Sarah Colvin Photography

Summer weddings

2011-09-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

I met Laurie years and years ago. We attended the same high school, and then got to know each other better while working many crazy summers at the photo lab downtown. This year, I was honored to photograph her wedding.She married Patric in the backyard of their home in Yarmouth, under beautiful blue skies, on a perfect Cape Cod August afternoon.I share with you some images from that day.

Paradise

2011-07-15T15:00:00.001-07:00

Bouncing down Route 6a, that old historic road, take a left and bounce down the pavement to where the dunes begin. Air down the tires and travel over the sand, all of a sudden the dunes part and the only thing before you is sand and sea and air, blue sky that goes on forever just like the almost-tropical looking ocean.

The warm soft wind carries the scent of ocean, tide, sea life and sand, sunscreen and bodies caressed by the sun's healing rays.

The ocean laps lazily at the sand, growing slowly closer, it will draw near for six hours and then retreat, again revealing the flats and the stones and the tidal pools it covers at its peak.

In winter it is grey here, and cold and desolate, lonely and depressing. It's hard to imagine the suicide, domestic violence, and substance abuse rates are as high as they are when you look out at the summertime paradise. But it is a stark difference, and those of us who live here year round know if we endure the cold and hard winters, we will be rewarded with paradise.

This is Cape Cod. Specifically, the images I present to you are from Sandy Neck, a long stretch of sand on the North Side of Cape Cod, fronting Cape Cod Bay. Standing here on the beach you can see Plymouth to the West, the Sagamore Bridge connecting the Cape to the mainland, and on a good day you can look East to Provincetown, the whole of the Cape.

We are beach people in the summer, flip flops all the time, sand in our cars and on our floors, in our blood. The Cape is beautiful because of its diversity. There isn't simply The Beach, there are many beaches. Warm placid South Side beaches, fronting Nantucket Sound (threatened by the possible future installation of one hundred thirty four hundred foot wind turbines); the gorgeous and eternally protected National Seashore of the Outer Cape, its beautiful cliffs, vistas and freezing Atlantic water. To the North, Cape Cod Bay, with its epic, stretching tides...sometimes when you walk out on the flats during low tide you swear you are on another planet where everything is still and warm and glistening and perfect.

We stay on the beach until the sun goes down, bathing suits are covered with comfortable cotton tee shirts and shorts, a fire is built on the beach and music is played. Our sun warmed bodies chill easily when darkness falls, but the glow of the fire keeps us warm.

Since my trip to the beach last weekend, I've quit my job and signed a contract for a new one, a large salary increase and a new challenge, a similar yet vastly different venue, a step forward and one behind all in the same. Amidst all this chaos I'll sink my toes in the sand and let the waves washing by caress the shouting in my soul.

Happy summer, everyone.

2011-03-26T02:16:00.001-07:00

Eagle Pond & Long Beach

2011-03-21T02:13:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon with the doggies...Eagle Pond in Cotuit and Long Beach in Centerville.

Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnstable, MA

2011-03-18T02:20:00.001-07:00

Fort Hill

2011-03-16T03:25:00.001-07:00

The Earth is slowly beginning to warm, days have grown longer. I spied a Robin in my front yard on Tuesday afternoon and the small sprouts of growth near the shed in the back yard. Walks through the woods have begun as well, as I traipse through the trees in an attempt to coax Spring through the earth with my camera lens.

In Marstons Mills Sunday, Ricky and I walked through trails of conservation land. The sky was a milky grey, the sun only showing itself at the end of our walk. The open field is still wearing its winter look, and some remnants of Fall still remain.

Tuesday afternoon I ventured with friends to one of my favorite places on the Cape. The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses hundreds of acres of land on the Outer Cape, from Eastham to Provincetown. Tuesday's adventure took me to Fort Hill, a place I remember from childhood, a place I've been coming back to year after year. It's beautiful in all seasons. Follow along my first walk of the season, many more to come.

The trailhead snakes across a rolling field, offering a lovely vista of the Atlantic ocean and Nauset marsh system.

In a few short weeks, green sprouts will begin to emerge, fiddleheads will unfurl from the water, lining the boardwalk that weaves through the Red Maple swamp.

Lichen clings to this branch, signs of life in the still maple swamp.

The ancient white whale jawbone marks the entrance to the Penniman house.

The home of whaling captain Edward Penniman. This French Second Empire style home was constructed in 1868. Penniman sailed the seas of the world before retiring here in 1884.

Some say the third floor of the Penniman house is haunted...you decide!

The home is open for tours on occasion throughout the summer season. Locked up tight this time, though.

Very soon these branches will be sprouting leaves and providing places for birds' nests!

Lovely sweeping vista heading back up the hill to the parking lot.

The Nauset marsh beckons with its blue water, boaters will soon immerse their vessels in the water to enjoy the beauty of the Outer Cape.

2010-06-30T02:53:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of shooting the Cape and Islands United Way's Best Night of the Year event on Sunday at the posh Willowbend country club in Mashpee. Special thanks to Richard Brothers, one of the hardest working and most inspiring men on Cape Cod - he's in charge of the C&I UW. Check out the pics!

Weddings!

2010-06-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Some selected shots from spring weddings. I've been busy lately!

Cape Cod Modern House Trust - Kugel/Gips Open House

2010-04-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I ventured to the Outer Cape to view the Kugel/Gips house. It's the first restoration project that the Cape Cod Modern House Trust has completed. Venture over to their site to learn more about this and more amazing modernist homes on the National Seashore.

Cape Cod Songwriter's Competition

2010-04-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

I spent this afternoon at the Claddagh Inn in Harwich, watching 10 incredibly talented Cape Cod songwriters strut their stuff on the stage. Also a fantastic photo op - and what a combination for me - a perfect melding of event and musician photography. Check out some of the highlights, and keep an eye on the website for more!!!

2010-04-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Band photos to come..

Another BCAE Cover

2010-03-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Just shy of one year ago, my shutter clicked on a group of students drinking wine, listening to music and enjoying the brand-spanking-new Boston Center for Adult Education in the South End of Boston, and a fruitful freelance career was born. Since that Friday night in late March, I've shot an oyster tasting at Legal Seafoods, countless classes (Cooking for Singles! Whiskey tasting! Sewing! Italian cooking!); member events (Caramba its the Samba, Bollywood at the BCAE); and done a lot of other fun projects for this great non-profit. I have to thank my dear friend Jennifer Scott for hooking me up with this great gig, and for keeping me working even after I left my beloved Boston. My work has been featured in member brochures, marketing materials, on the website, and on the catalogs - and here's the latest:

A lovely shot of the exterior of the BCAE that if memory serves me correctly, I shot on my very first night at the BCAE.

Here it is, spring again, yet another new beginning for me. I'm finally putting my roots down here on the shores of Cape Cod, and looking forward to expanding my business here. Thanks to all of my friends for your support and guidance in the years since I've "gone public" with my photography. I still like to fly under the radar - but I love every minute I spend behind the camera.

New Year, new site

2010-02-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

FINALLY I've managed to upload the newest version of the site. It's still under construction, but the bare-bones are there. Look for updated images, new content, and fun things to read in the coming weeks. I have a bunch of fun things to look forward to this year - more BCAE work, weddings, and the like. I've also teamed up with DJ Ben Runnels - we provide a package deal that allows you to get a photographer AND a DJ for your wedding at one ridiculously low price. Bad economy what?

Family Portraits

2009-11-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my stars it's been a long time since I've posted. Three weddings down and two to go..so here's a family portrait shot I did in Cotuit today to tide y'all over. Happy Thanksgiving!

BCAE fun and after-fun

2009-08-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Trotted down to the Boston Center for Adult Education last night, one of my favorite places in Boston. Chef Joanne Chang of Myers and Chang was teaching a hands-on class that I had the good fortune to photograph. Joanne rocked the class.

So many good ones--if you want to see the full set, click here.

Afterwards, I was walking to the train to head home, but ended up meeting the lovely Jenny Scott and Nathan Spencer for cocktails at Marliave, a place that had always intrigued me but I'd never had the chance to visit. Less than one glass of wine in, the camera came out again:

Sometimes the photographer needs to be in the photograph...

Jenny's new friend Malcolm

Our awesome bartender with his buddy Malcolm

And of course perusing the new BCAE catalog in between pours.

I have a wedding to shoot on Saturday--can't wait--stay tuned for updates.
--skc

Back in the groove.

2009-06-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've taken the entire month of June off, as far as photography goes. I've had a break from BCAE work, and portrait work has been on hold as the studio moves locations and the weather hasn't been so nice for outdoor work. Such was the case last Wednesday, when I'd originally had Danielle and Rick scheduled for their engagement session. But, we bumped it up a week and were blessed yesterday with one of the nicest weather days we've had in...well, way too long to think about. Initially the plan was to go to the Public Garden, but we rocked the Common instead. Danielle and Rick are getting married in August--I'll be shooting the wedding. I can't wait! They are so cute together, don't you think?

BCAE work should pick up again next month--looking forward to it. Got some fun stuff coming down the pike--stay tuned!

...and now in the South Magazine!

2009-05-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

The June/July issue of The South magazine is now hitting newsstands..featuring a photo of mine. You can check out the story online. This is a particularly awesome achievement, not only because the photo is appearing in a nice glossy mag, but this is my brother's band, Low Country Destroyer, who have been having a great deal of success down South this year. So let's hear it for the awesomely talented Josh Colvin and his bandmates. LCD rocks.

Cover!

2009-05-21T03:01:00.001-07:00

My image appears on the cover of the July/August catalog for the Boston Center for Adult Education. Exciting!

Headshots in the Public Garden

2009-05-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

An old high school friend of mine contacted me via Facebook last week, asking if I'd shoot her headshots. Of course, I accepted. Amy and I were good friends in high school--I remember us being the only two people in Photo II senior year (my high school was verrrry small) and having a blast taking photos and developing them in the darkroom. I met up with Amy on Boston Common last evening--a beautiful, warm and sun-filled late spring evening--and we strolled to the Public Gardens. I've been DYING to shoot there, and am now so excited for an engagement shoot I've got planned there next month. The evening sun and backdrops were gorgeous. It was awesome to catch up with Amy--I haven't seen her for more than a decade. Gotta love Facebook for making it so easy to keep in touch with old friends.

Amy is a very crafty lady -- she makes her own soaps(!) and was kind enough to give me a sampling of her wares last night. I'm excited to use them, and you should check out her stuff - go ahead - visit the Ocean Street Spa!

Boston's Weekly Dig

2009-04-29T07:45:00.001-07:00

Today three of my photos appear in the Education supplement of Boston's Weekly Dig. Thanks again to Jennifer Scott and the awesome crew at the Boston Center for Adult Education for being awesome. Go out and pick up the Dig!

Happy Birthday Sarah Colvin Dot Com!

2009-04-24T08:17:00.001-07:00

Today marks the one-year anniversary of sarahcolvin.com. I started the site last year with the thought of maybe generating some interest in my photography. I had no idea what this year had in store for me. I've always taken pictures, from the (very) early years with my Kodak disc, to spending hours in my high school's darkroom, to the years spent at my beloved little Photoworks..to the last few years with my trusty digital SLR by my side--it's always been a passion, always been an interest.

In the last year, I've acquired studio space in Cambridge, shot a ton of portraits, gotten PAID for my work, shot a wedding, I have two booked for this year so far and another in the works...I've gotten praise and thanks, scored an excellent gig shooting for the Boston Center for Adult Education..been published in the Boston Globe, both online as well as in the print edition...and I'll be published in The South magazine this summer. Who knows what lies ahead, but it's all exciting...and I can't wait.

Thank you to all my friends for your amazing support, thank you to my clients, thank you to my family.

Event Photography & Exciting Times

2009-04-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

March was an excellent month for Sarah Colvin Photography. I worked a TON, which I love...and right now I'm enjoying a long overdue weekend of relaxing, which for me means sitting down and focusing on the work for a little while. Yes, I realize that's not the standard definition of relaxing, but boy does it feel good to get this work off my desk! I have a pile of CDs ready to go in the mail, editing done, web updates done, and I'm ready for the next round. I have ONE job left to edit, my dear friends at Cape Cod Broadcasting, so stay tuned for those...they're so much fun. More on that later, though.

What I want to talk about now is the newest "addition" to Sarah Colvin Photography, and that's event photography. When I was doing news on WQRC and Ocean 104, I'd often get sent out in the field, trusty microphone in hand, to cover events using sound. I'd get access to all sorts of things I'd never attend on my own, and then I'd have to hunt down the bigwigs or other attendees and interview them. While I LOVED that job (and loved really is an understatement), I always found my eye wandering to the photojournalists there, watching and envying them as they snapped happily away, capturing the breaking story or other event in a completely different way. I always wanted to DO that sort of thing. And now, with my event photo portion of the business blossoming and blooming, I DO get to. It dawned on me while I was covering the BCAE's Oyster Tasting last Saturday. I stood in the room, camera in hand, observing the action, and it felt so familiar...until it dawned on me why. I noticed members of the press there, who came up and spoke with me, and it all felt so natural. I honestly never thought my news experience would help with my photography..but lo and behold it has. And I'm so super happy to be back in the thick of the action again.

Thanks to a new friend of mine, I now do freelance work for the Boston Center for Adult Education, as you may have noticed from my previous post. I am so thrilled and flattered to have this new partnership, and feel like this experience is only going to bring more positivity into my professional life. The BCAE is an amazing place, fun and exciting, and I've got four or five more events for them coming up in April. Hooray!

That being said--if you are reading this and have an event coming up...birthday party, reunion, etc, etc...and want a photographer, email me. The thing about event photography, especially for private parties, is this: I know you'll always have friends/family there with cameras, and they'll be able to capture the event in their own special way. But by hiring an outside photographer (me, of course!!), you'll be free to put down the camera and have fun--and be assured that you'll have a lasting, fun memory of the day or night.

I've also made some tweaks to the site, so poke around, take a look, email me, send a comment, hire me, etc etc etc. Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine, already!!

Boston Center for Adult Education

2009-03-28T05:18:00.001-07:00

If you're not taking a class at the Boston Center for Adult Education, you're missing out. Big time.

I trekked over to the BCAE's super hip new location in the South End last night with no expectations, save for my memories of 'adult education' on the Cape, which consisted of a group of bored people under my high school's fluorescents learning about tidal patterns.

This? Amazing. First of all, the BCAE's new space is absolutely gorgeous. Second, the classes on the roster last night included whiskey tasting, wine tasting, ghost science, and cooking for singles. See? I am not making this up. And there's so much more where that came from. And not to mention, on Fridays, the BCAE does what they call "Friday Night Out". Because many of the classes on Fridays are single-session, Friday Night Out is essentially a reception for those coming in and taking the class, a chance to mix and mingle, hang out, drink wine, and listen to great live music before taking your class. Who knew education could be so fun?

Michelle Lewis performs live at last night's BCAE Friday Night Out

Students relax before classes begin

Folks get down to business in "Cooking For Singles"

I did say whiskey tasting, right??

The Boston Center for Adult Education is located at 122 Arlington Street in downtown Boston. Check them out at www.bcae.org

See more photos from last night here

See more of my work here

New Galleries

2009-03-27T02:51:00.001-07:00

So I've been spending a great deal of time lately trying to find the best way to present a whole bunch of photos at once to my clients. While I have been using Flickr for many years, it didn't really give me exactly what I was looking for in terms of client galleries.

But recently, I discovered SmugMug and I think it's going to work out quite well for both me and my clients. The uploading is a little more time-consuming than Flickr, but the end result is great, and I can also add passwords and protection if need be. So, if you are a recent client of mine, click here and you'll find a link to your SmugMug gallery. You can also easily order prints, directly from them, to be delivered to you, for super cheap prices.

Back to uploading for me!

A busy weekend!

2009-03-19T06:02:00.001-07:00

I have been getting a lot of work with kids lately..and that's just fine with me, because kids are so much fun to shoot! I met up with Jared and his mom on Saturday afternoon at the Plymouth waterfront. Jared's mom hung out with his baby brother while Jared and I roamed the shore, having fun and taking pictures along the way. He was a complete natural in front of the camera, struck many poses -- including a lot of goofy ones -- but we had a ton of fun.

I also did something very new this weekend -- party pics! While I am no stranger to pulling my camera out at parties I've attended (my friends can truly attest to that!), this weekend was the first time I shot parties for complete strangers. Much thanks to my good friend DJ Lisa Z for setting me up with the gigs.

Friday's party was a fun-filled surprise 50th in Falmouth. The group was a rowdy, fun crowd -- a perfect group for my first attempt at being a party photographer. I am a little shy, but this bunch made it so easy! The guest of honor LOVED having "papparazi".

Saturday night's event was another surprise birthday party, also in Falmouth. An awesome family--lots of laughs, lots of fun! I love it when people get together with those they haven't seen in a long time, those moments are simply wonderful to capture.

I've got a lot of editing ahead -- stay tuned for more updates to the site!

A slight change...

2009-03-11T03:39:00.000-07:00

If you've come to this blog before via sarahcolvin.com, you may notice a slight change. I've moved from my website's blog to this one, because I realized that my old blog didn't allow for comments. Not that I have grandiose ideas of people coming here and just -dying- to comment, but I thought it would be nice if you could. So welcome, it's all exactly the same, just a tiny bit different.
--skc

Todd & Becky

2009-03-06T04:13:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of shooting headshots for Todd and Becky Gosselin. Todd is an old friend of mine from back in my college radio days, and Becky is a friend of another friend of mine. Funny how the world works sometimes! At any rate, they are such a fun couple, with an amazing chemistry. I absolutely love working with actors because they know how to ham it up for the camera, and seem to truly enjoy having their photograph taken. Both Todd and Becky are very involved with the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans. Right now, Becky is starring as Maria in the Academy's production of The Sound of Music. It's running through mid-March, so if you find yourself on the Cape, I highly recommend checking it out (not to mention the Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite musicals). Todd is an actor as well--check out his website for more info. He's got some awesome shows coming up at the Academy as well. I hope to work with both Todd and Becky again in the future--they were so much fun, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the camera loves them too!!

On Display!

2009-03-01T04:15:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy these past few weeks, I almost forgot to tell you all about my show! Four of my photographs are on display at the Nile Lounge in Allston, MA, as part of a charity show. The show includes photography and paintings from local Boston-area artists. Proceeds from the sale of any piece go to benefit Kick for Nick, an awesome charity. So if you are local, or even if you aren't, and find yourself in the Boston area, go on over to the Nile and check out my work.

This is the first time my work has been displayed (outside of family and friends' homes and of course online), so even though it's a small show, it's a big deal to me. This year has been quite exciting so far, and I have so many fun and creative projects coming up -- not to mention tons of photos that soon (read: tonight) shall make their way onto the site.

If you have a creative idea, or if you'd like to work with me, feel free to shoot me an email - sarah@sarahcolvin.com -- I'd love to hear from you.

Kids!

2009-02-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure any photographer will tell you -- kids are not easy to photograph! They lose attention very quickly, do not like to sit still, and are hard to direct. But they are so darn cute you find yourself taking the time (and finding the patience) to go through the session until you get that perfect shot.

With my friend Zach, though, it's a little easier--he's only five but he's been acting on stage for a few years, is super vivacious, and seems to genuinely enjoy having his photo taken. You may remember him from the pictures I took of him over the summer. It's amazing to see how much he's grown in just a few short months.

I traveled to Cape Cod this weekend, and spent the day with Zach and his mom (my super good friend Miss Lisa Z ). We had a blast, going from the playground to the beach (where Zach defied his mom and splashed his feet in the water!!), back to their cute house in Cotuit, and on to a beautiful lake setting in Plymouth. This is the kind of session I like best -- when I have the whole day to meander around, take photos, get comfortable and warmed up. While I know it will never work for ALL my clients..it's nice to have the opportunity to shoot like that every now and then.

Zach's full gallery will be up very soon..as well as some new headshots and portraits...and maybe even a site redesign on the horizon. But for now, here's Zach, just hanging out in his room.

Chinese New Year - Boston

2009-02-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

While it's wonderful to work for clients I often forget just how much fun I have when I take my camera out to capture images just for me. I made a point to venture to Boston's Chinatown on Sunday to watch (and photograph, of course) the Chinese New Year celebration. What an amazing experience. Chinatown fascinates me. It's a completely different world ensconced in the city of Boston, abutting the busy Financial district, a hop skip and a jump from South Station. Crossing through the threshhold, passing by the fu dogs, you enter a world of wonder--of beauty, strangeness and intrigue. The sound of the drums, the crashing of the symbols, the deafening *pop* of firecrackers, the mesmerizing lion dances...I'm glad I made a point to get up early to see it. New images are up in the Fine Art - Boston section, but here are a few of my favorites...

and Mayor Menino!!

Published!

2009-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

Back in September, I had the honor of being the Boston Globe's Photographer Of The Week.

Today, they printed one of the photos from that article in their "G" Arts & Entertainment section. I feel proud and honored to have one of my photos printed in the area's largest newspaper. Thanks to Teresa Hanafin and the Globe's RAW staff for making it happen for me.

I would also like to note that not only is this an honor for me, it is an honor for my wickedly talented brother -- the shot is of his band, Low Country Destroyer.