Merrimack Valley Home Issue | What Went Into Capturing the Beautiful Interiors, Plus 3 Bonus Photos

I love photographing beautiful interior design. “This issue may be the cover, so keep that in mind when shooting.” This was exciting to hear going into my second home photo shoot for Merrimack Valley Magazine. I was already thrilled to be working on this shoot with Beth Daigle and Linda Holt, so when I arrived and saw the interior of the home we had the privilege of photographing, I died a little inside [in a good way]. There was something very traditional about the decor, but simplified with use of color and modern elements.

Not many people know that Linda used to be a photographer, but it was a real treat to have her eye for design AND photography on this one. You may be thinking there is a chance that two photographers working behind one camera could be a competitive disaster… and in some instances I’m sure that would be the case. Linda and I were on the same page from the beginning and it was immediately a strong partnership working toward the same goal, noticing similar details, and playing off each other’s suggestions. It especially doesn’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes looking out for and understanding how the natural light will photograph.

We spent most of the day dancing around our “cover” shot because the light wasn’t just right, but when it was… ohhh it was.

I think we were also lucky that Sandy, the homeowner was such a gracious host to us. Now because Linda, Beth and I were on a tear, scrutinizing every detail, this meant lots of tweaking and furniture rearranging. Sandy’s furniture is beautiful… and heavy, very heavy. She didn’t mind us moving it around to get a good shot, so of course we decided to move the heaviest piece of furniture in the house {the solid wood coffee table}. Sandy’s husband came home toward the end, and being the gentleman that he is, moved the furniture back into place for us after… lucky us.

Here are some shots that didn't make the issue. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of the issue to read the full article by Alyson Aiello.

The white cabinetry against the dark wood gave an old country feel with an updated twist

Marble back splash to match the marble floor, against dark wood made quite an impact next to the pristine white whirlpool tub.

Color details add to the soothing environment

Subscribe to Merrimack Valley Magazine here

Fall Fashion | Cheers to Style!

For this blog post, I've teamed up with my favorite clothing stylist Susan Kanoff. "Fall is my favorite season for clothes" says Susan.... and EVERY woman who loves sweaters, boots, and rich colors.

I am constantly offering advice to my clients on what to wear for their portrait session, it is hard to find the perfect look, but following some simple style guidelines can make a BIG difference. We wanted to create a visual style guide for fall fashion that every woman could follow and relate to, regardless of age.

We started out with a simple, everyday look at Peter's Farm in Salem, NH.

What Susan has to say about the look:

Plaid and oxfords:  For those casual days apple picking or running errands, pair a plaid button down shirt with rolled-up jeans and oxfords. If there’s a chill in the air, top with a jacket or cardigan. This look is very on-trend for fall and oh so comfortable!

I loved the next look we chose, mixing a striped pattern with textured fur. I always tell my portrait clients to stay away from too much pattern, so this is the perfect layering option for breaking up pattern.

What Susan has to say about the look:

Faux fur and stripes:  I love to play with patterns and textures and this striped long sleeve tee looks fabulous topped with a faux fur vest. This outfit is perfect for so many occasions including out to lunch with the girls or even to the office on casual Fridays!

My style is simple, so this next one is my favorite by a long shot. No matter how many times it is done, I am obsessed with the cozy sweater and riding boots look. The poncho she chose fit perfectly, without looking a bit bulky. This look is always classic for photos, looks great against any fall outdoor backdrop, and is THE alternative to everyone wearing matching outfits for your family photo session.

What Susan has to say about the look:

The poncho:  Yes the poncho is hot this fall, but did it ever go out of style? I love this piece because it’s timeless yet always looks chic and polished.  Shown here layered with a black sweater and paired with jeans, tall boots and a burgundy bag for a punch of color. You can wear this fabulous outfit anywhere while staying warm and cozy!

The next two looks are shown below, but you'll have to head over to Susan's blog to find out what she says about them, and why the little blue dress is the new little black dress! (You can also find where to purchase all of these looks and similar ones for great deals there)

Susan is a wardrobe stylist in Merrimack Valley, you can find her at www.agreatnewlook.com or on her Facebook page

Boston Family Photography | Public Garden Portraits

I met Kelsey, Jeff, and and their beautiful baby girl Emily through Kelsey’s sister, Amanda. Amanda contacted me because as Emily’s godmother, she wanted to give Kelsey and Jeff something really special for their Emily’s christening. Amanda took some time to meet with me to go over my process and product options to make sure I’d be a great fit for a family portrait session with her sister’s family.

Kelsey and Jeff live in the South End, met at Boston College, and Jeff proposed to her at the Public Garden, so Boston is clearly a special place to them.

When I met with them, they were so excited for the photo shoot, and we decided to have it along the Charles, and of course the Public Garden, at the site of the proposal.

The bench at the Public Garden where Jeff proposed to Kelsey

I photograph A LOT of little boys… newborns, toddlers, kids, teens, for some reason my portrait sessions are male dominated. For this reason alone, I was excited to photograph Emily before I even met her. When I met Emily… those EYES! Her gaze was just so stunning, so intense, I fell in love a little.

Kelsey and Jeff were so laid back about everything, they really made the session a lot fun and so easy. No offense to all you dads out there, but I KNOW you’re not always excited for the family portrait session, you don’t hide it well. Jeff was involved, and really easy to photograph. I love the honest moments captured in the shot of him holding Emily’s hands, and of them as a family holding her up. The sincerity of the moments when they can forget the camera are truly some of the best.

Boston Architectural Photography | Mary Michael O'Hare, Architect and Interior Designer for Beautiful Wenham Home

The first time I met Mary, we had a conversation about her being an architect and the “little” projects she worked on, like the one she was working on at the moment, “just a small bathroom and closet project”. Why all the quotation marks? Because after photographing this project with Mary, I realized how ridiculously humble she is. The bathroom is straight out of a design editorial, and the closet is bigger than most New York apartments… and beautiful, it’s all so beautiful.

Modern white bathroom with custom monogrammed chair

I knew it was going to be a good day when I walked in and was greeted by two beautiful Welsh Corgis and Betsy, the home owner, who me offered tea right away. Then I walked into the space and didn’t want to leave.

Betsy really got it right hiring an architect with such a keen sense of interior design. Mary created a luxurious feel, but also kept it structured enough to create a sense of ease that you may not normally feel in smaller spaces such as a bathroom or closet.

I think I love her work most because of her attention to detail. A woman after my own heart, she and I must have spent an hour just rearranging the knick-knacks on a shelf.

Master bedroom

The bedroom. Can we just talk about the color and texture of this bedroom for a second? I mean, I had to touch absolutely everything, but that color… if you weren’t calm after soaking in the glorious bathtub, you certainly are now that you walked into your bedroom.

Pull-out nightstand tray

It was clear that the detail shots would be equally as important to this portfolio as the rooms themselves, like the intricate iron work on the closet door and the CHAIR. She found an old chair and personalized it by reupholstering with monogrammed fabric. This chair, with its intricate dark wood, really tied bathroom together.

See the before/after photos below. Mary really hit the nail on the head with this one.

CLOSET BEFORE PHOTO

CLOSET BEFORE PHOTO

CLOSET AFTER PHOTO

CLOSET AFTER PHOTO

BATHROOM BEFORE

BATHROOM AFTER

While her website is in process, you can find Mary on Houzz

I always love to hear from you, leave a comment or contact me

Boston Portrait Photographer | Featuring Summer Photos from Frank Pereira of Ten12 Design

I loved seeing everyone's Summer Photo submissions! I may have to run another one at the end of summer, because let's face it, summer is not even close to over. I'll be squeezing in beach days and weekend getaways until the end of September, and I'm sure I'm not alone there.

The winner of the Summer Photo contest is Graphic Designer Frank Pereira of Ten12 Design! Read about Ten12 below, and go check out their website at www.ten12design.com

"When a client comes to Ten12 Designs, they simply bring a vision; Frank Pereira, owner of Ten12, then uses his endless passions and commitment to excellence to create a one of a kind product. What sets Ten12 apart from typical companies is that Ten12 does not look at a project with the mentality of completing the project to the clients’ expectation as quickly as possible in order to move onto the next project; instead Ten12 makes each project a personal representation of the client as well as the company and then goes a mile further to look for ways to take the project and clients business to the next level through marketing and social media. Truly making Ten12 a one stop shop for small entrepreneurs."

Here's Frank's gorgeous summer photo!

Photo by Frank Pereira of Ten12 Design

Boston Portrait Photography | Why Should I Style My Portrait Session?

"What do you mean by 'style our photo shoot'?" To style a photoshoot means to plan out and design your session. Styling could include clothing, accessories, props, anything used to create a look.

"Why do I care?" Styling sets the tone. The items we choose to style your session with each contribute to the look and feel of your portraits. Styling brings everything together, and gives the expression and posing context. It can add drama, or keep things light and fun. The important thing is to be creative, and have fun with it.

We wanted to create an "end of summer" feel here. The sun is setting behind her, she has a cozy blanket wrapped around her shoulders, but she still has her yellow summer hat on.

We chose a pale pink, desaturated color scheme to enhance the ballerina theme we chose for this precious newborn baby girl

This girl was crazy over tutus, so we chose to put her in a floor length pink tutu, and place her amidst the hydrangea bushes. The framing of the branches  creates a feel that the viewer is catching a genuine moment while this girl is in her own world, dancing among the flower maze.

"How far should I go with the styling?" It can be as simple as choosing a neutral color palette and stopping there, or as elaborate as renting the perfect headband and fringe to fit your Gatsby theme. Keep it simple and genuine, or bring a detailed creative vision to life.

If this is your family portrait session, and you are trying to stay true to your personal style, then the styling should reflect your personality. If you are all about bright, bold colors, then we may start with a colorful location. If you like a muted, desaturated palette, then we may start with understated colors on a monochromatic background.

Style tip for your session: Think coordinating, not matching. Instead of looking to match each other in similar outfits, think of dressing yourself from head to toe, and spread that theme throughout the family outfits. What other accessories and colors can you throw in to go with the theme?

The small pops of red in her high heels and red lipstick were just enough to pull this photo together. We were trying to create a story with elegance, simplicity, relationship, and emotion.

This autumn newborn was perfect for the apple picking theme we chose. We found the apple basket first, then stuck with the fall color scheme, and added real apples for detail impact

For this high school senior, we wanted to keep the look simple, but still cute and girlie, to focus on her gesture and expression.

For more information about how to plan for a session click HERE

To contact me to book a session click HERE

For extensive wardrobe advice, consult Susan Kanoff

Boston Portrait Photography | Romantic Portraits along Back Bay and the Charles

I received an inquiry from Shohreh who wanted to have a portrait session with her husband, Kayhan to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. They will only be in Boston for a few years and really wanted to capture the beauty and history of the city. I was thrilled about this for a lot of reasons, but my top two are:

1.     How many people have a 10 year anniversary portrait session!? Not nearly enough! They are going to look back at this album another 10 years from now and remember every step of this romantic walk in a city they lived in for a few years of their lives.

2.     I am so consumed by constantly searching for locations, that I often easily forget how amazing my Back Bay/South End neighborhood is for a backdrop. I refuse to move for a reason… I am in LOVE with this neighborhood, the brownstones, the winding streets, the uneven brick sidewalk, and especially the different colored doors and walls.

Shohreh and Kayhan sent me their ideas and clearly explained what they wanted to capture, including closeups, candids, brownstones, cobblestone, nature, city, sun flare, and historical elements. It sounds like a lot to deliver, but knowing what they imagined was amazingly helpful when planning our two mile route through the best parts of Boston’s Back Bay and Beacon Hill.

We walked down Commonwealth Ave and Marlborough Street (an essential Back Bay brownstone walk), stopping on some doorsteps, then cut through the public garden and through some great side streets in Beacon Hill before landing in Acorn Alley for a few shots.

At this point the sun was fading, so we headed over to the Charles River and ducked into the cherry blossom trees just in time to capture (my personal favorite) some gorgeous dreamy images of them snuggling together as the sun set behind them. So sweet.

Intro to Photography: Student Work

I started teaching Intro to Digital Photography to 8-11 year old kids this spring. I wondered if I could teach them full manual settings like I do with my adult classes, or if it would go completely over their head. I had a class of 5 very creative girls, so I pushed them to think about their settings and what they could control. Like a lot of other Intro to Digital Photography courses, I started with basic composition, and went into some ambient lighting techniques, so I could teach shutter speed and aperture. Seeing their faces light up when they nailed our “jumping” shot exercises was priceless. They LOVED action shots, and they all got really into the directing aspect of photographing each other. By the end of the class they had explored portraits, landscapes, fast action, controlling depth of field, perspective, details, textures, and what makes a strong composition.

By Carly

By Noga

By Katherine

By Tammy

By Nora

We had one exercise where they had to take three photos and create a short story around those three images. I wasn’t sure how they would respond to this, but some of their stories blew me away.

I planned a formal critique for the last day of class, but was also unsure of how this would go over. I explained that while it’s important to receive positive encouragement about the work you make, it is also important to receive constructive criticism to improve your work. The girls were so excited to see and hang their prints, I hoped it would go well. I shouldn’t have been surprised that the girls were nothing but respectful to one another, using encouraging words, and telling each other why one photo worked better than another. Everyone was smiling after the critique, and I was so proud of them.

Boston Architectural Photography | Children's Hospital Boston

I have been shooting projects with Walsh Brothers, Inc, since I first expanded my landscape photography to include architecture in 2010. I was honored when they asked me to capture the new wing at Children’s Hospital Boston, not only because it was a big project, but because of the purpose of the building itself. How do you make a hospital environment comfortable and kid-friendly?? It's all in the details.

The new MRI room has a unique design including lots of surrounding visual elements and a lighting scheme that fills the room with one color at a time or many.

Pretty much every room, hallway, and corner has artwork and strong visuals for the kids, and the playroom even features a colorful gelled floor that changes as you step on it.

Perhaps the greatest feature is the courtyard. Although serious precautions have to be in place for kids to enjoy this space, it is a lively space with lots of greenery and aesthetically pleasing curves in the design. The sunlight bouncing around the glass walls makes it a warm place to be even in New England’s unpredictable spring.

Just as beautiful after the sun goes down, the added lighting really enhances the beauty of the architecture and takes you out of the typical hospital environment.

Oh, and the roof shot... excellent idea but terrifying execution laying on my belly sliding further and further out over the edge to line up my shot. Harness anyone?

Architect: Payette

Construction: Walsh Brothers, Inc

Acoustics Consultant: Acentech

Hannah is not into fashion, or hair and makeup, or glamour... and she fit my modern "fashion-inspired" portrait session perfectly.

Hannah is about to be a high school senior at North Andover High, and I was lucky enough to have this beauty in front of my camera. The wonderful (and surprising) thing about Hannah is that she seemed to have absolutely NO idea how beautiful she is… I heard she wasn’t even excited for our photo shoot.

Freshly launched, my modern take on high school senior portraiture is fashion inspired… and far from your average senior photo shoot. I partnered up with the EXTREMELY talented hair and makeup team at Robert Jason Salon in Andover, MA to create a “model for a day” once in a lifetime experience for these seniors.

Hannah is not into fashion, or hair and makeup, or glamour. She loves the outdoors, and plaid shirts, and music, PIANO specifically, so I knew I had to create a stylized shoot to fit her personality. It started with the vintage piano (fine it was an organ… I only had two days to get it!), and a cowboy hat, and I could tell she was immediately more comfortable, ready to work the camera, even. And work it she did, I think she was surprised with how much she enjoyed herself, and caught off guard by how truly striking she is (though she still may not admit it).

Contact me for more info on these modern senior portrait sessions

Let's Hear It For the Working Moms, A Style Makeover (In Honor of Mother's Day)

What is the best thing about a team of 8 creative, incredibly fun and highly motivated women? EVERYTHING. During a shoot for the May issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine, I had the privilege and honor of working with these 7 women who all bring something different to the table, and what we created was not only one of the most fun sets to be a part of, but the photos we produced are among my favorites of 2014.

It’s easy for moms to get caught in a sweatshirt and yoga pant, no makeup, air-dried hair in a ponytail rut. I’m not a mom, and it’s easy for me to get caught in that rut! 

And this is how Susan’s article came about. Three moms from the Mother Connection were selected for the “Mom’s Makeover” article, not just to make them over for a few hours, but to spruce up their everyday style for work, and home. [See before and after]

Susan Kanoff, Style Editor for the magazine found us a great location at Lord and Taylor, and did what she does best- hand selected outfits that not only looked fantastic on these women, but gave them a glowing confidence that made me want to photograph them all day. Theresa Gallagher and Vanessa Minervini gave these women the perfect complimentary hair and makeup so the women didn’t look “super made over”, just naturally beautiful. Yolanda, graphic designer for MVM helped create a relaxed and inspired atmosphere on set and we couldn’t have brought everything together without every one of these ladies.

I think I can actually hear Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)” playing somewhere in the background right now.

The "Style Team"

Kim, Independent Sales Consultant

Tara, Attorney

Christina, Special Events Coordinator

Merrimack Valley Magazine and Facebook

Susan Kanoff, A Great New Look

The Mother Connection

Robert Jason Salon hair and makeup

Lord and Taylor

(Still) Boston Strong

I can’t believe it’s been a year. We are just a week away from the 2014 Boston Marathon, a historic race that has been changed forever. Last year was my sister’s first time running the Boston Marathon. Her first attempt at running 26.2 miles, and she was doing it for the Dana-Farber Cancer team in honor of our cousin, Mike. Inspiring. 13 of my family members, including her kids, were excitedly waiting to cheer her on as she passed us.

She was stopped just a half mile from the finish, and less than a quarter mile from all of us.

I’ll never shake the image of people running down the nearby alley, as if we were in a Godzilla movie. The panic in my nephews’ eyes. What happened? We heard it, we felt it, we saw the reaction, but really, WHAT HAPPENED?? Why aren’t our cell phones working? We have to stay together.

I had my camera, but I could never be a photojournalist because I couldn’t manage to take a single photo of what was happening around us, except for these two.

We were lucky, EXTREMELY lucky. We found my sister, we were together, we were safe.

I really don’t need to reiterate how devastating and horrible the aftermath was for the victims, onlookers, first responders, and the entire city of Boston.

It’s always hard to find positivity in such an event, but the way this city transformed was incredible. Everyone knows Bostonians aren’t known for being super friendly. The fundraising, the memorials, the support for the families, for one another, was tremendous. The general “you can scare us, but you won’t break us” attitude shined across the city. These inspirational victims speaking out about overcoming their injuries, triumphing over these tragic and haunting memories, still brings tears to my eyes.

My sister was running for Dana-Farber last year in honor of our cousin Mike, who was undergoing surgeries and treatment for his cancer. Living proof of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, this year he will be crossing the finish line with Steph. They are both running in honor of Mike’s dad, and my godfather, Jake, who was recently diagnosed.

Steph was also honored to be a part of singer/songwriter Michelle Lewis’s music video for “Run, Run, Run” inspired by the Boston Marathon runners. Please watch if you haven't already!

You can see or donate to Steph's Dana-Farber page HERE

The survivors and their families need to know we are still with them. See their stories or donate to the One Fund HERE

A Woman and her Pup

When I received a call from a woman about having a photo shoot with her dog, I’m not going to lie, I flinched as if a ball just came whizzing towards my face. I’ve had family portrait sessions with dogs before, and while I love dogs, it can be like adding in extra toddlers.

Sylvia came walking into my studio dressed in pink with her pup, Sofia, in her purse and enough poise for the both of them. Her photos would be a gift for her partner, and she knew EXACTLY what she wanted out of them.

We hit it off instantly and based on her personality I wasn’t surprised by how much fun she had in front of the camera… or how much fun I had photographing her.

She took my direction with such ease and confidence, and we were able to form a great connection, and create some fantastic images. So often both photographers and subjects forget that it there has to be some form of collaboration, some connection to really create great images.

In the end we were both really happy with the outcome, and I feel lucky I was able to meet and work with such an empowering woman. Sylvia owns Shaperella in downtown Andover, MA. Go visit her and you’ll fall in love with her, and probably with yourself too.

The Photography, Portrait, Architecture, and Everything-Else-I-love Blog

New blog for the new website. Out with the old, in with the new. You may have noticed my main galleries focus on architecture and portraiture. What?! They are completely different! Yes, they are, and I love them each very much for different reasons. And I’ve found that if you work your butt off, I mean really put in your weekend hours here, you can, in fact, succeed in more than one area.

In my personal work (wait, I do personal work that I don’t get paid for?! Yes that’s what keeps me sane), I am always looking for ways to combine these two loves of mine- people and spaces. I recently started a project I’ve wanted to do for years, I mean YEARS, and I am lucky enough to have found beautiful and willing dancers who are also excited about the project. I’ll expand on this much more as the project is underway, but I wanted to share a few images from our first shoot, at the Boston Public Library with the amazingly talented dancer, Lynn Guerra.

Welcome

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