Food Photography - Elliot's at the Blackburn

Food seems to be the most misunderstood subject I have encountered in my professional career.   I know it can be hard to imagine, but there is no way to simply show up and snap an image of food and expect it to be passible–let alone a masterpiece.  So many elements must come together in order to have a successful photo shoot. A single recipe can take an entire day to have done right.  

Working with a competent chef, art director and food stylist really helps pull these various elements together.  Time is a factor, so working in sync with each member of a team is crucial.  In no other aspect of photography will you find such a demanding blend of art and science, mimicking the world of culinary arts.

Some sample shots viewed here.

Puppy Party

I enjoy shooting pets.  In fact, i'd say i've learned more from shooting my cat than all other photos combined.  I am aware of how weird that sounds.  

Animals are constantly moving, require precise focus and composition–most importantly, they rarely want their picture taken.  As an event and editorial photographer, overcoming these issues is part of my entire photographic challenge–and what helps give me an advantage when photographing people.

So when a good friend of mine got his new puppy, a Rat Terrier named Stetson Marshall, I had to seize the opportunity.  

This was not an official photo shoot.  I shot in their living room, while eating dinner and conversing.  That makes things fun, spontaneous–real.

You can view the images here.  

Events - Apple Picking 2008

This annual event is a favorite for all of my friends. We go to the Nashoba Valley winery/apple farm, pick apples and enjoy the perfect "Fall in New England" atmosphere. This year, the winery was actually out of apples–of course that didn't stop anyone from showing up to enjoy the winery.

View some images from the day here.

Fashion / People / Post Production

1) I love to work with people. 

2) I love technically exquisite photographs.  

While editorial and candid photography is a blast, its very difficult to achieve truly perfect images in those situations.  I think having a strong grasp on studio techniques as well as knowledge of the recent advancements in lightweight, high quality flash systems can actually lead to better location/candid work.

I have done some print/catalog/stock images and am constantly looking for chances to work with new people and try the nearly unlimited supply of lights and modifiers to create edgy, unique and usable images.

I am always striving to improve my photoshop techniques to create images appear perfect, but not because of post-work.

Check some of these out.

Fire Disaster

Last winter their was a devastating fire about a block from my home.  The fire engulfed n apartment building at Middle and Church street as well as a Temple and a portion of the Sawyer Library.  Firemen informed me that had it not been for the heavy snow and freezing temperatures, my building and the rest of downtown Gloucester could have been in flames.

Some friends of mine were watching the disaster unfold on TV and noticed that a red Saab 93 was right next to the engulfed building.  I was too busy taking photographs to realize that my car was being melted by the blaze.  

Some may find my photographing such situations rude, namely the Gloucester Police.  But each opportunity I have to tell a story, find meaning, or something beautiful within a tragedy helps define my photographic instincts.  

View some of the images here.

View a video of the view from my kitchen.  Taken by a friend of mine.

Theatrical Productions

Being a low-light photography specialist, I have offered my services to theatrical productions.  As a former actor myself, I know it is great for these students to have really top quality photography to document all of their hard work.  

Caucasian Chalk Circle

Full Gallery

A Few Samples/Selections

Love's Labour Lost

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Commercial Work - Mandarin Oriental, Boston

As 90% of my paid photographic work is architectural or commercial, it makes sense to have a bit about what I do in here.

Recently I had the opportunity to shoot the wonderful new Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Boston. After much planning, we decided the roof of the soon to open hotel was the best location, with the Boston skyline as a backdrop. We also made it down to Copley Square for a Farmer's Market. One of the stands at the market Sienna Farms, is actually a supplier of some of the fresh local fruits and vegetables the Chef will be using. Construction equipment was everywhere but we managed to pull off some fantastic shots of the Chef interacting with the farm owners and their produce. So while the weather did not cooperate, Chef Nicholas Boutin brought such fantastic personality and life to the images that the shoot overall was a great success. I very much look forward to dining at their signature restaurant, Asana as it opens later this month.

I also had a chance to photograph the exquisite Back Bay View and Corner Rooms at the hotel.

Check out my gallery here