• LONG ISLAND & FL WEDDING
  • PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERIES
  • CINEMATIC FILMS
  • Florida & Disney Wedding
  • Wedding Venues Long Island
  • More
    • About Us
    • Doug Gordon Wedding Photographer
    • Long Island Wedding and Event Photography Blog
    • Travel Agency
    • Contact
  • Contact
The Power of the First Impression: Unveiling the Importance of a Great Headshot

The Power of the First Impression: Unveiling the Importance of a Great Headshot

by info@smartsolutionsit.com | Jan 13, 2026 | ALL POSTS

In a world dominated by visuals and first impressions, the significance of a great headshot cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a professional seeking career opportunities or an individual looking to make a lasting personal connection, the impact of a...

Recent Posts

  • Kaitlin’s Incredible Quinceañera Celebration at Jericho Terrace – A Night of Elegance, Family, and Celebration
  • The Art of Adaptation: Why Diverse Photography Experience Matters for Your Wedding and Portraits
  • Best Long Island Wedding Venues (Luxury List with a Photographer’s Eye)
  • The Wedding Day Timeline That Makes Your Photos Look Effortless
  • A Celebration of Multicultural & LGBTQ+ Love

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

#patkenphotographer

Follow us on Instagram @patkenphotographer

patkenphotographer

Doug Gordon | Patken Photographer
Photographed 29,000+ weddings
Named Top 5 Photographer
📍 Long Island + Florida + Destination
⬇️ Wedding & Engagement
28 Years… and somehow it feels like yesterday. Tod 28 Years… and somehow it feels like yesterday. Today, we celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. Looking back at these photos, I don’t just see a younger version of us… I see the beginning of everything. The foundation of a life, a family, a business, and a journey that would go on to touch over 29,000 couples. Before Patken Photographer became what it is today… before the awards, the travel, the recognition… there was just us. Two people in love, making a promise, not fully knowing where life would take us—but knowing we would take it together. What’s funny is, after all these years of photographing weddings… of teaching, posing, lighting, and guiding so many couples… I realize the most important thing I’ve ever learned isn’t about photography. It’s about partnership. It’s about growing together, respecting each other, laughing through the chaos, and standing side by side no matter what life throws your way. These images remind me that while styles, cameras, and trends evolve… the emotion doesn’t. The connection doesn’t. The meaning behind that moment never changes. And that’s what we’ve dedicated our lives to capturing for others. To my wife—thank you for being my constant, my strength, my partner in every sense of the word. Everything we’ve built started with you. Happy 28th Anniversary ❤️ —Doug #PatkenPhotographer #DougGordon #28YearsStrong #WeddingAnniversary #PatkenFamily #LoveStory #ThenAndNow #WeddingMemories #LegacyOfLove @thebridesoflongisland
Today is a truly special day for our Patken family Today is a truly special day for our Patken family ❤️ We’re celebrating Vinnie, our Head Photographer of nearly 28 years, and his incredible wife Jessie, an amazing photographer and valued Patken team member for 18 years, on their 15th Wedding Anniversary. This is what makes Patken different… this is family. For decades, Vinnie has led with passion, consistency, and an unmatched ability to connect with every couple he photographs. Jessie, both his partner in life and behind the camera, brings her own talent, creativity, and heart to every wedding she’s part of. Together, they don’t just capture love stories… they live one. Their journey reflects everything we stand for — loyalty, dedication, growth, and building a life and career surrounded by people who truly care about one another. We don’t just photograph families… we are one. Happy 15th Anniversary Vinnie & Jessie. We love you both and are beyond grateful to have you as such an important part of the Patken legacy ❤️ #PatkenPhotographer #PatkenFamily #WeddingAnniversary #TeamPatken #FamilyFirst #LoveWhatYouDo #PhotographerLife #PatkenLegacy Brides of Long Island @liweddingplanners
Mastering light. Capturing emotion in motion. On Mastering light. Capturing emotion in motion. On this shoreline, every silhouette is guided with intention, every gesture curated for meaning. Experience the difference that artistry and expertise bring to your day. Nothing is as beautiful as a maternity session Ready to see your love in a new light? Message us to begin your Patken journey. 🌅✨
Every love story deserves to be seen. What does it Every love story deserves to be seen. What does it feel like to relive your best day, frame by frame? Hear from couples who trusted us to capture their most meaningful moments. Their joy, their tears, their laughter—preserved with care and artistry. Experience the Patken difference for yourself. Message us to begin your story. 💍✨ #bridesoflongisland #LGBTQ+ @bridesoflongisland
Capturing the magic of a once-in-a-lifetime milest Capturing the magic of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Celebrating Emily turning Sweet 16 and shining brighter than ever — every detail, every laugh, every unforgettable moment preserved forever. Honored to document such a beautiful celebration 💫 Venue- @jerichoterrace Decor- @dunamisdecorations . . . . . . . #eventphotographers #longislandevents #sweet16 #longislandphotographer #longislandphotography
Love captured in every golden detail. They trust Love captured in every golden detail. They trusted us with their forever. The result? Moments as timeless as their vows, set beneath a canopy of glowing lights and laughter. Every Patken story is unique, guided by artistry and care. Ready for your own unforgettable chapter? Message us to begin. 💍✨ @jerichoterrace @bridesoflongisland
“Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dre “Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams.” We fell hard for this couple and their adorable meet cute story. Not only are they lucky in love, but they chose the first perfect spring day for their wedding! How lucky is that?! ****make sure you scroll to the end for a cameo by the @westburymanor peacock!**** Congrats to these pickleball partners for life. You’re “simply the best.” Entertainment by @bodyrockentertainment Ceremony by @reverendjoeiadanza
🌸🐣 Happy Easter from all of us at Patken Photograp 🌸🐣 Happy Easter from all of us at Patken Photographer! 🐣🌸 Today is a reminder of what we’re so fortunate to witness every single day—love, family, and the moments that matter most. Whether it’s a quiet morning with loved ones, a table full of laughter, or traditions passed down through generations… these are the memories that define our lives—and we are beyond grateful to capture them. For over 40 years, we’ve had the honor of documenting life’s happiest moments through our lens—through our eyes, our hearts, and everything we are. And days like today remind us exactly why we do what we do. Wishing you and your families a day filled with joy, peace, love, and beautiful moments. With gratitude always, Doug Gordon & The Patken Photographer Family #HappyEaster #PatkenPhotographer #FamilyMoments #WeddingPhotography #easterjoy
At Patken Photographer, every wedding is an opport At Patken Photographer, every wedding is an opportunity to craft timeless, authentic images through our signature flow posing technique—ensuring your story is told with unparalleled artistry and precision. For over 41 years, we've guided couples through their most meaningful moments with quiet confidence and refined expertise. Our full-time, in-house team—personally trained by Doug Gordon—delivers the cinematic, emotionally resonant imagery that becomes the legacy of your love story. This is not volume photography. This is boutique artistry. This is Patken. Ready to begin your love story? Link in bio for consultations. #PatkenPhotographer #LuxuryWeddingPhotography #CinematicWeddings #WeddingPhotographer #BoutiquePhotography #TimelessImages #DougGordon #LongIslandWeddings #NYCWeddings #DestinationWeddings #WeddingArtistry #EditorialWeddings #BrideAndGroom #WeddingDay #LoveStory
#wedding #cresthollowcountryclub #nycphotographer #wedding #cresthollowcountryclub #nycphotographer #nycengagementphotographer #love
✨ Passover. A Story of Freedom. A Story of Family. ✨ Passover. A Story of Freedom. A Story of Family. A Story of Legacy. ✨ At Patken Photographer, we are reminded during Passover that the most powerful moments in life are not just celebrated… they are remembered. The Seder table is more than tradition — it is connection. Generations sitting together, sharing stories, laughter, reflection, and love. It is about where we’ve come from, who we are, and the legacy we continue to build. That is exactly what we are honored to capture every single day. For over 40 years, we have had the privilege of documenting life’s most meaningful celebrations — the moments that become part of your family’s history. The hugs. The tears. The joy. The quiet in-between moments that matter just as much as the big ones. Passover reminds us that time moves forward… but memories, when captured with heart, last forever. From our family to yours, we wish you a beautiful, meaningful, and joy-filled Passover. May your home be filled with love, tradition, and unforgettable moments. — Doug & The Patken Photographer Family #PatkenPhotographer #Passover #FamilyLegacy #MomentsThatMatter #WeddingPhotographer #LuxuryWeddings #TraditionAndLove #CapturedWithHeart
A moment of quiet beauty, forever cherished. Eve A moment of quiet beauty, forever cherished. Every story we capture is deeply personal. This portrait celebrates not just a milestone, but the anticipation and love that shape a growing family. Our team believes in artistry that feels effortless, guided by experience and care. Ready to create your own timeless memories? Message us to begin your journey. 🤍
Unforgettable moments. Genuine laughter. Lasting b Unforgettable moments. Genuine laughter. Lasting bonds. What makes a Sweet 16 day truly timeless? For us, it's the joy that radiates from every conversation and every glance, captured in a single, honest frame. Our clients trust us with their most cherished memories. We honor that trust with artistry and heart. Ready for your story to be told beautifully? ✨
Looking back at this photo from over 34 years ago… Looking back at this photo from over 34 years ago… it honestly stops me for a moment. There I was—just a kid with my Hasselblad film camera, a Quantum Turbo flash, filter holder in place—thinking I was just doing a job. But the truth is, even then, I was already living something incredibly special. I didn’t fully understand it at the time. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to be invited into people’s most important days… to stand in the middle of joy, love, nerves, family, celebration—and quietly document it all. I didn’t yet grasp that people would one day look back at these images and remember their lives through my eyes, my heart, and everything I brought into that room as a person. That part… that never changed. The cameras changed. The technology changed. The speed, the workflow, the tools—completely different world. But the principle? That stayed exactly the same. What has changed… is me. With time, I’ve come to understand something much deeper—the relationships. The dynamics between families. The emotions beneath the surface. The unspoken moments. The way people connect, protect, celebrate, and sometimes even struggle… all in the same day. Those are the real photographs. Not just what you see—but what you feel. At that age, I was capturing moments. Today, I understand them. And that understanding… that appreciation for people, for relationships, for trust… that’s the foundation of everything I do now. Grateful then. Even more grateful now. @thebridesoflongisland
A beautiful beginning to a lifetime together. Than A beautiful beginning to a lifetime together. Thank you @jaracelyy & @rolandocza for trusting us to document such an incredible day. Your love was truly inspiring, and every moment was magic to capture. Venue- @jerichoterrace Dj- @ultimatesound_djs #weddingphotography #wedding #longislandphotographer #longislandevents #longislandweddingphotographer
These two were born to love each other. Their chem These two were born to love each other. Their chemistry filled the dance floor and they’ve definitely got the moves! They danced all night in the beautiful Skylight room @jerichoterrace to the perfect mix of songs by Mike @diamondcutdjs hmu by @poutartistry and @hairobsession23 #longislandwedding #patkenphotographer
A stolen moment. A genuine smile. A kiss that tell A stolen moment. A genuine smile. A kiss that tells your whole love story. These are the moments we live for—the authentic, unscripted instances that make your wedding day unforgettable. With our flow posing technique and fly-on-the-wall approach, we capture the real you, the real emotion, the real magic. That's timeless photography.
Thanks for the SHARE @royalcaribbean. Amazing even Thanks for the SHARE @royalcaribbean. Amazing events and the best staff in the world.. @utopiaoftheseasofficialrc
Every South Asian wedding is a masterpiece of colo Every South Asian wedding is a masterpiece of color, tradition, and love. From the vibrant fabrics to the intimate ceremonies, we celebrate every sacred moment with artistry and reverence. At Patken Photographer, we understand the cultural significance and emotional depth of your celebration—and we capture it all with precision, beauty, and heart.
Luxury venues deserve luxury photography. Whether Luxury venues deserve luxury photography. Whether it's a historic mansion, an oceanfront estate, or an exclusive ballroom, we know how to capture the grandeur and elegance of every space. Our expertise in lighting, composition, and storytelling ensures your venue becomes the perfect backdrop for your love story. Let's create something unforgettable together. @bridesoflongisland
Follow on Instagram
  • LONG ISLAND & FL WEDDING
  • Florida & Disney Wedding
  • PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERIES
  • CINEMATIC FILMS
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

196 South 1st Street, Lindenhurst, NY, US, 11757
Windermere, Fl. 34786 (407)-349-7143

+1 631 595 1025

Doug@patkenphotographer.com
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
The Knot Best of Weddings & Hall of Fame Winner | Wedding Wire Award Winner, Best of Long Island Winner 2009-2025 | Best of Orlando 2020-2025
  • All content copyright © 2026 Patken Photographer
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Notice