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Custom Designs 07.09.2015
Custom designed thank you cards for the new Mr. and Mrs. created by your friendly neighborhood photographer wink emoticon!
I am so grateful to everyone who continues to support my addiction to create.
A few years ago all I had was a dream and lots of ideas. Thanks to you it's all coming true.
Views From the Train 07.03.2015
Many people have been asking me when the Honeymoon pictures will be ready for viewing. I am very grateful for your interest and I promise I am working on them in my free moments.
I am really excited to get the full gallery out to all of you beautiful people! For the moment here is another glimpse at what is coming.120Utahhazleton travel photographerj.pecora photographyoutdoor photographerpennsylvania travel photographertravel photographerutah travel photographer
Want to know a secret? 06.06.2015
I did not create this photo in my studio!
Thanks to a little collaboration with this bride to be, we made this fun tea party set on site at her bridal shower.
It got me thinking, this could be a really cool photo booth alternative. You don't get the instant gratification of photos printed on site and being behind a booth's curtain helps dissipate some peoples fear of being photographed. However having the confined space doesn't offer much in the way of large group portraits, and the lighting in a photo booth is generic and boring.
Photo booths can get very expensive! You may be surprised to hear me say this but I can most likely offer a better price.
So entertain this idea for a moment.
A professional portrait set at an event.
You can pose on a large backdrop with enough space to create a real scene. Want to have a bistro table in the shot? We can fit that smile emoticon. Having a large backdrop also allows more space for group portraits.
I love designing dynamic lighting to match a scene, it is one of my favorite things to do. Good lighting creates a three dimensional look and imparts personality to a photograph. The lighting I created for this set was inspired by classic impressionistic paintings of tea parties. With a photo booth you are stuck with that one dimensional hard light source.
If having a professional portrait set at your next event intrigues you, let me know!Ashley'sBridalShowerhazleton event photographerhazleton photographerhazleton wedding photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvania photographerpennsylvania wedding photographerpennyslvania event photographerphotographyprofessional photographer
Lambo Lo's Art of Lyricism Vol.2 - 01.31.15
Creating this album cover for Lambo Lo was one of my highlights for 2014. Few things get me more excited then seeing emerging artists pushing through the barriers and making their vision reality. Part of this is because I know and travel the same path. The journey of an artist brings them face to face with all the inner demons. Doubt, fear, judgment will tear an artist apart and it takes a warriors resolve to stand against them. There are many creatives out there but it takes a certain person with a lot of courage to bear their heart and their dreams to the world.
I send a ton of respect out to Lambo Lo today as he announces the release of his new album, The Art of Lyricism Volume 2. You gotta check him out, he is an incredibly talented Hip Hop artist from the Hazleton Area. Check him out on facebook at this link!
https://www.facebook.com/lamboloap?fref=nf&pnref=storyisolationalbum artartistic portrait photographerj.pecora photographylambo lomusician photographerpennsylvania art photographerpennsylvania artistic portrait photographerpennsylvania portrait photographerpennsylvania studio photographerphotographic artistprofessional portrait photographerrap album covers
Things That Matter 01.26.2015
We may be small but is matter all that matters?
Is a moment like this less significant because we are small?
So often I see people claim the insignificance of humanity and life on Earth when compared to the vastness of space. I believe our boundless ability to love and imagine dwarfs that of any star.FrancelysLokibest friendsdgoseditorail photographerhazleton editorial photographerhazleton magazine photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvania editorial photographerpennsylvania magazine photographer
Oh Christmas Tree! 01.10.15
I have never seen a Christmas display that touched my heart as much as the one I saw tonight. The Tree lighting ceremony at Stonehedge Gardens in Tamaqua will warm anyone's soul during the cold winter months. The ceremony takes place over 25 minutes with an amazing changing light display accompanied by classical holiday music.
The last Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place tomorrow night. It's not to late to check it out for yourself. If you can't make it this year you can make plans to see it next year as this is an annual event !
Photographed is one of the creators sitting at the base of his 18 foot Christmas masterpiece.j.pecora photographypennsylvania portrait photographerpennsylvania editorial photographerpennsylvania magazine photographerhazleton portrait photographerhazleton editorial photographerpennsylvania event photographerhazleton magazine photographerstonehedge gardenschristmas lightschristmas displaychristmas ceremony
Incarnations 12.7.14
Snow hangs suspended on a limb witnessing it's past incarnation soaring over head. Some day soon I will be water again and, then a cloud.
IncarnationsPennsylvania landscape photographerhazleton art photographerhazleton travel photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvania travel photographersugarloaf pennsylvania
You can't be what everyone else wants you to be, you just can't! 10.27.14
Don't live your life to match what other people expect of you. You won't be living your life, you will be living every one elses'.
This is a struggle that hits home for me. Growing up in a large family and spending hours and hours in a huge school district surrounded by peers and elders who often have an idea of what you should be made it difficult to decide who I wanted me to be. I didn't really start finding myself until I moved out on my own. I still catch myself in the cycle of seeking other peoples acceptance.
The reality is, you can never be what everyone else expects you to be. You just can't! If you follow one persons example you will inevitably go against another persons example. Set an example for yourself and stick with it. You can be accepted by the entire world, but until you accept yourself you will never find happiness.
On the same note, I realize the importance to not push my expectations onto others. I have been gifted an entire, awesome life that is all my own, a life that should be cherished and appreciated. Let's not get greedy and tell others how to live their lives when we already have our own. When someone asks for help, then you can offer them advice.
This seems like an odd post for a self portrait but my recent decision to cut my hair was what brought these thoughts to realization. I feel that part of the reason I took so long to cut my hair is that I didn't want to change my appearance to much for others. I realize this is silly and that no one told me I couldn't cut my hair, but I know I am not the only one who gets caught in that thought pattern. This idea of having to maintain a consistent image for the sake of others only keeps us from growing into the best versions of ourselves.
I love all you guys, and thank you for reading!SelfPortraitOct2014Joseph PecoraPennsylvania landscape photographerhazleton art photographerhazleton landscape photographerhazleton portrait photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvaniapennsylvania portrait photographerpennsylvania studio photographerpennsylvania travel photographerstudio portraits
The Further Bus 08.12.14
The following chronicles my encounter with the Further bus at Sandy Valley Campground in Pennsylvania. The Further bus was originally designed by Ken Kesey, author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
A surreal site, the further bus parked at the Sandy Valley Campground in North East Pennsylvania. The bus made it's first voyage in 1964 after being purchase by Ken Kesey authot of "One flew over the Cuckoos nest". The original further bus traveled with Ken Kesey and his Merry Band of Prankster until 1969 after a trip to the Woodstock Festival. Pictured here is the new further bus acquired by Ken in 1990. The Bus is being driven across the U.S. on it's 50th anniversary tour by Ken's son Zane.FurtherBus60's cultural iconsHDRKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmerry band of prankstersmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Arrival of the Further
Festival goers waited through pouring rain and wind for the Further bus to arrive. As the bus finally shows, the crowd lights up with excitement. For many seeing the Further bus is a once in a life time opportunity.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Hails from Oregon
The plate on the front tells of where the bus is from but also where it is going.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Out of a Dream
Children approach the bus as if it has driven straight out of thier dreams.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Not the Same Flower
The realization that the flower has changed at some point during the night will not hit me until days later while editing the image in photoshop.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
This Bus is Carazay!
An expression that sums up the reaction of all who witness this psychedelic masterpiece!
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
What's Under the Hood?
Glancing through the side grill, I half expect to see a miraculous gadget like something out of Willy Wonka's factory.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
I Can Taste the Rainbow
Zane Kesey gifts me with the privilege of sneak peek on the bus. Feeling as though the colors are seeping into my unconcoius I remind myself that I need to get some pictures.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Got the Funk
A psychadelic bus would not be complete without a state of the art sound system tantilizing the mind with all manner of funky beats.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Not a Wink
Getting even a minute of sleep on this mind bending explosion of light and color must require weeks of intense training.
FurtherBusKen KeseyZane Keseyfurther bushazleton event photographerhazleton photographermagic busmusic festivalpennsylvania event photographerpennsylvania photographerpsychadelic bussandy valley campground
Coming soon, Travel Gallery of the Dominican Republic 07.17.2014
Rivers flow from the lush mountains of Central Republica Dominicana. These rivers supply many families with fresh water. However; This supply of life saving water is being threatened by companies seeking to exploit these mountains for their rich deposits of Nickel and Gold.
Dominican Republichazleton photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvania photographerpennsylvania travel photographertravel photographertravel photography
Happy 4th, 2014
I am extremely grateful to all of those who have acted to defend our freedom in this beautiful country. I prefer to use the word "acted" instead of fought as there are many who have protected our liberties without the use of violence. The soldier and the activist both deserve thanks and praise on this day. Thank you!
4thofJuly4th of JulyIndependence dayJuly 4thfireworkshazleton photographerj.pecora photographypennsylvania photographerphotographerrocketssugarloaf pennsylvania
Painting Instructions 06.22.14
Thank you to Ibiyinka Alao for a wonderful night of grace. Also Thank you to Hill City Church for accommodating this event and for such a kind reception. I saw so many beautiful faces of all ages tonight, all working to spread the love .
HIllCityHill City ChurchIbiyinka Alaoart showhazleton photographerj.pecora photographyone night of gracepennsylvania photographer
Spring, Shades of Green 05.15.14
Do you ever find yourself outside thinking... This is where I belong.
ShadesofGreenmay j.pecora photography professional new jersey out doors spring shades green meadow field
A visit to Longwood Gardens 05.13.14
Founded by Pierre du Pont, born in 1870. His early years were influenced by the area’s natural beauty and by the du Pont family’s long tradition of gardening. But not even Pierre himself could have predicted that he would someday become one of the country’s most influential gardeners.
LGWmay j.pecora photography professional hazleton pennsylvania outdoors longwood gardens spring outdoors yoga francelys fabian
Tiny Dancers 05.12.14
We are all flowers of the Earth. Just as an apple tree gives rise to apples our planet gives rise to people. We are distinctly different in shape but are in no way separate from mother Earth. Created during a visit to Longwood Gardens Spring 2014.
TinyDancersmay j.pecora photography professional hazleton pennsylvania outdoors
Prepping for Pompadour Prom 05.01.14
The band The Paper Shakers is holding a Pompadour Prom (50s and 60S) at The Otherside in Freeland Pennsylvania. The event is taking place Saturday, May 3rd at 8:00 pm. Here I am prepping the backdrop and lighting setup for the events portrait room.
DogWatermarkmay j.pecora photography professional hazleton pennsylvania backdrop testing pompadour prom
What Can I 04.29.14
Sometimes we just need to ask ourselves the right questions.
WhatCanIApril j.pecora photography professional hazleton pennsylvania objects thought provoking quesiton glasses hazle brook
Foraging for Ramps 04.25.14
Here is a shot of wild ramps, they are truly delicious! The scientific name is Allium tricoccum. The city of Chicago took its name from a dense growth of ramps near Lake Michigan in Illinois in the 17th century, after the area was described by 17th-century explorer Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, and explained by his comrade, the naturalist and diarist Henri Joutel. The plant called shikaakwa (chicagou) in the language of native.tribes was once thought to be Allium cernuum, the nodding wild onion, but research in the early 1990s showed the correct plant was the ramp.
j.pecora photography april outdoors foraging spring new jersey hiking adventure plants nature
Fantasy Makeup Competition Sneak Peak - 03.23.14
Here is a sneak peak at this years Fantasy Makeup Competition taking place at the Art Youth Expo (AYE 2014).
I took photographs of 23 models for this years show, and there will be more competing that were not available the day of the shoot. This is over twice the number of models as last year!
The creativity and talent I had the privilege of previewing for this year's show is phenomenal! I am so proud of the work these artists and models put forth.
AYE will be housing awesome art displays from many young artists through out the area. There will also be art installations, music, dance, food and more!
AYE takes place on the 4th and 5th this April in downtown Hazelton and is admission free!
If you are free either of these days I better see you there!
Lets bring our community together and support our local artists!
For more information about AYE and the Hazleton Art League, check out the Facebook event page! https://www.facebook.com/events/1385067365098528/FMFSaye 2014 hazleton broad street community fashion show girls women teen makeup costume make up fantasy hazleton area high school model
Thirsty for Sun 03.06.2014
It's been a long winter in Pennsylvania.
Being an artist in the winter can be brutal. We get stuck inside, no where to run when self criticism comes knocking louder then ever.
I regularly struggle with a great deal of self criticism.
On the worst days you can hear the bombs being launched and the sides of your ego exchanging gun fire; like a bunch of dictators in your head all uncompromising and brutally critical of how the other side operates.
Here is a technique that has been a life saver for me.
Take 15 minutes a day to sit comfortably and breathe. Open your heart and mind. See all the battles being fought within your mind; see the battles that are happening now and the battles you have yet to face. View your thoughts with an open heart, without any grasping or aversion to them. Bring all of your inner dictators to the peace table where there is no judgment and breathe. Bring acceptance and awareness back into your heart.
Much love to you all!Reachingj.pecora photography professional march winter hazleton pennsylvania joe pecora winter outdoors adventure black and white lines shadows self portrait hazle brook woods hike
Finding Joe
Went to an awesome free showing of an incredible and inspirational movie called "Finding Joe". Above are some awesome local artists that shared their work along with Michael Barata who is an awesome inspirational speaker! From left to right, Jennie Allegretto, Joe Longo, Joe Pecora (me), Jim Schweitzer, and Michael Barata. Thank you to the Cinema&Drafthouse for a great evening. Michael is part of the team at http://simplereminders.com/ A beautiful site that will help clear your mind and charge your soul! Jennie https://www.facebook.com/JenuineDesignJLAart Joe Pecora (me): http://www.jpecoraphotography.com/ Joe Longo at: http://www.joelongophotography.com/ Still finding out if Jim has a site which I will include shortly. Stand in the sunlight beaming through your window and feell. Spring is coming!
Febrj.pecora photography professional february winter hazleton pennsylvania cinema drafthouse finding joe longo pecora jim michael barata jennie community artists movie theater
