Bentley Water's Photoblog

our last night

Bentley — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:33:44 +0000

On our last night of vacation Brendan and I went out to dinner. This was only after Tyler fell off the bed and split both lips open. Never a dull moment. He quickly recovered but because of his fall, we went to dinner on the late side. We had a reservation at a place I won’t mention here. As soon as we walked into the restaurant pumping Van Halen (what???) we looked at each other with a mutual “huh?” look. The look that reads “where the hell are we, who are these people and we must leave pronto” look. It wasn’t what we were in the mood for – at all. We stumbled upon Il Capuccino in Sag Harbor, where we had never been but always wanted to go. It’s on the edge of town, had two empty tables out front, candle-lit with red and white checkered tablecloths. Perfect. We ordered a bottle of red vino, dined on a delicious Italian meal, by ourselves out front and talked about what a great week we had together. Some family joined us after for a few more cocktails. It was an evening that wrapped up the summer perfectly.

back to the grind

Bentley — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:14:13 +0000

What a whirlwind the last two weeks were. Just over 20 shoots out in the Hamptons. Crazy and awesome at the same time. I feel humbled to know my summers out east have grown to photographing 20 beautiful families over the last 2 weeks of summer on the shores of the Atlantic. A few new clients and a few old, all of which were amazingly unique. Every shoot had a sweet spot, that moment where everyone relaxes, the light is right and something magical happens. Over the next week I’ll share some of the sweet spots, my favorite images and a few shots of my own family. In between shoots I rushed home to be with my boys and Brendan. They were there for the last 10 days of summer. It was one of the best weeks we’ve had – ever. Crabbing, kite flying, eating, swimming and mini golf consumed our days. Summer is over. We went out with a bang.

A few from the Silverman family shoot. Mom was a little worried we didn’t get any good shots. Hopefully these will put her at ease.

the lipsky family – sagg main beach

Bentley — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:58:30 +0000

This gorgeous family bought their mom our photo shoot for her birthday. We met at one of my favorite beaches, Sagg Main and shot away. They were super easy. It was a nice way to kick off the beginning of a long run of shoots.

If you don’t hear from me much over the next week, it’s because when I’m not shooting I’m spending time with my little ones. Holding onto the last days of summer. XO

some tunes for the sun

Bentley — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:22:06 +0000

In honor of the sun’s return I’ve made a little playlist that I’ll be listening to in between shoots, over the next 10 days. It’s hard to believe this is the last week of summer. Where did the time go? I’m going to do my best to savor every last minute. I spent my day packing up sparklers, smores ingredients, super soakers, kites, beach toys, floats and crabbing nets for the boys. It’s the grand finale of summer and we plan to take full advantage now that the weather is cooperating.

And while we’re on the topic of sunny days, here are a few from a recent shoot on a gorgeous day in Westport. I’ve been photographing the Rosania family since their oldest daughter Natalia was about 6 months old and I can’t say enough good things about them.

It’s amazing to not only feel such a level of comfort with a family you’ve photographed many times before but to witness their children growing and to be able to capture that on “film” for them, is quite the honor.

Thank you Rosania family for a beautiful shoot.

keeping my fingers crossed

Bentley — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:03:06 +0000

This weather is really driving me NUTS. It has rained for 4 days now and as I know we needed the rain, my Hamptons shooting schedule has taken quite the beating. Not to worry (I hope) – this is next week’s forecast so I should be able to fit everyone in. It’s going to be a little crazy, especially since I’m making sure to carve out enough time to be with my own family. The boys come out with Brendan on Friday and we will all be out there for 10 days. I can’t wait as both boys are finally old enough to enjoy the beach, go crabbing, fly a kite, take the ferry to Shelter Island, check out the Montauk lighthouse – all of which are on the agenda. Last summer Ty was only 2 months old and as most of you know, that’s like carrying around a sack of potatoes. This summer stay out east should be a little different. Now if only the weather will cooperate we’ll be in good shape.

the fato family, new york, ny

Bentley — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:39:11 +0000

When I received the birth announcement email from Lucy and Matt that their baby girl had arrived I got very excited to meet them. Primarily because they chose to name her Malibu, which I thought was so original and pretty cute too. Malibu Tailor is her name. Tailor comes from Lucy’s father who was a tailor. So clever.

We spent a couple hours together in Malibu’s beautiful nursery feeding, soothing and mostly waiting for her to take a snooze, which she eventually did. Everyone was very patient, especially Malibu who put up with us lying her on the floor, swaddling and changing her clothes numerous times. Lucy and Matt couldn’t have been more of a pleasure. They were so thrilled to have this little one to pour their love it. I loved watching them take turns handling her ever-so-gently.

That first week at home from the hospital with your first child is unforgettable. Everyone is riding on this wave of adrenaline and there is a joyous, overtired, relieved, nervous, innocent, excited energy buzzing around. It is a very special time. I was honored to be a part of the Fato’s.

the weinberg family – chappaqua, ny

Bentley — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:41:51 +0000

The Weinbers are a new client who live here in my town. We shared a gorgeous morning in their backyard, listening to music and laughing alot, thanks to their grandfather, who was very entertaining.

Thank you Weinbergs for a great shoot, it was a pleasure to meet you all!

the avila family, west village, ny

Bentley — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:42:35 +0000

The Avila family is expecting their baby boy to arrive any day now. Inez is soon-to-be a big sister, a roll I think she will easily slide into as she runs the show. We shared quite a few laughs over her adorable personality. I look forward to seeing how her little brother keeps (or puts) up with her. I’m sure it will be very entertaining and provide great material for future photo shoots.

Thank you Avila family for another wonderful shoot.

You can see mom cracking up behind her. I’m not sure what she was saying but clearly it was funny.

Come and Join Us at the Hamptons Family Fun Day

Bentley — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:04:26 +0000

We are very excited to be a part of the Hamptons Family Fun Day with Citibabes and Rosie Pope in support of Baby Buggy, next week August 19th. RSVP to receive the address. We hope to see you there!

one lucky lady

Bentley — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:59:04 +0000

Meet Dillon, the daughter to my best friend Mauria and her husband Peter. She arrived about 3 weeks ago. These were taken when she was only 3 days old.

Allow me to give you the history of my friendship with Mauria. We met twenty years ago at the beginning of 9th grade. She didn’t like me much at first but she came around. ; ) She was in a “very serious” 9th grade relationship with her boyfriend who showed interest in me. Drama right? We quickly realized friendship was more important than boys, and have been side by side since.

Mauria is one of the few people in my life who I tell everything to. I can call her (we talk ALOT on the phone as she lives in Queens) with any thought and know she will never judge me. She will listen, offer advice and cry, laugh or whine with me until it’s time to go. It has been like that for the last 20 years. We have been on many journeys together through high school, college, marriage and now motherhood. Mauria is like a sister to me and I therefore consider Dillon a niece. She will be an unbelievable mother. Dillon is one lucky lady.