Rockin' Pet Portraits at Roslindale's Pet Cabaret

Well, the results are in.  The spring portrait event at the Pet Cabaret left us feeling like it was a perfect spring day and we all had beach sand between our toes.  Here are best of the best:

 Handsome Jake awoke early enough for the first portrait session.

 Taz and his followers wanted to get their feet wet right away.

Payton and Penelope proudly hold hands in their favorite jewel-toned parade wear.

For Indie, it was impossible for her to stop smiling, so we chose this more reserved shot.

 Gia relaxed with on a pink beach with a cool pink drink.

Mack had his mind on getting those treats dangled in front of him.

 Otis is a sweetie pie who will sit and stay for a good treat.

Panda thinking about beating Tiger now that Tiger's out of comish for a while.

Giacomo sat for a nanosecond for our first test shot.  He was testy, alright.

Spring photo shoot at Pet Cabaret Saturday, June 11

Join me and the uproariously fun crew of Roslindale's Pet Cabaret for our spring photo shoot on Saturday, June 11th.  Not sure what to wear?  We'll have a few fun props, hopefully including a fire hydrant and a tutu or two.  It's not too late to reserve your session--call the Cabaret at (617) 323-PETS for your spot today!

JOY OF SPRING + JOY OF PHOTOGRAPHY = BLISS

I've been sitting outside, the sun warming up my back.  In front of me, daffs and forsythia.  You can already see the miniature spires of lilac flower buds.  All this visual richness makes me want to be...a photographer! 

What are you seeing that thrills you these days?

What Makes Boston Party Machine Rock? Answers from Band Leader Rob Caplin

What makes Boston Party Machine rock?  I asked band leader Rob Caplin, and here's what I found out:

Q.   Tell us a little about Boston Party Machine:
Boston Party Machine is a high end entertainment band made up of players from the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Berklee School of Music.  My model for the band is the Boston Pops – that is, top notch musicians who can play everything.  Combine this with our passion for fun, and you have a winning combination with awesome entertainment for your event!

Q.    What sets you apart from other bands?
What sets Boston Party Machine apart from other bands is that we truly care about every event that we play.  We never “go through the motions.”  We love music and it shows.

In addition, like a great puzzle, we strive to put all the pieces together in just the right way.  We are all about the total picture - whether it’s really listening to your wishes, getting the little details of a song perfectly, or knowing the ideal song to play at any given moment.

Q.    What three things should people ask when hiring a band?
1.    Music selection:  Does the band have a detailed process for finding out what music the client wants, including special requests?
2.    Performance:  Can you see the band perform anywhere?  It’s important to see how a band entertains…not just how they play.
3.    References:  Do past clients rave about the band? Not only musically; are they also easy to work with?

Q.    How can people reach you?
Email is the best way to contact us:  Rob@bostonpartymachine.com  You can also call my cell at 617.233.9393, or the office at 781.643.2560.  We’re eager to hear from you and learn more about your event!

Rob's portrait was created by his father-in-law, by the way, fine art photographer Michael Philip Manheim.

Josie's Family Jewels - Portrait of Four Boston Generations

With her daughter and daughter's daughter visiting from afar, Josie's wish of a portrait of the three generations together came true.  We tried a variety of locations and angles in what Josie described as her humble home, but her "girl" had grown up here, and this was her home, too, and despite a little clutter from the holidays the home was full of signs of love in every corner and on every wall.  Framed portraits of past generations on the mantle, the bedroom dressers bedecked with b&w snapshots of the not so far past.  It was my pleasure to add to the family collection for generations to come. And by the way, the gems the ladies are wearing represent the 4th generation in this shot, as they are Josie's mom's rings. 

Tips for greener photography

Wondering about the impact of photography on the environment? Read this.
Tips for greener photography

Pet Cabaret Portraits Now Online

Hey, dog fans, if I photographed you or your doggie at the Pet Cabaret last month, you can now view all of the images, not just the best ones, at Pictage.com They're having a PRINT SALE by the way!

Family Portraits and Milk and Cookies at Roslindale's Colorwheel Collection

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing families' holiday portraits at Roslindale's Colorwheel Collection, a neighborhood shop for newborns and toddlers. All children are welcome in the shop, and if your timing is good, you may find milk and cookies that even grown ups can enjoy.

More Pet Portraits at Roslindale's Pet Cabaret

And now, the pet portraits you've all been waiting from the Pet Cabaret's winter holiday portrait day. Don't worry, I've ordered your holiday cards and prints and enlargements and they're on the way with your CD's. And please give me another couple of days to post all of the unedited images of the day - I'll add a link to this blog post. Happy tail wagging.

And be sure to vote for your favorite portrait in the poll below! The most popular pet portrait will win a mystery prize at the store.










































VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES!

Come to the Pet Cabaret for your Holiday Portrait

Last Sunday, the Pet Cabaret's do-it-yourself washroom in Roslindale became a hilarious, cutest-ever holiday portrait studio. I was on my hands and knees and belly all day, getting at eye level with the parade of two and four-leggeds who came in for some holiday cheer. All of the dogs and kids and grown ups were my favorite, each in there own unique ways, but here are a couple to tease you just a little. Check in later for more - and vote for your favorite!

Matthews Family Portraits - Happy Anniversary Theresa and George!

What a better occasion for a family portrait than a BIG anniversary? Theresa and George don't at all look like they've been together a quarter century, do they?Check out some of the unretouched session proofs:
View the Matthews slideshow

Hartman Family Portraits - A First Time for Everything

There's a first time for everything. For one-year old Lila, it was her first time standing between her parents, taking their hands, and walking together as a family. Lila's face glowed in delight with every step. If only Lindsay and Jeremy, Lila's mom and dad, could have seen their daughter's face. Now they can, because I was there, too, photographing this moment at their home in Framingham, glowing with my own delight at witnessing such a timeless but once in a lifetime milestone. Have a look:

VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF THE HARTMAN FAMILY PORTRAITS OF 2009

VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF THE HARTMAN FAMILY PORTRAITS OF 2009