Dan Busler Photography

THe Guys - The Walpole Footlighters

2011-09-10T09:18:00.000-04:00

" The Guys " is a two person play about a NYC fire chief who lost many of his men on 9/11 - he contacts a writer to help him compose the words that he will use to talk about his guys at their memorial services.

The Walpole Footlighters in Walpole, MA presented the play on September 9 - 11 2011 ... it was the tenth anniversary of the tragedy. The play is in memory of those who lost their lives and in honor of the Walpole Fire men. All proceeds went to the fire department.

I had the opportunity to photograph 12 of the Walpole Fireman and the play.

Here is a short video of the images.

It's All About the Music ... Man! Norwood High School - Dan Busler

2011-09-08T14:58:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's all about a sleepy little town, a con man, some groovy musical numbers and Shipoopi ... lots and lots of Shipoopi when Norwood High School in Norwood, MA presents ... or "presented" The Music Man!

And of course there are people making faces, dancing around like fools, dancing the "Shipoopi" and in the end the musician gets the girl .... which is the way it should be.

Today, when you're walking down the street or standing in the elevator or in a business meeting with your boss ... Stand UP and yell "SHIPOOPI" and then sit down. You'll either get fired or get a vacation.

The show opens ( or did open ) on September 16, 2011. Wicked talented actors - here's a fusion video from the rehearsals.

Schoenthaler Family - Senior Portrait Session

2011-07-17T18:15:00.001-04:00

What a great day for a family portrait session. Actually this all started as a Senior portrait session for Calvin and just grew from there until we had the whole family involved. An awesome family and it shows!

Harley - A Bold New Look - Dan Busler

2011-07-16T19:08:00.002-04:00

Harley is a model. She's sassy and young and bold and all those other qualities that are required to get out there and get work.

This is our second session together. The first was more focused on different looks and this session was totally devoted to Harley, the real Harly, the person.

I shot this session with a very focus on what a strong - confident personality she is.

We succeeded - this is my favorite shot,. The blouse/top that Harly is wearing is bold and new and amazing

Giliana Austin - Opera's Rising Star - Dan Busler

2011-07-15T19:53:00.001-04:00

Classic, confident, focused, determined - that's Giliana. I was looking forward to this session since Giliana first spoke with me about the concept.

Giliana is an opera singer and I thought that I should play classical music for our session. Which as much as I love Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart it would have taken the wind out of both me and our session. So I asked " Is it OK if I play my standard ... loud house music for our session" ... she just smiled and responded " Let's rock!"

So instead our session rocked!
Giliana was heading to San Francisco to star in a production and then she was off to Germany.
No question Giliana is a rising star.

Ann and Ajay - A California Couple - A Boston Engagement

2011-07-14T19:53:00.006-04:00

Ann and Ajay are temporarily transplanted in Boston ... but their roots are stil in California. So to make their Engagement session perfect all I had to add was water! (The Atlantic Ocean was the best that I could offer)

Jennimae & Aaron Shaw - Their Wedding Day Love Story Fusion Video

2011-07-13T21:10:00.004-04:00

The spark is still there. Those beautiful "love-at-first-sight" - looks, secret glances and stolen kisses are all still alive.

This is the love story of Jennimae and Aaron on their Wedding Day June 26, 2011.

We can have just a peek, but they will have this love together for the rest of their lives.

Here's a short look at their Wedding Day

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Norwood High School - Dan Busler

2011-07-11T19:42:00.009-04:00

Norwood High School - Norwood MA presents that crazy Shakespeare classic - A Midsummer Night's Dream - it's all about a man and an ass ... or a man that becomes an ass (hey ! Cut - it - out! all those Ladies out there who just said ..."Men don't have to "become" an ass ... they already are" ! ) ... well there's a bit of "horsing around" ... it's very classic

I guess that we've all seen this show. It's neat to see it staged by a high school that wants to do it right.

But they also want to fun with it

Lots of fun

Here's a video look at the show

Rough Crossing - Walpole Footlighters - Walpole MA - Dan Busler

2011-07-09T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Walpole Footlighters presented Tom Stoppard's hilarious comedy "Rough Crossing" - The sets were incredible and the actors were too.

I did enjoy the stage lighting for this shoot a bit more than others that I shot for Walpole. I think the color of the light is the reason

But the set was pretty nice

Here's a shot of the crew. In a community theater like this one, one day you're in the crew and then the next play, you're the star! HA!

But here is an image of the stars of this show.

and here's a shot video / slide show.

Sarah and Don - A Castle Island Engagement - A Fairy Tale Romance

2011-06-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

We met at Castle Island in Boston for Sarah and Don's engagement session. It's the site of Fort Independence so there were lots of great places to photograph this incredible couple and their fairy tale romanace.

I often ask the couple how they met. Sarah told me that she and Don were at a dinner with some mutual friends. She had known Don ... having seen him at other events. But that night ... when she saw him, it was as if they were the only two people in the room.

See? I told you. A fairy tale romance story.

Here's a fusion video from our day together. Careful, you're going to be wicked jealous!

An International Golf Event - Right at Home

2011-06-23T19:54:00.002-04:00

When you're asked by a major insurance company to photograph their annual golf event, but you can't tell anyone who was there or where it was played or ... let see, I guess that's it ... Oh, for God's sake, show anyone the photos of the players!

Well you grab the chance to do it of course!

This is an image of one of the player's golf club covers ... (can you guess who's??) ...no animals were harmed ... but some golf balls were bruised

The course was incredible - I had my own cart. and I was driving like a mad man!

My job, find the gophers ... I mean golfers and take team photos. I can do that.

I just can't show you any of them.

And then there was the food ... it was so good. Just look at this - cooked on the "patio" with this view.

One day I too will have a bed room window that looks out over this type of view ... yea right!

Travis Roy Foundation / Francisican Hospital for Children - Wiffle Ball Tournament

2011-06-21T07:49:00.000-04:00

The First Annual Travis Roy Foundation / Franciscan Hospital for Children Wiffle Ball Tournament was held at Wake Field in Brighton, MA on June 18, 2011. Everyone had a great time supporting this worthy cause. It was as awesome day!

Ok, that's my official first paragraph. But to be candid, it was a blast to be there and volunteer to photograph the event. It was also sad and happy and "eye-opening".

The event was held on the tiny wiffle ball field behind the hospital which is named after Boston Red Sox player Tim Wakfield .

It was sad to see the children and adults in wheelchairs, happy to see all the corporate sponsers and their teams hitting that whiffle ball with a yellow plastic bat. Eye-opening to hear Travis Roy during his opening remarks say "I would like to be on the field with you, maybe one day I will".

(footnote - Travis was injured during the first 11 seconds of his college ice hockey career) \

OH! and it was delicious. The food - hamburgers, hotdogs, etc was ... Excellent!

Here's a video look at the day.

Beth - Joe and their Rockin' Kids - Dan Busler Photography

2011-06-17T00:37:00.000-04:00

Beth and Joe's Family session was destined to be awesome from the very first shot. They love to be together and these incredible images just happened. I didn't want to stop!

Kelly and Mike - A Fenway Park Engagement - Dan Busler

2011-06-07T21:05:00.001-04:00

We met at Fenway Park .. on a game day ( oh yea) for Kelly and Mike's engagement photo session. At first I thought that it was going to be chaos ... and I was right.

I drove into town, but I still took the subway up from where I parked my car to Kenmore square where we were going to meet.

This huge sign greets you in Kenmore Square as you come out of the subway - it was so colorful that I had to take a shot.

I think what I like most about photographing couples that recently got engaged is learning about their lives together.

Mike is a postal carrier, he told me that he walks 10 miles a day. As we walked the streets of Boston, if Mike got too far ahead Kelly would just say "slow down mail man ..." and we'd all just laugh.

We walked from Fenway Park down though the Public Gardens and on to the Charles River .
It was great day with this incredible couple.

Anna and Joe - Their Engagement Session - Boston MA - Dan Busler

2011-06-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

We walked Boston's beautiful Public Gardens and historic Beacon Hill for Anna and Joe's Engagement session- it was a great day to capture images of their love

Rose and John - An Engagement Session with a Perfect Couple - Dan Busler

2011-05-16T22:42:00.003-04:00

I recently had the chance to to do an Engagement photography session with Rose and John, a beautiful couple who flew out from Ireland to the Boston, MA area to get married. (most of their family are now here in the U.S.)

I typically spend some time with the bride and groom separately to get a feel for how they met, got engaged and what they mean to each other. I took the opportunity to film some of their thoughts and feelings and found that they are just perfect for each other.

We all search for happiness, maybe wealth and success as well if they come along. John and Rose know that happiness must come first.

Here's a short (I always say that my videos are short ... whether they are or not .. HA!) slideshow of the images and clips from that session.

Watch it full screen and enjoy.

First Communion - St Ann Parish Dorchester MA - Dan Busler

2011-05-12T09:28:00.000-04:00

First Communion, the first time that a child has that "meal" that they have watched their parents, older siblings and others share. It's kind of rite of passage ... I guess. It is definitely a milestone in one's life.

And it's part of tradition - it doesn't matter what your religion, we respect each other's traditions. They make us human. They show us how we love family.

I recently photographed the First Communion celebration at St Ann Parish in Dorchester MA. The kids were so happy and looked fantastic in their beautiful white clothing ... now did they keep them clean??

Here's a quick look at some of the images I shot of the kids being holy and also being "kids" ... for after all they are kids.

Jessica and Anthony - An Orange County Engagement - Dan Busler Photography

2011-05-09T05:57:00.000-04:00

Jessica and Anthony said that they wanted to have their Engagement session at an upscale mall in Orange County. That sounded like fun.

They are such a beautiful couple and the mall was just perfect for capturing pictures. There were gardens, fountains, lots of flowers and so many quiet places. I could tell that this couple is totally in love.

Check out this video of our session ... but be prepared to be jealous!

Travis Roy - Eleven Seconds that Changed his World - Dan Busler Photography

2011-04-19T09:29:00.005-04:00

Probably one of the worst smells I know is that of the locker room of a Boys ice hockey team. Gastly! And yet, it is a sweet smell to the players (and their proud Moms and Dads) I can assure you.

Every day ... beginning at 5:00 AM - you will find thousands and young girls and boys on the ice ... practicing and working toward that day when they too can step out on the ice and hear the crowd cheer their name.

Travis Roy was one of these boys ... it was his dream ... it was his Dad's dream for him as well that he would one day play ice hockey for Boston University. That's the team that went to the Olympics and won the gold medal.

All the hours of practice paid off and the day came, Travis was selected to play for Boston University. He must have walked into that arena ... for that first game, maybe more frightened than proud ... maybe more nauseous than confident .. but he knew that he deserved to be there.

He played for Boston University for eleven seconds that first day ... his first game for BU and he suffered an injury that broke his neck.

His Father came down from the stands ... stood at the glass ... watched Travis as he lay on the ice ... then he came out on the ice (as he had done thousands of times over the years) to encourage Travis to "get up Buddy ... we've got a game to play" But Travis couldn't get up, he couldn't move ... Travis just looked up at his Dad and said " We made it Dad!, I'm playing for BU ! "

Both of my kids are ice hockey players. I know the smell of that locker room, the early mornings, the quiet conversations on the way to the rink, the happy conversations when they won and the encouraging conversations when they lost. The fear that they would be injured, the way that I yelled during the games with the other Dads ... and Moms (the Moms are animals! when they get angry!) .

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph a corporate gathering where Travis Roy was the guest speaker. I arrived at 7:45AM to scope the place out ... and then found out that Travis was speaking. I had a decision to make, I knew that my Son would want to meet Travis, to share his love of ice hockey with him and let him know that he thought of him virtually everytime that he stepped on the ice.

So, I texted my Son ... "Hey Travis Roy is speaking at this event that I'm photographing ... you can come ..." I know that he didn't believe me that he would be able to come ... but I'm also guessing that he was throwing on clothes and flying out the door as we texted a few more lines to each other.

My Son is a NeuroSurgical Nurse Practioner at a major Boston hospital ... he has a first edition of Travis' book ... I think he bought it the day that it came out in 1998, he brought that copy with him that day.

My Son listened to Travis' words ... he could relate to them. He was honored to be there, he was there to honor Travis actually.

Here are a few images of my Son speaking with Travis.

My Son tells me that he told Travis that he became a Neurosurgeon becasue of him.

Travis smiled, signed my Son's copy of his book, then Travis invited my Son to lunch.

Eleven seconds changed Travis' life and meeting Travis changed my Son's and mine.

Here's a short slideshow / video - which includes still photography and video clips from the day.

Girlfriends - Where are they now? - Dan Busler

2011-03-23T11:33:00.000-04:00

A number of years ago I did a family reunion portrait session for three ... or was it four families?

Today I was looking through the images from the session and came across these of a Mother and her two Daughters.

I'm pretty sure that a lot has changed in their lives over the years since this session. Are the Daughters married, do they now have kids, did one or both move far away from home ?

The answer is ... yes, maybe. But no matter how much time passes .. or how far they may travel, that day we captured a moment. That particular moment is saved for all three of them to remember and enjoy. The laughter and love they felt that day is theirs ... for a lifetime.

I loved doing this session and I'm reminded of how lucky I was to be there every time I stumble upon these images.

Austin! Not hard to take

2011-03-21T11:09:00.001-04:00

I was recently working in Austin TX and snapped this image of one of the swimming pools where I was staying. Now this is how you "do it right! " .

But saddly, I never had the time to take a dip.

Maybe next time ... It's Destination Wedding Season !

So it was St Partick's Day ... the whole day

2011-03-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was St Patrick's Day. I wonder how many of you went to church? Or did you "worship" at the alter of the flowing green beer...? HA!

I spent the day living my other life as a musician ... what a marathon! Now it's back to being a photographer. Until next year ... GREEN BEER ... holy moley! That's almost as good as the green pancakes I used to make as a kid ... I had to close my eyes to eat them!

Christmas 2010 - Take the time to Smile - Dan Busler

2011-03-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

For me - I feel that there is no holiday more tied to "family" than Christmas. I know it's a religious holiday - and the one that my family celebrates - so for you it might be another holiday that means "family". But for me ... it's Christmas.

Christmas is the one time of the year when people give themselves "a hall pass" ... a waiver ... to stop the rat race and look at the lights on the tree. Listen to to holiday music and take the time to smile at each other.

Since my children are now grown and have fantastic careers I now put up a fake Christmas tree. It's kind of thin and crooked . But it holds a lifetime of memories of early Christmas morning ... wrapping paper flying in the air as presents are opened, screams of joy as the kids get the present they asked for and hugs. It is a good day.

I am writing this as the spring season is just around the corner (it had better be!) . it's kind of sad for me to look at these images and know that the little tree and ornaments are packed away until next year. And I'm afraid so is the "hall pass" to stop and smile.

The Real Inspector Hound - Norwood High School - Dan Busler Photography

2011-03-06T09:08:00.002-05:00

It all starts with an empty stage .

The year, Norwood High School in Norwood MA is doing the Tom Stoppard play " The Real Inspector Hound" for their entry in to the high school drama festival. And that means that it all starts with an empty stage. Then they have five ... oh yea, five minutes to bring the whole set on stage and set it up.

The play must fit into 45 minutes ... exactly

Then they have five ... oh yea again, five minutes to break down and remove the set from the stage.

Doesn't that sound like fun?

The play is great, it runs for 45 minutes... ish, and they can bring the set on stage in five minutes!

It's very funny and the actors are so talented.

It's a howling Who Done It ?

Daniel Mahoney - Hand him the baton and a guitar - Busler

2011-02-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

Where do you look to find your dreams ? And when you get there how do you know that you've arrived?
WOW! I am way to serious today! HA!

I first met Daniel when he was cast as one of the leads in Norwood High School's production of Evita.

I later learned that he actually considered himself more a guitarist than an actor.

Well, move a head to the present and Daniel is just about to graduate from college and is planning to be a high school music teacher. He asked me to do a portrait session for his professional resume. It was a blast!

This last image was for his Mom ... you gotta love those "I love ya Mom " poses!

A Walpole Winter - Busler

2011-02-25T19:14:00.001-05:00

I don't actually like snow that much ... I used to LOVE snow, but that was before life made me see it as evil .. HA!

You have to shovel it.

It can cave in your roof,

Cause auto accidents

Make you late for work

You have to shovel it .. sorry, I already said that , but sometimes you have to shovel a few times ...

Snow used to be so beautiful. It was

A Day off from school!

We're going to go sleding!

Snowball fight!

and it was so quiet and white and soft and beautiful and calming and slow and incredible

It still all the good things - it still is all good things

Snowball Fight!

Caitlin and Joe - Tie the Knot - Take the Plunge - Make it Real - Busler

2011-02-23T19:54:00.005-05:00

I've known Caitin for a few years and when she asked me to photograph her wedding - I was thrilled.

She is such a classy person, I knew that Joe would be too and I was right.

The value of marriage hasn't changed. It's an expression of commitment. Not only to each other, but to your friends and family. Think about it, here you have two people that get engaged ... then go through months or years of preparation for their Wedding Day and they still go through with it! All that stress - all those questions and suggestions and stress.

But when you know it's right, when you know that this person is right, that you will support each other and comfort each other - that you will be the " strong one" - non-judgemental,

It's actually an amazing day, but it's not a magical day, the magic was there all along, this is the day of celebration.

I was recently told that I am a couple's "Photographer for life". Until today I didn't realize what that meant - It's not a job, it's a responsibility - an honor and a mission to be there to capture their life.
Pretty neat!

The B Girls - Spelling Bee - Walpole Footlighters - Busler

2011-02-20T10:45:00.001-05:00

These headshots are of three of the cast members of the Walpole Footlighters - Walpole, MA production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

I really love doing headshots .. I must admit. I think it has to do with focusing on the actor's eyes.

After all, there is so much life in a person's eyes .. it could the saddness, or the laughter, the experience or maybe something else, but I do know that the eys don't lie.

Amber Stahl - Fluently French - Busler

2011-02-18T20:29:00.001-05:00

I've actually know Amber for many years, so it was great that she asked me to do her Senior Portraits.

But I didn't see her a lot during her Junior yesr because she spent it in France on a Student exchange.

What a confident girl. Our session was very classic as you can see.

It was a beautiful Fall day and we got some great shots.

I wish that I could type in Franch ... becasue this would be a goood place to do it ... but no, I need Amber to assist me ... HA!

The Knot - The Wedding Channel - Dan Busler Photography - Walpole - Norwood MA

2011-02-18T16:30:00.004-05:00

Congratulations ! You're Engaged and You're Getting Married! That's Fantastic!

And when you think of the best Wedding publication and WEB site ... you think of The Knot and the Wedding Channel .

And so now - I am there too! Please click on this link to see my listing.

http://local.weddingchannel.com/Wedding-Vendors/Dan-Busler-Photography-Profile?ProfileId=373875

"The Time is Perfect ... You're so in Love ... so excited ... so absolutely ready to be married ... I'll take the time to focus on you and create images of your love and your Wedding Day that will last for generations"

Happy Birthday Christine - 2011

2011-02-17T06:09:00.007-05:00

February 17, 2011 is my Daughter Christine's Birthday

So I'm taking the liberty to post my video tribute to my Fav Girl, my little Sk8rGurl

Christine's an ice hockey player, actress, redhead , comedian, "copper top" , friend, life saver, photographer, ... Daughter

The video is just a glimpse.

Happy Birthday Christine!

Adalene - One of the Dolls - Coakley Middle School - Busler

2011-02-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

Go ahead ... I dare ya!

What you looking at?

Luck Be a Lady ... tonight!

Yes, it's all about the attitude ... even if you're a Middle School doing a production of Guys and Dolls .

But to do it right you just have to have a "dame"

You've just gotta have an "Adalene".

Now, what's kind of funny is this actress ( an 8th grader) had it down cold.

The accent, the attitude, the stance ...

It was quite a performance, but then something tells me that we are really seeing the shades of the strong, confident woman this Adalene will become.

And that was very cool to see

Sweeney Todd - Norwood High School - More Hot Pies - Busler

2010-09-29T08:48:00.002-04:00

Yes, that was the song ... we want more hot (meat) pies! But how did Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett get all that delicious meat in London when meat was only for the wealthy?

Well, we didn't have to wonder for long ... Sweeney was happy to help by supplying a close shave to most anybody that came into his shop, which just happened to be above Mrs. Lovett's lovely pie shop.

This cast of students from Norwood High School in Norwood, MA took on the challenge of this musical and did a great job. Check out the videos.

Here we get a look at the cast.

This is one tracks the cast from rehearsals to opening night.

Kathryn Russo - Her Senior Session

2010-09-11T08:51:00.000-04:00

Kathryn's session was effortless. Everywhere we went, the images we got were great.

She has such a confident smile, but then she is the Captain of her cross country team, an A student ... and a pretty neat person.

These images at the studio really do show the three sides of Kathryn - the smile

the graceful

and of course ... "don't mess with Kathryn" ! It was an awesome session.

Cianne Maloney - Her Senior Session

2010-09-08T09:37:00.001-04:00

Cianne's session was a joy. She is a fine actress and a very funny lady.
We started our session at her home. All I heard for weeks was that we would shoot the location shots in her backyard. You see, Cianne's family has this awsome backyard ... a river (OK a stream) runs through it, there are great trees, a little pond full of jumping frogs and a trampoline . I was this close to shooting some images of Cianne on the trampoline ... but that would have been to easy. HA!

But there is also a sort of "dog compound" ; a fenced in area with doors and trees and "stuff" .. so of course I told Cianne ... that where we are going to do some shots! I asked ...

What a comfortable smile - it made the images perfect

The Family Cook-out

2010-09-06T08:22:00.003-04:00

It's Labor Day week-end 2010 and that means cook-outs. Family, food, fun and kids running everywhere. Lucky for me I was invited to one ... invited as in "hired" to capture it all.

At these events I follow the rule that the best images may be behind me ... and they often are.

This little girl wanted to be photographed all the time ... so I did!

I think the best images are simple, they are real and they are from the sidelines of life.

Moments do pass, they do fade away and they can be forgotten.

Katie Keefe - The Senior Session

2010-09-04T09:16:00.002-04:00

I've seen Katie on stage a number of times and I've noticed how softly she moves. Almost like a dancer.

So I was happy when she asked me do her senior session because I knew that we would be able to capture some of that grace and it would make some really nice images.

Every pose was delicate and smooth.

I even tried to add a little "edge" to some of the images and Katie made them classic!

One of my favorie images from the day. Thanks Katie!

Kristen McCarthy - The Senior Session

2010-09-01T20:51:00.004-04:00

Kristen's session was full of smiles and style. I usually take a few minutes to ask where they would like to be photographed ... the park, an alley setting ... their backyard? Kristen just replied " you choose" ... HA! I usually do!

This outfit - a "man's cut" shirt with the sleeves rolled up over a pretty summer dress didn't at first look like it would work ... that was until I saw Kristen wearing it. Perfect, she was so relaxed and the poses were beautiful.

We did start our session at the park - trees, stone walls and the GREAT OUTDOORS!

Then it was off to the studio. Kristen had just been to the salon and her hair was just beautiful, with streaks of blond and brown. So I had to do some overprocessing to really bring out the tones ... maybe I did just for me... HA!

I usually ask the girls for a "pensive pose" ... one comment she got was "Texting again!" ... yea I guess ... If she is texting- I hope she is writing " I'm having such a GREAT time ! Dan is fabulous " Hey , it could happen.

Sofia - A little Jewel

2010-08-24T07:52:00.000-04:00

I love to photograph kids with a attitude ... OK, not really an attitude, but the ones that pose that way.

Kind of cocky ... with just a touch of "I'll kick your butt! " as in this picture with her girlfriends

Every shot was fun and the session just flew by

It's always fun to see this through the camera ... her Mother would be mad and tell her to stop ... me? I just press the shutter!

Maura O'Connell - An Irish Classic

2010-08-21T07:04:00.000-04:00

Maura O'Connell is a classic - a soulful, smiling, emotional, thoughtful singing classic.

The songs she chooses ... so carefully, are a message to her audience. Almost like speaking to us all, she tells us the story, begs us to listen and join her in her cause.

It was at least 100 degrees at this show which was an at out door festival so Maura, like the rest of us, was doing our best not to faint.

But she sang on and the audience just loved her.

And she let us all into her confidence ... as a reward.

Eileen Ivers - Cleveland Irish Festival

2010-08-16T07:19:00.000-04:00

Eileen Ivers is one of the best - yes, her talent as a world class violinist is incredible, her attitude on stage is infectious, her band is great, the song selections are powerful .. so yea, she's one of the best.

I recently had the opportunity to do a shoot of her performance at the Cleveland Irish Festival and as you can see from the images it was lively.

Eileen got her start ... on the road to fame as a multi-year "All Ireland Champion" then it was on to star in River Dance ... then many performances with symphony orchastras ... and on and on

but it appears that she loves playing for the people the most. She literally leaps on stage and continues for the whole performance

and her smile continues as well

Sweeney Todd - The Rehearsals Begin

2010-08-14T10:35:00.004-04:00

The fall musical ... the example of how they spent their summer vacations ... better put ... a tribute to the hard work that a dedicated group of high school students have put into a production ...

Norwood High School - Norwood MA - presents Sweeney Todd - the demon barber of Fleet Street. OK, now you have the official introduction.

Here are some images from a "Sweeney" rehearsal that I recently shot. It's always so interesting when I look at these images and then the ones that I shoot during the performances. These are full of chaos and laughter and conversation. The performance images show a more serious focused attitude.

I love shooting theater and it all goes back to when I shot my Daughter's performances. Sometimes I think that I do this so that I won't miss her so much, (she lives in LA) .

Hey, so, here's a video slideshow as well.

and by the way, at Sweeney's ... the pie tastes like chicken ... but it's not ...

Tyler Moore - Homeland's String Man

2010-08-13T09:42:00.000-04:00

Homeland is an Irish Rock band based in Dayton, OH . I recently saw the band performing at the Cleveland Irish Festival and I must say Tyler was great fun to photograph.

Tyler left the stage to come down and visit the audience during one of his solos and the crowd loved it.

I think that Tyler liked it ... just a bit too

The audience was having a great time listening to the band

Cara Stanley - with the Family

2010-08-10T09:19:00.002-04:00

I look for natural smiles when I shoot portraits ...
I wait for them. With Cara I didn't have to wait

Cause every shot was almost perfect and I don't think that she was posing .

So I asked her to give me a serious smile ... but her eyes just kept smiling

Cara with her Dad - Fintan Stanley at his home on Cape Cod

And two beautiful ladies - Cara with her Mother at sunset

It was a great day to shoot this beautiful family

Screaming Orphans - Cleveland Irish Festival

2010-08-07T09:05:00.004-04:00

I recently shot some of the performers at the Cleveland Irish Festival .. yes in Ohio ( HA), eleven hours driving out and eleven hours back ... you and your travel mates get to discuss everything that has happened to you since the day you were born. And somethings that you made up just to pass the time...

The Screaming Orphans are a band made up of four sisters ... they don't scream and they aren't orphans.

Since I saw them last year they have really cleaned up their act. Nicer clothes, less attitude and better harmonies. A very popular band they are doing a lot of traveling, so it was great to see them agin this year.

They really have a great time on stage

Oh, and it was about 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity the day I saw them, I had to get moving though, because a huge down pour started a few minutes after these shots.

The 4th of July Parade 2010 - Norwood MA - The Main Event!

2010-07-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

Where do I begin to explain a town parade? The way it brings people together, helps them slow down for a day and remember what is really important.

The Fourth of July parade in Norwood MA is an event. It's a quiet event in some ways and so LOUD at the same time. The parade is led by fire trucks and other emergency vehicles from all the local towns. And these guys blow every horn that they have as they slowly ... oh so slowly drive through town. The sound makes such a statement and the townspeople applaude.

(this guy is not a real fire man ... HA!)

And the bands that march come from all over the US and Canada.

But it is the baseball teams ... riding on the floats ... waving at the crows that line the streets that make this parade so special. This is a town parade ... we love our town parade.

Here's a link to a slideshow of images I shot during the parade.

Paul Akl - The Headshot Session - Pure Attitude and Truth

2010-07-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

I recently did a headshot session with Paul Akl. a fine actor and singer. I hadn't seen him for years. In that time he had matured ... of course, his hair was shorter, he had really worked on his body and so I thought that he was now focusing on modeling.

We did the typical headshots and then I thought that we should get some body shots as well.

Even though it looks like Paul is all attitude ... he's not.

I actually posted some of the images to the WEB and mentioned that Paul was a "body builder". Next thing I get is an Email from Paul to let me know that that was not the case.

People may mistake confidence, pride and maturity for "attitude" ... not so

The 4th of July 2010 - Norwood MA - The Kids Parade

2010-07-06T20:09:00.003-04:00

Few events in this world can rival a children's parade. I remember marching in parades as a child ... seeing the town's people line along the road made it so special.
In norwood MA, the 4th of July festivities begin at 1:00 PM when the main street is closed off and filled with hundreds of children and their parents walking, riding their decorated bikes and pushing decorated baby carriages,

The parade is led by The Colonial Boys fife and drum band.

and the newest addition, the Junior Colonial Boys band.

You can feel the excitement in the air as the kids parade around the town's gazebo with the hope of winning a prize.

But everyone wins. There is a tee shirt and ribbon for everyone.

a few lucky ones are chosen as the best and they get to ride in the main parade later in the day.

I'm there each year tying to capture the spirit of the day, but mostly because it helps me remember how important family really is.

Here's a link to a slideshow from the day

Quilts - A lost art that will keep you warm

2010-07-03T09:04:00.001-04:00

Quilts ... you don't hear that word much any more. Why sew a quilt when they are on sale this week-end for 70% off! run - rush - trample - claw ...
My Grandmother made quilts, ladies would come over to her house and sit and talk and sew. These were Pensylvania Dutch quilts. Bright colors, crazy patterns, tiny.. tint stiches that would never ... ever come out.

Recently the ladies at my church returned to the art of quilting and they had a dedication of the quilts last Sunday. What a proud day, these quilts were going to be boxed up and sent to people that couldn't afford to ... COME ON OVER for the 70% off sale!!

You see, these were made by hand and the stitches ... made by hand ... had love built into every stitch. And that alone will keep you warm.

West Side Club - Living the Green

2010-06-28T08:53:00.001-04:00

I played a gig in Cleveland not too long ago and brought my camera. I usually don't becasue, well, I'm busy here .. playing music.

This night the West Side Club was celebrating their heritage and the "People of the Year".

It is quite the event, but in my opinion the event was secondary to the people and their love of life.
They had a marching band ... (Yes, it came marching through the hall) and a kind of beauty queen and lots of honor.

I can tell you, these people are happy. Simple happiness.

Look at that smile ...

Yes, honor, pride, love, caring, non-judgement ... well maybe they do judge ..

It was a cool night, and I have to slow down and enjoy life.

A Mother's love is a blessing, one that even a soldier holds so dear.

Heal Thyself - Busler and Home Remedies

2010-06-25T08:42:00.001-04:00

I just got a new light ... no one was around to be my model ... I was forced into it by a band of angry ... forget it - I got nothing ...

For that ring that just won't come off ... here's your tool...

The truth is I did get a new light and I had to get used to it. I saw the tools and thought " Hey, that would be funny!" I crack me up!

When the asprin just ain't cutting it ... here's your tool

and for that ear ache ... here's your tool ..

this is an image of the screw driver on the way out

don't try this at home ... come on, it's just pretend

Guitarist for the Love of it - Walpole Coffee Shop

2010-06-23T20:30:00.006-04:00

I guess that's a good title for this one. "Guitarist, for the love it".

I was shooting another artist at this coffee shop in town and this guy just happened to be on the bill as well.

I thought that his songs were fine, simple as they were.

But then that's just the way he wanted it.

Picasso Einstein and Elvis - Norwood High

2010-06-21T09:49:00.000-04:00

What would happen if Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Elvis and a cast of crazy characters show up together in a small French bar one evening ? Steve Martin .. yes, that Steve Martin wrote a short play about this possibility - called Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Norwood High School recently presented the play and I was there to capture what I could. The dialogue is all over the place and so are the characters

It was a great show to photograph because the kids were having so much fun

Here a video / slideshow - try to keep up ... HA!

One Night Stand - Bad Abbots - Busler in the Shadows

2010-06-20T11:17:00.001-04:00

One Night Stand aka Uno Nightstand is a Quincy MA band that I recently shot during one of their performances at Bad Abbots .

This was my first time meeting the band, so I just shot a few images of each member so that they could get a taste of my work .

This could be the start of something good.

Sunglasses - Gotta Stock up for Senior Season - Busler

2010-06-17T07:02:00.001-04:00

Senior Season, that time of the year when this year's Seniors in high school "have left the building" and the Juinors get a taste of what it means to be king of the school. A job they will take over permanently in the Fall.
This is also when I begin capturing those Senior portraits. This year I am locked and loaded with new backgrounds and new lights and my secret weapon ... sunglasses.

Yep, I saw these beauties in red and blue and purple ... I think and said " hey, look, sunglasses ... buy twelve pairs " so I did.

You can never look bad in a great pair of shades ... well I can, but you can't.

Liberty Mutual Golf Outing - Busler Slices again

2010-06-14T22:30:00.006-04:00

I was asked to shoot a golf outing for Liberty Mutual last week which was held at The International Golf Club in Bolton, MA .
The place is incredible and it is the longest golf course in the world. .. yes really. I still wonder why someone hasn't moved their tee box back a few feet so that they could boast that they had the longest golf course in the world.?

As you might guess, my job was to shoot those "threesome" and "foursome" pictures of the gophers, I mean golfers out on the course and and then get back to the club house and print and frame the images before those pesky gophers ... Golfers ... got back.
Of course I can't show you any of the images from the day because I am sworn to secrecy ... and because I signed a release. Which I will honor following the code of the photographers .. which is "stay out of jail" ... HA!

During dinner I did get a few shots of some hearty souls that were determined to finish their round even if it was pouring rain.
Golfis the only sport where you shake long ( very expensive, finely balanced) metal rods at the stormy skys and yell " Come and get me lightening ... just try" !

Memorial Day 2010 - Norwood MA - Busler

2010-05-31T20:23:00.003-04:00

The Memorial Day celebration in Norwood MA is based around family - we remember the family that has died and those who are with us.

The parade which begins at 10:00AM is simple and not overly "military". The cub scouts and girl scouts march, the fire fighters and police department honor guards, the Norwood High Marching Band, the Colonial Boys fife and drum band ... and we honor the veterans, the retired and active duty

"Honor" is a good word for it too in my opinion. You see, we know everyone in a small community such as ours. The young soliders ... marching in their uniforms were (it seems) just on the high school ice hockey team and here they are in miltary uniforms.

Memorial Day for the childern is a holiday, a day when Mommy and Daddy are home from work. But for some, we pause and remember the Mommies and Daddys that didn't come home.

The King of Hearts

2010-05-29T13:32:00.004-04:00

I got to shoot The King of Hearts - a nice ... zany musical at the Walpole Footlighter's in Walpole MA.
It's wartime and evryone has left the town, well that is everyone except the residents of the local insane asylum. A soldier ventures into the town and the next thing he knows ... they have crowned him king.

The actors were great to work with and it was all I could do keep up with all the action on stage.

Check out this video/slideshow.

The King of Hearts

The Dons at Bad Abbotts with Mike Macchi

2010-05-27T05:58:00.006-04:00

I've been photographing The Dons; a rock band from Boston, MA for a number of years. Originally the line-up included Mike and Matt Macchi and two of their friends , but Mike left the band about a year ago and moved to California. Matt took that opportunity to start fresh with new members .

One night recently the Dons welcomed Mike Macchi back on stage for a performance at Bad Abbotts in Quincy MA. This was a place very familiar to The Dons, seeing that they still play there about once a month.

I think that the Dons audience miss Mike Macchi. Mike is a performer that has a mutual love affair with his fans. The best performers do in my opinion.

There was no introduction that Mike was on stage ... the band just launched in their first song and we all sat back ... well I went into action ... shooting images of Mike and the band.

I knew that I wanted to capture this night. I knew that it was going to be special. And the funny thing was that it didn't feel special, it just seemed great.

Here is a link to a slideshow/video of images from the night. Now you can sit back and enjoy.

The Dons at Bad Abbotts with Mike Macchi

Willy Wonka - Ursuline Academy - Busler in the Shadows

2010-05-22T15:28:00.002-04:00

Last night I shot a performance of Willy Wonka that Ursuline Academy in Dedham MA produced. I am amazed at the quality of the shows, the girls do such a good job and they have a great time.

As usual, there I was "standing the shadows" shooting actors. Just wishing that they'd give me more light on the stage and hoping that the actors would stay in one place so that I could get the shot ... but noooooo. HA!

" Come with me ... and you'll be ... in a world of pure imagination" The world is a stage ... and some days the play that we are in can be so challenging. Sometimes I think that it would be nice to be cast in Willy Wonka and relax a bit.

Here is a link to a video / slideshow of the images from last night.
Willy Wonka - Ursuline - Dedham - Busler

Event Photographer - Busler - Norwood MA

2010-05-21T10:41:00.008-04:00

Shooting a corporate event can be a big crap shoot; what kind of lighting will I have to work with? What do they expect ? ... will the people want to be photographed? Will they smile?

Well I just treat everyone like a rock star ... and that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and that works!

I recently shot a corporate meeting of a vendor and their customers. Lots of people talking to each other, speakers at the podium, executives ... customers ... sales people etc.

As you can see from the images and video/slideshow, the lighting was ALL OVER THE PLACE ! So I'm dealing high ceilings, people that won't look at me or look annoyed that I am taking their picture ... HA! But that's my job ... I am an event photographer.

Well, at least that day I was.

Click on this link to see a video of the day
HOW 2010 - Dell Services

Matt Brown Gala - Ray Bourque - Mike Eruzione - Celebrity Photos with Fans

2010-05-16T01:30:00.006-04:00

I volunteered to take photos at the Matt Brown Gala Event ( gala = costs a lot to get in... ). Matt is a Norwood (MA) High School ice hockey player that was paralyzed during a game a few months ago. This event was set up to raise much needed funds for his hospital costs.

Lots of sports and political celebrities were expected to attend the gala . So I told the event committee that I would set up a booth and take shots of the celebs with their fans and print them on the spot as a fundraising effort. This was well received and I was in.

That night as I'm driving to the venue it hits me ... What if no celebs are willing to stand there (in my booth) for pictures with their fans ? I'll just be standing there ... alone ... in my booth !

Upon my arrival to the venue I am escorted to my area and told "OK Dan, we'll start with Ray Bourque and then other celebs will come by during the night" ... Well OK, ( I said to myself) this is going to be great!

Ray Bourque showed up right on schedule ... they announced from the stage that Ray is in MY booth and the people lined up for a photo with Ray ... over a hundred people are in line within a few minutes ... YES! Did I mention that this was my booth? A couple hours pass and I'm still shooting photos of fans with Ray. I'm thinking that any celebs that might be in the area can't even get close to my booth, that is unless they want to pay for a photo with Ray ... HA!

Then I'm told that Mike Eruzione ( Captain of the 1980 USA Olympic Ice Hockey team ... the Miracle ) is standing on the sidelines and he can take over for Ray and the shooting just continues,

Look at poor Mike in this image ... posing with fans is hard work!

Between these two sports legends we raised thousands of dollars for Matt's fund ... This was a great night.

I was so thankful for their participation. You see, they know (as ice hockey players) that what happened to Matt can happen to any player.

Click on the link below to see a video/slideshow of the images.
Matt Brown Gala - Celebrity Photos with Fans

Beauty and the Beast - Coakley Middle School - Norwood MA - Dan Busler

2010-05-14T07:59:00.004-04:00

You wonder sometimes ... how good will a Middle School (aka "Junior High") production of a challenging musical such as Beauty and the Beast ... which is funny, sad, exciting, romantic etc be?

Well, it was wonderful, ... so musical, exciting, thoughtful and tender. The best acting (I believe) comes from the heart.

Click on the link below to see a video/ slideshow of the production

Beauty and the Beast

LA Magazine - Christine Busler

2010-05-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

When your favorite girl is in LA Magazine you just gotta mention it

My Daughter got a modeling gig for a furniture company magazine ad right after her move to LA last year. It was just published in the May 2010 issue of LA Magazine ... so here she is recreating the pose.

That's my girl!

Here's a link to the actual ad ...

http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416124390&o=int&p=38&zoom=NaN&x=NaN&y=NaN

The Dons Rock - Weymouth - We were there

2010-05-11T06:43:00.002-04:00

Yes, I was there ... shooting the Dons, you know Boston's Rock band. The Dons recently played Hajjars in Weymouth MA. It's a standard place; you got your food .. drinks .. KENO ( you know what KENO is right ... ?) ... it's like a toliet for your money ... I don't play

There have been major changes in the band; everybody's new except the bass player. But since the bass player is the heart of the band, it still has a "BADDA BING" ! sorta sound.

The girls are still the same too. They love the band and they love the guys.

On and off the stage these are quality musicians and good people ... that's an interesting thing to find.

Check out the video by clicking on the link below.

The Dons Rock - You

Images from the Getty Villa Museum

2010-04-18T18:40:00.003-04:00

I had the opportunity to visit the musuem at the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA on Easter Sunday 2010. I was very happy that I was allowed to photograph some of the objects from Greece and Rome that are on display.

As I looked at the objects, many of which were crafted thousands of years ago, I began thinking of the person that made them and how they might feel if they knew that the object was on display in a museum.

So, just think, that clay ash tray you made in second grade ... one day it might be on display as an example of the work of an ancient craftsman!
Here's a video of some of the items.
Images from the Getty Villa Museum

The Baptism of Jarel

2010-04-12T08:20:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to photograph Jarel's baptism as a way to spend some time with my Daughter, who is good friends with Jarel's parents.
They were so proud of Jarel, little Jarel who had no idea what the fuss was about. But one day he could look back and see how much his parents cared about him.
Sometimes I wonder about fate. My fate that is. What leads us to the places we find ourselves and then find that the gifts we have to offer can help another?
What a happy day it was. Click on the link below to see a video of that day.

Jarel James Barrows Baptism

Choral Classic Concert - Norwood MA

2010-04-01T23:02:00.002-04:00

The classic choral concert ... the choral concert of classic groups in a concert setting.
I guess that seeing the kids perform is the best part ... no, actually it's seeing them grow each year ... their talents, and confidence. That's what's best about these concerts.
I look forward to shooting these performances. It brings back such good memories of watching my kids as they moved up each year.

The Norwood public school system has choral groups from the elementary to high school level. And they are excellent ... wicked excellent. We're New Englanders .. we talk like that ...
Check out the video ... just click on the link.

Choral Classic Concert

MIT Resonance - a Cappella

2010-03-26T18:11:00.001-04:00

Everyone knows that MIT is a "buttoned down" think tank for nerds ... right? Well I beg to differ with that notion. The MIT Resonance a Capella group proves it... the kids from MIT can sing and dance ! Here's a look at the group when they performed as one of the featured performers at Norwood High School's A Capella Night.

MIT Resonance - a Cappella

The Amherst Bluestockings

2010-03-25T19:31:00.000-04:00

The girls from Amherst College aka The Bluestockings were one of the featured performers at Norwood High School's "A Cappella Night" about a week ago. It's seems that I am always in the dark at these events ... trying to get the shot, waiting for their nose to come out from behind the microphone ... with just a second I try to capture a smile, etc.
Sometime I succeed.

The Amherst Bluestockings

The Brown University Jabberwocks

2010-03-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

Rough Boys ! Tough Boys ... Bad Boys ... Yes those rough and tumble bad boys from Brown University ... the Jabberwocks ... that jammin' a Cappella group hit the stage of Norwood High School's A Cappella Night and tore it up .. then tore it down ... It was a Party in the USA ... They actually sang that song ... no really!

The Brown University Jabberwocks

The Dons - Photo Session with Me

2010-03-21T21:25:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity to do a session with the re-formed Dons - Boston's rock band. We met on the top floor of one of Boston's skyscrapers and the view was incredible. But that also meant that the setting sunlight was intense. So we did a few inside shots in the conference rooms and hall ways. It was a great session.

The video also includes some of the posters and the new business card ... actually it includes my new business card as well... what a deal!

The Dons Rock

A Cappella Night in Norwood MA - Busler

2010-03-17T10:49:00.003-04:00

Norwood High School presents a night of aCappella - March 12, 2010. Featuring NHS AcaBella and NHS SoundFX groups. The night was a mixture of singing, fashion, and humor ... but mostly singing ... and shoes!

A Cappella Night in Norwood

Ursuline Academy Fashion Show 2010

2010-03-03T06:21:00.001-05:00

Ursuline Academy in Dedham MA - Images from their 2010 Fashion Show - The girls invited the boys from area schools to escort them and the boys were happy to show up! Shot by Dan Busler Photography - Walpole - Norwood MA

Ursuline Academy Fashion Show 2010

Macbeth - Norwood High - Busler shoots them all

2010-02-08T06:59:00.002-05:00

Norwood High School - Norwood MA Presents - Macbeth - the great Shakespearean tragedy. With all of the costumes, the language, the dramatic gestures, the frowns and fighting and well ... it's freaking Shakespeare... you know?

Images from a Holiday Party - Busler shoots from the sidelines

2010-01-20T09:39:00.002-05:00

The "Holiday Party" ... it's always a fun event to photograph. Everyone is interacting, sharing stories ... "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses ' ... sweet!

Images from a Christmas Pageant - Norwood MA

2010-01-09T23:32:00.003-05:00

So much preparation goes into the Christmas pageant each year. Costumes, rehearsals, songs and scripts. And in the end the parents love it for it's simplicity and the kids just have fun dressing up. We all need to remember that it's the simplicity that makes it all so beautiful.

Comedy Slam at Norwood High - Busler

2009-12-20T16:27:00.002-05:00

Images and video from the Norwood High - Norwood MA Comedy Slam. We have a few vampires, several people looking at feet, a bouncing Santa, utter confusion and lots of laughing ... the audience laughs too

The Man in the Red Suit at the Kids Party - Busler - Walpole

2009-12-16T08:32:00.002-05:00

Santa made at stop at the office recently and all the kids took a much needed break from their work to spend a few minutes with the jolly old fellow in the red suit.

Thanksgiving Rocks! - Norwood High MA - Busler

2009-12-08T06:37:00.003-05:00

Images and some video from Thanksgiving Rocks, the Norwood High School - Norwood MA 2009 Comedy Show. And just remember - It's hard to be a big turkey one day and then have to go to school the next. So, you know, there's a lesson for you.

Welcome to the Red Carpet - Busler

2009-11-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

I was recently asked to shoot a red carpet event for a house party. Now for this to work it would take a great hosts, killer clothes, willing guests and some pumping house music. And we had it all. Oh yea.

This was one of the coolest photography gigs I've ever been asked to do. Check out the video and you'll be wicked jealous of all the fun we had!

A Cavicchi Session with Dan Busler

2009-11-08T20:28:00.005-05:00

I had heard about this new addition to the Cavicchi family and finally got to meet her today at our photo session.

What a joy it was to capture her smiles ... OK, to attempt to make her smile ... HA!

It was a great session and she was just perfect!

Jill Mutascio - an Actress Ready for the next stage

2009-10-31T19:56:00.002-04:00

We went all over town for Jill's session, we even went to dumpster alley (made up name) behind the pizza place. It's amazing how busy that alley can be. And then we left town to finish up. Cause that's what it takes!

Halloween 2009 - Costumes ? or not ??

2009-10-31T16:07:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween - they only come out at night. It's a holiday when children (and those who want to remain that way) dress up in their favorite "alter-self" . Candy may be given out

Mary-Ashley and Michael - The Engagement Session - Busler

2009-10-25T22:47:00.004-04:00

Getting engaged is certainly one of the most important milestones in one's life. In the span of one question and one answer someone accepts you to be their partner for life ...

I had the honor to be with Mary-Ashley and Michael for a few hours on a rainy October day as they celebrated their engagement.

The images in this video speak for themselves ... I was just there to capture it all. It was a beautiful rainy day and love was in the air.

Willy Wonka - Norwood High - The Journey

2009-10-25T20:34:00.002-04:00

The journey from rehearsal to final performance for a theatrical performance can be a long one. Months of rehearsals, opening night jitters, and then before we know it, it is the final performance. The journey is over and it was over too soon. This is a slideshow of some images from the rehearsals and the final performance of Willy Wonka. The next show is in rehearsals and I want to be there and watch the journey once again.

Christine Busler - Going to California

2009-10-18T22:46:00.003-04:00

My Daughter Christine recently graduated with a BFA from Emerson College in Boston and has moved to LA. But we just had to fit in one more headshot session before she left. So we headed down to our favorite place - Starbucks for the session.

Wonka - The Final Rehearsals - Norwood MA - Busler

2009-09-16T05:41:00.002-04:00

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory presented by Norwood High in the wicked excellent town of Norwood, MA. It literally soars ... seriously. And the cast, rocks

WONKA - Norwood High - Rehearsals II

2009-09-05T19:39:00.002-04:00

Norwood High in Norwood MA presents Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with all the songs, dances and comedy of the movie.
There is no life I know, to compare with pure imagination ... Living there, you'll be free, if you truly wish to be. Come join the cast - Beginning on September 18, 2009

Controlled Chaos - The American Family

2009-09-02T05:12:00.003-04:00

I love to take portraits, the eyes, the smiles and the images.

But what I like best is capturing the images of the person or family that really lets us see their lifestyle. Let's face it, it's tough to keep three kids still for a portrait.

And this is one of my favorites, It comes from a family shoot I did the day after Christmas 2006. The American family is real, it's fun and it's loving. It's not a perfect pose. It's perfect.

I just hope that I can capture this type of pose at every shoot, this un-posed slice of real life.

Val's Curtains - Norwood MA

2009-08-31T05:01:00.004-04:00

Val's is all about windows .. you know dressing them up to look their best.
It's funny, during the day I don't even notice the store, but at night, the front windows come alive with color and chaos and beauty.

I think I love controlled clutter in my images. I can't stand it when everyone is looking at the camera, stiff as a board ... OK, yes, that is exactly what I make people do in a formal portrait, but it always makes me happy when the kids are laughing and the parents are just being themselves.
So back to Val's ... controlled chaos. I love it!

Wonka - Norwood High - The Rehearsals

2009-08-30T23:36:00.002-04:00

All summer long they rehearse the fall musical. Long days, the kids barely get to enjoy their summers. But they squeeze in their family vacations and by the end of August, the production is starting to take shape.

The dedication they have is as much as any varsity team. The performances they put on are incredible. Here is a look at the rehearsals, soon enough you'll get to see images from their performance of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Brenner's - Norwood Center

2009-08-29T04:49:00.002-04:00

Honestly, I don't know of another store that is left in the town that is from "the old days". Brenner's Children's Store was there when our Grandparents were buying our parents their clothes and it's still here. I wouldn't be surprised if there are still some clothes hanging that have been there for forty years. OK, twenty years.

With all of the trendy stores out there, where can yout still get a Cub Scout pocket knife ... Brenner's.
And how about a sash for your Girl Scout uniform? Brenner's
You might think it "corney" to care about the store that was there when three generations grew up, but personally I feel that we have to keep them alive.
Now if we could just get some new styles in the window....

I know that these are both the same picture. But color and Black and white are completely different.

The Leg in the Window - Norwood MA

2009-08-27T04:38:00.002-04:00

The main street in Norwood MA is lined with new businesses and long time staples. It's a mixture that I'm sure you'll see in many towns.
One of the most interesting is the antique shop. For all I know it's a busy place, but I've never seen anyone in there. This image was almost an after thought. I was headed to my car, my camera packed away and there she was... in all her glory ... A MAJOR PRIZE! The Leg Lamp.

No fanfare, no real positioning except it was there in the window ... I think it was there to light the window , but there she was.

How many young men have marveled at it's beauty? I too stopped and got my camera out of it's safe place to take a shot ... just to document the Leg Lamp that lights the window in Norwood center.

Conrads Norwood MA

2009-08-25T04:13:00.007-04:00

I was out on another search for images and there it was ... "Conrad's". On another night I would have kept walking I guess. But this night it just looked perfect.

It's nice the way certain places in town are consistant. A teenager can bring his date here and be treated with respect ... and the food is great.

It was quite late when I shot these images, the town was very quiet. Just the way I like it

Summertime - FUN!

2009-08-23T04:44:00.003-04:00

We all live for the week-end .. you know the saying ... "Work to live not Live to work"
I think we forget that ... I know that I do. We need ... we want ... we "have to have" ... everything When we have "everything" if we just remember that family is the most important thing there is.
I shot this image and knew that I had captured a lot more than a slip and slide. For the moment they reached the end they hugged.

Girlfriends - A Quiet Moment

2009-08-20T04:35:00.002-04:00

I shoot a lot of theatrical performances and sometimes my favorite shots come from the rehearsals. It's a lot of long days to put together a show.

The stage isn't set, there are no costumes and the actors deep in the process of preparation.

Downtime between your turn to rehearse can be hours. And during those times I see the best images.

Here's another image from my Girlfriends series and it will always be one of my personal favorites.

Girlfriends - Four Years Later

2009-08-17T04:23:00.003-04:00

Four years ago I had the chance to photograph four girls who had recently graduated from high school.

They were "girlfriends" and they were all quite different. I don't claim to understand people, I just capture their souls, OK, I just take their pictures... but magic happens when you look back and see how things have changed.

Especially those years right after high school when a person's world explodes with new ideas - new places - and people.

I'd love to shoot the Girlfriends again, but that moment has passed

An Apple's Life - Captured in Walpole MA

2009-08-15T16:10:00.006-04:00

I'm a bit sentimental. I keep the things that important people in my life have given me.

This tends to create "boxes of stuff". Not BIG boxes, shoeboxes of stuff.

My stuff reminds me of the happy moments in my life.

My Daughter gave me an apple in October 2005. I put it in the fridge and it ended up in the back ... for a year it aged there. Then I took a picture of it and put it back.

This image below is an apple's life documented over the course of three years.

I finally threw out the apple, it was getting way too old.

Seven Nations - Fiddle in Cleveland Irish Festival 2009

2009-08-04T05:11:00.002-04:00

The band called Seven Nations is really a bit deceiving.; At first glance, they are have the look of a skateboard crew... tattoos and baseball caps , They don't look like they'd be a great band,

But as soon as it starts you soon find out that this is a group of seriously talented musicians that have worked with symphony orchestras, been part of the Olympic opening ceremonies and the X-Games.

I only got a few images of Victor Gagnon, the band's fiddle player, but you get the picture.