B. St.Pierre Studio

Happy New Year, and a bit of a goodbye too.

2012-01-09T06:10:00.001-08:00

I'm back! Happy New Year Everyone!

It's been a long, long, long time since my last Blog. A lot of water has run under the bridge in that time. I needed a little 'get my breath' time following the last year I had with my sister before her death, and during that time of recovery, turned my sadness towards a positive direction, completely renovating my studio into something that I feel confident in saying is absolutely "a studio like no other". It's true; it's even on my business card - in writing, so it IS SO! (LOL) If you haven't seen the new studio yet, please, just give me a call to come over and visit... I'd love to show it to you! The renovation was a labor of love, and I do mean a labor... lots of hard work in concept, planning and building. It's a really fun place to work! I am totally rejuvenated ... we had a hugely successful Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting, and I was off and running headlong towards the work that really excites me. I even was commissioned and completed a large project for St. Joseph Hospital, decor created and provided for the walls of their whole 2nd floor, OB/GYN and Pediatrics. You may have seen it there, and if you've been following, you've probably been seeing other pretty interesting photo posts on www.facebook.com/bstpierrestudiofanpage too.

All these years of honing my craft, perfecting my trade, building relationships in the area through the work we produced and the projects we worked on together, now coupled with the sense of adventure & creation that the new studio provides, has led me to this place where I am finely tuning and focusing (no pun intended!) on the clients I feel I am destined to serve. You know who you are... you want something memorable. Something that tells people that you are extraordinary. Something that will leave the footprint of your choice on this planet, even as it continues to revolve and change your life in so many ways over the years. If you are a business owner, you are seeking those images that will make a statement about your company and the services you offer, something that will set you ABOVE your competition.

I've never been a high volume, assembly line client business. Though I have the technical skills and ability to identify with the client, and could have been wildly successful in that venue, having more money than perhaps I'd have known what to do with, I shied away from that and continued to pursue what I felt in my heart was of great value to my client. I always wanted to create something that means even more than those quick head and body shots that commemorate how we looked that particular year. Because I have a good reputation for being fair, easy to work with and providing a good product, I naturally ended up with some of that more typical work requests arriving at my door, and I took it in and did it well. I did feel good that I was providing a good product to others, but it was a means to making money to pay the bills and satisfying that particular client need, in between the work that really inspired me.

Wow, this almost sounds like I'm leading to a goodbye, doesn't it. Well, it's a goodbye of sorts, to much of the work the general public thinks of when they consider using a photographer. From hereon, I am dedicating most of my working hours to the creation of the great works in portraiture that will move you to tears, smiles and a warm feeling in your heart. Work that will make you SEE the person, not just their smile. Work that will make this moment in their lives a celebration that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. Work that will speak to you. I'm doing the same with the commercial end of my business too, making myself available for those clients that want to reach beyond the ordinary.

Technically, because I accomplish this with photographs, I am labeled a 'Photographer', making me look on the surface much like any other - all of us the same, though some likely more skilled than others. But I am realizing that what I do is much more of an art form than the word photographer describes. I will be showing you more of how it applies to the areas you think of using a photographer for... baby, children and immediate and extended family portraits, senior high school, pets, commercial web and brochure images, and so much more. Put on your creative hats people.

There's a time and place for those traditional shots, and many good photographers I can even suggest for you when that is what you want. I am not putting them down as having no value. I enjoy having them to look back upon too, for they are a documentation of our lives and families. But as I sorted through my sister's belongings, helping my nephew to decide what to keep, leave out or store away, seeing all the images I'd created for her over the years since the birth of her son, the ones that brought tears to my eyes were the ones that told her story, reminded me of who she was, by herself and in conjunction with the people she loved, not just what she looked like. When you desire images that will have this effect for you, let's meet and put our heads together. Let me create something truly great for you.

My sister's journey, my sorrow

2010-08-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

"One's sister is part of one's essential self, an eternal presence of one's heart, soul and memory"
(quote by Susan Cabil).
My sister has always been my cheerleader, my sharer of memories, believed I could do anything, was an integral part of my building my photography business. So since it's partly because of Laurie that I am where I am today, I share with you my sorrow at her fighting an illness that took years away from us during its battle, and is about to win. I am now anxious for her to be at peace, but I think of her and mourn for that little towheaded girl that used to always want to go where her big sister went. Now, she's the brave one moving ahead.

2010-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

This was FUN!!! Here is the entry I used for analysis to see who I most closely resemble in my writing style. I'm not sure that it's accurate, but I am a Stephen King Admirer, so I don't mind being put in his league!
Here it is... see for yourself....
When having the luxury of free time, with no company or schedule demands, I like to tour my own backyard. In this place, the wind ripples the leaves of the trees, the upper pond gurgles as it empties into the lower, the birds flit through on their way to somewhere else and the light plays through the woods, caressing the ground where it touches. By walking slowly, I can see the progress of plants, in the Spring as they awaken from their frozen slumber, and later in the season, their budding, blooming and dying back again. It's here, at ground level, that I find so many small surprises. I find a yellow striped wasp sleeping on a twig, face inches away from a surprising bedtime companion, a black and yellow caterpillar. I witness a near death experience as a frog leaps into the pond and eludes the grass snake, who now slithers away, though whether it's moving away from me or towards its next hopeful meal I'm not sure. Tucked away in the brilliantly blooming shrub near the sideyard path, I spy a brown spider as it pulls itself deeper inward away from my inspection. I am happy to leave it to itself, as spiders, though facinating, hold a special gross-out factor for me.
This little walk around the grounds is full of familiar friends and new delights, and before I know it, hours have passed. The only human voice has been my own as I murmur encouragement to young plants, soothe the surprised creatures and sigh with contentment. This is my little piece of heaven.

Great photo days means great fun for me, savings for clients!

2010-06-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

THREE great Photo Days, lots of fun,
lots of savings!

I'm looking forward to the three photo days currently scheduled in the Studio in July and August. Center Stage, with dancers in costume creating one of a kind portraits, from classic to contemporary; they are sure to all be very exciting. And StoryBook Page Portraits, (sigh), a celebration of a more innocent time, set in warm, endless summer days. Then, there's the Executive Portrait Day, one of my favorite scheduled photo days, because every single session is different. There might be a Chef in a kitchen, a Physical Therapist in a clinical setting, or a Financial Planner in a wood paneled office... as always, there are no limits!

I know I say it all the time, but it's true... I really love my job!

If one of these portraits fits you, or someone you know, don't hesitate to go to the website, http://www.bstpierrestudio.com/, and book right away. The number of sessions are limited and they will book fast!

My job, so much more than just a job.

2010-06-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I was invited to photograph the Dance Connections Studio of Salem NH's dance recital. So, you say, you're a photographer... what's so unique about that??!? Well, this grab action kind of photography is not the work I usually do, AND, I was asked because this client, and all the parents at her Dance Studio, now think of me as "their photographer".

This past May was my second year of week long portrait photography days at the Dance Studio, and I am officially now "their photographer". They look forward to my arrival, there's much enthusiasm during the sessions, and the parents are very complimentary about the finished packages they receive. I wanted to share this, because knowing that I am creating something lasting and valuable to my clients makes me FEEL GOOD. As I snapped away during the Recital, I felt pride in each and every one of the dancers, clapped as enthusiastically as their families when they finished their numbers and was thrilled to be part of this very special occasion for them. I am so lucky that my job, is not just a job.

If you'd like to see some of the images captured, visit their album on my site at:

http://www.bstpierrestudio.com/mp_client/pictures_welcome.asp?categories=no&keywords2=no&eventid=51737

Sometimes even being careful and cautious is not enough

2010-06-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

I prefer to use my blog for positive messages, but I REALLY need your help! My husband Dan & I are in a bad place with a timeshare contract we signed on 1/25 (w/ The Falls at Ogunquit - Maine, part of InnSeasons Resort and affiliated w/ Interval International) and have been trying to nullify since March when the company had still not followed through w/ materials we should have rec'd before then. They presented themselves as a Vacation-Share, not a Time-Share, with the lure of travel. Though a far-away luxury trip a couple times in our lives might be fun, we are mostly campers with our 5th Wheel, and we resisted, saying it didn't fit our lifestyle, until the salesperson sealed the deal by making it every other year instead of every year, and telling us there were campgrounds all over the USA, so we felt we could get great value from the program that way. When we next talked to him, two weeks after signing, I asked again about campgrounds since I had nothing showing me any, and he said it would come in the packet the company would be sending. We now don't trust them or want anything to do with them, but they refuse to release us from contract, and deny saying anything about camping, because, guess what... it turns out, they have NO campgrounds. There are other lies and failures on their part, but they’ve got the T’s crossed and I’s dotted on the contracts, so they feel bulletproof. We have since googled them, and there are plenty of stories where other consumers felt the company misrepresented itself, like they did to us. We even offered to let them keep $1500 of our money to just let us GET OUT. Your support in sending an email, letting them know that you are aware, would believe me over them because you know my ethics, & tell others what you know about this situation, might go a long way to help us. Please be careful to not use any profanity, just let them know how easily bad publicity can spread. Here is the email address: David Zukowski, Purchase Relations Mgr, dzukowski@innseason.com, cc: to Kevin Curran, VP, kcurran@innseason.com, bcc to me: bonnie@bstpierrestudio.com. THANK YOU. I really think this could help.

Power outages, time to hunker down and wait it out!

2010-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

It's been all over the news, so it's not news anymore. New Hampshire and Massachusetts was battered recently, resulting in trees falling everywhere; on wires, houses, cars, blocking roads, ROOFS on cars, siding peeling off like it was paper, flooding rivers, and widespread power outages for multiple days. We're on the recovery side of it now, and everyone has a story to share, but the overall attitude is "it could have been worse". I'm proud of all of us. We bore the inconveniences with Yankee attitude, ingenuity and sense of humor. We fired up our wood stoves and generators (many purchased after the ice storm that kept us in the dark for weeks in the not so far gone past!). Neighbors helped neighbors. We didn't gnash our teeth and cry foul... we settled in, slowed down, and waited.
Our property is full of those tall pine trees that crashed down all over New England, but ours thankfully kept their roots solidly in the soil. They threw an unbelievable amount of pine cones at us though! The wind that night was truly scary. Our only casualty, aside from electricity, was one of the barn doors, and we are pretty sure we can fix it. I actually led a client into my Studio by flashlight to bring them to the photo set area where we accomplished their photo session by generator supplied power! It was an adventure for both myself, and the client!
The photo here is of a road in my town, Merrimack NH, ironically named "Wire Road". Four telephone poles went down in this area, along with many pine trees, pulling the wires right down to the road. It was literally WIRE ROAD!
Kudos to the workers that got us all up and back to our hectic, Internet-focused, electronically run lives. There is still a small percent without, but I understand they don't have long to wait. In the interum, I'm sure someone has provided them the use of heat, shower and laundry, because THAT is the way we do things here.

Some gals dream of diamonds...

2010-02-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

The snow was melting today, bringing the first days of "mud season" in the driveway, and though that might sound like a negative thing, it heralds the upcoming change in seasons to Spring! It made me want to immediately look for a spring-like image to post, but this was a really busy day, following a week of the same. First opportunity, I started casting about in my files for something that is symbolic of my favorite seasons... (the warm ones!).... and I found this one.

This guy was my friend one afternoon late last summer, as I was wandering my gardens. I really do enjoy the simple things. I love using free time to go slow, to see and enjoy the small & fascinating details found in a pond & garden, from the overall beauty of my surroundings, to the veins in an individual petal or leaf, the sleek gold scales of my goldfish. I'm also in awe of these ugly and dangerous looking creatures, the dragonflies, which, I think I've read somewhere, haven't changed since the dinosaurs. Huge goggle eyes, fuzzy torso, insectile bristley legs, pincher-looking tail end, it is no wonder so many people are afraid of them. But the COLORS they come in, and the complexity of dealing with six legs and four wings, and how they use them for precise movement, to pivot mid-air to catch those pesky mosquitos (for which I am very grateful!). And the way their wings lower, as if powering down when they land... you can almost hear an engine shutting off! I, for one, love sharing my space with them, and, am much happier to wear them as jewels than the real thing! This one was not anywhere near the prettiest I've seen, but he or she sure was friendly!

Though I know it's much too early yet, just seeing this picture reminds me of the feeling of peace and happiness I felt the day it was taken and makes me anxious to begin looking beyond the snow for new growth in the gardens. What do you like to do when you can take a break from work?

Hey, are you paying attention?

2010-02-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

So, tonight I began a big job for a local Veterinarian Hospital, Animal Hospital of Nashua, and here's one of the participants in a Puppy Training Class. In fact, it was graduation night! This pose reminded me so much of human graduations, where the kids are looking around at everything and everyone BUT the stage where the speeches are being made. As a dog lover, it was hard not to fall in love with every single pup there tonight!

For the next two days I will be at this client, photographing their services and staff interacting with clients, all sorts of technology and treatments. It'll be challenging but very gratifying!

Isn't that the way life is in general? We hear that anything worth having is worth working for. We face our challenges and fears, and sometimes we come out triumphant, and sometimes we find out that what we were striving for was not what we really wanted after all. But if we are open to new ideas and experiences, and paying attention, sometimes life hands us something great and surprising.

My Studio is taking a new and fun direction with the addition of the StoryBook Portraits. We are rolling out the different portraits a bit at a time and at the end of this month, we are having a Princess Palooza! Become a Fan at www.facebook.com/bstpierrestudiofanpage, and get the details! I'll give you a hint... princesses, gowns, hair and make-up pampering, really, really good price... find out how to get in on this great deal at our Fan Page!

Who hasn't thought kissing a frog would work?

2010-01-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

OMG!, right?! Here it is, our first Princess! If you could see me, you'd know I am positively beside myself with excitement!

I am having a ball with these StoryBook Sessions. I know you've heard me say this before, but I just can't express enough how happy these make me! They're making others happy too, if the comments on FaceBook and everywhere else are to be believed, so that makes me even more ecstatic!

You know, I've been a photographer 25 years now, and the last .... ummmm.... 10 years I guess, I've really been enjoying the results of my efforts. What I mean to say is, though my clients were pleased with what I provided for them up to that point and it was good... don't get me wrong, I was still reaching for more. Then, suddenly the continuing education, people that came into my life, the new location in Merrimack, the ongoing creative process... everything fell into place. I found a way to create and provide more backgrounds, and believable backgrounds at that, my sets came together, my lighting clicked into place for the way I see it in my head and like to see it in the final portrait... it's been a great journey. And now, add to that these sessions where we joyously celebrate childhood, the stories, the fantasies, the make-believe play that all us adults are too grown up to participate in anymore (too bad, huh?), and I'm simply exploding with energy and enthusiasm!

Your responses to my work are what feed my quest for more, more, more... so keep on letting me know what you think! I'm also eager to hear your suggestions and ideas too!

Every day differs

2010-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't this image beautiful? It's got the "awwww" factor for me! This has been a very active couple of weeks in preparing to launch StoryBook Sessions, and I've been showing you work from these sessions, but in between, there's been a lot of other things happening here too! Every day is a little different for me, and that's the way I like it! For example, last Wednesday, I photographed all day long for Animal Hospital of Nashua.... 15 Veterinarians, and each brought at least one pet... some brought 3-4! Yikes! It actually went quite well and I'll be sharing some of those pics soon. These people are wonderful and if you've got a pet, even exotics, you should consider their services. They have equipment there that you'd usually have to drive to Boston for if your pet needed it. I've got a big project coming up with them in preparing their image library for their marketing materials for 2010 and am looking forward to working with them on that in just a couple weeks.

We're also in the planning stage for an interior expansion so that I can more easily store some of my studio set elements. It's getting kind of tight in the photography room right now! It doesn't help that we've recently added a set stage, the dock, some mobile walls and prop critters, without having a plan for where I'm going to store them! Oops. Small detail, to soon be resolved.

So today is absolutely GORGEOUS outside... the snow still heavy in the trees, touched by the sun and bright against the dark pine & blue, blue sky, and the temperature is a comfortable 40 degrees. It's one of those post snow storm days where you actually like winter! I should be out there photographing for fun! I think I will do that! I hope you find a moment to get out there before the sun sets, and enjoy it too!

Make-believe is good for the soul

2010-01-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

Recently, there was a devastating earthquake in Haiti, there are the ever present atrocities perpetrated on human beings worldwide, hunger, sickness, endless schemes to steal your identity and your money, and to top it off, us New Englanders being bombarded with nasty Massachusetts Political Ads. Is it my intent to depress you? No! Just making my point that Make-Believe is good for the soul! Here is another image in my new series of StoryBook portraits. Children KNOW how to play. I'm finding that I give them the environment, get all my technical stuff squared away and ready to go before they step on the set, offer a suggestion of a story, and they take it from there! Isn't this a great background too? I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! And about that other stuff? The overwhelming big bad of the world? My method of coping is to do good things to help the people I can, and know that every one person makes a difference, then find something positive to concentrate on for good mental health .... hey, how about some Make-Believe???!!?

Meeting some New Year's Resolutions!

2010-01-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how long it's been already since I've blogged! I thought that during the planned "down time" following my early December surgery I'd be looking for things to do, but I had so many great friends stopping by and staying to keep me company, and so much to do (including reading a few books and Stephen King's newest 1972 pg novel, The Dome), that many of my tasks on the to-do list stayed right there. One thing I have done though, is made and kept (to date anyway) my New Year's Resolutions!
I resolved to lose weight, and started my diet with surgery, which made perfect sense since I wouldn't be allowed to eat for one day and then on liquids for another... what better kick-start to a diet?! Since Dec. 7th, I've lost about 10 pounds! I've got a few more to go, ok, a few more than a few...and 'nuff said about that, except that I'm keeping this resolution! I miss my thin & fit days. (smiling)
Another resolution was to add StoryBook Portraits to my Studio Plan, and here you see one of the "Enchanted" series... the fairies! New sets have been created, new background slides to pull it all together and, I've begun photographing! What FUN these portraits are! Make-believe and the long sunny days, story pages full of happy carefree moments, fantasy & princess stories, puppies and baby chicks... a magical time, and we're making magic in B. St.Pierre Studio! It's a goal realized, a creative outlet, and I'm a very happy photographer!

Traditions & Memories

2009-12-12T15:20:00.001-08:00

Looking up at the Angel at the top of my Christmas Tree today, I was reminded of doing the same as a child... a different angel and a different tree, but the feeling was the same, one of hope & expectation. I remember looking upon her simple and beautiful face and feeling that she was watching over us as Christmas Day approached and that her goodness was what we should be striving for. As of today, we are 13 days from Christmas Day, stringing our lights outside, putting out the annual decorations, placing that angel to top our tree. Each year, though we might add a little something to the holiday decoration collection, Dan and I follow the traditions we began when we married, 26 years ago, bringing together some from his childhood home and some from mine, and making new ones together. This year, Dan is doing most of the work as I recover (very nicely) from surgery earlier this week, but we'd discussed what we'd do regarding decorating, and agreed it was important in spite of a bit more inconvenience than usual to haul all the stuff out of storage and put it out. I'm glad we decided that, and that he's willing to shoulder the load! The act of transforming our home into a sparkling and playful place, especially with no children to make holiday wish demands, makes the Season real for us, brings back our own childhood memories, and makes us pause to consider what the holidays mean for all... no matter what religion or beliefs. Good will towards men. We could use a little more of that year 'round!

I actually held off from buying my own angel, opting to use a star, until I found one that said something special to me. I don't know why she's more "right" to me than others I considered over the years, but it took about 15 years to find the one that I wanted to become my traditional tree topper! What traditions and "symbols" spell the holiday celebration to you?

I'll be dancing again before you know it!

2009-12-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

This fantastic image is of one of my clients, taken as part of her Senior High Portrait Session. She's amazing! Beautiful girl, beautiful spirit, lots of fun.
I'm using her image to illustrate how I plan to be feeling post-surgery by maybe, oh, six weeks?
What?!? You say I wasn't able to dance like this even BEFORE tomorrow's scheduled surgery? Well, you are right, but I can't be kept down for long, so I'll be right back to business as soon as possible. It might be kind of quiet from me for about a week, maybe two (though I doubt I can stay quiet THAT long!), but I'll be back as soon as I can tolerate sitting at the keyboard! (smiling)
And, I'll be dancing my own brand of dancing before you know it.
I've got lots of great Studio Photo Days planned for early January, during the early days following my recovery, and beyond, where you all can save all kinds of money and end up with some pretty amazing portraits of your own, so be sure to check my website: www.bstpierrestudio.com, and go to "Theme Portraits" frequently to see what has been added to the schedule! Don't miss the Jan. 6th Executive Photo Day if you need a business portrait too!

I love my job!

2009-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine that you have a job where what you do brings extreme pleasure to someone else. Well, I DO have that job! Today the matriarch of this family came in to pick up her framed wall portrait and all the gift portraits from multiple smaller grouping poses photographed during our extended family session together a few weeks back. She and two other family members with her just couldn't stop exclaiming their wonder at this portrait, which I had set on an easel in preparation for their arrival. It was a hugging moment for sure! They felt thankful to have this, and I felt wonderful to be the one giving it to them. As they left the building and were walking towards their car, I could still hear them expressing their pleasure to each other, and boy (!) did that make me feel good! I wished I could have had a tape recorder handy and ready to push "play", because to listen to that daily, what a shot of "happy" that would be. I am grateful that I am able to do this job and can think of nothing else I would ever want to do. Do you have work that makes you feel this way? Perhaps you do! Share with us your occupation and how it makes you feel when you help or provide something special to someone else.

Thanksgiving means loosening the waistband...

2009-11-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

OK, OK, I've chosen an image of FOOD to introduce today's blog... on Thanksgiving. Yummy looking though, you've got to admit! I'm not going to be coy and pretend that the food is secondary to the company... for this holiday, you can't have one without the other! If you know me, you've heard my stories of my childhood with the annual large family gathering at our house, and some of my favorite memories are connected to that Thanksgiving table overflowing with relatives spilling into smaller side tables, and the turkey, stuffing, five or six different kinds of vegetables, rolls, cranberry sauce, banana nut & pumpkin bread, and the desserts. Oh, the desserts. Squash, apple, pecan, lemon meringue, chocolate cream and butterscotch cream pies to name just a few of my favorites! Put all diets and thoughts of moderation aside, loosen the waistbands of your slacks, and, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! What are your traditions? I'd love to hear!

Where do you see miracles?

2009-11-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

'There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle' Albert Einstein

Life gets very big sometimes, doesn't it? And so many people are so unhappy. Truly, there are tragic and challenging events in all our lives that cannot be avoided. What do you do to regain some balance? Some people turn to yoga, meditation, spiritualism, workouts at the gym, even alcohol and food, in search for understanding, inner peace... happiness. OK, I admit, food is one of mine, darn it (I'm working on that!!), but even more, I use my photography, looking closely at smaller pieces of the world through my lens. I can wander my yard for hours, watching and waiting for a dragonfly to land on the end of a flower or leaf I'm standing near, looking closely at the dew drops hanging by a nearly invisible strand to the underside of a leaf, waiting for a ray of light to fall in a pattern on the side of the barn, and "capture" it to remind me later of the many small miracles surrounding us. This pink waterlily is an example, found bobbing, holding its own against a river current, surrounded by the more common white lilies. The gorgeous subtle pastel hues against the splash of the startling gold center, so frail yet so self-contained, a little miracle all its own, just waiting for us to see it.

Albert Einstein's got it right. We can choose to live our lives focused only on the troubles and issues, or we can open our eyes to the miracles all around us and have a whole new appreciation for the life we are given. Where do YOU see miracles? I'd like to hear. Please share by posting your comments for us to read and enjoy.

Reliving through a portrait

2009-11-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently lost a friend to lung cancer. He was one half of the first couple to befriend us as newlyweds 26 years ago. If you are a B. St.Pierre Studio Fan on FaceBook, you saw my post where I talked about the laughter shared and the great memories we have of this friendship over the years, and of this friend who is no longer with us.

In a situation like this I am reminded how much value each and every image I create really has. This family, now missing father and husband, has not only their snapshots, but numerous and varied professional portraits taken over the years at B. St.Pierre Studio. As I visited on what turned out to be the day of his passing, on the wall behind him was a hand-colored portrait of the entire family mugging for my camera in their softball uniforms, a sport that consumed their lives when the girls were in high school. What could have been a very sad moment actually became quite something else, because I was reminded in that instant of that day and the fun we had. It also reminded me who this man was, instead of seeing him as the frail suffering person in the bed. He was funny... a willing participant in this playful family portrait, someone who danced the Chicken Dance with great butt-wiggling gusto at parties we attended together. He was caring and sensitive, strong in his faith, and, a great friend. That portrait, taken years ago, all of us innocently ignorant of what time would eventually bring to bear, gave me back that moment.

A portrait session is not just a method to earn a living for me. I am very aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by families that are creating images that will be called upon to spark memories, and allow them to look into much loved eyes again. Not only must I do the very best job that I can possibly do, but the experience must be a good memory too, because some day in the future, that portrait will bring them right back to that very day.

I personally hold something in my own heart from client portrait sessions as well as from those for my family and friends. For example, the Four Generations of Women image with this blog, taken a few years ago... the baby girl and Great Grandmother especially will have changed since its creation, and I feel a special pride that I was the studio they selected to produce this treasured portrait for them, for I know just how important it will become as time goes on.

There are cultures that believe the spirit or soul of the person can be captured in a photograph. I believe, if I've done my job right, I have documented its essence, for us to enjoy not just for today, but for the future when we will be so grateful that we have it.

Dog Psychologist among many talents

2009-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Our two "Dog Days" Theme Portraits are done, the fur has settled, the doggie treats are out of my pockets, but for the crumbs, and all is quiet now on the Studio Set.

What fun, what fun!

I experienced a "first" yesterday. While I am familiar with doggie anxiety, reluctance, some peevishness, and downright stubbornness, this was the first time I witnessed and had to work around a dog that was in utter panic every time the lights flashed! I give great credit to his owners, who knew that he was a scaredy cat over just about everything, and took it in stride. If they had become anxious too, then we'd have had to admit defeat. BUT, we persevered, gave LOTS of positive reinforcement praise, played some dog psychology games, and here's the ONE great shot we needed!

Photography is knowing the technology, having all elements as perfect as can be and in place before the subjects get on the set, and then, lots and lots of psychology.... even for our four footed friends! Bravo Harry! You survived, and you look great! Oh, and your mom and dad look good too! Hope you enjoyed that Dunkin Donuts they were bribing you with.

When is "good enough", NOT good enough?

2009-11-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, a high end contractor was proudly showing me his work in pictures he'd done himself with his "good camera". Here he is, a professional insisting on the best of everything for his clients, top of the line work and finish products such as cabinets, crown mouldings, appliances, faucets, you name it. Then, he decides to save money on the marketing of his services to attract new clients. He knows it's not professional, but says it's "good enough". There is DEFINITELY something wrong with this picture! I didn't confront him and make him feel bad about his pictures, but it made me realize that I needed to have something that would show what he, and others like him, are missing. I went to an office location where I used my "really good point and shoot zoom camera" - (TWELVE megapixels, wow!!!) readily available and frequently purchased by the average consumer, and let it do its thing on "auto", much as a non-professional would do. Then, I set up several professional architectural lighting units on stands, placing them in the best positions around the room to draw the eye around the image as I wanted it to go, metered the output of each light separately and made sure the existing lighting fixtures would register also, white balanced so the colors of the walls would be accurate, manually set the settings on my camera with interchangeable lenses, which allowed me to use the correct architectural lens, positioned myself correctly so the walls didn't tilt, and took the picture. Now, all these details might be boring to you and not necessarily something you wish to learn, but, does reading about this and seeing the difference in the photos illustrate why not using a professional photographer can actually COST someone money, lost sales by those using their own snapshots to try to get new clients? I don't try to draft architectural plans or build buildings, thinking they might save me lots of money and be good enough anyway, and it's much the same with deciding to hire a professional photographer. We do this for a living, and we KNOW how to make the client's marketing images look, not good enough, but GREAT.

Theme Photo Days... my surgery... your gain!

2009-11-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample from today's Autumn Gold Portrait Day, created in the Studio! Beautiful sets, color harmony and great lighting all make for amazing portraits!

One of my clients here today had visited before with one of her teens for a 'Smile Board Session', where they come to us for a portrait when the braces come off, and always thought she'd like to bring her other child for a great portrait too. Seeing our special Photo Days announced, she took advantage of the opportunity to have the level of work she expects from this Studio, without the custom session price that she would otherwise be facing.

That, to me, is a success story. Naturally, we have to charge more for the custom sessions where there is variation in the poses, the client is in the Studio for a much longer period of time, and included post-session artwork, even up to swapping expressions, is the norm. BUT, here's a way to save money (!), when one great portrait pose is the goal, and the elements of the set assembled for the day all fall into place simply, and affordably.

I've got surgery coming up in early December.... and don't worry I'm fine... but it means I have to look ahead to the recovery period and what kind of activity I'll be allowed for mid-January and even through February. This is good news for all my clients and prospective clients, as I would like to schedule many fun Photo Days where I can work without causing any post-op injury. I want to keep busy (or go CRAZY!!!), and this kind of session will be safe, lots less physical work than many of the other specialty areas of my photography business, for example, when I go on location and lug 50# plus cases of lighting and camera equipment.

So, watch this blog, your emails if I have your address, my FaceBook or LinkedIn, for more details on Theme Portrait Days, and jump on board! Save some money, get the work you expect from me and keep me from going stir crazy through the winter months where the doctor will be expecting me to "take it easy"!! You can go right to my website, http://www.bstpierrestudio.com/, and to "Special Photo Days" to see "Theme Portraits" as they go up on the schedule. There's a couple already on there still available for this month yet! You can see the details of each Theme Day & make your appointment for the day and time that suits you, right there on the website. Pay attention to the suggested "Theme" because by its nature, it will tell you much about what kind of set to expect for that day, and then we will discuss how to personalize it for you. For example, an upcoming date is named "Holidays", and yes, that session can include elements appropriate for each client's religious preference, or no holiday theme at all. All it takes is communication and planning with me prior to the session, and we use the set appropriately for each client that day.

Look again at this sample portrait from today's Theme Portrait. Wow, huh? Could you see yourself or someone you love in this setting? Just imagine the other great settings I'll be creating! There should be something for everyone by the time I'm done. Don't miss out!

Is it the Coffee? And, why is my Internet so SLOW?

2009-11-12T20:29:00.001-08:00

Are you the energetic sort, or a slow and steady pace setter? From my question, and of course, if you know me, you know that I am putting myself in the first category.

I've had people tell me I should cut down on the caffeine, because I was making THEIR head spin. Here's a secret... I drink de-caffeinated. I love the taste and warmth of a cup of coffee. I don't need the buzz. I'm just naturally a full speed ahead type. Always have been, and probably will be right to the last day. There are only three times that I am completely still... engrossed in a good book, a good movie, or, I'm soundly asleep... which is not a problem after operating on "fast" most of the day.

This, unfortunately, does not make me a naturally good listener or a patient person, and I have had to learn to be better at both. Also, while I love being busy and challenged at all times, I realize that not everyone enjoys the same pace. That cup of coffee actually serves to slow me down! It forces me to take a sip, a slow sip, because it is HOT. And there's a comfort, a sharing kind of feeling about having a cup of coffee. We "chat" over coffee, I stroll around in my yard with a cup of coffee, especially in Spring and Summer when I check out the pond fish and frogs, and the growing/budding plants that become my outdoor photography sets. So, cut down on the coffee? I think not! But I do have one very pressing question... why is my Internet so SLOW? Maybe IT needs a good cup of coffee!

Speaking of coffee, I have some very tasty (high test though!) single pot coffee packets from www.kingdavidcoffee.com, to give away. Mention this blog, and the next time we meet, I will hand you one of the yummiest locally ground coffees available. If you have a business, you should look into working with Sam at King David to put together some packets of your own, with your own label, to give to clients!

Veteran's Day, thank you from a grateful nation.

2009-11-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

It's Veterans' Day. Whether you agree with politics and decisions that send Americans to other lands or not, we must admire the inner strength and resolve with which they go. We must remember them every day, not just today, as they stand for all that is good about America, protecting us and others in the world that cannot protect themselves. We must say a prayer for their families, that their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, return home safely, and for those that we cry for when we learn that this is not to be. All those names inscribed in Memorials throughout the country, all the losses that families have felt for generations, all the families that are currently at home holding their breath that all will be well for their soldier, we are a thankful nation. Thank you to your parent, sibling, spouse or child, and thank you to you, their family, as well. I can only speak for myself, but I do truly believe that no matter what each person's politics and beliefs, in this wish to express gratitude, American Citizens are united.

Turning back time by one month.

2009-11-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I love my job! I've found a way to foil Mother Nature! What more power trip is there than THAT?!? One of my clients putting together a TV Commercial Ad needs images of their locations in addition to some of their clients, and a residence... and guess what... it's NOVEMBER! For you New Englanders, you don't need me to say anymore, but as a November birthday girl all too familiar with the trees newly stripped bare, browning and wilted perennials, the dying grass; I can tell those of you not from here that this is NOT the time to be photographing your office buildings. Without a doubt, this month and March are the two N.E. months full of ugly. It's that pause between seasons that lacks any charm, and usually adds its own dose of discomfort with rain and gusty wind. Well, today at least was a beautiful still day with very nice temperatures... so I photographed the building and re-introduced the landscape that should have been around it with my trusty retouching pen, stroke by stroke using a fall foliage image I shot earlier this year.... and look! Last month's landscape in today's architectural image. My clients, both commercial and portrait, all enjoy the benefit of the tricks and skills I've acquired over many years... never overdone, always believeable, and never in place of bad photography, but always to improve what can't be changed. So, it's November in reality, but, for this client, I've conjured October for their marketing needs. What a rush! I'd better watch out, because pride goes before a fall, and I'm feeling pretty darned proud!

Age is just a number.

2009-11-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

This morning, as I was "raking" the fall leaves off of my inside studio set, I was thinking about my Birthday, celebrated yesterday. I have to be honest and say I fit the "middle-aged" category... chronologically that is! My Dad used to say "Age is just a number", and his mother, my Grandmother, always said that she felt like 16 years old on the inside. Maybe their great attitudes are why I really like birthdays and will celebrate each and every one I get. Well, I don't feel 16 like Gram did, but I don't feel my age either! I am so lucky, having health, and a job that gives me an excuse to play "make believe"... something that most have to leave behind when they become "the grown-up". I love to create these sets where children can come and be themselves while I pay attention to the technical stuff that makes their childplay into great portraits! So, while many of the people I know that are my age are being responsible and going to their adult jobs, I am playing in the leaves!

Have fun everyday! A lesson from my dog

2009-11-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

How many of you have pets? Here's a snapshot of my dog Black Jack, a 6 year old German Shepherd, yes, he is a German Shepherd even with that handsome all black coat. This is the dog of dogs. He has turned non-dog lovers into someone thinking about getting one for themselves(!). He's a bit of a doggie hero actually... he helped me to capture a little Sheltie that had escaped its owner and lived wild in and around our woods for about 3 weeks. It was through Black Jack's attitude towards life that this little Sheltie avoiding all human contact was lured in and brought back safely to its owner. And what is that attitude? PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. What ELSE is life for???!!??

So, as I get lost in the demands of everyday life, running a household and my own photography business, helping a sister that is battling cancer, being a volunteer big sister with Big Bros./Sis, and host mom to foreign exchange high school students...and... well, you know, I'm sure you have it too... stuff to do all the time... Black Jack makes a demand too... to play.

This sometimes not so timely or welcome reminder from my dog while I'm in the middle of something, as I usually am, puts things into perspective for me. He's my buddy, such a good boy, and all he wants from me is to take time to throw the frisbee, or go for a walk or ride, maybe even just to sit outside with the sun warm on us... it's the little things that make him ecstatic, while I am constantly in the middle of reaching for the next great thing to come. Hmmm, maybe I am already AT the next great thing, like, right now. A close and loving family, many great friends and activities to keep life interesting, a comfortable home that my husband and I built with our own hands, nature surrounding us, "working" at something I love every day, with great clients. And it takes my DOG to remind me of all this, really look at it and realize I was forgetting to enjoy it and have fun every day.

Do you have that member of your family that loves you with no demand but for food,water and your attention? Is it a dog, cat... bunny... ferret...or ? Does he or she look into your eyes with that evertrusting "you are everything to me" look, and make you slow down for a moment and live in the moment? I'd love to hear about your pet and how they make you see things differently.

Bonnie

(Pet Portraits Days: Nov. 20 & 21, 2009, http://www.bstpierrestudio.com/, "Theme Portraits")

Portraits of siblings

2009-11-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the B. St.Pierre Studio blog! I hope to share some interesting work, commercial and portrait, created for my clients, and personal projects from time to time as well. I am interested in hearing reader's thoughts too!
Today's featured session is part of a series I'm working on with twins and other multiples. I love the challenge of drawing out each subject to show a glimpse of their individual personalities, which I think has happened with this shot! Is anyone reading this a twin, triplet or more? What would be important to you if you were being photographed in my Studio... what would you look for in your own portrait? Or are you the parent and not the child... what would YOU want to see in the portrait?