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Category: About | View all recent posts |
| November 11, 2007 | |||
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| Looking through old photos is always fun for me because I can suddenly reminisce about a trip I took, a party I attended, or a friend I used to have. Somehow these things always seem to get shoved in the back of my brain along with algebra and chemistry.
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
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| **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. |
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