Greenwich Lifestyle Cover.

Gina Carloto (Miss Connecticut) holding her late mother’s ice skates at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport, CT.

I am thrilled and honored that my photo of Gina Carloto (Miss Connecticut) is featured on the April, 2024 cover of Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine.

Among her many astonishing attributes, Gina is a treasured friend and honorary godmother to my Golden Retrievers, Patrick and Blue. She is caring, loyal and incredibly kind to everyone while giving 1000% to her role as Miss Connecticut. If she’s not offering her time to a local fundraiser, aiding a local business or raising awareness for numerous causes, she also can be found chasing her dreams and caring for animals, including my two fur babies. When I leave Patrick and Blue in her care, I know with certainty that they are being blanketed in love while having the time of their lives and I can relax knowing they are in the very best hands.

Gina texted one morning late last year to ask if I had any time to capture photos for an approaching deadline for her Miss America endeavor. Within hours, we were at the Wonderland of Ice skating rink in Bridgeport, CT armed with her Miss Connecticut crown, sash, a gorgeous pair of shoes and gown…and her late mother’s beloved ice skates. I have not had many opportunities to photograph humans since I began studying photography so I was simultaneously excited, grateful, nervous and boy I didn’t want to let her down.

It was very meaningful to create images of Gina on the very rink that she and her mom skated on together as a young girl. Since losing her mother 2 years ago, Gina has risen to the challenge of living with purpose, grace and determination. I am quite confident that she is watching Gina and so very proud of her efforts to make the world a better place while contributing so much to our community. We all are.

Thank you Gina, for allowing me to be part of this special moment in your young life and to Greenwich Lifestyle magazine for the thrill of the year!