I had a fun project earlier this year. Robbie Pfeufer Kahn has written a book about life with her beautiful dog Laska. Laska lead Robbie to many new insights and she describes their loving and learning relationship very movingly in her book.
"Milk Teeth; A Memoir of a Woman and Her Dog" has just been published.
Said one critic, "If one were interested in finding a gold mine of information about the psychological aspects of the human-dog bond, this would be the place to turn..."
Robbie and Laska came to the studio for a portrait to use on the book cover and we took a lot of wonderful photographs.
You can buy "Milk Teeth" at Amazon.com and learn more about Robbie at the "Milkteeth" web site.
Photographer Gillian Randall talks about her assignments & travels with lots of fun photos.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
HOLIDAY HAPPINESS
Could you wish for a cuter Christmas angel?
Ellen's family came to the studio for holiday portraits during my Toys for Kids promotion in December. The concept is simple - the family brings a new, unwrapped toy for the holiday collection drive and they get a free portrait session. Every one wins!
I want to thank all my regular and new clients who participated this year - together we collected a pretty big pile of goodies for neighboring families. I enjoyed seeing you all and the chance to help out in our community.
So to all my friends, young and old, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKAH, PEACEFUL KWANZAA AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Don't forget to check out my Double Your Money holiday special at www.gillianrandall.com /Galleries/Portraits/Specials. This special, good for any portraits taken in 2009, expires on Dec. 31, so take a look!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Picking Apples
THIS was a gorgeous day! I photograph Finn and Rory fairly regularly and their mom had a great idea for our 2008 session. We went apple picking at Shelburne Orchards just before sunset. Nick Cowles and the staff were great and let us AND new puppy Rowdy wander around looking for the best apples.
Finn and Rory are active, happy kids and we all had a blast. They took home every apple they didn't eat and will have wonderful memories of playing in the orchard. I can remember visiting an apple orchard for the first time soon after my family moved to Vermont and I wish we had taken pictures!
Finn and Rory are active, happy kids and we all had a blast. They took home every apple they didn't eat and will have wonderful memories of playing in the orchard. I can remember visiting an apple orchard for the first time soon after my family moved to Vermont and I wish we had taken pictures!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Patrick SBHS 2009
Patrick is an outdoors kind of guy who enjoys sports and he chose to be photographed near the lake. We had great weather, even though it's late in the season for environmental portraits.
He is intelligent and articulate, thinking of studying government next year.
If you know Patrick, let me know when you make an appointment for you senior portraits and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and he'll get 8. Call now - your yearbook photo deadline is looming!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Bryn CVU 2009
Wow! We scored another gorgeous day in October, sunny and breezy and even warm. I can't believe it, but Bryn was two years old the first time I photographed her!
I did her two sisters' senior portraits a couple of years ago so it was a pleasure to see her, too. Bryn was so relaxed and confident - she has the most beautiful blue eyes. Check out her video clip below.
If you know Bryn, let me know you saw her photographs on my blog and you'll get 16 FREE wallets when you make your appointment for senior portraits and Bryn will get 8. Call now for outdoor sessions because this weather can't last much longer!
I did her two sisters' senior portraits a couple of years ago so it was a pleasure to see her, too. Bryn was so relaxed and confident - she has the most beautiful blue eyes. Check out her video clip below.
If you know Bryn, let me know you saw her photographs on my blog and you'll get 16 FREE wallets when you make your appointment for senior portraits and Bryn will get 8. Call now for outdoor sessions because this weather can't last much longer!
Megan & Anthony
I photographed Megan and Anthony recently at Groton while they were on vacation. They wanted a new portrait because Megan is attending graduate school in Philadelphia and they'll be separated for the first time. Anthony teaches an introductory class in CNC machining in Hanover, NH while Megan is studying classical philosphy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Matika CVU 2009
I have photographed Tika and her brother Kyler for many years and they have grown to be amazing, confident people. Kyler graduated from CVU in 2007 and now it's Tika's turn.
Tika is graceful and easygoing, thinking about studying psychology in college. Check out her video clip below.
If you know Tika, let me know when you make your senior portrait appointment ~ you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! Call now - fall foliage is peaking!
Another beautiful day...
...at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes. Vermont's premier family resort is so scenic it's hard to find a boring background! I recently photographed the Mackey-Krakoff clan during their vacation and here's a portrait of their adorable grandchildren.
Basin Harbor is one of my favorite summer locations. Their focus on relaxed family fun, structured children's activities, charming cottages and haute cuisine adds up to a wonderful way to spend time together.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pam & Chris
Pam and Chris were married at the fabulous Moose Meadow Lodge in Duxbury on September 27. The fall colors were gorgeous and the families came from Massachusetts and Manitoba, Canada to celebrate.
Innkeepers Greg Trulson and Willie Docto provide deluxe accomodations, great food and warm hospitality. Greg, also a Justice of the Peace, performed the simple ceremony at the lovely pond on the property.
Congratulations, Pam and Chris!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Karen SBHS 2009
Karen and I had a relaxed photo session despite the cool fall weather. She's very down-to-earth and didn't mind sitting on the cold, wet ground. You can see from her images that she's becoming a real Vermonter after moving here recently.
If you know Karen, let me know when you make your senior portrait appointment and she'll get 8 FREE wallets and you'll get 16.
We're close to peak foliage right now - soon the leaves will be down and we'll be shivering, so call now for an outdoor session.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Vermont Country Store
I have been an online customer of The Vermont Country Store for a while, but had never visited the original store on Main Street in Weston.
I went there recently to photograph Head of Retail Bill Ackerman for the Better Business Bureau. They plan to use one of the images on their web site home page.
WOW! That store is incredible! They really do have EVERYTHING, and even more! The store is packed to the rafters with household items, hard to find items, stuff your grandparents used, clothing, cheese, old-fashioned candy, amazing books, toys galore...if you can think of it, I'll bet you can find it there.
The whole staff was friendly and helpful and Mr. Ackerman himself is as relaxed and down-to-earth as you could want.
I am definitely going to make another trip to Weston to do my holiday shopping. Go ahead, take a drive - it is so worth the time.
Bill Cleary's New Book
I recently had an interesting assignment to photograph William Cleary of Burlington, Vermont for the cover of his forthcoming book. Bill is a writer, thinker and musician whose life journey makes very interesting reading and conversation. He was most comfortable at the piano during our session, playing and chatting amiably.
William Cleary’s latest book is Prayers To an Evolutionary God (SkyLight Paths, 2006). Still at work in his 80’s, William Cleary is now finishing his first novel, coming next year, The Jesuit’s Escape. In 1964 Facing God was his very first effort (Doubleday Image) written in Korea where he was a Jesuit college professor. Other books followed, among them Prayers To She Who Is, How the Wild Things Pray,and Praying Your Story -- as well as a full-length musical of the Confucian classic fable, Chun Hyang Song, later revived for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Five albums of church music followed with occasional articles for religious publications like Commonweal, National Catholic Reporter and America.
Bill is married to Roddy O’Neil Cleary, a Unitarian minister, and is the father of two musician sons, Tom and Neil. He lives in Vermont.
Of his latest book, theologian Elizabeth Johnson said: "These prayers invite us to pay attention to the largest thing imaginable: the creativity at the heart of our cosmos."
Monday, September 22, 2008
Courtney CHS 2009
Courtney saw her friend Catherine's senior video clip and made an appointment for her portraits on the beach. We had great weather and fantastic light. Courtney's easy, relaxed manner made photographing her a breeze.
If you know Courtney, let me know when you book your senior portrait appointment and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and Courtney will get 8!
Call now while the beautiful fall light is still with us.
If you know Courtney, let me know when you book your senior portrait appointment and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and Courtney will get 8!
Call now while the beautiful fall light is still with us.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Jon CHS 2009
I have known Jon's family for many years and it is so cool to see him ready to graduate from high school. He's calm and thoughtful with a style all his own and this amazing smile!
Fall is coming fast, so if you'd like an outdoor senior portrait, NOW is the time to call! If you know Jon, let me know when you make your appointment and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and he'll get 8.
Fall is coming fast, so if you'd like an outdoor senior portrait, NOW is the time to call! If you know Jon, let me know when you make your appointment and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and he'll get 8.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Joseph VUHS 2009
Joseph is the first senior from Vergennes I have photographed this summer. His session was awesome. He looks great serious, relaxed, laughing, whatever!
If you know Joseph, tell me you saw his video clip when you make your senior appointment and you'll get 16 free wallets and he'll get 8! Fall is coming fast, so for outdoor portraits, CALL NOW!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Jody ~ Burr & Burton '09
Jody lives in Shaftsbury and attends Burr & Burton Academy in Manchester. I have photographed him and his family over the years at their camp in Charlotte, so, now that Jody is a senior it seemed like the natural place for his portrait. Jody plans to study fisheries biology in college and, yes, he's an accomplished fisherman. Jody's sisters Sarah Jane and Charlotte were also at camp so we photographed all three of them on the beach.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Kayla CHS'09
I've known Kayla since she was little, so photographing her senior portrait was a real treat. I took her mom and dad's wedding photographs! Kayla is quiet and kind, with a deep spirit that comes through in her images.
Check out her video clip below.
School starts on August 25 - YIKES! If you want to take advantage of the beautiful end-of-summer light, make your senior portrait appointment NOW! If you know Kayla, let me know when you call and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Layne SBHS'09
Wow! A day without rain! I had a great time photo-
graphing Layne and wanted to feature her beautiful green eyes. Check out her video clip below.
We had a very fun and relaxed photo session and Layne kept her cool even when the mosquitoes came out in force! Late summer in Vermont, I guess.
If you want to take advantage of the beautiful end-of-summer light, make your senior portrait appointment NOW! If you know Layne, let me know when you call and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
graphing Layne and wanted to feature her beautiful green eyes. Check out her video clip below.
We had a very fun and relaxed photo session and Layne kept her cool even when the mosquitoes came out in force! Late summer in Vermont, I guess.
If you want to take advantage of the beautiful end-of-summer light, make your senior portrait appointment NOW! If you know Layne, let me know when you call and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Catherine SBHS '09
Well, we're still dodging the rain, but Catherine looks fabulous! We met near the lake on a showery, windy day and wandered around looking for good light and dry places to sit. Catherine is a real free spirit and her relaxed session shows that so well.
If you want to take advantage of the beautiful end-of-summer light, make your senior portrait appointment NOW! If you know Catherine, let me know when you call and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
If you want to take advantage of the beautiful end-of-summer light, make your senior portrait appointment NOW! If you know Catherine, let me know when you call and you'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8! You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Samantha SBHS '09
I photographed Sam on one of those rainy days we've had recently. We dodged most of the drizzle, but did get rained on during part of our outdoor session. Can you tell which were shot in the rain? Anyway, Sam is a great model and kept her cool in rain, hot sun - even mosquitoes!
This is the time for outdoor senior portraits - so make your appointment now and let me know you saw Sam's video. You'll get 16 FREE wallets and she'll get 8!
You can see more senior portraits at gillianrandall.com.
Seven Really Great Smiles
I had a fun project recently. The assignment was to photograph Dr. Lauren Shanard and the staff at Contemporary Dental Arts, P.C. We had a great time - every one looked like a model! The office is being redecorated in beautiful earth tones so we designed a contemporary portrait to fit the new decor and the welcoming aura of the practice. And look at those gorgeous smiles!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Laura SBHS '09
Here's a selection of Laura's senior portraits. She's a lovely and elegant subject and we had great light for our outdoor session.
If you know Laura and mention seeing her video, you'll get 16 FREE wallets when you make an appointment for your senior session ~ and she'll get 8. To see more high school senior portraits go to gillianrandall.com and visit 'Seniors' in the Portrait Gallery.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Philip BHS '09*
Yes, high school senior portrait time is here. Philip was born in Vermont and attended South Burlington schools until moving to Florida. He'll graduate in 2009 from *Bayside High School, but wanted his senior portrait taken on a recent visit to Vermont.
His photograph will certainly stand out in the yearbook! Here is a sample of some of Philip's images. When you call to make your appointment make sure you tell me that you saw Philip's slide show ~ he will get 8 free wallets and you'll get 16 wallets for making an appointment!
To see more high school senior portraits go to gillianrandall.com and visit 'Seniors' in the Portrait Gallery.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Steve & Sue Connolly
Congratulations to Steve and Sue Connolly who were married in Marblehead, Massachusetts on June 12, 1948! They celebrated their 60th Anniversary with family at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, Vermont. Here are some photographs taken at the club.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A Love Story
I see many beautiful children and loving families in my work - it’s one of the great rewards of being a portrait photographer. In 2004 I met a very special pair, Ellen and her daughter Marisa. They had just returned from Guatemala where Marisa was born and Ellen had traveled to pick up her new adopted daughter. Everything was new for both of them, but the bond of love and care had already entwined their hearts and was so evident in the portrait we took only two weeks after Marisa’s homecoming.
I have photographed Ellen and Marisa regularly and they have always had that special spark of joy in their togetherness. Marisa is now a happy, curious and loving five year old and I look forward to seeing her grow over the years.
Ellen’s story
"I always knew I wanted to be a mother, and from a very young age believed adoption would be part of how I made my family. As a single woman in my late thirties, tired of waiting for a great husband and father to come along, I finally set out to become a mother on my own. After quietly doing research, I set up an informational meeting at The Lund Family Center where Adoption Director Wanda Audette reassured me that I was not crazy and that I could, in fact, do this on my own. During that meeting she explained my options, helped me decide on the birth country of my child and told me what to expect. Over the next 15 months Wanda guided me through piles of paperwork, made phone calls on my behalf and kept me strong and sane. When my daughter and I finally arrived together in Burlington, everyone could see that we were always meant to be a family. Finding my daughter and building a life together has been the single most transformative thing in my life. No matter what I do to help spread the word about the Lund Family Center, it will never be enough to thank them for what they have done for me."
The Women Adopting Project Family is holding a fundraiser and auction to help others begin their new families - information is listed below. I’ll be there and I hope you’ll join us. A donation of only $15 is your key to a wonderful evening at Shelburne Vineyard’s new winery:
June 11th, 5:30-7:30 PM
Women Adopting Project Family
Shelburne Vineyard
Join us at Shelburne Vineyard for a wine tasting, reception and lively auction event. All proceeds will benefit Project Family, a joint program of the Lund Family Center and the Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF) dedicated to finding forever families for Vermont children in need, and helping parents and children access the support and services they need after adoption. Contact Leslie Dunn at 802-864-7467.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Congratulations, Janet & Mike!
I photographed a very special wedding on Saturday, May 17. I have known Janet Thomason for nearly 18 years and photographed her family and children many times.
She's a warm and fun loving woman, full of life. Janet says a holiday card I did for her lead directly to her marriage to Mike who did not know she was single again until he received the card!
They had a beautiful wedding at the First Congregational Church with a reception following at the Burlington Country Club.
The day was just gorgeous and the out of town guests could not get enough of the Vermont spring colors.
Mike and his daughter Grace joined Janet, Will, Angela and Thomas in a new family on Saturday. We wish them joy and a long, happy life together.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Celebrating Roddy Cleary
Roddy O'Neil Cleary has so eloquently graced the pulpit of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont as Affiliate Minister since her appointment in September 1997. This venture marks her "third religious vocation." A former Roman Catholic nun, Roddy has also directed the Cooperative Campus Ministry and taught in the Women's Studies program at the University of Vermont. She and her husband Bill have two sons, Neil and Tom.
Roddy is retiring this summer and a celebration of her life and ministry will be held at the First UU Society at the head of Church Street in Burlington at noon on Sunday, June 8.
I have known and worked with Roddy for many years and she has always been a loving and compassionate person, with the right words for occasions of celebration as well as comfort in sadder times. Roddy's warm smile, true interest in others and ready humor will be missed by her UU friends as she embarks on her next adventure. Check here for a list of her recent sermons.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pets Are People, Too!
Stella and Pearl are the beloved pets of Tracy, owner of Paragon Design salon, 3240 Shelburne Road in Shelburne, VT (985-9119). I have haircuts and pedicures at this full service salon and these cuties are always there to greet the guests. They're beautiful AND well behaved! Their portrait is on display at Paragon right now.
And, speaking of pets, my Goldendoodle Arlo is another show stopper! Yes, he's a two year old Doodle - his father is a Golden Retriever and his mother a black Standard Poodle. He has wavy black hair and doesn't shed. He is loving and playful and generally thinks he's everybody's best friend.
Our pets help round out our lives and return our love for them many times over.
And, speaking of pets, my Goldendoodle Arlo is another show stopper! Yes, he's a two year old Doodle - his father is a Golden Retriever and his mother a black Standard Poodle. He has wavy black hair and doesn't shed. He is loving and playful and generally thinks he's everybody's best friend.
Our pets help round out our lives and return our love for them many times over.
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