Michael Blanchard Photography

Michael Blanchard Photography http://www.michaelblanchard.com/ Michael Blanchard Photography en-us The Michael Blanchard NYC Collection http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=157 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=157 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:11:00 GMT
Shortly after 9/11, I started my collection.

I have all kinds of artifacts from NYC, and in particular, the World Trade Center (brochures, books, news articles, original menus from Windows on the World, receipts from stores in the underground mall, observatory deck tickets... etc) I don't know what got me started, but once I did, I wanted more. ...I was never the type to collect stamps! However, once I filled my storage closet... I needed a new avenue for my NYC obsession. Now, I'm going after old negatives ... slides of NYC.

When someone finds or inherits a batch of old photos and their negatives (and they don't immediately throw them out), they will often try to sell them. In keeping close watch I've been able to find and acquire many amazing NYC images, taken over the past 60 years. Because I am buying the original slide or negative of the image, the rights now belong to me. I'm not sure where this project is taking me... but until I figure that out I'm going to keep finding and restoring these priceless pieces of history.

I happened to be in New York less than a month prior to 9/11. The few photos I took of the Twin Towers while I was there, are some of my most cherished. That horrible day made me realize (as a photographer) just how important it is to document the things around you while they are still there. It also made me want to start this collection, since I can't go back in time and take these photos myself.

If you happen to have any old slides... in the basement, take a look! You never know what you've got lying around. Let me know if anyone has something they think would be of interest to me. I'm always looking to add!

Here is one of my favorite pieces.

Taken in 1947 from the Manhattan Bridge, looking Downtown, this image came off of a 3x5 glass plate. I scanned and restored it to its original beauty. This is what I have framed and hanging over my bed, 20"x30".

]]> Meet Michael Blanchard http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=124 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=124 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:29:00 GMT
In 1998, my father handed me two disposable cameras. As simple as that was, it changed my life. My assignment? Take pictures of our 1925 family home as it stood before a major renovation. I learned here how to document the world in front of me.

In 2004 I got my first taste of the bright lights (although behind them). I was in high school at the time, and very eager to graduate with more than just a manila folder of essays and tests. It was an election year, and the Democratic National Convention was coming to Boston. Determined to get myself inside, I somehow did just that. All four nights I made my way down to the floor, kneeling with photographers and reporters from across the country. 15 feet from President Clinton I knelt - and took pictures.

I get such a kick out of my job. I love the fact that I am able to go places and meet people at occasions I would otherwise normally have no business at. This is why I fell in love with photojournalism. Every day, something new.

Whether I'm shooting an event or national news story, my approach remains the same. I always try to tell a complete story of the day through a series of images taken through my point of view. This is something I can't escape. The word vacation is a joke to me. My job never escapes, I am always taking pictures. I guess the only time I'm truly on "vacation", is at the beach. After all, who wants their picture taken at the beach?

View Michael Blanchard's profile

**Thanks to my friend Garrett Hamilton for that photo... I think it's funny!

There is no way I would be writing any of this without the people most important to me. Yeah I've done my part, but so many others have supported and helped me along the way, and they are really why I'm here today. A few words to them...

Mom ... Dad - I'm definately not adopted. I am constantly catching myself acting or saying something that resembles you both in one way or another. It's funny. Thanks for always looking out for me...

Carol - I also copied much of your personality... (which one, I'm not sure). I love when we travel, go to Abe ... Louies, and watch 24 Hours of a Christmas Story together. Please never stop coming to me for advice! <3

Joey - Remember when you took me into Boston to take photos at night? They came out like shit, but I had fun. You've always had my best interests at heart. However, my biggest thanks to you is for coming home with JJ ... AA! (and MD). Always a blast...

Casey P. - My business would not exist without you. You are the one who introduced me to all of this. You loaned me your lenses, your talent, and your resillance. Your a great friend and an even better cook. I can't wait to travel together...

My friends - You know who you are. Even if you do, thanks for not thinking I'm a total weird-o. It's nice to have people I can count on to meet me for breakfast, go to Newport, or NY with, or just hang out together in the great room. Some of us go back to elementary... where the real memories lie. It's all been a blast - thank you.

Mary - I'll never forget biking over to Nevada St. and taking a photo of your house without a second floor, and sending it to you at work. I think you freaked out, right?

The Blanchard Family - I think I know where I got my creative side... I am so proud to come from a large family of such talent. Vegas was AMAZING! I truly can't wait to go back...

Bobbi - Thank you for letting me tag along while you ... Mike do what you do. Your ALWAYS there to guide me and cheer me up when I need it. You guys are insanely talented and I'll never forget the day I discovered BBMK. "Thank you for bein a friend..."

Becker, Jess, Jasmine*... You guys set the bar for me. I model my success after yours. You are each amazing in your willingness to share and teach others. Becker, thank you especially for taking the time to help me one on one.

H.F.S. - You've believed in me from day one. You gave me direction, and you made me feel important. Seeing kids go far is what makes you happy, and that is what makes you so great. Thanks Helen.

Mr. Morris - While I wasn't always a fan of the darkroom... you taught me how to see differently. You always encouraged me to try new things (something I am doing now more than ever). Spending four years in photo gave me exactly what I needed to go off and do my own thing... please stay in touch!

B. Spiegel - You should actually be thanking me now that I think about it... But when you ran my photo of Shannon on the front page in 2001, I thought that was the coolest thing EVER. Thanks Brad...

Laura ... Sam - You gave me a chance with nothing to go on! I feel so fortunate to have you as friends. Laura, we've been through more than I ever asked for ;) The way you carry yourself no matter what, says so much about you. I really admire you.

Lisa Hills - You really have a special place with me... You've treated me greater than anyone could ever hope for. I think of you in tough situations and I know that everything will be okay. You and your family are really something else.

]]> Celtics Wives shop at Saks Fifth Avenue for Unicef http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=330 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=330 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:47:00 GMT The Celtics family attended a shopping event at Saks Fifth Avenue last week in support of Unicef's Haiti relief efforts.

Shannon Allen, Brandi Garnett ... Corinne Grousbeck.

Lucky the Leprechaun stopped by to do a couple backflips.

Lucky and Angela Fracier.

"Big Baby" Davis and girlfriend Jenna Gomez.

Brandi found the perfect pair.

For more photos click on the green button below!

]]> Jazz Festival Opening Reception - Charles Hotel http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=329 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=329 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:44:00 GMT A private opening for the Jazz Festival was held at the Charles Hotel's Regattabar last week, associated with Boston Magazine.

The soon-to-be Mr. ... Mrs. Hill.

Monica Lordelo, Emily Socha, Jessica Harrop, Michelle Miller ... Heather MacFarlane.

Alex Attia, David Lipson ... Randy Hano.

Green couches provided by Circle Furniture.

Heidi Erdmann-Sullivan, Valerie Hill ... Lisel Couture.

Elizabeth Stefan, Sonia Miranda ... Ariana Ducas.

Visit the Jazz Fest website for more information. Enjoy the music!

]]> red sox spring training, fort myers Florida http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=328 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=328 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:46:00 GMT After my visit to Disney World I was able to visit friends in Fort Myers for a few days. The weather was beautiful and we headed over to the training facility one afternoon to cause a little chaos. Our friends from Virginia and their two kids joined as well!

This is Brooklyn ... Weston ... awesome names huh!

Mikey... getting big!

Heidi Watney.

This shot cracks me up!

Robyn, Enza ... Heidi.

Why the face?

Weston lending a hand to the grounds crew!

Shiver Me Timbers!

Mikey found his Daddy...

I love this one, too!

Weston ... Brooklyn quickly became fond of Kevin...

Myself, Mikey ... Kev.

Enz ... I.

Back to the pool to cool off!

Sunset at night... beautiful in Fort Myers!

Thanks for the invite, ESY .... I'm coming back soon!

]]> Giovanni Guglielmo Goes to Disney World! http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=327 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=327 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:02:00 GMT Thanks to the Make a Wish Foundation, Giovanni Guglielmo recently spent an entire week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Giovanni was accompanied by his Mom, Dad, Nurse Linda and Brothers Adrian and Alex.

What's a trip to Disney without signatures??

Giovanni and I at Magic Kingdom.

Giovanni encourages you to respect, protect and conserve.

Giovanni playing with Adrian at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Inside the Winnie the Pooh ride...

It was one of their favorite rides!

Back on Main Street for the parade!

Overwhelmed!

Giovanni and his Dad.

Goofballs! Too funny.

Me ... my roller coaster buddy Alex.

Christina and Adrian.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios...

This picture totally cracks me up. Look at the wonder in his eyes!

Off to see Mickey!!

Note - Save Giovanni's Friends has recruited over 30,000 bone marrow donors to date including 29 life saving matches.

The kids got a private meet-and-greet with the characters.

Best buds!

Can you blame him? This is what Disney does to you!

Not shown above was the amazing 70 acre children's village - Give Kids the World - that Giovanni's family was allowed to stay at free of charge. Give Kids the World is a non-profit organization that provides families with children who have life threatening illnesses a place to stay while visiting Orlando. Tickets to the parks, daily meals and even rental cars are also completely taken care of. Give Kids the World was one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. Their website is www.GKTW.org

GIOVANNI - ON THE GO! (4/09) -- GIOVANNI'S 2ND BDAY! (7/08) -- GIOVANNI GOES TO NYC! (5/08)
GIOVANNI BACK IN THE HOSPITAL (3/08) -- AT HOME WITH GIOVANNI GUGLIELMO (2/08)

]]> Kelley's 40th Surprise Birthday Party! http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=326 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=326 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:49:00 GMT Earlier this month I photographed Kelley Doyle's surprise fortieth at a friends home in Lexington. She definitely had no idea!

Erin Duggan Lynch, Kerry Brett, Kelley Doyle, Danny Gallagher and Walter Whalen.

Walter Whalen and Elisha Daniels.

Kelly Duggan, Kelly Bucklen, Kelley Doyle and Kelley Tuthill... That's a lot of K's!!

Kelly and Marc Bucklen.

Lisa Lynch, Frank Wisneski and Lynn Dale - I love these guys!!

Kelley and Walter - you look great!

Danny Gallagher brought his guitar...

Elisha and Erin.

Kelley and her girls!

Hosts Michael and Trisha Perez Kennealy, Kelley Doyle and Walter Whalen.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures - Happy Birthday!

]]> Boston Wine Festival by Daniel Bruce - Opening Reception http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=325 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=325 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:13:00 GMT From now until April 2nd the Boston Harbor Hotel's Daniel Bruce is hosting the 21st year of the Boston Wine Festival.

Chef Daniel Bruce of Meritage.

Kelley ... Walter.

Leah Goldman ... Justin Manjourides.

My favorite girls - Carol Beggy ... Naomi Kooker.

Chef Bruce toasting with a guest.

Evan ... Michelle Peverley.

Karlyne Prou ... Jackie Halliday.

Cheese just goes so good with wine... yum!

Don Perault ... Michael Clare.

A great place to celebrate your 50th birthday with your girlfriends, and Chef Bruce!

Did you know Julia Child was a fan of Chef Bruce?

This reception was just the kickoff to a number of incredible dinners at Meritage. Each night contains a unique menu created by Chef Bruce to pair perfectly with a specific bottle of wine. Visit the Boston Wine Festival website for details! See you there!

For more photos from the opening reception on January 8th, click on the green button below!

]]> Abby's 39th ... and holding! http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=324 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=324 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:08:00 GMT This weekend I attended Abby's 39th birthday party at the Exchange Conference Center in South Boston.

Appropriately so, Abby had a penny candy store at her party! She is one for a sweet tooth...

Click HERE to see a larger photograph.

My teeth would start to hurt if I ate any more of this gum...

Abby ... I.

Abby's family owns Hopple Popple event planning out of Newton - this is the team, past and present!

Great seeing you, Deb!

The beautiful family.

The event space. Click HERE to see a larger photograph.

My girls from Hopple Popple!

Abby ... her favorite DJ.

Abby's favorite Journey tribute band from NY played.

I glanced over and saw one of the catering staff rocking out... I love this shot!

Such a great venue for a party!

Sorry, Abby, I had to!

By Icing on the Cake in Newton!!

Like kids in a candy store...

Beautiful!

Happy Birthday!! Thank you for including me!

]]> Melanie & Billy - Married on New Years Day! http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=323 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=323 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:33:00 GMT