You Breathe in Life Forever

Look at this little dollface! So stinkin' cute! Pink patent leather shoes? Yes, please!


That smile and crinkle - I'm a sucker for the crinkle.


She had gorgeous Betty Boop eyes - pretty much the biggest, roundest eyes I've ever seen!


And she was blessed with the full package - lashes with a capital "l"!


This little girl entertained me during a pre-Christmas session (yes, I'm still blogging those). I couldn't get over how friendly and smiley she was. And, of course, the eyes. When I look back through the photos from her session, I can't help but giggle - she just looks so happy!

We Got A Hot Crustacean Band

I took this photo today on my visit to Captain Marden's Seafoods. I couldn't wait to post it! I love the colors, the perspective, and the look on the lobster's face! You lookin' at me?

You're The Only Bait In Town

I love the colors of this fish fin! I took this photo during the session I had with Max of Shack Foods. Plenty more to come, but I couldn't resist posting this one. Or using this song as the post title!

Young Girl With Fire

I love this family! They made an appearance on my blog in the summer of 2009, back when Miss M was an only child with a little sister on the way. Fast forward to 2010 and the family has grown by one super-cute little girl. Honestly, it's almost too much cuteness. And energy.

Mom & B.


Sisters.


It is not easy to play "chase" and take photos simultaneously. Luckily, Doug was there with me that day so he stepped in when I needed a pinch-runner.




Family Portrait. I love how casual it is and how happy everyone looks! It doesn't matter if they're not all looking at the camera!


Little Miss B needed her own little shoot. I love the little nose crinkles!






This is M with her grandfather. One day in the future, this photo will be one of her favorite things. Everything about it says love.


Here's the thing - children don't stand still. Instead of trying to contain them, I try to play with them and incorporate the playtime into the picture time. I love love love the photos from this session because they're full of energy and movement and personality. And, of course, love.

*Today is Neil Diamond's 70th birthday, so in honor of that, the post title is from "Shiloh."

Looking In Your Eyes, I See A Paradise

When I first met Karen and Joe, I knew I wanted to photograph their wedding. What started out as a meeting turned into a three hour dinner. They are so friendly and fun and overall awesome. They're getting married in March at the gorgeous Gibbet Hill in Groton. If you haven't been, they have delicious food (both at the restaurant and at weddings). The grounds are beautiful and perfect for photos. To contrast with the barn-like feel of their wedding venue, Karen, Joe, and I spent the day traipsing around Boston for their engagement shoot.

We started off in Fanueil Hall.


Then we walked over to City Hall Plaza. Boston's City Hall is a concrete piece of Brutalist architecture that generally looks like an eyesore. However, if you take your time and use your creative eye, there are plenty of beautiful spots for photos.


Then on to Beacon Hill! We wandered through Lousiburg Square and down the narrow streets.


We did a little urban exploring and maybe casually trespassed. Maybe.




Mid-shoot, we stopped to "refuel" at the place where Karen & Joe met. It was great to incorporate this location into our session and we ended up with some great photos!


I can't wait to photograph their wedding in March! I know it's going to be a blast. Karen was a bridesmaid in one of my 2010 weddings, so I know what kind of crowd will be there!

*Karen and Joe can not be held responsible for the post title. Their musical taste might not be as cheesy (and varied) as mine and this just happened to be the song I was listening to (made myself a rockin' Yacht Rock mix!).

Movin' On Up

A post just isn't a post without a photo. This one is from the window of my hotel room in Mystic, CT. Who knew we'd be getting so much more snow the past couple of weeks? Anyway, this is a little announcement about Margaret Belanger Photography - I finally "finished" creating my Facebook business page. I started it over a year ago and then let it sit before coming back to it today. So, if you're on Facebook and you haven't done so yet, check it out and "Like" me!

Let's Put It On Repeat

This fall, I photographed musician Krista Baroni for her latest project. She's been hard at work in the studio recording new songs and creating a new sound. Our challenge was to match the photos with the new music. So, you should all go to her website and take a listen.







If you ask me, this is what Krista was meant to do. I've known her for over 5 years now and it's been a pretty incredible journey. She's not just an amazing songwriter and singer but an amazing friend. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to say, "I knew her when..."

You in the Moonlight

Normally, Christmas Eve is reserved for family time. However, when L & S announced they were getting married on Christmas Eve in a small ceremony at home, I convinced (begged, coaxed, strong-armed) them into making sure they had a professional photographer there. Lucky for them, I just happened to know one! I know they'll be so happy to have these photos. Better yet, their kids and their grandkids will love seeing these images!

Let the celebration begin!


The bride getting all dolled up!


The rings.


L & S saw each other before the ceremony so they could have some time together before the guests arrived. It worked out perfectly!




The ceremony. Here's what I loved about this ceremony - the officiant politely instructed all the guests (of which there were less than 30) to refrain from taking photos. Me loving this has nothing to do with wanting to be the only photographer in the room. It forced the guests to truly pay attention to what the officiant was saying and what the bride and groom were feeling. It took away that extra distraction. I love photographing weddings, but having a camera up to your face all day disconnects you from what's really happening. I'm at the wedding so that guests can relax and be in the moment. That's what all of L & S's guests got to do at their ceremony. They got to witness a wedding between two people truly in love and the feeling in the room was palpable. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when the ceremony was over.



Now that's a kiss!




Yup. Really really married!

Everybody Jump For Joy

Yet another Christmas shoot that had yet to be blogged! Such an adorable family. No one even minded the wind, which was pretty blustery that day!





This is my cousin Leigh's family. She and I have been spending a lot of time together this year because we're working on a book together! She is writing all the profiles for the Boston Homegrown project I've been working on. We're in the home stretch now. I just need to get through all the editing!

I'm back from my conference and trying to take advantage of all the inspiration by revamping my business a bit. All sorts of exciting things are happening. Every year keeps getting better and better. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - I am truly lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I love my job.

The Golden Globes are Sunday night and I've tried to prepare, but I didn't get nearly as close to seeing every movie as I thought I might. Oh well. I might try to get to another one before the week is over, but the snowstorm may get in the way!

He Will Be Like You and Me

I'm just getting around to posting some of my pre-Christmas sessions and this little guy has waited long enough! He did such a good job during our session.

Babies in hats are adorable.


Such a little man!




I love close-ups of babies.


Today I am off to Mystic 6, which is a big photography conference/seminar. It's pretty amazing and intense. Every year I take copious amounts of notes and return home inspired to take my business and photography to the next level. Plus, it's just a lot of fun. And for an old academic like me, being in a classroom pretty much 10 hrs a day, is awesome! I'm even contemplating buying a new notebook so everything is nice and neat!