Photo Potpourri

ADOBE FLASH PLAYER 11.7 causing havoc with my slideshows!

I’ve received several emails from clients and followers lately, telling me that they cant get the music to play on any of my blog slideshows. UGH!

After doing some research, I found out that Adobe has an active bug report listed on their site and they will hopefully fix the issue shortly.

So, while we wait for Adobe to fix Flash Player with a NEW update, the only option, if you are using version 11.7, is to revert to Flash Player 11.6, which you can download HERE.

Since I LOVE all of music I choose for my slideshows and I want everyone visiting my site to enjoy the shows synchronized to the music I pick, I encourage you all to revert to FLASH Player 11.6! The bug is not just messing with my slideshows, by the way. It is a apparently affecting a much larger base of flash users.

Sorry for the inconvenience but, as my daughter likes to say, “Put it in perspective; This is such a 1st world problem!”

Amen. Have a great day!

Iris’ Bat Mitzvah

Apr 20th, 2013

by kpikephoto.

2 comments

Iris celebrated her Bat Mitzvah two weeks ago at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, helping to lead the morning Shabbat service and beautifully chanting her haftarah. Her family and friends supported her on this day, by first attending the service and then, later, celebrating with her at a dinner reception held at the Sheraton in South Burlington.

Iris looked poised and beautiful, regardless of the purple cast that accessorized her outfit because of a broken leg. At least the color went nicely with Iris’ Tallit (prayer shawl), which belonged to her late mother, Laura Mann. Laura was warm and generous and loving and also the first nurse midwife in Vermont to assist in home birth deliveries. She was an extraordinary woman who’s life was cut way too short, in 2009, from Breast cancer. And as I photographed Iris on this day celebrating her glorious right of passage into Jewish adulthood, I smiled at the thought of how proud Laura would be of her lovely daughter.

The Saturday night party was a time for love and laughter, music and dancing. And while Iris had some difficulty maneuvering on the dance floor, she had no trouble being raised in a chair during the traditional Hora!

Whats a party without a cake! After the candle lighting ceremony, Iris’ friends (above) helped her blow out the candles.

I hope you enjoy this slideshow recapping Iris‘ celebration, to the song “DREAMS” by the Cranberries. (note: the slideshow is made in FLASH, so you cant see it on your IPHONE or IPAD. Please send all complaints to APPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.)

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If you’d like to see all of the pictures in Iris’ photo gallery, please click HERE (You’ll need to get the password from Iris or her family to enter).

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Mazel Tov, Iris. I hope you always look back at this day with pride and joy. Your family and friends surely will.

Lyric Theater presents “OLIVER”

Apr 12th, 2013

by kpikephoto.

5 comments

Lyric Theater‘s OLIVER opened last night at the Flynn Theater and it was a truly magical night for both the audience and for the theater company. As the production photographer, it was joy to be in the audience and see the results of months of hard work by both cast and crew. The sets and costumes were gorgeous, hair and make up perfect, and the performances were practically Broadway worthy (in my opinion!)

BRAVO to artistic director Timothy Maynes, choreographer Kim Nowlan and music director Martin Hain for the work they did with this large and predominantly young cast.

Lyric Theatre Company is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization celebrating its 39th season. OLIVER‘s 55-member cast includes 32 local youth and teens from 17 Vermont communities; 26 cast are new to Lyric. Jonny Barden, below, played Oliver and he rocked the house!

Mr Bumble, below, was played by Jonny’s father, Tim Barden. Barden and Margaret Garofalo, as the widow Corney, perform, “I shall Scream”.

Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, played by Don O’Connell and Martha Alexander, take in Oliver to help in their undertaker’s shop. They stole the show with their song, That’s Your Funeral:

16-yr-old Timothy Lewis was the Artful Dodger, and was so good, he has replaced Jack Wild as my favorite little pick pocket!

Fagan’s gang show Oliver how to get the job done.

Below: Fagan (Patrick Clow), Bill Sykes (Mark Cranmer) and Nancy (Serena Magnan O’Connell) were all so powerful, it was hard to believe this was community theater!I’m a huge fan of all of their work!

There are hundreds of pictures to view on my Karen Pike Photography Facebook page, but the following slideshow will give you a taste of the show in just under four minutes, to the memorable act 1 song, “Consider Yourself At Home” (note: the slideshow is made in FLASH, so you cant see it on your IPHONE or IPAD. Please send all complaints to APPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.)

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I loved working with this amazing team, including Production supervisor Rob Parzych and stage manager Freda Tutt. Thank you all for letting me be a part of the Lyric Theater MAGIC!

If you want to see (or order reprints of) the hundreds of pictures I took of the production since the kickoff meeting last January, please click HERE

Debra and Michelle’s mud season wedding!

Apr 7th, 2013

by kpikephoto.

8 comments

They came from all the way from Texas to be legally married. Trading blue bonnets for bare trees, enduring non-direct flights & baggage restrictions, and arriving at the peak of Vermont’s mud season– all in the name of love and marriage equality!

Four years ago today, Vermont became the first state in the country to embrace Marriage equality via the legislative process. Since the law past, hundreds of couples have flocked to our Green Mountain state to share their vows and get that all-important marriage license that is still illegal in all but nine states and Washington D.C.

And on Friday, Debra and Michelle celebrated with their own Vermont wedding– on the bank of a stream, near a beautiful covered bridge and just a stone’s throw from Mount Philo. Not a bad setting, even in mud season!

And, even though it was mud season, Debra and Michelle were lucky enough to have the ceremony officiated by the wonderful Kathryn Blume. Kathryn is warm and giving, and she invited the couple to get ready at her Charlotte home and then helped Debra dress, tie and bustle! The creek, the covered bridge and the awesome weathered barn that we used for taking portraits were all part of the scenery near the house and Kathryn’s neighbor, Julie Almond of Caketopia Cakes, even made the AMAZING wedding cake (so YUMMY!). Talk about full service! Kathryn even dresses in the colors that match each couple she marries, so that she doesnt clash in pictures. I love that!

I really enjoyed the time I spent with Debra and Michelle, who were actually a referral from another of my favorite Texas couples, Brandi and Jennifer, married in Vermont last Fall. I’m thinking that Texas definitely has an active gay community and some very cool women. I’ve never been, but I guess I need to visit (during bluebonnet season, for sure!)

So beautiful.

So in love.

So fun,

and playful with each other.

And finally, the cutting of the cake,

and a toast to the happy couple.

“I do” really love my job.

Congratulations, Debra and Michelle, on your most cherished and very legal Vermont marriage. Now, let’s just wait and see what happens with DOMA.

From Girls to Men: OLIVER cast members get a gender makeover!

Apr 7th, 2013

by kpikephoto.

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Eight young female members of the cast of Lyric Theater‘s production of OLIVER, had their hair cut short Saturday, for their roles as boys from the workhouse and Fagin’s gang. They waited as long as possible, but with the show opening at the Flynn Theater Thursday night, it was time for them to begin their (theatrical) gender bending.

So, with family, friends and members of the production team cheering them on, the group arrived together at O’M Salon (owned by cast members Don Patrick O’Connell and Serena Magnan O’Connell) to meet the group of talented stylists who would help them transform into their male characters. They each decided to donate their “locks” to one of a handful of organizations: Locks of Love, Matter of Trust, Wigs for Kids, or Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

There was a lot of nervous laughter, a few tears, supportive hand-holding and group hugs, and in the end, the girls were all pleasantly pleased with their new moptops, pageboys and pixies.

Oliver runs from Thursday, April 11 through Sunday April 14 and tickets are on sale at the Flynn Box Office.

Peter and Lisa’s E session

Mar 31st, 2013

by kpikephoto.

2 comments

Peter and Lisa cozy up for a portrait session at Oakledge Beach in BUrlington, Vermont

Lisa and Peter are gearing up for their wedding in June, being held at one of my most favorite places in the world for an event, Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington. I have blogged before about the super adorable Alice the pot-bellied pig, and how she and her fellow farm animals wander around the property during the cocktail hour at weddings so they can visit with guests.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to photographing Lisa and Peter’s upcoming nuptials and all the fun that is sure to be included in the celebration. This beautiful couple has been planning their Vermont destination wedding from their home in Bermuda. Actually, Peter is English and Lisa is from Texas, and their guests are coming from every direction to attend the ceremony. A highlight for me will be making pictures of Lisa and Peter on their wedding day, surrounded by their children, Lisa’s mother and Lisa’s 1-hr-old grand daughter- Four generations all together. Really, This is the kind of event that already has me grinning ear to ear, and it’s still two months away.

I was able to spend some time with Peter and Lisa on their recent trip to Vermont to meet with vendors. It was one of those rainy, but warm March days and after doing some portraits in the studio, the skies cleared so we headed down to the Burlington waterfront to do some gorgeous, romantic pictures.

The couple enjoys a warm March day at the Burlington Waterfront

On the way back to the studio, we stopped at one of my favorite haunts, Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace, one of the coolest of cool antique warehouses in Vermont. After poking around and exploring some great things, Peter presented his bride-to-be with the best souvenir! It perfectly completed the afternoon and we went back to the studio so Peter and Lisa could get on their way.

What an awesome find at Vintage Inspired near Karen’s studio.

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I hope you enjoy Lisa and Peter‘s slideshow, accompanied by the sexy Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves rendition of “At Last“: (note: the slideshow is made in FLASH, so you cant see it on your IPHONE or IPAD. Please send all complaints to APPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.)

If you’d like to see all of the pictures from Peter and Lisa’s engagement portrait session, ask the couple for the secret gallery password and then click HERE

Laura’s Bat Mitzvah

Nov 10th, 2012

by kpikephoto.

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One of life’s major milestones for a 13-year-old Jewish child is becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. That milestone took place last month for 13-year-old Laura at JCOGS (Jewish Community of Greater Stowe), and at a party which followed at the Rusty Nail.

Translated from Hebrew as “Son/daughter of the commandments”–the Bar/Bat Mitzvah symbolizes a child’s coming of age and the beginning of life as a fully participating Jewish adult. The celebration of the event is important because it honors the child’s accomplishments and gives family and friends the opportunity to show great pride and joy for the child.

Laura was in perfect form as she chanted her Torah portion. Her parents were enormously proud of her- as she so deserved! – and the teenager beamed with glory and satisfaction throughout the service and at the celebration afterwards.

There are always so many beautiful things to photograph in a synagogue, because Judaism is steeped in ritual and sacred details…

I love the conclusion of the Torah service, when it is tradition for friends to toss candy at the Bat Mitzvah to say “job well done”. Sometimes the “tossing” gets a little bit out of control and it’s best to take cover!

A beautiful family portrait (or a portrait of a beautiful family!)

You can’t have a Bat Mitzvah without the traditional HORAH:

Laura celebrates with all of her friends!

Crank up your laptop speakers and enjoy this fun slideshow looking back at Laura’s celebratory day (NOTE: This slideshow is in FLASH so you wont be able to see it on your iphone or iPad. Quick- go find a laptop!!!)
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If you’d liketo see all of the photos from Laurah’s celebration, please click HERE (but you’ll need to get the secret password from the family!)

Kelli and Mike’s Wedding

Nov 5th, 2012

by kpikephoto.

3 comments

Kelli and Mike have been a couple for about 11 years- But their long engagement came to an end last month, when they were married at the West Monitor Barn in Richmond. It was a very soggy day, but the fall colors were still vibrant and rich.

Of course, it was a Fall themed celebration, complete with pumpkins, apple cider and a traditional turkey dinner by the awesome folks at Bevo Catering.

The ceremony was Very short… and the celebration was long and super fun! DJ Jim Provost of Moonlight Entertainment kept the party in full swing all night.

The evening was full of laughter, and many memorable toasts and moments:

Here’s a slideshow recap of the day’s events:

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If you’d like to see all of the photos from Kelli and Mike’s celebration, please click HERE (but get the password first from the bridal couple!)

As always, Thanks to my assistant, the uber-talented Jennifer Kiewit, for all of her great images and for being my indispensable right-hand (wo)man!

Suzie and Joni’s Romantic Vermont Wedding

Oct 30th, 2012

by kpikephoto.

2 comments

I dont often meet real-life “cowgirls”, but I think I have to put Suzie and Joni in that category. They came to Vermont to get married all the way from Cheyenne, Wyoming, complete with cowboy boys and two huge hats (maybe not 10-gallon, but pretty darn impressive!)

Their Southern charm was infectious, as was their obvious love for each other and their desire to be legally united. Though their marriage will not be recognized by their home state, here in the great state of Vermont–and certainly forever in their hearts–their union is considered both valid and precious. I was honored to bear witness to their exchange of wedding vows and their declaration of love.

It was one of those overcast Fall days, a little soggy, but the color was gorgeous and Grunberg Haus, a romantic Austrian style bed and breakfast in Waterbury, was a perfect setting for their intimate ceremony (just them and their JP and the innkeeper!).

The service was all of ten minutes, after which the couple drank champagne, ate cake and danced to an playlist on their Iphone. From there, it was to be a celebratory dinner at Michael’s on the Hill (yum!) and then a couple of more days of Vermont R&R, before heading back to Wyoming as Mrs. and Mrs!

Here’s a super fun, 3.5 minute slideshow, accompanied by the awesome SHeDAISY, performing “Good Together“:

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If you’d like to see all of Suzie and Joni’s wedding day photos, please click HERE (this is a password protected gallery go get the password from the couple)

Congratulation, Joni and Suzie. and a special YAHOO to both of you!

Pet Portrait Fundraiser for Therapy Dogs of Vermont

Oct 28th, 2012

by kpikephoto.

1 comment

A super fun day yesterday at a fundraiser for Therapy Dogs of Vermont, held at the Essex Veterinary Center. The event included the most amazing disc dog demonstration by SuperNova Dogworks, I donated free pet portraits sittings with all donations for Therapy Dogs, and a Vermont state Police K9 officer and his German Shepherd did a drug search and biting demo (very intense!). Essex Vet supplied hot cider, yummy snacks and lots of giveaways for the 4-legged friends attending with their family members. And, yes, there sure were loads of cute furry (and not-so-furry) friends there.

I was happy for a clear day, since I was setting up a mobile studio outside, with a backdrop hanging between two Trees! But it worked great, and I took some fun portraits of many precious pets!

Look at this gorgeous bird!

I love this portrait of a kid and his dog-such love!

OK, not a pet I’d choose to cuddle up with, but..

What a baby!

This Schnauzer just passed his test to become a therapy dog!!

This family came prepared to pose for their Christmas Card!

I wanted to sneak this pair into my camera bag and take them home…

It wasn’t easy getting this energetic pup to stay still for a photo, but with loads of help, he finally stayed put for a few shots.

So, check out the action from the Supernova Disc Dogs:

And the Biting Demo…

If you’d like to see all of the photos from this wonderful event and order enlargements, just click HERE. 10% of proceeds will also benefit Therapy Dogs of Vermont!

Congratulations to the raffle winner, which included a portrait session at my Burlington studio. I look forward to photographing your two big beautiful Black Newfies!!!

Photo Potpourri

ADOBE FLASH PLAYER 11.7 causing havoc with my slideshows!

Iris’ Bat Mitzvah

Lyric Theater presents “OLIVER”

Debra and Michelle’s mud season wedding!

From Girls to Men: OLIVER cast members get a gender makeover!

Peter and Lisa’s E session

Laura’s Bat Mitzvah

Kelli and Mike’s Wedding

Suzie and Joni’s Romantic Vermont Wedding

Pet Portrait Fundraiser for Therapy Dogs of Vermont

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