their guest list included Marcel Vigneron, Susan Pruder, Charles Rockefeller, Beth Ostrosky, DJ Grandmaster Flash, and hockey great Brendan Shanahan.

Mr. Shanahan goes down in the books as among the most gracious photo subject at events. I seem to have a knack for finding myself rounding a corner and being face-to-face with the man every time we're at the same venue, but it's always just the two of us, alone, no other guests to be found... me with my obnoxious 10-lb. camera rig in hand and my sudden but absolute apprehension in having to trap him for a quick shot for the event organizers (let's just say he's not a tiny, feeble-looking man). When it happened this time, I was popping out of the dining area only to find him right there in the hallway, and boom, once again it's just us, facing off. I started laughing a little at my "luck," and I introduced myself, assuring I wasn't papparazzi and apologizing for always wanting to blind him with a flash in an otherwise empty hallway like a stalker...then politely I asked for a quick shot. He was more than happy to oblige. Thanks, Brendan!

I'd also love to write a quick entry on how great Beth-O and the fine folks at NSALA were a few weeks ago, when we photographed her and some of the League's furry guests for Tails magazine. Editor Janice Brown flew out from Chicago to help us put the shoot together (and essentially charm us with her publication's mission of goodwill towards pets and the pet community. Janice, you're tops!).

Beth even went on to write about the shoot HERE, on her blog at the North Shore Animal League website.

I won't post any of the images destined for the magazine so that you can see them there first, but suffice it to say that Beth was her usual wonderful self, and her cooperative pawed companions in the shots were the usual pleasure to photograph. Thanks to all involved, especially Stephen who volunteered his time as my assistant.