http://www.michaelblanchard.com/ Michael Blanchard Photography en-us 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".

]]> 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.

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=359 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=359 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:05:00 GMT Last week The Breast Cancer Research Foundation held it's first annual Hudson Golf Classic at the picturesque Liberty National golf course in New Jersey overlooking the Manhattan skyline. The event raised a half million dollars for research.

Philanthropist Michael Fux offered his exotic car collection for display at the event.

Liberty National owner Paul Fireman ... BCRF President Myra Biblowit.

Rolls Royce sponsored the event and made a number of their beautiful cars available for test drive.

Alonzo Mourning, Jason Taylor, Michael Fux ... Dan Marino.

Hudson Jeans founder Peter Kim.

William Lauder ... his friends on the course.

Mike's Hard Lemonade sponsored with special pink ribbon bottles.

Sharon Sager taking a spin!

Liberty National is even more breathtaking in person!

Paul Fireman, Andy Spellman ... Steve Fireman.

Double Cross Vodka also sponsored.

Myself on the course, although I did not golf!

More autos from Michael's collection arrived throughout the day...

Jason Taylor.

Cynthia Lufkin, Gloria Rubin, Gloria Gaynor, Myra Biblowit and Anna Deluca.

Alonzo Mourning, Dan Marino and Jason Taylor.

Paul Fireman trying on a Cartier watch.

Leonard Lauder and wife Evelyn, BCRF Founder ... Chairman.

Dan Marino, Peter Kim, William Lauder, Paul Fireman ... Michael Fux.

Dan ... Cynthia Lufkin.

Dinner and a performance at Liberty National.

To view more photos from the Hudston BCRF Classic, click on the green button below!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=358 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=358 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:08:00 GMT The day before July Fourth on Nantucket Island, a group of friends hosted a party at the home of Michael S. Lorber to raise money for Children's Hospital. Thirty thousand dollars was raised to help construct a playground in greater Boston.

Douglass Karp, Andrew Corkin, Michael S. Lorber, Ashley ... Paul Bernon.

A beautiful setting for a party!

Happy Fourth!

Michael S. Lorber.

How can you not love Nantucket?

A few vintage taxis were parked at the home.

Ashley ... Paul Bernon.

I convinced Ashley to take a spin!

Perri Rossi Orchestra of Boston, MA.

Evelyn Peralta ... Roy MacDowell III.

Sara Conahan of Children's Hospital (center) with the guys!

Hal ... Alicia Messer.

Eric Sherman ... Friend.

The stars at night on Nantucket are unbelievable!

Marla Mullen Sanford ... Michael S. Lorber.

Elliot Gould ... Jason Weissman.

Tyler Hardy ... Douglass Karp.

Thank you for having me at Party for a Purpose! Looking forward to visiting ACK again soon!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=357 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=357 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:57:00 GMT Boston party-guy Sam Slater celebrated his birthday last month with a private concert by Kevin Rudolf at the Estate.

Samantha Stumpo and Sam Slater.

Sam and some friends at his home before the show.

Josh Zakim and Nick Polychronopoulos.

The beautiful Elizabeth Sleeper.

Over at the Estate...

Sam Slater and Kevin Rudolf.

Verne Troyer "Mini-Me" stopped by as well.

Check out his website/blog @ VerneTroyer.com

Kevin Rudolf performing "I Made It".

Kate Herman and Sam Slater.

I love this shot!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=356 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=356 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:39:00 GMT Last week Boston Magazine hosted a summer cruise on the Majesty, sponsored by Grey Goose. Please enjoy the slideshow!

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]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=355 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=355 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:51:00 GMT Bay State clothier Debi Greenberg re-opened her store Louis Boston on Fan Pier this past week.

The new Louis at Fan Pier.

Debi Greenberg ... her daughter, Samantha.

The Greenberg family.

Sam and her friends.

Sam's restaurant on the second floor of Louis, a soon-to-be popular afterwork spot for sure!

John and Linda Henry.

The staff of the Mario Russo salon.

Performance artists entertained guests at the party.

Debi Greenberg ... Maria Fei.

Jared Bowen, Barbara Quiroga and son, Gustavo.

Michael S. Lorber.

Tamar performed.

...As did the band, Endway.

Meanwhile outside...

Celebrating 15 years!

Julia Owens ... Laura Baldini.

For more photos from the Louis Grand Opening, click on the green button below!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=354 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=354 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:32:00 GMT The Liver Foundation's annual Flavors of Boston event was held at the Ritz Carlton Tuesday. Chefs from eleven area restaurants volunteered their culinary gifts as guests enjoyed a unique multi-course meal prepared along side each of the tables.

Chef Olson from the Ritz Carlton.

Cheers!

The chefs were presented with caricatures of themselves cooking.

Dessert time!

My Cousin, Wendy, enjoying dinner with friends!

To view more photos from Flavors of Boston, click on the green button below!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=353 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=353 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:22:00 GMT The Channel 5 family stepped up again this year in benefit of the Ellie Fund at the Kelley for Ellie fashion show.

Kelley Tuthill (center) and her family

Janice O'Leary ... Elisha Daniels.

Performance Atrist / Painter Judy St. Peter.

Judy pained this painting in all of ten minutes. It went for over a thousand dollars in the auction!

Joe Mellia of the Boston Harbor Hotel and Suzanne B. Lowell of Suzanne B. Lowell Lighting Design.

Kelley Tuthill.

Wes Welker stopped by to help auction the patriots package.

Susan Wornick enjoyed her time with Wes...

Liz Brunner and J.C. Monahan.

Rhondella Richardson.

Natalie Jacobson waiting for her turn to walk.

Lisa Lynch of Ports ... Co. in Cohasset.

Gail Huff.

Liz Brunner, Natalie Jacobson and Lisa Lynch.

After hours!

The girls after the show.

The beautiful Erin DeRosa.

Kelley Tuthill, Natalie Jacobson, Gail Huff, Susan Wornick and Bill Fine.

To view more photos from Kelley for Ellie, click on the green button below!

]]> http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=352 http://www.michaelblanchard.com/index.cfm?postID=352 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:01:00 GMT Red Sox legend Dennis Eckersley went to bat for The Home for Little Wanderers last week at their annual Gala event.

Enjoy the slideshow!

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To view the Voices ... Visions Gala photographs, click on the green button below!

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