www.iamwhatisee.com Blog

All Dress, No Guests--Andrew and Michelle

2012-01-27T10:01:00.000-05:00

Andrew and Michelle figured a classy theater in Boston's Theater District would be the PERFECT setting for their "All Dress, No Guests" (commonly known as a Trash the Dress) photos. I just loved the idea, and agreed that it fit perfectly with their personalities.

I was a little daunted, though, as I figured it would be an expensive place to rent, or, like another theater in the area, they just wouldn't let us do it. Well, I made a few calls, and things just fell into place! We were permitted to shoot there for a short period of time, and all of us are SO HAPPY with the result!!

Click on any image for a larger view

First Family To Take Advantage Of The Holiday Special!

2011-11-02T08:52:00.001-04:00

I got an email from Aimee right as I was launching my holiday card special. Most of my clients have come from other clients referring them, but she found me after she "...spent sleepless hours online looking at pictures of families in tan pants and white button up shirts." Knowing that she wanted something less posed, something more genuine, she sent me an email.

So, her family was the first to take advantage of the holiday card special! I have another shoot in a couple days, and more to come after that! There are only a few spaces left, so email me or call me today if you want some vibrant, fun holiday cards to send to your friends and family!

Below are just a few images from our shoot. If you want to see all of the photos from our one hour session, go here

Holiday Photography & Card Offer

2011-10-31T09:22:00.001-04:00

With the holidays come mailboxes full of cards from family and friends sending out smiles and warm wishes from their family to ours. I've always been a little jealous of how organized they must have been to have gotten these done and sent out before the new year!

This year, I would like to help you be that organized, with-it friend or relative! I want to provide you with great, relaxed photos of your family, and a choice of five designs for holiday cards that you won't find anywhere else! Check out the details here: www.iamwhatisee.com/holiday and Happy Holidays!!

Liz and Michelle's Wedding on Thompson Island

2011-09-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Liz and Michelle's wedding was quite an experience for all invited! Volleyball, corn hole, seashell hunting, an amazing sunset, sparklers, and--oh yeah, a GORGEOUS wedding! :) Seeing the kind of love Liz and Michelle share was life affirming! And the energy and support everyone there had for them was just fantastic to be a part of! Thanks for such a fun wedding, you two! :)To view all 827 images from this wedding, go here (they are uploading now and will all be up after about 5:30 p.m. today)That link is valid until October 24th. The gallery will be taken down after that date.Here are just a few of my favorites from their wedding. Enjoy!

How to Skip a Rock With Your Sweetheart

2011-09-07T12:58:00.005-04:00

These are photos from Ryan and Kerry’s engagement photo session out at the Quabbin Reservoir near Hardwick, MA. One of their favorite activities is to hike around the reservoir and end up alternating between lounging by the water and skipping rocks. They have done this so often, I feel like they are experts at it. I was humbled by their rock skipping abilities (or at least their sheer delight at doing this together) that I felt compelled to share the lessons they taught.

Step One: Venture into the woods in search of the water and the elusive perfect rock.

Step Two: Once you have gotten to the water, sit down and become one with your surroundings, being careful to observe what the water is doing, so that you can choose the best rock for the situation.

Step Three: Consult with your sweetheart on the best choice for a skipping rock, being sure to asses its type, shape, and weight.

Step Four: Start skipping the rocks! It seems synchronized skipping provides the best outcome.

Step Five: Sit back, reflect on your rock skipping prowess, and celebrate with some smoochin'!

Ryan and Kerry really know how to enjoy an afternoon! I really enjoyed spending some relaxing time by the water with them. This is the photo shoot I was on where we saw the bald eagles! So cool!

The Coolest Engagement Shoot EVER!!

2011-08-19T15:38:00.003-04:00

I met Ryan and Kerry in Hardwick, MA so they could take me to their favorite place to spend a weekend afternoon. The Quabbin Reservoir is most certainly that! It's quiet, the trails are wide (so you can hold hands with your sweetheart!), and I came to find out that there is a bald eagle family there!

The shoot started out with a short hike to the beach, where Ryan and Kerry passed the time skipping rocks (they were a great couple to photograph, and so relaxed! Actual photos of them will follow soon) Then, we headed to another place they like to relax. It is up a short steep hill and it overlooks the reservoir, a perfect view!
It seems we were not the only ones to appreciate the view there. We were walking up single file with Kerry in front, then she stopped. I looked up just in time to see a juvenile bald eagle (best guess is it's under a year old), then I brought my camera up. It was set to manual focus and manual exposure, so I was not ready to shoot this beautiful bird. What you see below are the best shots I got, and obviously, they aren't so good...
Anyway, we were all in awe, and commenced to check out this space. There was a pile of sticks and assorted bones all around, and when we looked up, we saw the nest. Their favorite tree to lean against and watch the day go by was the same tree where the nest was! An adult bald eagle flew by to check us out then started making all kinds of noise, hoping to scare us off. We stayed put, and it perched in a tree off in the distance to wait for us to leave.
I have seen bears, rattlesnakes, moose, and all kinds of assorted wildlife, but this one takes the cake!! It is such a large creature, and just a gorgeous bird!
Okay, so there are actually no engagement photos in this "engagement photo" post, but... well, there were bald eagles!! :) Photos from their engagement session will be posted soon.

A Play Date With Your Photographer

2011-08-11T08:19:00.007-04:00

I want you to expect more from a photo session with me, because that is what you’ll get. Sure, I come to your house to take photos of your family, but it’s more than that. I am all about capturing the wonderful times you share with your family.

The summer before junior high, my mom begged me and my older brothers Chris and Greg to go to Olan Mills Portrait Studio and get a photo of the three of us. It was a hassle. Mom got upset because we couldn’t coordinate our schedules, and we really didn’t want to get all dressed up to do this. Well, finally Greg took Chris and I there, and we got our picture taken. One photo. Despite my mom and dad having all kinds of family photos on display in their house, this one is nowhere to be found. The problem is, that this photo isn’t us.

It’s not genuine. We were dressed up, though Greg preferred his jean jacket and Adidas, and I would have been much more comfortable in my Airwalks and skater clothes. Mom wanted a picture of us. She got it, but she didn’t get any memories of it. She wasn’t even there. I remember it, but only because it was so out of character for us.

This is not the type of experience I want people to have. I want you to just be together, while I witness the giggles and love that y'all share. Several times during our sessions, I have heard clients remark “It’s been a while since we’ve been able to spend an afternoon together!” That is one of the greatest compliments I can get (at least I take it as a compliment). I want this to be a positive memory for you, and I want the photos to remind you of that day, and those times you shared.

I’m stepping into your life rather than you stepping into my studio where you have to be on stage performing for the camera. Please, lounge on the sofa with your morning cup of coffee while I photograph your newborn exploring the world, or let’s stroll down to the park and play, above all, be yourself.

I’ve met many kids wary of the big guy with the beard, but after a few minutes with me, they see that I am fun to play with (I am just a big kid, after all, just ask my wife!). I’ve often heard from clients how good I am with their children (this is another of my favorite compliments to get). For me, it’s all about engaging them on their level, both figuratively and physically. Get them interested, get them relaxed, then they mostly ignore me, which provides for much more genuine moments between them and their family.

All I ask is that you have something planned you like to do. Do you want to organize a treasure hunt, go for a walk or take a ride to the playground or the pool? Think about what’s most fun and relaxing for your family, the every-day moments you want to look back on and remember for years to come. Just be yourself, act natural, and I’ll do the rest!

I had my wife come along on a couple recent shoots to show how I work. It's me in action (along with the photos I took)! :)

Why I Do What I Do

2011-08-03T09:29:00.003-04:00

I have chosen to work outside of a studio because I want to capture those genuine interactions that you share on a daily basis. Memories are created on your couch where the Tickle Monster is most prone to attack, at the breakfast table where your little one gives themselves an ice cream facial, or in the park down the block where you go for a walk every weekend (and where your spouse finally got up the courage to propose). It is those moments I want to help you treasure in the years to come.

Another reason why I like to come to your home, or meet you at your favorite park, or join you for a stroll along Tremont St. is because these are familiar locations, and more importantly, that you won’t feel like you have to perform for the camera. Too often, people in front of the lights, in a photographer’s studio they have never been to before, either tense up because this is a unfamiliar situation, or are ebullient, turning into a hyper version of themselves because they feel the need to perform. In a studio, people are not being genuine, and that’s not what I want in your photos.

When I was living in Olympia, WA, I was an assistant to a wedding and portrait photographer for two seasons. He did a great job crafting the light in the studio. The shots he produced were consistent, and looked great in the wedding albums he created, but I rarely got a sense of personality from the subjects he photographed. He had a formula, and he stuck with it. To him, all engagement photo sessions happened at Tumwater Falls, and all formal wedding photos were shot against the same purple background. He posed every bride in one specific way, positioned the parents in the exact same spot for every wedding, and followed his formula that he has used for the past 20+ years.

After working with him, I knew that I did not want to be a photographer who follows any formula. I want the personality of families or couples to provide substance and depth of emotion to the photos, and I want to talk with you to determine your favorite places, then go there to have our photo session. I want your home, your life, and the love you feel to shine through. Years from now, when you look back on these photos, the laughs that come with them, the love that is evident in them, will be felt across generations.

The Craft of Rolling a Cigar

2011-07-29T14:56:00.002-04:00

I photographed a wedding a few weeks ago where they hired a skilled roller of some exquisite cigars from Boston Cigar Factory

There is something about photographing people who work with their hands that delights me to no end. They are focused, dedicated to their work, and serious about their craft.

Craft...

That is a word that carries a lot of weight, as does craftsman (meaning that in a gender neutral way). To me, it implies a higher calling. Something that one was meant to do, perhaps was even made for. When skilled hands join with the right tools... Magic happens.

This woman was certainly skilled at her craft, and I definitely enjoyed not only partaking in one of those cigars, but in watching her work. I could have sat there for hours, completely entranced.

Sudbury Truck Day!

2011-07-29T12:41:00.003-04:00

It's been over a week since the Goodnow Library hosted Sudbury's Truck Day, but I can't stop thinking about it! I mean, how often can little kids (and the little kids inside all of us) sit in a bulldozer and play with the controls, or talk to a fireman about how exciting their job is, or sit in a police car (without handcuffs on, that is)?!
It was so much fun not only to be there (I volunteered my photographic services, as well as helped with parking), but to see the excitement on all the kid's faces!
I was really happy with several of the photos (very few of which I have posted here, out of respect to the privacy of the families), and I am already looking forward to next year!!

Smartphone Apps For Kids

2011-07-29T07:48:00.014-04:00

When I was back home in Cincinnati visiting the family over the 4th of July weekend, my sister in law lamented that she wished she knew more good apps for her 2 year old and 10 year old (my niece and nephew, of course). She has some favorites, of course, but just wished she had more. So, I put out a request to folks through my facebook page, and asked friends what their kids’ favorites were.

Carrie and I felt it our duty (strictly for professional reasons and in the interest of providing you with knowledgeable recommendations) to try these out, and oh boy, the giggles that ensued!! Professional, informed giggles, that is. :)

The best thing about trying these out is that I used one on a recent family session. There is one little girl who, despite me having photographed her many times, never really opened up to me. Her mom is one of the people who told me her favorite apps. So, without looking at the little girl, I sat on the floor and started playing one of her favorite apps. Over about 5 minutes, I went from playing it in my hand to playing it on the floor at arm’s length, and she went from hiding behind mom’s legs in the corner of the room to sitting next to me, playing along, and really interacting with me!

So, here are the apps I was told about (note: all the links here are to the itunes store's listing of the app):

Educational games:

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox: Learn and have fun by helping monkeys pack lunch! Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a collection of six exciting educational games for your preschooler (ages 2 to 5)
Peekaboo Wild: An app for learning the names of animals
Lingu-Pingu- Language learning app for preschoolers.
The First Words games (animals, vehicles, at home, etc.), geared to helping your little one learn to spell.
Matching Zoo: a fun matching game that makes all kinds of funny animal sounds (the turtle says “Hello!”). I have been playing this one for weeks!

Fun Games:

Two of the puzzle games that my 10 year old nephew really likes are The World of Goo and Cut the Rope. And of course, there’s Angry Birds!
Then there are these two apps that repeat what you say in a silly voice, Talking Carl and Talking Tom Cat.This suggestion came in from a couple of different folks who said their kids couldn't get enough of them, and the Talking Tom Cat one gives you the option of petting a cat and making it purr! :)
Another one that my nephew likes (and that my wife can't get enough of) is Doodlejump.
Lastly, there is Dropophone, an app that helps you make songs that sound like drips and drops falling on a tiny orchestra of instruments. It's based on Lullatone's album "Little Songs About Raindrops." This is one I don’t think I would get tired of. The melodies you make are very pleasant, and even somewhat calming.

If you don’t want to get any of these apps, one mom reminded me that her daughter’s all time favorite thing to do on the iPhone is to look at all the photos mom and dad took of her on the camera roll!

Sneak Peek--We're Going to the WEEEE!!!

2011-07-20T15:13:00.004-04:00

Douglas is a genius! I met him and his family last weekend, where I was asked to photograph the family spending time together in the morning (where he was ecstatic to show off his new "Big Boy" bed!), then we planned walk down to the place with the swings and slides and stuff. Most of us refer to this as a park, but Douglas, in his wisdom, refers to it more appropriately as a "Weeee!"
I propose we take his lead, what do you say?! Everyone should call it a Weee! I mean, it's so much fun, right?!
I love going to the Weee! with kids like Douglas! He had so much fun swinging and sliding and playing with his dad. Hopefully next time, we can go in the morning or in the evening when it's not so hot.
This is just a sneak peek, the rest of the photos will be done and posted soon.

Sneak Peek--Newborn Henry!!

2011-07-19T15:27:00.006-04:00

Last weekend, I was lucky to meet (and photograph) the newest addition to Lorena and Ry's family, little Henry, or as his big sister Jameson pronounces it, Henri (think of it with a French accent).
Here is a sneak peek of little mister Henry's first photo shoot! Stay tuned for more soon...

Some Favorite Out Takes

2011-07-08T15:38:00.007-04:00

When I photograph families, I tend to only share a few (around 5 or 10 at most) of my absolute favorite images from each session on my blog and Facebook page. Most times, the photos I post are a great representation of the day, and I am happy to share them.

Then there are those images I feel really lucky to have caught, but that don't really tell the story of the event, so most of you don't get to see them.

Well, it's time to put a stop to that!! :)

On occasion, I think I am going to post some of the photos that made me giggle, but that were not my top picks, likely because they happened away from the main event (in all three of these cases, they happened away from the main festivities, when very few were looking).

This is Patrick. After being on his dad's shoulders for only a moment, his hands found the PERFECT way to steer his dad around! Ride 'em, cowboy! :)

The cupcake in her hand and the look on her face tell the story. There USED to be two cupcakes on Colin's tray!

The guy testing the water had no idea what was about to happen. Any last words?

Drexel's First Birthday Par-Tay!!!

2011-07-01T09:28:00.005-04:00

It all started over a year ago when I saw Kim on the street, stopped my bike abruptly, hopped off and said something along the lines of "Hi. Ummm. You're pregnant. Can I photograph you?" The worst sales pitch in history of sales, right? Well, to my surprise, she said yes!
This is the second time I have photographed a first birthday where I had the pleasure of working with the family over the course of the first year of the little one's life. These events are so awesome, but kind of sad (for me) at the same time. I have seen Drexel from when he was brand spanking new, to when he started to have that look of wisdom I see so often in his eyes, to this party where he was walking around, giggling, and putting all kinds of treats in his mouth! The sad part is, now that this first year of photographing them every three months is over, I won't be seeing them as much. Hopefully I will get to shoot his second birthday party next year (hint, hint :) )
We went to Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon, MA to celebrate with Drexel's friends, both big and small. It was a blast! There was a hay ride, some strawberry picking, Drexel playing with friends, and of course a few cupcakes that Drexel got a hold of (maybe only about 15% of which ended up in his mouth!)
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed working with these folks. Kim and JT have always been so kind on our numerous photo sessions, and Drexel, well, the way he looks at me sometimes, I still think he's trying to figure me out. :) Between all his giggles, he gets these moments of stillness and wisdom... It's awesome! If only he had the words to teach me the meaning of life!
Anyway, Kim, JT, Drexel, and all the wonderful folks I met at the birthday party, it was a delight working with you!!

Lorena's Maternity Photos--Sneak Peek

2011-06-28T09:20:00.004-04:00

I can't say enough about how wonderful it has been to photograph Lorena and her daughter Jameson over the last year and a half. I met Jameson when she was only 3 months old, and photographed her often during the first year of her life. They are two beautiful ladies that have a great time together, how could I ask for more?!

Well, I got more when I heard that Lorena was expecting again. She invited me up to Salem, MA to do a maternity photo session, and knowing how much she loves gardening and being outside (she's the registrar, treasurer, and serves on the board of directors of the Salem Community Gardens and grows all kinds of delicious veggies), I thought shooting at a garden would be perfect, and so did she.

Lorena was so excited about our session that she went to Jennifer at Rogue Cosmetics in downtown Salem to get her makeup done, and I must say Jennifer made Lorena look even more beautiful than usual (an extremely difficult thing to do!!). For those of you who need someone with Jennifer's skills for a wedding or prom or any other special event, or even lessons, she comes highly recommended!

Everything came together perfectly, and I got some wonderful photos! Little Jameson even came to play with us in the garden at the end of our shoot!

This is just a sneak peek. The rest will be done and posted soon.

Great American Backyard Campout!

2011-06-22T09:31:00.006-04:00

I know this is short notice, but I just found out about this myself (through the great blog I follow called Boston Mamas.

This Saturday June 25th 2011 is the Great American Backyard Campout sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.

For my friends and family, it is no surprise how much I love camping, as is evidenced by how often I bring up my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail at every opportunity (and even on my blog now, it seems). That love of camping started when I was in Boy Scouts when we went out for a couple weekends every year to some fairly local campground. This was not backpacking as we did not haul our gear more than 100 yards or so, but it was sleeping in a tent, hearing the noises that creatures make in the night, experiencing what an impending thunderstorm smells like, seeing the effect the wind has on a valley full of trees. All of these things make me feel grounded and part of the world, both empowered and minuscule at the same time. Those feelings of connection began growing in me the first night I slept outside. That didn't happen until I was around 12, and when I have kids, I want to be sure to expose them to the outdoors as soon as possible.

This Great American Backyard Campout seems like a fantastic way to expose kids to the sense of adventure and delight they could have in the outdoors.

For those of you in the Boston area, the forecast is for a chance of rain Saturday night, but I have to say, for me the feeling of being all snug in a sleeping bag while rain falls on my tent is just amazing! Some of my best nights of sleep have happened under those conditions.

For more information on the Great American Backyard Campout, click here

For more information on the National Wildlife Federation, click here

For more information on the Appalachian Trail, click here

Sneak Peek--A Family Shoot on the Cape

2011-06-15T23:04:00.008-04:00

This group of 13 folks traveled all the way from Canada and Arizona to get together for about a week, to celebrate their parents' 50th wedding anniversary (congratulations!). Considering how rarely they are all in the same place, they wanted to get photos of this reunion.

It was a really fun to watch dad and daughter bury mom in the sand, then turn around to see cousins building sand castles, then (and this was one of my favorite moments) watch one of the uncles bring a small crab out of the ocean and show everyone. Most of the kids just looked. One was bold enough to touch its back. But the littlest girl just looked silently, then after a few moments, spat her tongue out of her mouth and said "blech!!" It was so cute!

Working with these folks was such a treat! They were one of the most helpful groups I've worked with. When I was photographing the kids, grandma was happy to stand behind me and get their attention, and several times throughout the day, people called me over to capture a different moment. I am not sure I would have gotten that moment with the crab without their help!

The weather was great, the folks were kind and fun, and the water was the perfect temperature (I had to stand knee deep in it while wearing my pants and shoes and socks to get some of these shots)! Thanks for letting me photograph such a great time on the beach!

This is just a sneak peek. The rest of the photos will be posted in the next couple weeks.

Sneak Peek--Jane and Chris's Engagement Session

2011-06-15T22:34:00.004-04:00

One of the treats I get at every engagement session is seeing what type of space that the couple wants to inhabit. Sometimes, they choose the engagement session location because that's where they spend their Sunday afternoons, or because that's where the proposal went down, or in Chris and Jane's case, it's because it holds a lot of great memories.

Chris spent a few summers at Lynch Park in Beverly, MA as a lifeguard. It's one of those spots that if you don't know it's there, you could easily drive by and have no idea what a wonderful place you just passed. It has so much to offer. It has a sandy beach, a rocky beach, a beautiful flower garden, and yes, two lions perfect for riding!

For me, it's the silly moments that really provide for some wonderful moments, and it's those moments that I seek out. Jane and Chris had no problem showing their silly side during this shoot! We were walking around near the end of our shoot, and Chris sidled up to this stone lion, then got on its back as if he was meant to be there. I took advantage of this moment in these explorers lives, and it's one of my favorite shots of the day!

In between (and sometimes during) the silly moments, it was easy to see the love they had for each other. My second favorite shot of the day was when they both leaned on a short wall opposite each other and just smiled. I just love capturing these moments!

This is just a sneak peek. The rest of the photos will be done and posted in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!

Sneak Peek--Barb and Jen's Engagement Session

2011-06-15T22:12:00.006-04:00

When working with a couple for the first time it can sometimes take a while to get used to each other. Some folks can be uncomfortable in front of the camera, and understandably so. I mean, how often in your life do you hire someone to stare at you intently, seeing how the light falls on your face, and how you fit into the background then taking a photo of you? Not often, I suspect.

There was no adjustment period with Barb and Jen. No awkward getting to know you questions or seeing how they would react to being photographed. Thanks to Jen (the wiseacre of the couple), we started off laughing and joking around right away! That made for such a fun shoot!

We wandered around near the Charles River in Cambridge, stopping to giggle from time to time, and I was happy to capture some genuine laughter and love between these two!

This is just a sneak peek. The rest of the engagement session will be done and posted in the next couple weeks.

Thanks you two!

A Treasure of a Family Shoot!

2011-06-14T09:26:00.003-04:00

There was so much going when I arrived that it was hard to keep up! As was typical for me, I got my camera out and sat on the floor, and the youngest of the two kids (Patrick) curled up on my lap while Christopher ran and danced around the house (see my previous post "The Photographer Gets Photographed" for more details about how well the kids and I got along). Hearing the siren song of his big brother's giggles, Patrick leaped up and had to join in the running and dancing. Their grandma was visiting all the way from Hungary for a little while; this morning, it was her job to wrangle the kids and help them brush their teeth and get dressed for the day.

Judit had planned a treasure hunt for part of the day. Having some sort of activity really helps provide for some wonderful shots because it means people can ignore the camera and have some genuine interactions. Judit had been working hard at teaching Christopher how to read Hungarian. So, she wrote all the clues in Hungarian and with some help from his mom and grandma, he found the treasures (some chocolate and bubbles)! This clue in the photo reads "The fifth step. Stop! 2+3=____ Now you can look for it [the treasure]"

I really enjoyed following them during so much activity, and I think it made for some wonderful photos that got a view of a day in the life of this family. From seeing them when they just woke up still in their pajamas, to them getting ready, then searching for treasure, playing in the garden, breakfast time, then more playing, I mean, there was so much going on, I felt at times an invisible observer, and at times part of the family. It was amazing!!

These are just some of the photos. It was so hard to narrow it down to these ten. If you want to see the whole gallery, go here.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer? Try Snapknot!

2011-06-13T09:18:00.003-04:00

When I was planning our wedding with my wife, there were several times I felt overwhelmed and just wanted to toss up my hands and elope at the nearest courthouse. I am quite sure my wife felt the same way at times, but luckily for us, the urge wasn't strong enough to follow through with it. In email exchanges with clients, I have certainly felt that same frustration coming through. I know it's rough, and I hope what I have to say today will help some of you.

I found a site called Snapknot (www.snapknot.com) that focuses on connecting couples with photographers. In my experience with some of the sites that try to expose folks to all kinds of vendors (I am thinking of The Knot here), it just feels like there are too many options. Visiting the home page there with all the advertisements, blog options, advice links, categories of stuff I had not even considered, I mean, it made me feel more frantic than I already was!

Finding a photographer whose vision resonates with your own is so important, and Snapknot helps you find that photographer. Snapknot is focused on one thing, connecting couples with photographers. That's it, and to me this is so refreshing. In the interest of full disclosure, I did sign up to be a member of this site to list my photography business. That's how much I love it. The first time I visited the site last week, a chat window popped up from Mike Rheaume, one of the two founders of Snapknot, to ask me if there is anything he could do for me! Wow. I mean, WOW! This is an experience I want others to have, so I am happy to promote them any way I can.

So, if you are looking for a wedding photographer, or know someone who is, send them to Snapknot!

Colin's First Birthday Party--Sneak Peek

2011-06-11T16:20:00.003-04:00

I know it has been a little while since I posted anything. I have been quite busy on all kinds of shoots, and boy have they been fun! I will get back to regular posts soon.

Colin's first birthday party was a great excuse to bring together families and friends from all over New England (and for Uncle Pat to show off his newly restored 1956 Ford Fairlane) grill out some yummy food, and cool off in the pool.

The folks I met at the party were so kind and happy, which made my work that much more enjoyable! Colin has a few friends and cousins right around the same age too, which meant that he was busy either being passed from grandma to cousin to uncle, or playing in the pool or sandbox. When there is that much activity at an event, it means people pay less attention to me, and more attention to having a great time, which leads to much more genuine and happy moments! I love it!

This is just a sneak peek of what is to come in the next couple weeks...

Watch This Baby Grow!

2011-05-31T08:38:00.003-04:00

My wife reads the Young House Love blog daily, and sends me links to her favorites (of which there are many!). It is written by a couple who love DIY projects. As each project develops, they talk about what they are doing, and why they are doing it. It really is a great source of information and advice.

The other day, my wife saw this post and had to share. I am so glad she did! It was all about how this couple photographed their new baby girl every week over the course of her first year (see photo below). I really liked what they did, and how they used these photos. At her first birthday party, they printed a bunch of the photos and hung them up. I was really impressed, not only with their dedication at doing this every week, but more so because it was such a simple setup, just a plain white onesie, a yard of fabric, and a camera, all setup next to a window.

It all goes to show that you don't need a fancy setup or a studio or big lights to capture the growth of your little one!

A Great Evening at the ICA

2011-05-25T11:28:00.008-04:00

Monday night, I had the pleasure to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston to photograph an event for clients and friends of Jones Lang LaSalle, a commercial real estate company. Thanks to the hard work of Jones Lang LaSalle employees and Jana and Christine from Altieri Events, the experience was a lot of fun for everyone.

As the evening progressed through the cocktail hour to the Q&A session with their special guests Bill Belichick and Roger Staubach (Mr. Staubach actually threw an autographed football to three lucky winners in the audience), the look of the ICA changed. The darkness of the night set in, allowing the accent lights to make the space feel vibrant and more and more exciting to photograph.

For a football fan, seeing (and yes, shaking the hand of) both Roger Staubach and Bill Belichick was just awesome, made even more exciting because I just learned Mr Staubach is a fellow native of Cincinnati, OH. For those of you that know me, you know how close Cincinnati is to my heart. On top of meeting him, having an excuse to go to the ICA was very welcome. While there, I learned that admission is free on Thursday nights from 5-9 pm (hint, hint).

The Photographer gets Photographed!

2011-05-23T10:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I had a second family shoot with two little boys, their mom, dad, and grandma. They are an energetic and fun bunch, and it was great to work with them again. As usual, I got out my camera and sat on the floor to start photographing the boys, the oldest of which was running around the house yelling: “Take my picture! Take my picture!” followed by “Can I see it?!”

The younger one had other plans, though. Within moments of me sitting cross legged on the floor, he ran right up to me, flopped on my lap, curled up, and got cozy. It was so awesome to feel like I made such a connection with him, and that he was so comfortable with me. He kept doing that throughout the day, then as the session was about over, his bigger brother joined in. They were crawling and climbing and giggling all over me! Their mother, caught up in the laughter, picked up my camera, which I could not use because I was tickling and wrangling her boys, took a few shots of us having fun. This is not the first time this has happened, and it feels so good when it does!!

Just figured I would share my joy. Happy Monday!

Celebrating Mister Rogers

2011-05-22T14:46:00.004-04:00

Two days ago would have been Mister Rogers’ 83^rd birthday.
For me, Mister Rogers has always been a source of inspiration, and his magical view of the world is one I try hard to share. As a way to honor him, I have collected ten of my favorite quotes of his below.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world.”
“As you continue to work on your understanding of yourself and others, you are really engaged in love.”
“People whose work is self-expression of the most obvious kind-artists, writers, musicians, dancers-seem to be drawing heavily on play to do what they do. What they all have in common is the urge to take what is known and rearrange it in new combinations.”
“Pretending doesn’t require expensive toys.”
“The child in me is still…and sometimes not so still.”
“On the occasions when I did something with a child’s block building that was more than I was asked to do, I quickly discovered how important it was to respect the architect within the child.”
“Think of the ripple effect that can be created when we nourish someone. One kind empathetic word has a wonderful way of turning into many.”
“Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”
“There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.”
“I find out more and more every day how important it is for people to share their memories.”

I have two Mister Rogers shirts I like to wear, and it’s not surprising how many people smile and or comment when they see this one. He helped so many people feel special!

New Gallery Opening at the Harvard Museum of Natural History

2011-05-20T09:57:00.008-04:00

On occasion, The Harvard Museum of Natural History hosts special events (even weddings!), and last night, they hosted a very special event to honor the kindness of the Zofnass family, who donated generously to support the newest exhibit, New England Forests. This exhibit is amazing! It is all about the flora and fauna in New England, and how that ecosystem functions and responds to change.

I visited the Museum shortly after I moved to the Boston area less than three years ago, and immediately fell in love. From the minerals to the glass flowers to the Africa gallery, this newest exhibit is another great reason to go. The attention to detail in this gallery is amazing. There are so many little things that support this exhibit, like the woodpecker perched near the top of one of the trees, that it is doubtful you will be able to take it all in on your first visit.

This gallery opens to the public starting tomorrow, May 21st. General admission for adults is $9, for children only $6, and Sunday morning from 9-noon, admission is free to Massachusetts residents. For more information about planning your trip, go here.

Childlike Curiosity

2011-05-18T10:45:00.004-04:00

There was a post on Boston Mamas this morning called A Penny For Your Walk. That post talked about how curiosity can motivate a granddaughter to take a walk with her grandmother, and it got me thinking about the power of curiosity.

Each child I have met has wonder and excitement in their eyes. Seeing that is so rewarding and life-affirming! I mean, I spend time with them and their families in their own home, but they still see most everything around them as if it was for the first time. It is in these moments that I am reminded about how exciting the unknown can be to children.

For years, it was that unknown that I was constantly preparing for, believing that getting the next thing (be it a flash or lens or camera or whatever) will ensure that I get good results, but great photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson wandered around the streets of Paris with one camera and one lens (can you believe it?!?!). It was that childlike wonder and that presence in the moment that allowed him to be open to the moments happening all around him.

The chance to be around the energy of children has saved me from the trap of wanting the next thing. I am constantly challenged by a variety of issues, but keeping curiosity and excitement in my heart that I have learned from so many kids gives me the perspective I need.

Communicating Your Vision

2011-05-17T10:08:00.003-04:00

I read a blog post this morning from Real Maine Weddings called emailing with your vendors(excerpted below), and it reminded me of the power of a clear idea.

Crafting a clear vision for your gathering, be it a first birthday party, a wedding, or somewhere in-between, can be difficult, but will pay huge dividends in the end. For example, Knowing that you want a Dora The Explorer themed birthday party makes choosing the birthday cake simple. Or, as the Real Maine Wedding blog said, “For me, it was “laid back white wedding on the coast of Maine.” Not only did my vendors appreciate the clear direction, it also helped me stay focused. Yes, those aquamarine stilettos are killer, but they come nowhere close to being ‘laid back’--or white for that matter. And while a taco bar would certainly be laid back, unfortunately nothing about tacos says ‘Maine.’ “

The vendors you hire are there to support your vision, so talking with them about it helps them turn your words into a stronger vision so that they can craft the event to match your mood. When I have a consultation with a client, I like to ask them “Could you tell me five words that describe the feel of your event?” That really helps define the look people are going for, and it helps me look more closely at the details that help support their vision.

Not only does a clear vision help you make decisions, but it helps your vendors support that vision, and most importantly, it really helps your guests appreciate all the little touches, and gets them in the mood that you were trying to convey.

The Power of Wonder

2011-05-16T09:33:00.002-04:00

NOVA is one of the programs I set my DVR to record, and thanks to a lazy Sunday, I was able to catch up on some past episodes while getting my knitting project started.

I watched the episode about Stonehenge; the way it was built, the technology perhaps used to build it, and new theories on the purpose of it.

It moved me. Stonehenge has always been intriguing to me, but I always felt like it was something that was studied and understood, and the mysteries had been figured out. However, there was someone on there that was trying to understand how they moved such heavy stones. After working on this question, he had an "ah ha!" moment, and postulated that stones formed into uniform spheres (seemingly common around that time) were actually used as a type of ball bearings to help move these stones, sometimes weighing tens of tons.

For me, this spoke to the power of wonder, and how seeing things in new ways exposes me to the magic of the world. On a good day, it is that wonder that moves me, and that magic that compels me to be a photographer.

I found this photo of Colin Ashley's, and wanted to share a view of Stonehenge that I don't normally see.

Ballroom Dance Photos For Fun!

2011-05-14T10:37:00.004-04:00

I went to a dance competition at MIT a few weeks ago, this time to watch, not to compete, and I had planned to take some standard photos of the competitors, but after a few shots, I started to experiment with the shutter speed, slowing it down to capture the movement of the people and the flowing dresses.

Editing down these photos to only a handful was difficult. I am enthralled with the shapes the dresses create; it was like watching a campfire or those Siamese Fighting Fish, just amazing and hard to look away!

This was a personal assignment, one I did out of the sheer joy of photography, and I am compelled to share. Perhaps you won't be able to look away, either!

Sorry for the delay...

2011-05-14T08:10:00.004-04:00

I follow a great blog called The Broke Ass Bride that's focused on helping soften the blow of the cost of weddings, which can certainly feel overwhelming sometimes.

It has some great advice on it, and some great ideas to not only save money, but to get crafty and really add great personal touches to your wedding day/weekend.

Their post from yesterday was talking about how long it takes to hear back from your vendors sometimes. If you want to read that post (highly recommended), called "Oh, Vendor, Where Art Thou?" check it out here.

For me, it makes me feel really bad when I can't respond to people's emails or phone calls right away. I want to be responsive, and never want folks to think that I am ignoring them, but sometimes, I just can't respond very quickly. Do you want to book an engagement session in 3 Saturdays from now? That sounds great! I would love to, and might be available, but sometimes I need to wait until another client, who booked that date already, confirms times with me. Do you want me to photograph your little one's first birthday party next weekend? Great, I am available, but let me write up a contract for you first.

Trust me, I try to respond to emails and phone calls as quickly as possible, and give you the attention and time that you deserve, but sometimes, it's not so easy to do. I will never send an email when I am distracted with other work, because your event is special to me, and I want to be sure I am in the mindset to be attentive and respond to your needs.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding!

The value of candid photos

2011-05-13T14:53:00.004-04:00

One of the blogs I follow (So You're EnGAYged) posted this on their blog yesterday, and I couldn't agree with it more!

Below is the excerpt that really resonated with me. If you would like to see the whole post, go here.

"It’s really quite fun to capture a moment with your family (four-legged or not). Even if the photos end up being a little cheesy, it represents a time of love and connection. I never let a holiday go by without a photo-ops. Right now, we still feel like newlyweds but also have the excitement of an engagement as we plan our vow renewal. With the addition of the new puppy fitting in with our little circle, we are on Cloud 9 most of the time. I couldn’t help but get as many pictures of our happy little family as possible. And I’m so glad that I did!"

Capturing these memories is the important thing, of course. Sure, they might not look as good as you would like, but it's the moments that are important, and with digital cameras, these don't really cost anything to take! So, get out there this weekend, photograph your loved ones, and share these memories on Facebook!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Architecture Shoot for Haycon

2011-05-12T15:16:00.001-04:00

Many of you know I don't normally post photos of my architecture photography, but this space, especially the bathroom, was gorgeous! Another jewel in the crown of Haycon, a design/build team I have been shooting for since last year.

Jen and Brian's Maternity Session

2011-05-11T11:41:00.004-04:00

I can't say enough about this couple, and this photo session! They had requested that we do it at Regeneration Tattoo in Allston (where he works), and that made me so happy! I love tattoos, both collecting them, and seeing what others have gotten, so this couple and this space just fit with everything I have been looking for recently.

Jen and Brian are a great couple, and I hope to work with them again!

Ten Mother's Day Gifts

2011-05-03T10:33:00.003-04:00

This week’s list is dedicated to the moms out there. If you haven’t thought of a good present for the mom in your life yet, or, moms, if you just know your loved one has no idea what to get, and you don’t want yet another jug of foul smelling perfume, here are some ideas.

What was your favorite mother’s day gift? Post it as a comment at the end, I would love to hear it!

Photo Books- Some of my clients have wanted to do a photo session because they wanted to send these photos out to their parents out of state, or give them to their spouse to put on their desk at work, such as the one I made (below). There is a variety of places online like Shutterfly or Blurb that could make photo books for you. Their interface is easy to work with to create a wonderful personalized gift.

Photo Mug- If you don’t want to do a book, there are all kinds of ways to put photos on gifts, like a desk organizer, a mouse pad, or, if your mother can’t get started in the morning until her fist cup of coffee, a photo mug would be a perfect gift!
Photo Quilt- For our wedding, Tara, a friend of ours, had a great idea to put out fabric squares for our guests to sign, then make those squares into a quilt. That wonderful and cozy gift has been on my mind recently, and I just found out about printing photos on fabric squares and making those into a quilt. There are many patterns available online for free, or you could work with this site to have them make it.
Photo Lamp- In looking up different photo gifts for you, my dear readers, I came across this site. It looks like such a neat option, and I know I would really enjoy a photo of my loved one who already lights up my life!
Photo Album- Shortly after my wedding last October, I collected about 25 images from our wedding and put them into a small photo album and mailed it back to my mom in Cincinnati for her to show her friends. Many of my recent clients have parents who live several states away, or even out of the country. Just making a small photo book of your spouse and kids, or of you and your mom, or of photos from your childhood would likely make her as happy as my mom was when I sent her my small wedding album.
Photo Gift Box- My mother-in-law is a sweet and bright person. Her smile and her giggles are infectious. She is a great argument for the old axiom of “you are what you eat.” She has always had a huge sweet tooth, the brighter the candy, the sweeter the treats, the better they are! I certainly share her love (for the candy as well as for her daughter!), and if your mom is anything like her, there are all kinds of options for sweet presents. I found a really nice photo gift box here that includes chocolate covered nuts, Ghirardelli truffle squares and mini chocolate covered pretzels. I even found a photo box with a safe in it, for those mothers who have husbands or kids that like to steal her treats!
Paper Flowers- Lorena is a friend of ours whose skills at crafty projects and baking is legendary! She made our wedding cake, and it was delicious! Several months before our wedding, she made my wife an impressive bouquet of paper flowers to pose with when they went dress shopping. I loved it right away, as did my wife. We put it in a vase right inside our front door, where it still resides today. There are many options for making gorgeous paper flowers, such as origami lilies, or Paper Source (I love that place!) has kits here to guide you through the project. To add a personal touch, print out some photos and use them for the petals.
Photo Collage- If you’re not a fan of following directions, or buying a mostly made gift already, a photo collage is a great option. Not much to say about it here, just get some photos and/or some magazines to cut or tear up and paste!
Photo Pendant- For those that like finding old treasures, or have moms who love those treasures, going to antique shops or finding modern takes on these pendants is easy to do.
Frames- For the mom (or mother-in-law) who is hard to shop for, or who has everything they want already, a simple frame would be a great gift. Either give them an empty frame with an invitation to get some photos of her and/or her family this summer, or use it to replace a frame in the house that no longer matches the décor.

Sneak Peek--Jennifer and Brian's Maternity Session

2011-04-26T13:03:00.005-04:00

A few months ago, I asked a friend of mine who is involved in the tattoo subculture if she knew anyone who was tattooed and was expecting a baby soon. She put me in touch with Jenn and Brian, who were very excited at the chance to do a maternity photo session. We went back and forth talking about ideas for the shoot, and I explained how I love to photograph people in their homes because I am most interested in capturing a moment and the memories in their lives. I am less interested in taking photos in a studio because it takes people out of context, placing them in an unfamiliar environment, and sometimes making them uncomfortable. However, she was not as interested in having photos done in her home, so she suggested we do these photos at the tattoo shop where Brian works. What a wonderful idea!
Visually, it was a bright and fun environment, and it fit them and their story (they actually met in a tattoo shop) really well. I am so happy she suggested it!

New Business Cards!

2011-04-20T13:41:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the fine folks at MOO I am eager to show off my swanky new business cards!! I chose 5 images to put on the back of my family and wedding cards, and my wonderful wife designed the front of the card. I am so happy with them!

Ten Good Blogs I Have Found

2011-04-12T12:23:00.003-04:00

If you are anything like me, when it gets warmer outside, your thoughts turn to all the stuff you want to do. Fun events to go to, projects to work on, planning a party, etc. So, this week, I thought it would be helpful and/or motivating to post a list of some of my favorite blogs.

A few of them relate to planning a wedding, some are about parenting and fun activities to do as a family, and some I just enjoy keeping up with because of the personality or skill of the blogger.

I hope these inspire some creativity in each of you!

Green Wedding Shoes- This one is a great help when you are planning a wedding. She really goes into how to “brand” a wedding. That is, how to consider each detail as part of the whole, and how to make each of those elements work together to create an awesome experience for your guests and you. Design
Christian Oth Photography- If you have been keeping up with my past blogs, you would recognize the name of Christian Oth. He is a fantastic photographer, and displays his work on his blog, as well as great words of advice to other wedding photographers.
Beantown Bride- Each region has a variety of resources and options available to engaged couples. Beantown Bride provides great resources and advice for any couples, but has also collected a list of all kinds of vendors from the area.
Broke Ass Bride- This is for the budget minded, crafty, and resourceful couples who want their wedding to look awesome, but don’t have a huge budget.
So You’re En-gay-ged- So You’re EnGAYged seeks to match LGBT and allied couples with wedding vendors who actively support LGBT rights and freedoms, including, but not limited to, same-sex marriage. By highlighting voices from within the LGBT community, So You’re EnGAYged further works to build a community that can dispense advice, recommendations, and support to couples in the wedding-planning process. As the wedding industry has grown larger and more ubiquitous, we hope to serve as a reference for those who seek vendors whose business practices align with deeply held values.
Isis Parenting- There are 5 Isis Parenting stores in the Boston area, all providing products from maternity clothing to toys to books to infant clothing. Additionally, they work hard at creating a community, providing regular classes for expecting couples as well as toddler activities. This blog is an extension of that idea. Their posts vary widely, most recently they posted: 6 Ways to Boost Your Energy Naturally, 4 Ways to Get Relief From Morning Sickness, and Three Approaches to Potty Training.
Boston Mamas- I really like how well organized the topics are in this blog. With several contributors, the posts cover a wide array of topics relating to activities in the Boston area, recipes, and raising a family, just to name a few.
Frog and Snail- focused on parents, uncles, aunts, and anyone with a boy in their life. They review products, suggest activities to do together, and discuss other issues surrounding raising boys.
Cloth Diaper Blog- This is all about incorporating the use of cloth diapers with your newborns. Through presenting research, and providing a forum to hear from other parents, it goes a long way to alleviate concerns or break down preconceived ideas of how problematic people think it is.
Maggie Makes- I really enjoy how crafty this blogger is. It’s a great resource for people who enjoy being crafty. She has tutorials (updated regularly), how to’s, suggested reading, and a list of things she would like to make.

Do you know of some good blogs I didn't mention? Let me know!

Tuesday's Ten List: Ten Upcoming Photo Shoots I am Excited About

2011-04-05T12:59:00.008-04:00

Ten Upcoming Photo Shoots I am Excited About

This week's Tuesday's Ten list is all about upcoming shoots that I am excited about. Some are exciting because they are places I have never been to before. Some are exciting because I have been there before, and am eager to further explore all the possibilities that the place offers. And, well, I am excited for some just because I think they are going to be so fun!

It was a little difficult to make this list. Narrowing down all the exciting shoots I have this summer to only ten necessarily excludes some. This does not mean I am less interested in any of them, and I guarantee this list would change completely if I wrote it next week. But, these are the ones I am thinking about most this week. With some of them, it’s because I just received or wrote up the contract for them. I’ve said before how each shoot is an opportunity to learn and to hone my skills, and because of that, I am excited for every one of the shoots I have already booked, as well as those yet to come. I really love photography, and love where it has taken me so far.

Going back to Eastover Hotel and Resort: Back in November, I spent a day and a half photographing the expansive Eastover property, including several buildings. Both the clients and I were really happy with the shots, but we knew that a second shoot of the place would be necessary, either in spring of fall so that we could capture the property surrounded by lush trees and green grass, not the barren trees available in mid-November. Also, they were in the middle of doing a lot of upgrading and renovation to the buildings, so we planned a second shoot there this summer or fall. I am really excited to see all the improvements as well as just being in such a relaxing and gorgeous place!

Maternity Shoot in a Tattoo Shop: This couple was excited for a maternity session, but wasn’t as certain about doing a shoot in their home. The father is a tattoo artist, and suggested doing the shoot in shop where he works on a day off, so there aren’t people around. Well, considering I love tattoos, and most shops I have been in (including this one) have a great look to them, so I eagerly said: “Sure!”
Weddings at Bucksteep: I have a few weddings booked at Bucksteep this summer, and it is always a delight to go back there. Just over 5 months ago, I was the groom there, so it gives me the chance to relive all the fond memories I have of the place, as well as see another couple celebrate their wedding weekend! Bucksteep is a place I just feel like I understand. Most of the couples I met who have chosen to get married there get it, too. It is a place to have fun, relax around a cozy fire, enjoy a little seclusion, invite guests to come a day or two early so they can all spend some time together. Oh, and to get married, too!

Personal Architecture Photography Project: I really want to take some time out to spend on personal projects. I have lived in 6 cities now, and every time I left a city, I have left behind places I wanted to see, and things I wanted to do. I do not want the same thing to happen here. I have started a list of buildings that I really want to photograph (the courthouse in downtown Boston, the Frank Gehry MIT building, and the Rosebud Diner, just to name a few), and dagnabit, I am going to make it a priority this summer to photograph those beautiful structures!
A Wedding at the Historic Barn at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum: I am going to be shooting a wedding here this summer, and the history of the barn and surrounding buildings really appeals to me. Some of the houses date back to the mid to late 1700s. Just ask my wife, I love to stop at any plaques I see to learn more about the history of the place! I am excited about the amazing shots we will be able to get there!
An "All Dress, No Guests" Session on Mt. Greylock: The Appalachian Trail goes up and over the top of Mt. Greylock in Western Massachusetts, and if you ever have a chance to spend some time there, please do it! This section was in my top 5 places along the trail. Just last week, a bride and groom suggested we do the post wedding “All Dress, No Guests” photo session there, to which I again said: “Sure!” It really is a beautiful location, and I am so happy they suggested it.
An Engagement Session at Lynch Park in Beverly, MA: There is a couple who is not getting married until March 17^th, 2012 in Salem, MA, but they suggested we do their engagement session this summer. When I met with them for their consultation, we talked about different places to do an engagement session, and then they suggested Lynch Park. I had never been there, but when they went on to describe it, I got really excited (are you sensing an “excited” theme running through this post? Good.). It is right on the water, has a beautiful rose garden, and I’m really looking forward to all the possible looks we could get from this location!
More Sessions in the Boston Common/Public Garden: When meeting with couples to talk about their wedding and their photographic needs, I always mention the great time I had with Elaine and Gregor during their all day shoot all over Boston (M.I.T., Emerson College, Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Public Garden, The Old State House, etc.). After talking about that, many couple get interested in doing an engagement or an “All Dress, No Guests” session there. It has a lot of great locations, and I am eager to shoot at as many places there as I can!

A Family Photo Session on the Cape: There are four families (12 people spread out over three generations) coming from different places in Canada and in the Western United States for a family reunion on the Cape of Massachusetts, and to celebrate their parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary. They don’t get to all get together all that often, so this should be a special time in their lives, and I am honored to be able to be there and document this! To be able to capture each of their personalities, to photograph a relaxed family on vacation, and to watch them enjoy a stroll on the beach, I know this will be a fun time!
First Birthday Party at a Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farm: Kim, my first client who I have photographed from maternity until our latest session when Drexel hit 9 months, will be celebrating his first birthday with a party at a pick-your-own farm. I love photographing first birthday parties, especially this one! I feel like I have gotten to know this family and seeing them around friends (and I must admit, around other adorable little kids) will be such a great time! I am looking forward to it, but not completely, because after the party, I know I won’t be seeing them as regularly as I have over Drexel’s first year. But still, a party outside, surrounded by blueberries and laughter, I mean you just can’t beat that!

Ten Things I am Grateful For

2011-03-29T12:26:00.003-04:00

Ten Things I am Grateful For

Sometimes things get rough. Sometimes, events in the world press on me and impinge on my happiness. A never-ending list of things to do for the business, trying to figure out where my marketing efforts (and dollars) are best spent, and breaking through people’s belief that going to a photo studio and having your family photographed against a background is the only “real” way to get a family portrait done; these things can be quite taxing.

When I am in these situations, it really helps to recall the things I am grateful for, and that is what I am devoting this week’s list to.

What are you grateful for? What keeps you going when life feels overwhelming? I’d like to hear what you have to say, so please feel free to post your thoughts!

The Christmas Truce During WWI- In a time of man inflicting evil and harm upon man, there was a brief (and unspoken) truce between the English and the Germans during Christmas of 1914. Through my studies in college, I read a lot about people’s proclivity to harm another. It was difficult reading, to be sure, but when I learned of this, it reinforced the idea that in their hearts, people are generally good.
The Carnegie Heroes- in an interview, Walter F. Rutkowski executive director and secretary of the Carnegie Hero Fund defined a hero as: “A civilian, which means no military, who, voluntarily, leaves a point of safety, to risk his own life or her own life to an extraordinary degree to save or attempt to save the life of another human.” The people described on the site were ordinary people who did what they felt they had to do to help another person, typically a stranger. In disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, etc., there are a multitude of heroes and helpers, but the reason why these folks really struck a chord with me is that they were just going about their daily lives, fishing, on vacation, or even safe and sound in their beds. That they did something this significant for someone that they never bet before gives me hope. Check out their website here: http://www.carnegiehero.org/herofund.php
New Experiences- In my introduction to this list, I mentioned how difficult having your own business can be. While that is true, I am so happy I made this leap. After photographing rare books and manuscripts in darkened studios at The Art Institute of Chicago, Yale, and most recently Harvard, getting to finally photograph people, to learn how to run a successful business, and to really hone my craft has been an amazing experience, and I am excited about what my future holds.
Spring- I have several weddings coming up this summer, and one of the things I really like to do with couples is to have an engagement photo session with them. It is a great way to get used to each other, to photograph them in a place that has a lot of meaning to them, or that they find beautiful. With the colder weather, it hasn’t been so appealing to go out and take these photos. But, Spring is here, summer is coming, and the sun is setting later and later. After this cold and snowy winter, I am sure all of us New Englander’s are excited to get out of the house!
Working With People- Photographing people is immensely rewarding. In-home family sessions give me a peek into the joy that families share, and how happy they are just being together and playing. Weddings allow me to see the love that this couple shares, and to see the support from all their guests is just amazing. Doing what I do just fits my personality, and these emotions resonate with me, and hopefully come across in my work.
The Support of my Wife- The job I had at Harvard was coming to an end, and I was torn between really making a go of the business I started about ten months previous, and accepting another job involving photographing books and other materials, something I was well versed in, but in which I held a diminishing interest. A newlywed, I wanted to take that job to help support us and to keep us financially secure. But, she kept nudging me to pursue my dreams, to jump in with both feet, no matter how scary it is, and here I am! The business is growing, people are finding out about me and are hiring me to photograph their weddings and families, and I am really learning so much more than if I had stayed in the same line of work. Without my wife there to support me, I am quite sure I would not be doing this. I love you, wife lady :)
Hope- I remember my dad used to tell (not read, but tell) me bedtime stories. I loved them and was always eager to hear another. Many years later, I discovered that all the stories he told me from memory were actually the stories of Greek and Roman mythology. The story of Pandora’s box is the one I most vividly remember. Pandora opened the box, releasing all kinds of nastiness on the world. At the bottom of that box, all beat up and spent, was Hope. Despite the worst of circumstances, Hope is alive. Maybe close to death, but still breathing.
Friends and family- Sometimes in the last few months, I have stopped and thought to myself “I have no idea what I’m doing!” Those are the times that I have reached out to friends and family for advice and guidance. I have a wedding photographer friend in Columbus, OH (http://www.mankophoto.com/) who has offered all kinds of advice and support, and I am incredibly grateful for our relationship. As I mentioned earlier, my wife has been invaluable to the growth of the business. Also, I wanted more experience in photographing families in their homes, and when I approached my friends, they were eager to help! They welcomed me into their homes, and let me make my mistakes and learn my lessons so that I was able to really shine when it came to photographing clients. Those opportunities were just great, and I will always be thankful for their help in letting me grow photographically.
The Quiet of the Woods- In my teenage years, I really enjoyed going to some woods near my house (part of Mt. Airy Forest in Cincinnati). There, I felt to be my true self. It was quiet, meditative, and timeless. I rarely saw other folks there, and after a busy day in high school surrounded by throngs of others, it was nice to hear only the stream and the birds, and feel the sun on my face. Luckily, there are similar places around Somerville that I can go, and for that I am grateful. It really helps recharge my batteries.
The Appalachian Trail- Yep, for anyone that has met me in the past few years has quickly found out that I thru-hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Likely some of you are tired of hearing my stories, but what an experience! I will never forget my time out there. It was an opportunity to really feel myself, like when I was roaming the woods of Mt. Airy in my teenage years, but so much more amplified.

Ten things to do with your photos

2011-03-15T09:43:00.002-04:00

What can you do with all the photos you have on your computer or tucked away in a shoebox?

This week’s list is all about what you could do with them to relive those times, or show them off to family and friends.

One option is to talk with your photographer and think of a use for the photos before you take them. For example, for engaged couples, you could plan out a shoot well before your wedding, and incorporate those photos into your invitation or save the dates (see #1 below). Or, if you are expecting a child, plan a photo session starting with a maternity session, and ending with their first birthday party, then collecting those images in one album or photo book to treasure for many years to come.

There are other options that could be treated more as a crafty project to do with your family or your loved ones to relive those moments while you are making this, such as photo cubes, DIY framing, or having your photos made into a puzzle and building them together.

Save the dates: Planning a photo shoot with your photographer to use these photos in a Save The Date would be a easy way to have your personality shine through. The Broke Ass Bride blog just posted some great Save The Date ideas that incorporated photos here
Photo albums: moms and dads, aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas are excited to tell their friends about your recent wedding or your new addition to the family. Making a small brag book or a full album to share these times with them and their friends means that they can relive the moment, or cherish your newborn over and over. They can range in the very simple (printing out 25 photos and putting them into a small, off the shelf brag book, or customizing a full photo book through several online services like Blurb, Shutterfly, Photobook, or even hand making one to really personalize it would be a great gift to give.
Framing: The more traditional thing to do is to take your photos to a framer and have them framed and/or matted to give as a gift or hang in your own home. There are all kinds of framers out there to customize the look of these frames and mats to really help your photos shine. If you would rather do this yourself, to save money, or just because you like these kinds of projects, I found a do it yourself framer in Brookline, MA here
Photo puzzle: I visited a friend over the weekend who has a 2 year old, and a 4 year old named Hannah. She loves puzzles, and despite her shyness, shortly after I started working on the puzzle (conveniently located on the coffee table) she started talking to me and working with me to solve it. It was a wonderful way to connect with her, and because of that, we became fast friends. There are a variety of places to get a photo puzzle made, such as Piczzle, PuzzleArt, or check out photo puzzles on Etsy
Digital photo frame: If you’re like me, you find it hard to choose just one photo to display in a frame. There are a variety of digital photo frames out there, and choosing which one can be daunting. PC Magazine created a good list of pointers on how to find one that suits you here
Sharing your photos online: Families are spreading further and further out. Printing photos and sharing an album with friends and family that may live hundreds of miles away can be difficult. Posting your photos to an online album might be a better way to provide access to people who want to see all these significant times in your life. Some of the better known online albums are: flikr, picasaweb, and even your profile on facebook
Including the photos in thank you notes: I had a consultation recently with a bride and groom who were super excited that I provide a photo booth at their wedding. They had all kinds of ideas for props to have, then they had the idea that they should get in there at one point during the reception and get their photo taken while holding a “Thank You!” sign up, then use those for their thank you cards! Also, printing out the shots of your guests who got in the photo booth and including them in your thank you cards might be a great way to personalize the notes, as well as remind them of all the fun they had at your wedding!
Photo cubes: These are a great way to display your photos, and you can change which photo you can see very easily. Also, if these are on a desk at work, not only can you see the photos, but so can any visitor to your desk. There are some pre-made photo cubes around that only require that you trim your photos and put them in the frame. There are also wooden blocks for sale at craft stores that would work, and would allow further customization in any number of ways.
Wedding website: A great way to resurrect old photos of you and your significant other, or to use engagement photos if you took them, is to get them onto your wedding website. These sites are a great way to familiarize your guests with the area or of people in your wedding party.
Invitations, holiday cards, birth announcements, ornaments: Planning a photo session in time to use those photos for holiday cards, a birth announcement, or invitations to a first birthday party really help to show your personality, as well as update the recipients on how big your newborn is getting, or where you are living.

Have you used your photos in a creative way that I have not posted here? I would love to hear your ideas, so feel free to post your suggestions below.

The Grace and Talent of Shirley Ballas

2011-03-11T16:53:00.003-05:00

Witnessing such a wonderful dancer and teacher as Shirley Ballas working with incredibly talented students was an honor. Perhaps I liked this dance lesson a little more because I didn't have to hear all the things I'm doing wrong, as normally happens in my weekly lessons at Champions Dance Studio! But seriously, their grace and passion for dance was electrifying. I was asked to be there for only a short while, but I got so caught up in the energy of the moment, I stayed until the end of the lesson.

The dancers were moving fast, and all over the floor, so it was a workout to try to get the shot I was looking for and keep out of their way, but I think I got some great shots, not only of how much care and instruction Shirley Ballas offers, but also of the skill and poise of the dancers.

For a look at all the photos from this session, go here

Words Of Advice For Expecting Parents From Experienced Parents

2011-03-08T08:52:00.006-05:00

Three weeks ago, I posted a list, generated by readers and clients, that offered advice to engaged couples from married couples about their wedding day (click here if you missed it).
I really like the idea that these lists are not always what I think, but rather a resource of collected information from people in the know, people that have been through these experiences and who have learned lessons. So, through my Facebook page, I posed this question: “What's the best advice you can give someone who is expecting a child this year?"
Below are people’s responses. Thanks to all of you for your advice!!

“Go out to a nice dinner together at least once a month while you are expecting. It gets harder for mom to eat later in pregnancy but savor the moments anyways. It will be months before you can do it after baby comes!”
--Tara, mother of two
“Save A LOT of money, sleep all you can and enjoy being with your spouse (take a trip, do something you have always wanted to do together, etc.) and get ready for the most exciting time of your life. Being a parent is the best experience in the world!”
--Ben, father of two
“Save the cash people start to give you in a jar that is only to be used on the baby. You will be surprised how much you spend after you think you have everything, and this helps save you a lot of money. But, most importantly, cherish every moment you have as a couple and as a family. It goes fast. :)”
--Tara, mother of one
“Commit your current lifestyle to memory. I can't remember what life was like before kids - what did I do with all that free time, when I didn't have all these expenses? :)"
--Josh, father of two
“Sort of like what Josh just said, be ready for a radical change. Kids totally change your life in ways you can't totally anticipate. That being said, know that after the craziness of the first year or so, life does settle down eventually.”
--Laurene, mother of two
“The best advice I have is to relax. Don't be afraid of childbirth - it's not pain, it's very hard work, but, like running a marathon, or completing any other monumental physical feat, it instills amazing self esteem and confidence for new moms. Embrace it and own it!
Also, as soon as you can, start going out for coffee, lunch, wine, whatever with your partner. never forget that you are a couple. Kids are part of your relationship - they don't take the place of it.
And never feel bad about saying "no" to your child. You're doing a service to your little one when you lay down boundaries and discipline. It's ok to not want to be with your kid 24/7, and it's ok to disappoint them, or make them mad. They'll live and they'll be better people for it. Adversity is good for kids. They don't need to be raised in a cocoon of entitlement to feel secure and happy. When they face challenges and overcome them, they feel good about themselves."
--Adrienne, mother of one
“Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!”
--Sarah, mother of one
“Stay calm and live in the moment. Don't stress over what might happen in the months to come or you may miss the special moments you can only experience in infancy. Also, resist the urge to smother your husband while he sleeps through the night time wakings.”
--Kim, mother of one
“90% of the 'must have' stuff from Babies R Us is totally not needed.”
--Nicole, mother of two
“I think the best advice I have is to be patient and don't panic. Also, it’s important for new parents to understand that they have a new job that they will do 24-7, so they will be tired and will need breaks. It’s so important to take a break when you need one or a nap. It’s amazing what an hour break will give you. It will renew your patience, bring down your stress level and refocus your mood so that you won’t take precious moments for granted.”
--Renee, mother of one

8 month old Drexel

2011-03-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

Drexel is one of the most curious babies I have photographed. Each of the three times I have photographed him and his family, he has spent most of the time watching me, seemingly trying to figure out what I am doing. His curiosity have made for some really engaging photos, and some of my favorites, to be honest.

This time, with a combination of a few raspberries from his mom, some snacks (his teeth are really coming in now!), their dogs vying for attention, and some playing with dad, he was giggling and just didn't have time to notice me! Seeing him smile and giggle was just wonderful!

I can't say enough how rewarding photographing families in their homes is. Watching children grow up, helping preserve these memories, and just being in such a loving environment has been so humbling. I look forward to each of these shoots, and am eager to find more families to work with.

To see all the photos from this session, click here

10 Of My Favorite Quotes

2011-03-01T10:26:00.003-05:00

10 Of My Favorite Quotes

I often look to the advice and wisdom of those that have gone before me (and who are much more eloquent than I am!). After highlighting, dog earing, and post it noting a wide selection of my library (and sometimes searching frantically for the perfect quote to use), I figured collecting these quotes in one place would be much easier! So a few years ago, I started consolidating my favorite quotes into one list and have been adding to it on a regular basis. I often refer to it to look for inspiration, to remind myself of the path I deemed to be the right one, and sometimes just to giggle.

Below is just a small sampling of the quotes I have collected. Do you collect your favorite quotes? Please, share some of them with us! Just comment on this post with a quote that moves you, I would love to hear it!

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
--Unknown
“Step off the road and vanish behind a curtain of old growth fir: In that instant you will have traveled back a century, when all you needed to survive was what you carried on your back. The weight of all that madding urban ambition and enterprise falls away like armor, and your heart leaps up to meet the mountains. Walking, your life slows down, and all your senses flower and open.”
-Sid Marty
“Everyone tells you what to do and what’s good for you. They don’t want you to find your own answers. They want you to believe theirs.”
--From the movie Peaceful Warrior, and a book of the same name by Dan Millman
Think of the ripple effect that can be created when we nourish someone. One kind empathetic word has a wonderful way of turning into many.”
--Mister Rogers
There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive. This ecstasy, this forgetfulness of living, comes to the artist, caught up and out of himself in a sheet of flame; it comes to the soldier, war-mad on a stricken field and refusing quarter; and it came to Buck, leading the pack, sounding the old wolf cry, straining after the food that was alive and that fled swiftly before him through the moonlight. He was sounding the deeps of his nature, and of the parts of his nature that were deeper than he, going back into the womb of time. He was mastered by the sheer surging of life, the tidal wave of being, the perfect joy of each separate muscle, joint, and sinew, and that it was everything that was not death, that it was aglow and rampant, expressing itself in movement, flying exultantly under the stars and over the face of dead matter that did not move."
--From The Call of the Wild by Jack London
“All reality is a projection of what state of consciousness you are in”
--Deepak Chopra
“People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may not be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is all between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.”
--Mother Teresa of Calcutta
“Rubber Duckie, you’re the one!“
--Ernie from Sesame Street
“A work of art is abundant, spills out, gets drunk, sits up with you all night and forgets to close the curtains, dries your tears, is your friend, offers you a disguise, a difference, a pose. Cut and cut it through and there is still a diamond at the core. Skim the top and it is rich. The inexhaustible energy of art is transfusion for a worn-out world.”
--From Art Objects by Jeaneatte Winterson
“I am a new man.
I snarl at her and bark.
I romp with joy in the bookish dark.”
--The last stanza of Eating Poetry by Mark Strand (click here for a link to the full poem)

Elora's First Birthday!!

2011-02-28T11:16:00.003-05:00

Elora and her family were some of my first clients; I got to watch her grow and change with photo sessions at three, six, and nine months and most recently at her first birthday party -- and this last session proved to be the most fun (but not just because there was cake)!

This was unlike any other first birthday I'd been to. Family and friends from all around the world and all phases of the family's life were invited -- a college roommate, a tennis partner, aunts and uncles, an uncle-to-be, one set of grandparents came in from New Jersey, and even great grandpa came all the way from Romania!

Of course, it wouldn't be a first birthday party without a bunch of other babies and toddlers running around, too! Elora had a great time playing with with all her friends, but like many one-year-olds she wasn't quite sure what to make of her birthday cake!

Happy birthday Elora; I hope you'll have so much fun someday looking back at all of these photo sessions capturing your first year!

To see all the photos from this session, click here

10 Great Children's Books (as recalled by friends and clients)

2011-02-22T08:44:00.004-05:00

Through Facebook, I asked friends and clients: “What was your favorite book your parents read to you when you were little?” and oh boy, did I get a lot of responses! Sadly, I am doing my best to stay true to my Tuesday’s 10 list by keeping it to only 10 items. Most of these are books I have fond memories of, but there were so many more that people mentioned that I never knew about (Max Trax) or never considered to be a children’s book (the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe). Thanks to all of you for your recommendations!

Is your favorite childhood book not on this list? I want to hear what it is! Comment on this post with your favorite book so folks can see it.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Serendipity by Stephen Cosgrove
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak
Sweet Pickles collection by Richard Hefter
Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey (it had instructions on how to fold a boat from a newspaper. I thought it was the coolest thing!)
The Pokey Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Gustaf Tenggren (I saw it in a waiting room recently, and showed it to my kids -- VERY fun!)
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Elizabeth and Michelle's Engagement Session

2011-02-15T10:52:00.003-05:00

When I work with a couple on their engagement photos, one of the most important things to decide is where we should have the session. I want to find a location where they can really relax and be comfortable. It can be challenging when you're not used to being photographed to know "what to do" at first, so finding a place where the couple can almost ignore me and just enjoy each other's company is ideal.

Elizabeth and Michelle mentioned right away that they wanted to do their engagement session in the snow because "...we love it, and winter has played a big part in our relationship, it's carefree, playful, comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful!" We talked some more about what they like to do in the snow, and while bringing their snowboards out would have been a little too difficult, they mentioned that they had a small sled and I knew that was just the thing we needed. We headed out to a great park along the Mystic River with a few small hills and had a great photo session!

I posted their photos yesterday, and I was so happy to hear that they loved the emotion, laughter, and sparkle I captured in the shots! And I loved how involved they were in telling me about their relationship and personalities so the shoot was customized just for them. Now I am extra excited to work with them on their wedding day!

Below are a few of my favorite shots from our session. To see all the final images from our two-hour romp in the snow, check them out here

What I Wish I Knew: 10 Nuggets of Wedding Advice

2011-02-15T08:39:00.006-05:00

What I Wish I Knew: 10 Nuggets of Wedding Advice From Married Folks

I asked married friends, family, and clients to answer one question for this week’s list. That is, "What's the best advice you can give a couple who is planning a wedding this year?"

It may seem a little self serving that some of this advice has to do with the photographic aspects of a wedding day, but many of my friends are artists or photographers, so the photos of their day were very important to them.

Here is what they had to say, in no particular order.

Do you have some advice of your own that wasn't mentioned below? Please add to the list by posting a comment!

1. “It's not a unique piece of advice, but I would say that make sure when planning your wedding be sure to choose elements for the event that really reflect you and your fiancée’s personality and not just whatever the latest trends are. It makes the day even more special and memorable for you and your guests, and then be sure to let your photographer/videographer know about these personal details so they can weave them into their images.”
–Carrie, married 4 months

2. “Plan a wedding weekend for you and your betrothed full of family meals and private time. The wedding is just way too short and hectic to make meaningful memories with your beloved, parents and siblings. Let your families plan these get-togethers and keep them small and casual. You know what I mean, leave that color palette at the altar. Spend the night before your wedding together and wake up to breakfast in bed, the spa and a hike. It's your day, keep it that way!”
–Lorena, married two years

3. “There is so much info out there, doing research online pays dividends, I don't know how people did this before the internet (and got what they wanted, within budget). Invitations are one thing that should definitely be purchased online to save money. Also places like Paper Source (in Boston) have great quality stuff and ideas, but craft stores like Michaels have lots of little things that are really useful and you don't have to pay the ‘wedding tax’ that seemingly everything white has.”
–Dave, married a year and a half

4. “Relax and enjoy it! It will be the best day of your life! And of course have Patrick as your photographer! :)”
–Cullen, married 5 months

5. “So much has changed in wedding planning since I got married in July 2006, thanks to the Internet. From DJ's and bands to flowers and bridesmaid dresses, there's a wealth of information out there. My biggest advice is to take your time, don't feel like you have to rush to make any decisions on planning. And on your wedding day, take one moment between courses to sit at the table with your new spouse and survey the room. Capturing that one moment in time sticks with you and forces you to stop and take a step back, relishing in the amazing environment that has resulted from all of your planning and effort.”
–Amanda, married just under 5 years

6. “You will remember your wedding day through the eyes of your photographer. I was finishing my last year of college and trying to plan the wedding at the same time: the arrangements, tiny details, etc., all with a lot of emotion taking place. Face it, the ‘prep time’ is time consuming and tiring. By the time the big day rolled around, I was exhausted. We enjoyed the day, but it all went by in a blur. So, the photographs by the professional photographer, along with photos from family and friends, have provided the memories over the years. We still look at our wedding album, and it does bring back all the great memories. The flowers, cake, clothes, etc. eventually disappear; the photos and videos endure.”
–Beth, married 37 years

7. “Looking back I would be very specific about certain must have shots rather than assume the photographer would instinctively know. I was a tad disappointed when my photographer ONLY shot the groom sans groomsmen & my dad, even though they were all getting ready in the same suite. Also, I'd say enjoy every minute of it because it flies by way faster than you can imagine.”
–Jenne, married just under a year

8. “Figure out what details are the must haves and don't worry about the rest.”
–Laurene, married 17 years

9. “The best advice that I could give to a couple planning their wedding, (not to seem self-serving) is to plan plenty of time for photos and not cram too much into the day.
I shoot for many couples who plan for X amount of time for photos and expect to be able to do everything themselves (decorate, etc). The first thing to lose the time when things go awry is photography. Since you have the entire family expecting to be in photos, the group shots tend to take an unintentional precedence over photos of the bride and groom. Delegating responsibilities to people/companies who won't be taken away from photos and have all the details they need to get the job done can allow for them to do their thing without interrupting the flow of the day. Hiring a wedding planner and coordinator (if it can be allotted for in the budget) can really help on this level, as they can keep the pressure off of the bride and groom.”
–Rob, a wedding photographer in Columbus, OH (http://www.mankophoto.com) married 3 years

10. “Remember that the success of the marriage itself has little to nothing to do with the success of the wedding.”
–Nick, married nearly 6 years

Elizabeth and Michelle Sneak Peak

2011-02-08T13:24:00.004-05:00

Elizabeth and Michelle just booked me for their wedding in August, and were eager to do an engagement shoot in the snow, so we met up last Sunday in a park near me. It was an ideal day, warm, sunny, nice puffy clouds in the sky, and a fun couple to photograph!

They are both outdoorsy folks, so this was a great spot for them. Everything came together so well that day. I really enjoyed working with them, and I am excited to photograph them on their special day!

Top 10 Places for an Engagement Photo Session

2011-02-08T09:42:00.008-05:00

Top 10 Places for an Engagement Photo Session

(in the Boston area)

Finding a place that suits the personality of the couple, or is significant to them in some way (like where the proposal happened, where they had their first date, where they like to spend their weekends, etc) is my favorite place to photograph the engagement session.

But sometimes, it’s hard to find a perfect place. Maybe the betrothed couple hasn’t lived in the area that long, or maybe the place they met is not very photogenic, whatever the case, I am devoting my top 10 this week to places that I would love to photograph a couple.

1. Beacon Hill: The narrow streets, red brick everywhere, it just screams New England! I photographed a bride and groom in the area, and am eager to do more shooting there.

2. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum (http://www.decordova.org/): A sculpture park out among the trees would be a good location for both an artistic couple, and an outdoorsy couple.

3. Boston Public Garden (http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/public_garden.asp): The beautiful gardens, swan boats, and all kinds of beautiful flowers and trees would make some gorgeous photos.

4. Grist Mill in Sudbury, MA: For a traditional or historically minded New England couple, the Grist Mill, the Wayside Inn, and surrounding area looks timeless and the photos would capture the essence of New England.

5. The Arnold Arboretum (http://arboretum.harvard.edu/): A good place for an outdoorsy couple, it offers plenty space to walk around, and all kinds of different trees to shoot against.

6. The Frank Gehry building near MIT: A good location for an artistic couple, I think the shapes and textures would provide for a dynamic background.

7. Mystic River Reservation: Open fields, the river nearby, tall grass for a soft background. These things offer plenty of good photo opportunities. My wife and I did our engagement session there with Kate McKenna (http://www.crabapplephotography.com/), and I would really like to photograph a couple there, too.

8. Along the Rose Kennedy Greenway: With views of Boston, and plenty of green space, it would look great as a background, either at night or on a nice summer afternoon.

9. Your Neighborhood: With so many squares in Boston, each offering their own character, you have likely found your favorite restaurants, your favorite coffee shop, or a strip where you like to walk around. These are places that are part of your relationship. To spend an afternoon with you there would really provide us with some personal, genuine photos.

10. Fenway Park: Hello, sports fans! The character and variety of interesting locations offers all kinds of different types of shots. Shooting in the day or at night, this location would just be wonderful!

Top Ten Favorite Photographers

2011-02-01T08:46:00.007-05:00

This week’s Top Ten List started because of an email I got from a teacher in Boston who was asking for advice for friend of hers who was getting into photography and was not satisfied with the classes they were taking, so she asked where I find inspiration.

In my college years in Olympia, WA, my classes would end in the early afternoon. I worked most nights in the deli on campus, so I killed time by disappearing into the tall stacks of books in the library, pulling out the published work of photographers, poring over all the images, fantasizing about where I wanted my studies to take me.

Below is a collection of photographers who inspire me, most of which I found during those expeditions on the bookish dark.

I could talk a long time about each of these folks, but will try to keep it short. These are in no particular order.

1. Eugene Atget (1857-1927) Architectural Photographer- I love Atget because of the tools he used, how he used them, and his overall approach to photography. He shot with an 8x10 view camera, using very long exposures, and captured the majority of his photos in the early morning hours in the streets of Paris. I have fantasized about being him at times. I imagine the work he did was extremely meditative. I have worked with a large format camera only a few times, and each exposure took several minutes to shoot. Quiet streets, working hard at getting the exposure exactly right, composing the photo perfectly, I imagine all these things came together to make for a fantastic creative experience for Atget, as I know they have made for a wonderful viewing experience for me!

2. Pierre and Gilles- Their work is a collaboration between a painter and photographer, and is incredibly stylized and iconic. The attention to the image, the use of color and emotion, and that they collaborate so well is amazing. What really appeals to me about it is that it looks like candy to me! I try to edit the occasional photo in the shoots I do to be vibrant and saturated… I wonder if I got the desire to do that because of my love of their artistry…

3. Christian Oth Wedding Photographer- Mr. Oth is based in New York City, and not only are his photos amazing, but his blog posts are inspirational. Many of his blog posts display his great work, but he occasionally interjects his philosophy and wisdom, encouraging readers like me (though I sometimes think of myself as a student of his) to “…put down the camera and just start seeing.” Or, reminding me that “it’s important to look for different view points that reflect your unique take on something familiar.” I really admire his style and his words, and hope to become as wise of a photographer as he is.

4. Sebastiao Salgado (born 1944) Documentary Photogrpaher- The way he treats his subjects, especially his photos of iron workers, is what impresses me most. The reverence of the images he took of iron workers made me feel like he was shooting monks in an old stone church. Like Atget, it felt his work was meditative, and he understood his subjects thoroughly. He captured images that were timeless, images that could be taken today or 200 years ago. The work I love most of his focuses on the proletarian struggle, showing both the industry and the humanity in our industrial world. He shows the genesis of the everyday items I use, trying to remind me that there are people behind the production of these things. He shoots in black and white, and the tone, the contrast, and the emotion of those images pull it out of time and make them eternal. I feel connected and emotional when I look at his photos. Evoking those feelings in viewers is a gift that I am so happy he has shared with the world.

5. Melvin Sokolsky (born 1938) Fashion Photographer- His extensive career, his artistic vision, and his variety is what draws me to him. The first collection of his that I came across was of a series he did in 1963 for Harper’s Bazaar where the models were in giant glass bubbles suspended off the ground (see photo). It felt risky and fresh, and made me see that there is ALWAYS another way to look at things, another way to think about what could just be a standard photo shoot. Later, I learned that he found inspiration for these images from Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. I try to find inspiration from painters too (specifically Caravaggio), so in some small way I felt connected to Sokolsky. In addition to all the work he has done, the fact that he continues to be inspired, continues to try new things with his photography helps me see that this craft I have chosen to hone is one that I can evolve with. Check out his work (link below), it’s fantastic!

6. Julius Shulman (1910-2009) Architectural Photographer- I have often thought it best to help the work of masters spur me on to becoming masterful. I had an architectural shoot for Powderhouse Productions a few weeks ago (those photos are here). So, to help inspire me, I watched a documentary called Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman, as well as one on Frank Lloyd Wright. He was a precise, playful, and prolific photographer. Not only are his photos amazing, but it is his personality, his life’s path and his longevity that really moves me. After seven years of college, he left without graduating, knowing that something else drove him. He pursued his love, and it supported him, and this gives me confidence that I too will be supported by my love of photography. In the documentary, he couldn’t stop smiling, seemingly giddy at what he gets to do every day. I know that feeling!

7. O Winston Link (1914-2001)- Trains! There is something about trains that I LOVE, and it is obvious that Link shares that love of trains. His gorgeous photos of these machines of industry captures the emotion and the awe I have of them.

8. Clarence Sinclair Bull (1896-1979) Portrait Photographer- Bull, along with a generation of photographers, found a bevy of subjects during the Golden Age of Hollywood (the 1930s and 1940s). My favorite photos matched the film noir look from that time, using several lights, not only to highlight their subject, but to light the background, crafting an environment for their subjects. These were true portraits--not just pictures--capturing the persona of these iconic Hollywood stars, and I constantly look to them for inspiration!

9. Henri Cartier Bresson (1908-2004) Documentary Photographer- Bresson captures the moment, not just of someone moving through space, but truly being with that space. All of the components (human and otherwise) in his photos are integral for each other’s survival and meaning in that moment. His keen awareness of his surroundings and his complete presence in the moment, (the Decisive Moment, as he called it) come together in each of his photos.

10. Sandy Skoglund (born 1946)- Like Pierre et Gilles, each of her photos are a result of long hours of labor, crafting the image to be exactly what she is looking for. What I like most about her photos is that there is a great expanse to them. Not only are they well taken photos, but when I peer into the frame, I feel a sense of vastness of the creative energy, an overwhelming sense of love and care that went into this image. Each of these images took an incredible amount of patience and love to create. I know how it feels to be in love with the creative process. Her work reminds me of that.

If you would like to learn more about these photographers or see their work, consult your local library, do a google image search for their name, or look below for some links I have provided:
Eugene Atget
Melvin Sokolsky
Sebastiao Salgado
O. Winston Link
Christian Oth

Powderhouse Productions Photo Shoot

2011-02-01T08:18:00.005-05:00

Powderhouse Productions is a video production company based in Davis Square that works on all kinds of shows like Making Stuff, Build it Bigger, and Dogs 101. They have won multiple awards for excellence, like the Telly (in the first photo), The Directors Guild Award for Best Reality TV series, and their work has been the official selection in the Independent Film Festival of Boston, the Asheville Film Festival, the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, among a variety of others.

I was asked to photograph their newly renovated offices a few weeks ago. They have so much to offer their clients, both in pre- and post-production. When I got to their creative editing suites (the third photo), I didn't want to leave! I mean, seriously, being surrounded by SEVEN monitors attached to a powerful computer outfitted with awesome editing software, it was my version of nirvana!

The rest of the photos I took for them have been posted here. Take a look!

A chance at redemption

2011-01-21T15:22:00.004-05:00

A couple months ago, I was approached to shoot head shots for a small company of about 30 folks. I eagerly accepted the offer and off I went.

I had in mind exactly how I wanted these photos to look, and just in case, I found a few volunteers to sit for me in a practice shoot so I could get the setup just right.

On the day of the shoot, I went to their office, photographed everyone individually, as well as in a group, and headed home to edit the photos.

I was so excited to get the photos back to the client, that I finished editing them all within two days. Then, I posted the photos up on my client gallery site, anticipating a "wow, these are awesome!" email because I was so happy with the photos. That never came. Instead, I got a somewhat disappointed email asking if I could do anything through Photoshop to change the lighting for the images. That was a let down.

Luckily, they decided to ask me back to do a re-shoot, and I jumped at the chance for redemption.

A sample shot from each session is below.

Thinking back on our initial conversation, I realized where the problem was. I did not do as good of a job at finding out exactly what the client wanted. In most of my consultations, I feel like I do a really good job at understanding their needs, but in this case, I just wasn't as specific as I should have been.

Now, I have revised the way I discuss options with new clients. Instead of trying to remember everything to discuss, I have compiled a checklist of topics to cover with new clients, so I am sure to completely understand their expectations. My desire is to make the work I do as much of a collaboration as possible between me and the client.

It was a humbling experience, but one I am very thankful for. Thankful for being reminded of best practices, but also thankful to have worked with such a wonderful client.

First Session

Second Session

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Being A Photographer

2011-01-18T12:23:00.001-05:00

Starting a family/wedding photo business has been a little daunting. Thinking about all the little details I only really understood superficially, like taxes, and how to promote yourself, and how to find prospective clients, then truly realizing how much I had to learn, has been a little overwhelming.
This morning, I found some time to be away from the computer and the need to keep learning, to keep plugging, and it gave me a little time to really remember why I started this business. So, here are the top ten reasons why I love to be a photographer, in no particular order.

1. Because I am what I see. Finding love, finding beauty, finding the quiet compassion in an interaction between people helps me feel connected to them, and further, connected to the beauty of the world. And, yes, I know it sounds silly, but when I find the beauty in the moment, I find the beauty in myself.

2. Because I have worked for years photographing rare books and other holdings in museums and universities, and photographing people is so much more satisfying.

3. It gives me the creative opportunity, sometimes to fail miserably, sometimes to exclaim out loud “SWEET!!” when I KNOW I captured the photo exactly as I envisioned it.

4. Playing with light to craft the image I was looking for is so fulfilling!

5. Every photo shoot provides an opportunity to lose my identity and immerse
myself in the beauty of what is unfolding in front of my lens.

6. It gives me the chance to tell a family’s or a couple’s story, a unique journey started by love.

7. It is a craft. Being a craftsman in a culture of mass production feels like my artistic endeavors matter for something.

8. I believe that everyone is beautiful. The satisfaction of working through someone’s shyness or stiffness to find that beauty is immeasurable.

9. I love seeing the multitude of forms and shapes that people naturally make—mostly without knowing it—in a moment so quick that it is hard to truly grasp without a camera.

10. Every photo session is different. Whether folks are quiet, silly, energetic, stoic, etc., to discover that personality, finding out who they are in their hearts then trying to show that in my photos is just wonderful.

Natanson Family

2011-01-14T14:09:00.004-05:00

When I first started photographing families in their homes, Tara and Josh volunteered to let me photograph them. I never used those photos because I was still getting used to how to best photograph families, and Jacob was just too darn fast!

A couple weekends ago, they let me photograph them again, and I am really happy to have gotten another chance!

Check out the whole gallery here

Val, Chris, and Adam's sneak peek

2011-01-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

I haven't seen Val, Chris, and Adam since I photographed Adam when he was three months old. Now, he's just had his first birthday, and one of the most active 1 year olds I have been around!

Between riding around on his favorite red fire truck, wanting to check out every one of his books in his room, and just wanting to revisit every corner of the house, he kept his parents and me so busy!

This is just a sneak peek of the session I had with them a few days ago. More will be coming in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!

Griffith Family Session Sneak Peek

2010-12-16T14:47:00.001-05:00

Another fun session with the Griffith's!!

Annabelle was so shy the first time we met, but she is getting so used to me now that she waned me to stop taking photos for a while and read her a book she had about animals!

It's so great to come back into someone's home and photograph them again. When families get comfortable, their personalities really show, and my photos are all the better for it.

Here are a few photos from the session. The rest of the photos will be done next week.

Thanks for another great time, Amanda!!

Sionan and Bill's Wedding

2010-12-15T15:20:00.005-05:00

Sionan and Bill were more interested in having fun and throwing a great party, and visiting with their family and friends than they were in getting married. Their smiles and giggles were so contagious that even when they were exchanging vows, they couldn't contain themselves, and the officiant starting giggling too!

Sionan and Bill ha...d friends and family coming in from all over, so they figured they could have it wherever they wanted in New England. The Hanover Inn in Hanover, NH (http://www.hanoverinn.com/) was a great choice! It was cozy, elegant, and a great taste of what New England is for those who have never been here before.

To see all the photos of the wedding day, go to: http://clients.iamwhatisee.com/Weddings/Wedding-SionanBill/15075864_Vexkq

"Trash the Dress" with Andres and Zareena

2010-10-20T21:59:00.005-04:00

I don't have much else to say about this wonderful couple. Andres and Zareena were so much fun to photograph, from their engagement session on Newbury Street to their GORGEOUS wedding at Codman Estates, to their super fun "Trash The Dress" session at Canobie Lake Park, every interaction I had with them was just fantastic.

I hope to attract more folks like them! Best of luck to you both!!

To see all of the shots from this session, go here

Engagement Photos-Kate and Cullen

2010-10-13T12:45:00.001-04:00

Kate and Cullen got in touch with me only a couple weeks before their wedding, hoping that the three of us could find some time to get together and have an engagement photo session. I was happy to clear some time for such a fun couple! They mentioned wanting to find a quiet place where they could get their feet wet, and we found a great location in Wellesley, MA.

The day was warm, the water was cool, and we couldn't believe no one else was around! It was a really great time, and I am really happy with the photos!

Congratulations to the both of you, and I wish you many happy years to come!!

Jameson's First Birthday!

2010-10-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

Lorena, and Jameson have been so fun to work with over the course of Jameson's first year!! Watching her personality develop, watching the love between them, and sharing all the giggles with them is exactly why I have been working so hard at building this business! I hope to find more folks like them to work with!

Luckily, our friendship has grown, and I will be able to visit with Lorena's family in the coming years to witness Jameson's growth. With parents like Lorena and Rye, I don't think she will ever lose that adorable smile!

Dawn and Brendan's Wedding!

2010-09-23T11:06:00.002-04:00

Dawn and Brendan are such a fun and laid back couple. Their wedding weekend was full of Bluegrass music, family, bonfires, friends, and a bouncy castle! When you book a wedding at Bucksteep Manor, they set aside the property (more than 20 rooms, and rustic cabins and camping for the more hearty guests) from the Thursday until the Sunday around your wedding. This allows the couple and their guests to have time. Time to visit with people you haven't seen for a while. Time for your families and friends to meet each other. Time to take a deep breath and reflect on the significance of this new chapter in your life. Brendan and Dawn fit in this atmosphere perfectly! It's no wonder they took over the daily management of the property last year.

There are so many great places to photograph there, I could spend days with a bride and groom and still not get all the shots I want. One of Dawn's favorite things to do there is to get her morning coffee then bring it out on the long porch and collect her thoughts and prepare for the day. It seemed like a good idea, then, to take the two of them out on the porch to start shooting. I wanted to keep them relaxed and focused on enjoying each other's company. Little did I know how easy that would be for them!

It was a beautiful summer weekend for their wedding, and it felt like such a treat to be there to witness it! Congratulations you two!!

Family-Elora's photos are done!

2010-09-13T08:51:00.002-04:00

This was such a great photo shoot! Family that is normally separated by thousands of miles had a chance to come together in a beautiful park at the perfect time of day! They were there to visit with the newest addition to the family, little Elora.

The love they had for Elora, and for each other was obvious, and was quite a treasure to witness.

In another few months, I will be able to see Elora again, and am excited to capture these moments of a budding family and a growing little girl!

To see the whole session, go here

Zareena and Andres' Wedding!!

2010-09-05T12:16:00.003-04:00

Here they are!! Andres and Zareena, husband and wife!!

There are some times when I pick up my camera that things just click (besides the shutter, that is!). It is no wonder that a couple that clicks as well as Andres and Zareena would make such an amazing day happen!

From a GORGEOUS location as The Codman Estate in Lincoln, MA to having their friend Matthew Truss, an amazing counter tenor opera singer, sing during the ceremony, this was just a wonderful day all the way around!

They were a delight to work with at every turn. From our engagement photo session on Newbury Street in Boston, to a beautiful wedding, to our super fun Trash The Dress session at Canobie Lake Park (www.canobie.com), the love and fun this couple share is contagious and contributed to some amazing photos! Throw in an air guitar solo to Journey's Don't Stop Believin' at the reception, and that, my friends, makes for an experience I will not soon forget!!

To see images from the whole day, go here:http://clients.iamwhatisee.com/Weddings/Wedding-AndresZareena/13637500_jhQdD#995345743_2wzAu

Dawn and Brendan's Photo Booth!!!!

2010-09-01T23:18:00.001-04:00

I have looked at many other wedding and family photographers in the last several months, and have read a lot about crafty and creative things to do for a wedding. From time to time, I found folks who make their own version of a photo booth at their wedding.

Dawn and Brendan, as you have seen from the sneak peek of their wedding I posted a short while ago, are a super fun couple, so I figured I would try the photo booth idea out.

If it wasn't for Brendan's enthusiasm, I do not think it would have been nearly as successful!! He was constantly bringing his friends and family (even his mother, who does not come to silliness easily) over and putting the silly hats or goofy sunglasses or feather boas on them. It's hard not to smile when you have a hot pink feather boa on you!!

I am looking forward to using this again and again! It was a hit!!

Sneak Peek--Jameson's first birthday!

2010-08-27T11:02:00.003-04:00

Today is Jameson's birthday -- happy first birthday!!!!

Last November, I was lucky to photograph her when she was just three months old. And over last nine months, I have been able to watch her grow in front of my lens. What a treat!!

Last weekend, Jameson's parent's threw her a party in their hometown of Salem (love that town!) The theme centered around Jameson's love of dogs; there were felt ears on headbands and bandannas for the kids, and the crayons and toys were put out in doggie bowls and her mom even made her an adorable cake shaped like a dog bowl with frosting "kibble"!.

Though the day was a little rainy, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits -- Jameson was surrounded by colorful presents and friends to help her celebrate. A great time all the way around!

Sneak Peek-Zareena and Andres' Trash The Dress

2010-08-26T10:23:00.004-04:00

Many months ago, Zareena and Andres tortured me. We discussed how they wanted their wedding shots to turn out (those are coming soon), where they wanted to do their engagement photo session (Newbury St. in Boston), and--here is the torture part--that they wanted to do their Trash the Dress session at Canobie Lake Park in like 5 months from then!! How could I be expected to wait so long for something so fun!?!?!?

Of course I was excited to see such a funny and loving couple get married, and to get to know them better during our engagement session, but photos of a bride and groom looking all fancy at a really fun amusement park?!?! I mean, COME ON!!! I have been looking forward to this for many months!

So, here is a sneak peek of our session. The rest of them will be posted in a few weeks. It was a great location to shoot, and I hope to go back again someday!

Wedding--Dawn and Brendan Sneak Peek

2010-08-23T10:54:00.003-04:00

A wedding at Bucksteep Manor Inn in Washington, MA is not an afternoon or evening affair. It is a celebration of friendships and familial connections that lasts all weekend long.

Dawn and Brendan are the proprietors there, and without hyperbole, I can say that they are the most laid back and unorthodox couple I have EVER photographed!!

Sure, we took some posed shots of Dawn with her bride's maids, and Brendan with his groom's men, but those just do not capture the joy and fun they were having all day. Most of my favorite photos are ones that many folks would toss out as "out takes" between the "real" photos.

One of the posed shots I normally take is of the best man and the groom shaking hands. When I asked Brendan to do that, he was having none of it! He grabbed his best man's hand and started... I want to say he started square dancing, or maybe doing a jig, but Brendan is not the type to adhere to such labels. Let's just say they both started dancing elatedly!

Carrie and I arrived there Friday evening to casually photograph the rehearsal dinner and the folks in attendance. Dawn and Brendan had a bluegrass band playing, and after the set, Brendan couldn't help but chat it up with Diane, the banjo player (The Banjo Queen), and quickly convinced her to let him play a tune on her banjo.

After dinner and music, several folks moved over to sit by the bonfire and share stories about the happy couple, and perhaps create a new story in the process.

While the ceremony was happening, Dawn arranged for a present she got Brendan to be set up. It was a bouncy castle!! Brendan was SO EXCITED!!! (and yes, I must admit, I was too!)

More fun photos of these great folks will be posted in a few weeks, but I am worried I won't finish these as fast as normal, as I will be giggling too much!!

Family--Judit's photos are ready to go!

2010-08-23T08:15:00.005-04:00

You will remember this family from an earlier blog posting. Judit is our beloved dance instructor at Champions Dance Studio.

Patrick and Christopher were such fun to shoot! I try to learn what excites the kids and people that I photograph, and by focusing on that, they become less aware that we are taking photos, and more focused on having fun or telling me about something super cool! Christopher's favorite topic is dinosaurs (his super favorite is the T. Rex), so asking any question about them gets him animated. In the black and white photo below, I think I asked him how big the T. Rex was, and this was the result!

Patrick is a little younger and expresses himself through what he builds with his Legos and his choice of Hot Wheels cars.

You can see all the photos from this session here.

www.iamwhatisee.com Blog

All Dress, No Guests--Andrew and Michelle

First Family To Take Advantage Of The Holiday Special!

Holiday Photography & Card Offer

Liz and Michelle's Wedding on Thompson Island

How to Skip a Rock With Your Sweetheart

The Coolest Engagement Shoot EVER!!

A Play Date With Your Photographer

Why I Do What I Do

The Craft of Rolling a Cigar

Sudbury Truck Day!

Smartphone Apps For Kids

Sneak Peek--We're Going to the WEEEE!!!

Sneak Peek--Newborn Henry!!

Some Favorite Out Takes

Drexel's First Birthday Par-Tay!!!

Lorena's Maternity Photos--Sneak Peek

Great American Backyard Campout!

Sneak Peek--A Family Shoot on the Cape

Sneak Peek--Jane and Chris's Engagement Session

Sneak Peek--Barb and Jen's Engagement Session

A Treasure of a Family Shoot!

Looking for a Wedding Photographer? Try Snapknot!

Colin's First Birthday Party--Sneak Peek

Watch This Baby Grow!

A Great Evening at the ICA

The Photographer gets Photographed!

Celebrating Mister Rogers

New Gallery Opening at the Harvard Museum of Natural History

Childlike Curiosity

Communicating Your Vision

The Power of Wonder

Ballroom Dance Photos For Fun!

Sorry for the delay...

The value of candid photos

Architecture Shoot for Haycon

Jen and Brian's Maternity Session

Ten Mother's Day Gifts

Sneak Peek--Jennifer and Brian's Maternity Session

New Business Cards!

Ten Good Blogs I Have Found

Tuesday's Ten List: Ten Upcoming Photo Shoots I am Excited About

Ten Things I am Grateful For

Ten things to do with your photos

The Grace and Talent of Shirley Ballas

Words Of Advice For Expecting Parents From Experienced Parents

8 month old Drexel

10 Of My Favorite Quotes

Elora's First Birthday!!

10 Great Children's Books (as recalled by friends and clients)

Elizabeth and Michelle's Engagement Session

What I Wish I Knew: 10 Nuggets of Wedding Advice

Elizabeth and Michelle Sneak Peak

Top 10 Places for an Engagement Photo Session

Top Ten Favorite Photographers

Powderhouse Productions Photo Shoot

Top Ten Questions to Ask a Prospective Wedding Photographer

A chance at redemption

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Being A Photographer

Natanson Family

Val, Chris, and Adam's sneak peek

Griffith Family Session Sneak Peek

Sionan and Bill's Wedding

"Trash the Dress" with Andres and Zareena

Engagement Photos-Kate and Cullen

Jameson's First Birthday!

Dawn and Brendan's Wedding!

Family-Elora's photos are done!

Zareena and Andres' Wedding!!

Dawn and Brendan's Photo Booth!!!!

Sneak Peek--Jameson's first birthday!

Sneak Peek-Zareena and Andres' Trash The Dress

Wedding--Dawn and Brendan Sneak Peek

Family--Judit's photos are ready to go!