Glen Cooper - DMPJ Blog

Sondra + Erik: The Commons 1854 in Topsfield

gcooper — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:02:50 +0000

Very late afternoon sun is around just long enough.

Not two weeks prior to Sondra and Erik’s wedding I tweaked my back very badly while on a trail run in Groton. Lucky for me Erik runs a physical therapy business, Elite Physical Therapy. I go by to drop off a 30×40 canvas and he sets me up with some icy stimulation for my lower back. I met Sondra’s Dad in there as well getting treatment so he can get back at his mountain biking. Two weeks later we were both good as new and ready to go.

We made the most out of the short day and The Commons 1854 in Topsfield provided an incredible backdrop for the evening ceremony and reception. Eye 2 Eye provided the entertainment that kept the party hoppin’. The delicious cake was made by Eat Cake! from Newburyport and the flowers by Lotus Designs. And still no back pain!

Sondra checks out her amazing up do at her stylists house.

Sondra's family react to her new style.

And Sondra likes what she sees.

A little help from Mom.

Honey from Lotus Designs in Boston created a perfect bouquet to accent our bride.

The reveal.

Window light.

Stealing a smooch before the ceremony.

The Ballroom set up for the ceremony.

The star treatment. Thanks for the assist from Uncle Joe with the video light.

Roses top the cake, of course.

The Ballroom after the flip.

All eyes on the new couple.

Grand entrance.

First dance.

Father-daughter

Last dance of many.

You don’t always have to understand

gcooper — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:53:24 +0000

Winter Solstice bonfire in full blaze.

As I snapped away I chanted. Shoulder to shoulder with like-minded brethren under a cloudy night’s sky I thought. I thought about what really matters. Was it important that I recognized this moment as our annual moment of rebirth or that it “occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet’s polar hemisphere is farthest away from the star that it orbits”? I thought how wonderful it was to be somewhere celebrating Life with my little family and my father. I thought about how lucky we are to have moved to such a Magical little place where this is commonplace. I thought about how amazing it was to nosh and nog and mingle with folk afterwards at the party. I thought about the stars and how the rising embers from the fire took their place if only briefly above our heads. I drifted from one beautiful thought to the next like a distance runner gliding effortlessly over a Spiritual plane that his feet never quite made contact with. I was on a Solstice High as we circled the flame. I heard my girls chatting away with their grandfather. I felt my Wife’s caring hand as she brushed the burning sparks off my hat. In the dark I bumped along meeting new people with a friendly nod or smile.

I don’t know if I understood all the Spiritual talk swirling about from our incredibly gracious hosts BUT, what I can say is that I enjoyed our shared community experience. It was simple. Sometimes simple is best.

Sparrow speaks his mind and enlightens.

Chanting. Burning. Chanting. Burning.

Vanessa & John get married; go bowling

gcooper — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:30:25 +0000

Turner's Pond in Milton provides a nice backdrop for pre-ceremony portraits.

Vanessa and John were married at St. Greg’s in Dorchester with a reception at Venezia on the water but it was a great little suggestion from Vanessa to do photos before the ceremony at Turner’s Pond in Milton. With the fading light in late Fall and early Winter it is crucial to get photos in prior to dusk so I was psyched when these guys understood that and found this spot. We found some unique spots at the Venezia as well out on the boat docks at night.

But that was just the pretty we found in this very urban landscape. The real F-U-N was the unique mix of friends and family. Irish dancing from John’s side mixed with a latin Caribbean vibe from Vanessa’s crowd. The staff at Venezia were great and very easy to work with throughout the night. So much variety in one small wedding.

Alone but far from lonely-Vanessa hikes a trail in her weddin' dress.

My happy couple at Turner's Pond.

Perfect light (thanks to Steve Sangalang holding my flash) and late afternoon provided by Mother Nature.

Family.

The men.

Vanessa arrives at the St. Gregory's.

Escorted by her nana

Some laughter at the alter.

John's parents looking on.

A little emotion for the ring exchange.

More fun and some levity.

After communion.

The Kiss. Vanessa's Mom and MOH celebrates with John's best man, his brother.

All married up and ready to party.

Some quick portraits at Venezia from the bridal suite.

Again with the assist from my awesome second camera, Sangalang, with just the right kiss of light.

It was so dark it it provided nice negative space.

First dance.

Vanessa's Mom watching her dance with an old family friend.

Young love.

John, flying high.

It ended like it started for me with these two--at a bowling alley of course.

The God’s Child Project – ’tis the season

gcooper — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:45:02 +0000

A young boy takes a break from his work in this dump collecting scraps to hold his baby sister.

I wanted to take opportunity to promote a wonderful cause that does so much good. I’ve been lucky enough to witness it first hand for the past 6 years and we are headed back this March to continue our partnership. The God’s Child Project is the NGO (non-governmental organization) that we work with for our Visual Reportage Workshops.

Since 2007 when we brought our first group of photographers down to La Antigua Guatemala we’ve been returning each year with another buch of students eager to learn about what the project does for the poor and voiceless of Guatemala while at the same time expanding their photographic visions. We work alongside social workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and volunteers as they serve the children and families associated with the projects various organizations in Guatemala: Casa Jackson (a home and care center for malnourished children), The Scheel Center ( as specialized technical school), The Santa Madre Homeless Shelter and the Dreamer Center (the heart and Soul of the project and the main campus housing a school, medical and dental clinics, social work department, a library, chapel and weekly food distributions as well as the ITEMP (The Institute for Trafficked, Exploited and Missing Persons). Our students learn first hand through outreach and direct immersion with the professionals that run this incredible organization.

So what can you do? Sure, throwing money at it will help but as I’ve come to find out, direct involvement is what really makes the difference. If you want to get involved and need more info please click this link: http://www.godschild.org/get-involved. Another way to get involved if you are a budding photojournalist in the making or even a professional photographer that has always wanted to see how your photos can make a real difference–come join our Visual Reportage Workshop this March 8 – March 16. All the details are below:

Residents from the small Mayan village of Tuila look at photos from a previous VR trip. Photo by Jessica Rattner

The what. As you might already know, this is an intensive 9-day workshop where you are fully immersed in a foreign culture and work shoulder to shoulder with a top non-governmental aid organization deeply involved with social and human rights issues as they do their work. Additional to the work we do with the Gods Child Project, we also have a great working relationship with the Bomberos of Guatemala City – these are the ambulance drivers who are called for any and all occasion they are needed. This is usually an overnight (of no sleep) and its an amazing opportunity for image-making.

There are many more details to give you but the important thing to know is once in Antigua on Saturday your basic needs – breakfast, dinners, and a clean and secure place to sleep – are handled. All you need to concern yourself with is the day-to-day immersion in all the amazing photography opportunities available here. Each evening you will return to your host family for dinner, back up your files and do a soft edit. After dinner we will be meeting together as a group to run a crit on the day’s work.

These are long and fabulously full days that will forward your work in ways you cannot imagine. Our invitation is simple…join us!

The schedule. The dates for the workshop begin Thursday evening March 8 and run thru Friday night March 16. Beginning on Thursday night March 8 all of your accommodations are taken care of through Friday night March 16. You will arrive in Guatemala City where we will host your stay at the Hotel Colonial for Thursday and Friday nights – your meals are on your own but we will probably be dining together. On Saturday morning the aid organization will pick us up and take us to La Antigua where we will be staying with host families who provide your housing, breakfast and dinners on all days (except Sunday).

What you get. You get is two nights at the Hotel Colonial in Guatemala City (March 8 and 9 – meals on these days are not provided), transportation to Antigua on Saturday, once in Antigua your housing from Saturday, March 10 through Friday night March 16 with breakfasts and dinners for these days (except Sunday) are covered, transportation from Antigua to the Guatemala City airport for your return flight. Each day you will be transported to any one of the God’s Child Project worksites or facilities and brought back in the evening. Most days you will be meeting after dinner for a review of the day’s work and critique – this is an important part of the whole experience.

The cost. $2,495. As in the past this trip will fill quickly, a $500. deposit will hold your spot, don’t delay if you want to be on this trip. This rate does not include airfare, and the good news is airfares to Guatemala City are very reasonable if bought in advance.

Let us know if you have questions.

Looking forward,

Michael & Glen, Visual Reportage Workshops (www.visualreportage.com)

Mary & Jason = Faneuil Hall Fun

gcooper — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:13:40 +0000

Mary and Jason have the lights of Faneuil (I think I spelled it correctly) Hall as a backdrop for these nighttime portraits.

Mary and Jason were one of those couples every Boston wedding photographer has each year that just represents. They knew everyone and their guest list was replete with old Southie and Boston heavies. They partied like rock stars all night and celebrated their beautiful union in true Boston style–high above the city at the State Room. We got ready at the Boston Harbor Hotel with Mary and her gang and then did some fun shots along the Greenway park. With all the splendor that is the State Room it was our foray through Faneuil Hall marketplace that made my night. They even stopped for their ritualistic java fix at the Starbucks inside–possibly fueling up for the night of dancing ahead. This is Mary and Jason’s world and we just live in it.

Making pretty with the makeup.

Panorama stitch from the balcony at the BHH--what an incredible view.

The dress hangs high above the harbor and the fading Fall light.

Getting ready silhouette.

Mary's lil' niece is a bit excited.

The balcony provided the perfect space for uncluttered shot so my beautiful bride.

Beautiful late afternoon light meet beautiful Mary.

The girls under the arch at the BHH.

More girlie Boston shots.

Having some fun along the Greenway.

Mary finding the light.

The ceremony was in the incredible Harborside Salon.

Post-ceremony--The first official sanctioned portrait of the newlyweds.

The gentlemen get into the action.

More portraits and fun in Faneuil Hall.

Guys and doll.

Guys and guy--like some Kettle One commercial.

Then into the marketplace in search of Starbucks.

But why not have some fun along the way--good thing she's not shy.

The Wedding Party shot as workers look on.

Mission accomplished!

Mary makes her entrance to the State Room's Great Room.

First dance with a view.

The cake.

More detail work on sweetheart table.

Mary through the looking glass.

The gloves came off as the dance party erupted out of nowhere.

Julia & Scott: Mini wedding celebration

gcooper — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:39:00 +0000

Family wedding photos line the table as Julia and Scott descend the Grand staircase at Hampshire House.

Julia and Scott live in Chicago and that is where they had their “big” wedding celebration but before that, Julia wanted to do something, somewhere, so that her grandmother could see her wedding–enter family and some close friends to the historic Hampshire House in Boston for a cozy lil’ ceremony just for her. It couldn’t have been sweeter or more intimate. We spent some time just Julia and Scott and I + my second cameraman, USK, wandering the bricked sidewalks and cobblestones of Beacon Hill. Then we joined the party for some formals in The Public Garden before the ceremony and reception in the library room upstairs–this was definitely a place where everybody knows your name.

Window light is right.

And again.

Canoodling...

...canoodling...

...and still more canoodling (of course I'm making them do it for the photos but it happened none-the-less).

Just strolling through Beacon Hill in a wedding dress (happens every weekend, I'm sure).

On the side streets off Charles--with USK adding some fill.

Beacon Hill portrait around the corner from Hampshire House.

Finding a little spot for some love.

Trying hard to find something that says Boston.

American beautiful.

The Gang's all there.

Special greeting for Grandma.

The entire wedding party

"Ready to do this?"

Portraits on a cloudy day--like a giant softbox giving nice soft light.

Beautiful day for a stroll through the Garden.

As Abbey Road as we could make it.

Escorting his bride to the alter.

This room is just perfect for black and white.

Vows.

Rings.

Kiss.

Married.

Ceremony room flipped in record time.

Cake.

Details.

More details.

One more quick portrait because we have to have a spiral staircase shot.

Showing grandma the bling.

Looking great even getting bustled.

"I'll show you mine..."

It's not just the kids that do this.

Great, great service at the Hampshire House!

Many toasts from moms and dad to brothers and friends.

Everyone was encouraged to say a little something.

Toasting each other.

Love.

Sealed with a kiss.

From Philly with Love: Adam & Elyse Sneak Peek!

gcooper — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:17:13 +0000

Smooch along the Chuck!

Here’s a quick peek at Elyse and Adam. We’ve come a long way since our February engagement shoot down in the City of Brotherly Love (I can say that since I am a Boston wedding photographer). A beautiful couple surrounded by incredible family and friends, nice weather and fun. Check them out below to make sure I’m tellin’ the truth (especially about the beautiful part). Great again working with Katie and the staff at the Royal Sonesta. Big shout out to the band, Eye 2 Eye–for making the night is so fun and smooth.

Getting ready.

Two birds with one shot--Jimmy Choo shoes and The dress.

Reflected Beauty.

More beauty reflected.

Waitin' on a Woman!

Likin' what he's a seein'.

Off to shoot some portraits.

This is their signature couple move--and it works.

As close to flawless as we get.

Not so bad himself--kinda that 007 movie poster look.

More...I think this is a smoldering look but I don't know what that is exactly.

My second photog adding the key second light to the mix.

More bride beauty.

Is this Adam's "good side" of the River?

Definitely Elyse's good side.

Silhouette and skyline.

Late afternoon speed-light with CTO filter.

In Love.

Another angle.

Girls on parade.

Signing of the Ketubah with friends and family in attendance.

Really proud parents.

A nearly full moon peeks in to see the ceremony.

Mazel Tov!

Not ready to let go--they soak in the moment to it's fullest.

Let'em know how you feel, Adam.

Flower girl vs Bride.

First dance.

Moms go for a ride.

Bro in law shows some respect.

Kiss!!!

Lissa & Brian: One I just had to post

gcooper — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:54:16 +0000

Seated firmly on a moss covered bench in an English garden surrounded by Nature--this is how I see them.

Lissa and Brian wrote me a while back and thanked me for “getting” them. I really don’t know if I can say that but what I can say is that these are the kinds of people, Good People, that we should all try to “get”. I feel honored to have been a part of their nuptials that day at the beautiful Codman Estate. What I do see is two people deeply in Love and very committed. Two that are One in so many ways. These folks have been an item since birth (well at least somewhere in toddlerhood). They survived high school, colleges, distances, and time–the Mutha of all relationship killers. I met them photographing Brian’s sisters wedding and could tell how attentive they were to the process and making that day special. Brian played violin (I hope I have that instrument correct but it was some sort of violin-looking thing). Lissa was doing DIY reception set-up until the 11th hour all to make that day special for Brian’s sis.

Then came our engagement shoot in Nahant–they scaled cliffs and forded tidal surges to allow me some epic shots–all with a nonchalance like they’ve done this many times before.

There are many people on this Green Earth–if you are lucky enough to run into these two woodland creatures–approach slowly, with a kind heart and just try to get them–it will make you smile.

Hope you didn't think there'd be some ostentatious gown after that intro--simple and perfect.

More simplicity done right--thanks to Faxon Green: www.faxongreen.com

Getting ready--5 minutes 'til--not your usual bride.

Brian is gonna need some help.

...And he gets plenty.

The rings in the Nature of her bouquet.

Ceremony site in the Italian Garden.

Flora.

Fauna.

Almost time--some last minute jitters?

The long road ahead?

Some fun before we head down the ceremony--sorta American Gothic-ish.

We don't want to be stumbling down the aisle.

As in LIfe they will be hand-in-hand for their entrance to their ceremony.

I don't know who the statue guy was but he seems to approve.

Afterwards family gathers in such an organic way--no formal receiving line--just being real.

Great assist from my stellar 2nd cam Tony Yu with the off camera soft light sweetness.

The sun graced them just after the ceremony.

Reception outside the Carriage House.

Faxon Green's flora.

and still more woman-created Natural flora.

And still more fauna--this little finch was lining its nest with these things.

Did she call ahead and ask the florist what the bouquet was wearing?

Cocktail magical hour.

The English Garden again.

Nothing says New England like a well made stone wall.

The colors of the buffet.

Homemade pie in place of cake--baked by all the friends and family: Peach, apple and blueberry-yum

Dance.

One last kiss good night.

Jill & Ezra Quick Peak

gcooper — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:06:50 +0000

Jill & Ezra post ceremony smooch near Hingham harbor.

Jill and Ezra had their wedding ceremony at the Old Ship Metting House in downtown Hingham and then celebrated their reception with hundreds of guests under a gorgeous tent at Jill’s parent’s historical home just around the corner. What a truly great way to spend your wedding day/night complete with Ezra singing a beautiful song he wrote for their marriage.

The dress reflected.

Jill reflected.

Dad gets a first look.

First look!

Dad escorts his baby girl.

The Old Ship is the oldest continuously used meeting house in the US.

JIll's parents watching the action from their box seats.

So to does her good friend.

Watching me watching them.

Homemade touches everywhere.

Brought in their own chuppah.

Glass broken and...

...mozel tov!!!

Getting the congrats.

Time for a private kiss post ceremony.

Now downtown for some photos.

First stop something beachy near the harbor.

Toes in the sand.

It looks deserted but there was several beach regulars we carefully avoided--especially the old man in the Speedo.

Portrait of Ezra. Hingham, Mass. circa 2011

Love at the old theatre.

Incredible big tent for the festivities on the side yard.

Details and party favors.

The cake under the big tent.

Some family formals group #1.

Group #1A.

And some brotherly love.

What wedding isn't complete without bubbles--perfect kid favor.

Passionate speeches from the best of men...

And Jill's brothers provided the laughs.

Plus the "best" girl.

Some traditions needed to be performed...

and more traditions got everyone involved.

Then is was just party time--or more traditions as Ezra's Dad celebrated to "YMCA".

Dancing with grandparents.

Bridesmaids sang with the band - Men in Black

More passionate speeches this time utilizing modern technology.

Ezra and his old bandmates played a crowd favorite.

And the crowd went nuts.

Really nuts--I don't even know what dance this is.

Mom and Dad share some love on the dance floor.

Ezra and Jill shared a little love out by the old tree swing.

They concluded the night with a song written especially for their marriage.

Many thanks to my stellar second cameraman, Chris Gagne, Men in Black for providing the tunes, East Meets West Catering and anyone I missed; this was a grand affair.

Lauren & Steven at New Seabury and Popponesset Inn

gcooper — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:58:57 +0000

Beautiful twilight is everything in this shot as Steve and Lauren pose for in impromptu portrait.

In Greek myth, Narcissus was a beautiful young man who rejected all potential lovers, but then tragically fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. Why start a blog like that? Because this is all about Steven–and the simple fact that as beautiful, athletic, sensitive and intelligent as he may be–he is also smart enough to know that Lauren trumps any reflection. Never have I met a man so completely comfortable with himself and so full of self-love that his mere presence is infectious to all around him. Most men could never come close to pulling this off as he can shift between utter machismo and emotionally feminine without skipping a beat. Its takes a special kind of woman to match this stride for stride and Lauren is the perfect fit.

Lauren and Steven chose the magnificent resort at New Seabury and the Popponesset Country Club for their wedding reception. The last time I was here for a wedding 3 groomsmen went skinny dipping in front of all the wedding guests so I was ready for anything this time. Maybe its the salt air but this wedding had an energy that rocked us all night long. I tend to think that the force field that surrounds these two special people could power a small city–as evidenced below. Enjoy. I certainly did.

The Dress and The Beach.

The hardware.

The girls approve.

Paparazzi.

Dudes on parade.

Cute. Beautiful. Simple.

The Church - Christ the King Church in Mashpee.

Proud Papa and his girl.

Makin' it official--put a ring on it!

Running the gauntlet with flags a flyin'...

And high-fivin', fist bumping and smilin' all the way.

The family #1.

Family # 1A.

Love in the Marketplace at Popponesset.

More Marketplace--so many kitschy things to take advantage of in here.

The local watering hole.

The Gang, Posse, Entourage, etc.

JCVD!

Playing poker--totally staged but fun none-the-less.

Men.

Women!

Battery powered love machine.

Perfect light.

Perfectly comfortable holding his girl's purse or her bouquet.

Sunset kisses.

Even works in BW.

Hand-in-hand together in Life.

How they really are.

More natural beauty.

Details, details...

...details...

Pumping up the energy waiting on the main attraction.

No strings attached and he has no harness.

Everybody got into the act.

Dancing with Dad.

And Mom.

An embarrassment of dessert riches provided the fuel.

For the madness that ensued--no dress malfunction here.

This guy is at every wedding.

Little bro getting some air!

Party rock.

Not a great shot but I had to submit it as evidence that Steven could bring it!

Signature cocktail: The Perfect Pair Lemonade (vodka + raspberry pink lemonade)

Thanks guys for making this fun!