This summer on Martha’s Vineyard, our work was all about authenticity—capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that tell the Island’s story. From hidden beach proposals to the faces of local heroes, and families we’ve photographed for years, each project offered a glimpse into the heartbeat of this community. Whether documenting the future of sustainable farming or the quiet strength of families facing unimaginable challenges, every frame captured something deeper. Here are some highlights from our season.
Capturing Community Spirit at the YMCA
As the organization gears up for a significant expansion, we had the honor of photographing the essence of what makes the Y so impactful—its people.
The Y supports a diverse community, serving everyone from children to elders, across all abilities, showcasing the far-reaching impact of its programs throughout the Island. These images are now displayed as 3×4-foot portraits on the YMCA walls. They stand as a testament to the YMCA’s unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of belonging, growth, and support in our community.
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Black Women in Venture Capital
We were honored to work with Black Women in Venture Capital, an organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black women in the venture capital industry.
Photographing entrepreneurs as they networked and shared their visions for a more inclusive and diverse future was a powerful reminder of how much potential there is when opportunity meets determination. This marks our third season working with Black Women in Venture Capital.
As a women-owned business for the last 26 years, we wholeheartedly support and encourage their mission, standing with them to foster greater inclusivity and diversity in the business world.
Capturing Island Engagements: Popping the Question
This summer, we had the thrill of photographing some truly magical surprise engagements. Whether we were hiding behind beach umbrellas or peeking through tall grass, we were there to capture the moment when love was sealed with a ring.
From intimate beachside proposals to celebrations surrounded by friends and family, each engagement shoot was a joyful, heart-racing experience. The stunning backdrops of Martha’s Vineyard made these moments even more unforgettable, and we’re honored to have been part of these once-in-a-lifetime memories.
The Garden of the Future with Blue Dot Living
I had the privilege of a year-long assignment to photograph Roxanne Kapitan’s visionary octagonal garden on Martha’s Vineyard. Over the course of a year, I documented the garden’s transformation through each season.
Designed as a self-sustaining space filled with edible perennials, Roxanne’s creation minimizes the need for constant upkeep by reusing natural resources like rainwater and wood chips, rather than relying on outside inputs like compost and seedlings. This innovative garden is a glimpse into a future where gardens thrive year after year with minimal intervention.
To learn more about Roxanne’s future-forward approach to gardening, check out the full story in Blue Dot Living.
The Full Circle of Island Farming with The Boston Globe
On Martha’s Vineyard, the journey from food scraps to grass-fed steaks is transforming the island’s food ecosystem.
This summer, we had the opportunity to capture the story of Leaf to Beef, a new cattle farm that embodies Jo Douglas’s vision for sustainable farming. As the sister farm to Fork to Pork, where restaurant food waste is turned into nourishment for pigs, Leaf to Beef redefines full-circle farming with its focus on grass-fed cattle.
Jo’s philosophy—ensuring her animals live “their best lives until their last day”—is evident in every image we captured, showcasing the serene landscapes, content cattle, and eco-friendly practices that make these farms unique.
Featured in the Boston Globe, this project emphasizes how Jo’s innovative approach is reshaping the future of local food production on Martha’s Vineyard. You can read the article here to learn more!
A Culinary Collaboration with the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust
Imagine the smell of freshly caught striped bass sizzling on the grill, or the briny taste of oysters harvested from the cold waters off Martha’s Vineyard.
This summer, we had the delicious task of bringing these moments to life for an upcoming cookbook.
A collaboration with the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, this recipe book—authored by Cathy Walthers, who gathered recipes from island chefs and home cooks—teaches islanders and visitors alike how to prepare the best of local seafood. It also features “Fish Stories” and portraits by Brooke Barletta, sharing the tales of local fishermen and their catch.
Set for publication next spring, the book dives into Martha’s Vineyard’s rich fishing traditions while offering simple, flavorful recipes that honor sustainability. From lobsters to littlenecks, we captured the essence of what makes Vineyard seafood so special, preserving the journey of each catch from the hands of local fishermen to the tables of home chefs.
Creating Lasting Memories with Vineyard Havens
In the face of adversity, the strength of family shines through, and this summer, we had the honor of capturing that spirit through our work with Vineyard Havens. This nonprofit gifts vacations to families navigating the challenges of cancer. This year, we photographed 20 families, helping to create beautiful memories they can hold onto forever.
Each session was filled with laughter, love, and genuine moments, reminding us of the importance of connection during difficult times. These heartwarming sessions not only celebrate the resilience of these families but also highlight the power of photography to preserve precious memories.
Shedding Light on the Energy Sector with The New York Times
Our latest work was recently featured in a New York Times article that delves into the intricacies of the Vineyard Wind Project. As a passionate supporter of renewable energy, I faced the unique challenge of balancing my commitment to the environmental benefits of wind energy with the necessity for corporate accountability.
Through these images, we sought to illustrate both the promise of renewable energy and the responsibility that comes with it, emphasizing the importance of transparency to ensure that projects like Vineyard Wind are sustainable and trustworthy.
Read the full article to learn more about this critical topic and see our photos in action here.
Family Portrait Sessions
This summer, we worked with a fantastic array of families, each bringing their own vibrant energy and love to the lens.
What made this season particularly special was the number of returning clients—families we’ve had the pleasure of photographing year after year. Some of these families began with toddlers in front of the camera, and now those kids are heading off to college.
Witnessing these milestones, through different stages of life, has been a rewarding reminder of how photography preserves the essence of family connections across time.
Excited For What’s Ahead
As we wrap up another incredible summer, we’re eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead. With a lineup of exciting projects and assignments on the horizon, we can’t wait to continue capturing the moments that truly matter. Here’s to new stories, fresh inspirations, and the joy of preserving memories together!
Contact us to discuss your next project or story!
