I was fortunate to have a variety of wonderful clients this year, ranging from old friends to new families who were referred by previous clients. From Manhattan to Manhassett to Martha’s Vineyard, from Tuxedo Park to Trumbull, and of course, Ridgewood, I’m grateful to all the proud parents and kooky kids with whom I ran, jumped, crawled, giggled and froze (that one’s for you Melanie and Neil!).

To all my wedding photography clients, your events were magical and memorable. The attention to detail and personal touches amazed me! Thank you for including me.

Please enjoy a look back at the Faces of 2008…

Eileen was really calm and relaxed, which really impressed me because she had given birth to Luca just two weeks prior to our session! I remember that my head was spinning after my kids were born, so I thought it was amazing that Eileen and Bill just glided through a photo session with their newborn baby!

Luca wasn’t ready to run but his big sister, Sophia, got her chance to chase me in the Famous Matt Richman Photography Running Shot!

Inside, she was a big help to her mom while Luca got his diaper changed. She loves her new brother!

I like to have fun conversations with the kids I photograph, so I asked Sophia if she wears still wears diapers. We walked next door and I got my answer.

Before we left her room, I grabbed one of my favorite pictures of all time. I hope you don’t mind me posting this one, Eileen, but it was too good to pass up! I’ll happily remove it if you want… just let me know.

Downstairs, Sophia was getting hungry after an imaginary tea party with her dad. I love how she has that I-wonder-what’s-in-the-fridge look on her face.

And soon, Luca will be having all kinds of fun with his sister. But in the meantime, he’ll just show off his winning smile…

Thanks for finding me Eileen and Bill! I had a great time with your happy family!

Except, Riley was feeling a little shy at the beginning and was trying to hide from me. But we took our time and didn’t rush. I’m always really patient with younger children until they get used to the camera.

Neil was great with her and really got her to open up.

Olivia, was ready for action from the moment we got there… as you can see in the Famous Matt Richman Photography Running Shot.

I love how you can see a little hint of the town of Ridgewood behind her. Those buildings haven’t changed in over 50 years. Nothing beats Ridgewood for small-town charm. And speaking of charm, Peyton was the real star of the show! It was really cold that morning, but he braved it like a champ.

Back at the house, we played a seriously fun game of hide-and-seek in the basement. I was “looking” everywhere for Olivia and Riley. Under the table, in the cabinet, even in the dryer! Don’t worry, Melanie, I didn’t really look in your dryer! I did the old, “I wonder if they’re in the dryer” routine and just banged on the door to make it sound like I looked in the dryer. I know all the tricks from playing hide-and-seek with my sons! But it didn’t take long before…

SURPRISE!

I should have known they’d be hiding behind the princess castle tent thingy. I still can’t figure out why the carrot is in Riley’s ear. Maybe Olivia was so surprised that she stuck the carrot in Riley’s ear. Riley didn’t seem to mind though.

Peyton was a little young for hide-and-seek, so we let him hang out on his mat.

Then we took the girls outside. I love this crabby face! I think Riley was ready for me to go home.

But we still had some more fun before it was time to go.

Congratulations on your new baby, Melanie and Neil! He is in terrific company with his big sisters, and his kind parents.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Leslie and Steve again in New York City to photograph their green-tongued kids. Green-tongued kids??? That’s right!

Note to self: Remind parents to refrain from giving their kids green lollipops before the shoot.

Earlier this year, Leslie and Steve received a session as a gift from Leslie’s mom who was the highest bidder in a silent auction. Her mom is on the board of a terrific charity to which I donated a session for their 25th anniversary fundraiser. NAC (New Alternatives for Children) helps hundreds of chronically-ill kids in foster care in NYC, so please remember them for your future charitable giving. Leslie and Steve were kind enough to ask me back to their apartment to shoot some holiday card photos of the kids.

We started in the courtyard, and their daughter started sneezing. I don’t normally show kids their photos on the back of my camera, but I had to show them this. It was too cute. They had a REALLY good laugh.

Then we headed up to their apartment. Their son was cracking up on the terrace!

Their daughter was getting a little tired and took a break. I like when the kids take breaks because then I can photograph them when they’re completely relaxed. She wasn’t really sleeping… I think she was trying to hide from me!

Looking very dignified!

The happy, cuddly kids.

Thanks again Leslie and Steve! It was great to see you again and photograph your happy family.