Blog

      In 1971 my mother embroidered a magnificent sampler that she framed and gave as a gift to her beloved sister, my Aunt Nick.  Thirty seven years later, just before she passed away,  my Aunt Nick gave this treasured family heirloom to me.  As the fabric had acquired some stains (due to non-archival framing- another topic for another blog post) I decided to have it cleaned and re-framed.  I brought it to Museum Textile Services where they cleaned and restored it to its original beauty and then to Walden Framer, where I knew it would be handled with love and framed with archival materials....


Continue Reading »

Childrens Portrait Photography ~ Capturing the Unexpected Moment Just when I think I have captured all the most  wonderful expressions I can, and I'm about to put my camera down....there it is.... a sweet little expression from my tired little subject.  Never stop observing.  I love photographing babies, toddlers and preschoolers. All children for that matter!  Their expressions are always true and real. And sometimes they happen just before or after the 'official' session takes place. This portrait session was arranged to mark this little girl's first birthday. She was such a joy to photograph...


Continue Reading »

The editor of Professional Photographer Magazine asked me to contribute an article for the magazine’s monthly “Master Class” feature.  This is a column where Master Photographers share their thoughts, ideas and expertise. Professional Photographer Magazine is published by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and is the oldest professional photography publication in the nation. A long-time member and regular reader of the magazine, I was delighted to write one. I enjoy writing and it gave me a chance to think more about one of my favorite subjects—creativity.  I have often...


Continue Reading »

  When Photographers Need Photographs What do we photographers do when we need a photographer?  We call our friends of course.  We call someone we like, trust and enjoy being around.  I was honored then when several good friends of mine hired me!  The first was Louise Michaud who needed publicity portraits for her and her business partner, Mike Magee, for their business Pictures from the Sky, in Salem MA. They have an amazing business taking photographs from a very sophisticated flying camera.  You can see some of their work here: www.picturesfromthesky.com  Louise is also an amazing...


Continue Reading »

Before every portrait session I plan clothes and styling with each client.  On several occasions I’ve had women say “I know…don’t wear white.”   This always strikes me as interesting because I wonder where they are getting that from.  Not from me; I like white.   For the right person and the right purpose, white clothing can be very attractive.  In particular, I love white on white.  It's adorable for babies and children, high school seniors and as a simple and elegant look on adults.  The overall simplicity of color sets off the face and allows it to draw the attention of the viewer....


Continue Reading »

Is your profile portrait a dog?  Nicole Williams, the Connection Director of LinkedIn, listed the worst mistakes business people can make with their profile photographs.  “Unless you’re a veterinarian,” she said “don’t post a photo with your pet.”  In an article featured in the June 2012 issue of Business Insider, Williams lists the eleven worst mistakes a person can make with her social media photograph.  I laughed when I read it, but the truth is, I have seen them all!  Here are a few more: do not post a profile picture of your baby, do not post a photograph of your wedding...


Continue Reading »

Of all the professional headshot tips we are asked about, hair advice is at the top of the list. Here are some tips from Alyssa Bozian, stylist at Blue Vintage Salon in Lexington. “If you’d like your hair looking it’s best,” says Alyssa, consider having it blown dry just before your portrait session. While having a basic trim can also be a good idea, Alyssa doesn’t recommend getting a drastic style change just before a photography appointment. “You want to feel and express who you are for your portrait and a new ‘do’ might take some growing into.” Alyssa recommends having...


Continue Reading »

 There's nothing like a well crafted studio portrait to show your audience who you are in a personal and professional way and every professional should have one ready to go.  But there are times when you may want to tell your story so  that it brings out not only your own character but that of your business.  These portraits of three Lexington businesses show the owners in the context of their work:  Wilson Farms, Cake and The Crafty Yankee.   The best environmental publicity portraits tell your story in a way that gets attention quickly and will stay in the minds of your viewers. ...


Continue Reading »

  “Downton Tabby”  Ernie is a marmalade cat who resides in London England. Aspiring for the role of lead cat in the hit television production of Downton Abbey, he posed for his actor head shot.  Little did he know it would hit the big time and garner him three awards: a blue ribbon in the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts, honorable mention in the Santa Fe Workshops Animal Competition and ultimately a blue ribbon in the 2013 Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition.  Thanks for allowing us to create your first head shot...


Continue Reading »

Your favorite beach pic may not say enough about who you are in your work. It's more than just looking good or showing off your fun day at the beach. Trish Pratt, of Momentum Coaching, LLC is an Executive and Career Development Coach. She says that "your best professional photos show the aspects of your personality and work values that you're looking to communicate to the world. Make it easy for your prospects and clients to get to know you."When it came time for her own publicity portrait, Trish wanted to look 'conversational.' Did we succeed?View Trish's web page: www.momentumcoaching.com 


Continue Reading »