Cliff Mautner Photography

American PHOTO Magazine's Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World!!

I'm incredibly proud, honored, yet mostly humbled, to have been named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American PHOTO Magazine.

I want to thank so many who have called and emailed me to send congrats my way. It's obviously a huge honor to be among this group of terrific photographers- some of who are friends. American PHOTO has put a brief slideshow from each photographer chosen and it's live on their website now. There is some pretty inspiring work, to say the least. Take some time and view this work- you'll be glad you did. Special thanks to Lindsay Sakraida who wrote the article and did a great job. I'd also be remiss if I didn't say thanks to Nikon. The D3 and it's full frame sensor has really allowed me think differently about my work and clearly enhance my vision. Congrats to each of the photographers on this list. It's a terrific group to be a part of! Here is the link to the list.

Just to add, I'd like to primarily thank my clients. One of the things I talk about in my workshops and seminars is that we're only as good as our clients. I set very clear expectations with my clients. They know what to expect from me, but I also know what to expect from them. It's truly a combined effort on the wedding day to produce the best photographic documentation possible. My clients are amazing and I can't thank them enough for providing me with the effort that enables me to make the images I produce!!

7.15.08- MLB All Star Game- Bronx NY

First of all, I need to apologize to those who frequent this blog- both clients and photographers- who come on here looking for my wedding and portrait images. I had 8 weddings in May, and another 8 in June, and am just now coming up for air! I'm going to do my very best to get back on track with this blog.

I normally don't blog too many personal items on here. However, on occasion, my kids, or other items important to me, are ways for people out there to learn a bit about me besides they type of images I produce.

I was born in the Bronx, 4 short blocks from Yankee Stadium. My dad was a life long Yankee fan, and Yankee Stadium played a major role in my upbringing. I remember watching Mickey Mantle, Elston Howard, Lou Pinella, Bobby Murcer(RIP Bobby), and countless other Yankee greats, and not so greats! This mecca of sports was also a mecca of father-son relationships that transcend baseball.

My father passed away 5 years ago this summer. While he was still able, I rented a limo and brought him, my sister, and his best friend to Yankee Stadium one last time. Lewis Katz, a part owner of the Yankees at the time, was kind enough to give me seats behind the Yankee dugout. It was one of the greatest days of my life, and one that I'll remember forever, given that the light in my father's eyes shined one last moment while he enjoyed one last game in his favorite place on earth.

I was fortunate enough to come across a pair of tickets to the game last week, and jumped at the opportunity to take in Yankee Stadium one last time before it gives way to the new stadium across the street next year. My father would have loved this!

Nikon D3- Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8