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The Bern Blog bio picture

Welcome to my Blog!

The goal of this blog is to create a place where you can see recent work, tidbits from my personal life and the occasional rant.  Hope you enjoy.

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Seminar with Joe McNally in Dobbs Ferry

Yesterday was back to school day in Dobbs Ferry, NY.  I attended a studio lighting seminar with friend and photographer Eric Barry to learn directly from the master himself, Joe McNally.  Joe’s body of work is vast so I recommend you check out his blog if you’re a photography buff. His latest contribution to National Geographic is on sale now, see this link for images.

It was a spectacular day filled with “ah ha” moments that my brain is still digesting.  Here are a few quick images I took when the opportunity presented itself.  The third one looks like it came out of a horror movie.  :)

Red Sox vs. D’Backs

Thanks to the generosity of Kevin and Enza Youkilis’ Hits for Kids foundation I was able to enjoy last night’s game up close and personal at Fenway Park.  Home runs from both Youkilis and Pedroia led the Sox to a 6-2 victory over the Diamondbacks.  For more Red Sox images please visit our Facebook page!



Tara Lefave - AMAZING pictures Rick! It was great seeing you again last night.June 17, 2010 - 12:29 pm

Faith Rittenberg - The one of Youkilis from behind the plate with the ball still in the frame is my favorite!June 17, 2010 - 1:45 pm

Youkilis Fundraiser

A few images from last night’s fundraiser at Harpoon Brewery.  The Red Sox first baseman’s charity Hits for Kids was attended by numerous celebrities including Sox outfielder Mike Cameron, Patriot Tedy Bruschi, Wes Welker and Larry Izzo, actor/comedian Mike O’Malley, NESN reporter Heidi Watney and others.

To learn more about Kevin and Enza Youkilis’ charitable organization, visit the official website at Youkskids.org.

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Fenway Park

Shot a wedding at Fenway this weekend.  More to come…

Plum Island Getaway

Just a few personal pics from our Memorial Day weekend getaway last week.  Good to take a couple of days off and smell the salty air.  Of course, me being me, I still got up at 4:30am to shoot the sunrise.



Jessica & Darryl’s Engagement

We had a great time out in W. Boylston shooting on the grounds of The Old Stone Church.  I love being in the city, but this was a real treat. Press play arrow at bottom left side of box below to start the slideshow…and put your speakers on!

Issac’s Bar Mitzvah video

OK, I got such a positive response from the first video that here we are again.  Please offer more feedback!

Click on the play icon to start the show (bottom left side under the video box below).

Studio on the run: A Mall Promo

Two weeks ago I was asked to shoot a promo at The Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill. Participants were offered a quick portrait, a few shots done in less than a minute or two per person.  I had no expectations except being open to meeting some new faces and having fun.  I set up a backdrop and decided to go with just one light.  Simple and clean.  No props, no gimmicks.

I hear this a lot so I’ll attack it before you think it: Nobody is smiling.  Yes they’re happy folks but sometimes I feel that smiles look forced in formal portraiture, especially with children.  My thing is to reveal something true so I actually don’t egg people on.  I let the space be what it is and trust that it’ll show me something.  Fascinating exercise to do with kids and photography since most of them have heard “cheese” so many times they know exactly what to give the camera.  But you don’t need to hire someone to get a “cheese” portrait.  Expect more.

Shoots such as this get me excited to open a studio where I can spend all day with my camera and just one light.  I’m happy with these results, especially with the knowledge that we created them with no prep, no fancy tricks and an abundance of enthusiasm.

Anyone who knows me knows there was plenty of silliness during this shoot, just like at any other.  In the end though, these are the images that moved me.  Hopefully you’ll agree.


Dave - Great portraits....very telling Rick....what was your one light? and lens??May 18, 2010 - 8:23 pm

Dave Stubbart - Great portraits Rick!! What was your one light? and Lens??May 18, 2010 - 8:29 pm

Rick - Thanks Dave. I used a Lastolite EZ-Box mounted on a light stand with a Nikon SB-900 flash and Quantum pack to help with recycle time. Used my Nikon D3 and 70-200 f/2.8 to shoot.May 19, 2010 - 7:27 am

Alice Boardman, CHGC - I love these portraits Rick. The light is soft and just right. Teach me how you did this. Really beautiful! AliceMay 23, 2010 - 11:21 pm

Beacon Hill Engagement Photo Session

I really enjoy shooting in classic urban settings such as Beacon Hill – everywhere you look provides inspiration.  Last month one of our new associate photographers Kat Taylor joined me in working with a great couple during their engagement session.  Everyone had a fun time – a prelude to their wedding day.

Engagement shoots have become an essential part of wedding packages today.  Bride and groom have a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and we create a foundation that makes things easier come wedding day.  Plus it’s a blast for all involved.

So this is the very first video I’ve ever posted on my “photo blog”.  Many photographers have started to incorporate video into their work and now it’s my turn.  While I’m not shooting video (and have no plans on personally shooting video) I definitely like what I see for adding these kinds of slideshow presentations to view our work.  I’m eager to hear reactions and comments – do you love it, hate it or just don’t care?  Please let us know.

Click the play icon (bottom left under the box below) to enjoy the show!

Toni - Well, I love it! I may be a bit biased since it was our engagement shoot, but I think it's fun! Thank you so much! We really enjoyed the two of you and can't wait for our wedding.May 18, 2010 - 8:15 am

Open Studios Art Show: Sunday May 16

Drop by anytime this Sunday May 16 for Open Studios at the JCC in Newton, MA.  Along with many incredible local artists who teach at the JCC, I’ve been asked to show some of my work.  On display are enlargements from my recent trip to NYC, last year’s shots with Kaiya on the beaches of Cape Cod, a few political shots and if nothing else, keep me company!  :)

Location:  Levanthal-Sidman JCC at 333 Nahanton St Newton MA 02459

Doors open at 11 and close at 4:30pm.