august 2012, newsletter issue thirty-seven
Dear Friends,

It's the last month of unofficial summer, the final weeks before school starts up, beach days wind down, and swimsuits get moved to the back of the drawer. Fall's pretty fantastic, but nothing beats the sun-kissed faces and slow, easy pace of summer. So, let's make these last warm days count. 

On August 18th, I'm heading out east for the last Hamptons shoots of the season. I'll be there until Labor Day and would love to spend some time photographing you and your family in your garden, on your favorite block or stretch of beach, capturing summer 2012 the way you want to remember it. Sessions are filling up quickly, so call or shoot me an email today. 

To help cap off the season in style, my friend Lisa Nicklin (of Picnick) has created a signature cocktail to share at your next get-together. A refreshing blend of watermelon, basil, and St. Germain, the Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail is perfect served poolside - or as a popsicle. Check it out below, and look for more sweet treats from my favorite people (think style tips and event planning secrets!) in the months to follow.

A family portrait session is the best way to document your summer memories. Meet me in the Hamptons this month to capture a few of your favorite moments you and your family have shared out east.

 

Date: Saturday, August 18th - Monday, September 3rd. 

Time:
To take advantage of the best light, I hold one shoot in the early morning and one in the late afternoon/evening. Please specify which time you prefer when booking. 

Place:
Any location can be accommodated. A beach (bay or ocean), your home, Montauk's lighthouse, a farm stand, beach club, on a boat or at a marina, Shelter Island - you name it. I shoot in West Hampton, Montauk and anywhere in-between. 

Includes: approximately 100 images presented in a set of 4x6 proofs, a password protected online gallery, plus a small print package including 1 8x10, 1 5x7 and 1 4x6 enlargement.

Please contact me for pricing and availability. Don't wait much longer, the schedule is nearly full. 

 

Watermelon Elderflower Refresher - recipe courtesy of Lisa Nicklin of Picnick
 
Ingredients
  • 1 small sized seedless watermelon (about 3-5 lbs.), skin removed and cut into large chunks 
  • 8 basil leaves; more for garnish (you can also substitute mint)
  • St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (amount dependent upon whether you're making the cocktail or the popsicle)
Working in batches if necessary, pur�e the watermelon in a blender or food processor and press the pur�e through a fine strainer. You'll need about 3 cups of juice - don't worry if some pulp comes through, but skim the foam off the top for a prettier drink (and popsicle).

Finely chop the basil into small pieces, nothing larger than what you would want to drink, and add to the watermelon juice. Chill. This mixture is your base for the cocktail and the popsicles. 

Cocktail (the base mixture is enough for 8 drinks)
4 oz. watermelon/basil juice
1 1/2 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur

Stir and serve in rocks glasses over ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.

Popsicle
For every 3 cups of juice, add 2 oz. of St. Germain - more than that and the alcohol will inhibit the freezing process. 
Pour mixture into popsicle molds, insert wooden sticks and freeze overnight. Unmold by running warm water over the outside of the molds. Lisa suggests these molds from Amazon.

Picnick offers a range of delicious and nutritious culinary options. Lisa teaches classes (in your home or hers), caters small events and offers an evolving selection of prepared foods, all with an emphasis on seasonal cooking that satisfies body and soul. Her website is in the works, please contact her at 917.270.5531 or [email protected].

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Thanks for tuning in this month. Please forward along to anyone who might be interested. Sharing is a good thing.

I look forward to seeing you soon!



Bentley Waters
Bentley Waters Photography

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