Julius “Jukey” Caesar Robotti

The reason I love photography so much is because it not only captures split-second emotion, but records people and memories like no other medium. I lost my first grandparent this week. I am grateful now that I took so many pictures of him and my family during the past year. These photos and the photos of him as I was growing up are what I cherish now. I encourage you all to take many, many photos (to the point of annoyance if you have to!) of your loved ones.

He was as devout as they come – I can remember him cheering embarassingly loud at my dance recitals and gymnastics meet. He openly cried more than any man I’ve ever known. He gave the wettest kisses on the cheek too. These are examples of a man that was never afraid to share his feelings or show emotion. His love and affection taught me to love and love hard, because that’s what life is all about.

He was such a great man and I wanted to share a little bit about him.

80, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at Richard Rosenthal Hospice Residence, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He was born on June 15, 1927 to the late Bruno and Theresa Piccoli Robotti.

Jukey was a lifelong Stamford resident and a graduate of Stamford High School Class of 1945. At Stamford High, Jukey was an outstanding athlete in football and baseball; he was named to the All-State team in football in 1944 and was captain of the 1945 baseball team that had a record of 19-0. He also competed on the track and field and basketball teams and earned a total of 12 varsity letters. He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. He played semi-pro football with various area teams and played baseball in the Stamford Twilight League. Jukey was widely regarded as one of the finest athletes to come out of Stamford. Jukey was employed as a firefighter for the City of Stamford for 46 years before retiring in 2001. He was also a long time FCIAC football and baseball official and coached the Firefighters Pop Warner football team. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine Council #41, Lafayette Assembly, and a member of the Stamford Old Timers and State Street Debating Society.

Jukey is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosalie (Malloy) Robotti; his son, Randy and his wife Nancy of Wilbraham, MA; daughter, Marguerite Mammone and her husband Ernie of Stamford; and grandchildren, Melissa, Michael and Kelly Robotti; and Craig and Meghan Mammone. He is also survived by two brothers, John R. of Carmel, CA; and William P. of Port St. Lucie, FL; two sisters, Rose Corbo of Stamford; and Florence Stevens of North Palm Beach, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Caryl Robotti Krasniewicz in 2001; and his brothers, Frank and Peter.

Jukey was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who always found pleasure, along with Rosalie, in attending their grandchildren’s sporting and other activities. He will be truly missed by all.

First Trash the Dress

Today I went up to Plum Island to meet a couple who were just married yesterday. I LOVED the beach atmosphere and how they still had a post-wedding glow. It’s not as easy as it looks, girls. The ocean is freezing this time of year. She and I post got soaked, but I think it was worth it!

 

 

 

What a weekend!

I’m just wrapping up a very full weekend; two boudoirs, a family portrait, and my first Trash the Dress session! I’ve got what I like to call sore camera hands from holding the camera so much, but I had a really great group of clients this weekend and I can’t wait to share. But first, here are a few from a boudoir session a few weeks ago.

 

 

 

Mirrors and white corsets

I love both!

Booking for 2008

I’ve received a number of inquires about 2008. As of today I’m booking for next year.

For those of you interested in a boudoir shoot… you should book at least  4-5 weeks ahead of the date you need the photos. And I should mention boudoir isn’t only for brides to be. The photos make a great anniversary, birthday, or Valentine’s Day gift. Speaking of Valentine’s Day, it’ll be here before you know it. December would be a perfect time to schedule a sitting!

One last August boudoir

I’m catching up on my blog today after a very busy weekend full of photos. Here are a few from an August boudoir session.

Boston Fashion Week

I had the pleasure of shooting Boston Design Laboratory’s fashion show this past weekend. Featured was Shirley Willett, who showed her vintage designs. I’m very much into old stuff – clothes, magazines, jewelry, furniture – so it was right up my alley. Here are some shots from the show.

Lens love

I feel inclined to share with my fellow photogs how much I love the 135 f/2.0 lens (on loan, thanks, Thushan). Fast, tack sharp, big bokeh. Enough said. I used it for a few weddings and loved the results, so I whipped it out for a few outdoor shots at the end of a recent boudoir session. If only lens love came at a cheaper price. Almost a grand for that lovely piece of glass!

Here are a few shots from my last August boudoir session. Jenn assisted and the three of us had a great time together.

I can’t believe it’s September! No signs of boudoir/wedding season slowing down yet. And then, in October, I’m going to the Azores in Portugal for vacation! I can’t wait to take photos there. I can hardly contain myself. Seriously, I’m that much of a photo nerd.