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BREAKING, LATEST, AND UP-TO-THE-MINUTE PORTRAITS STRAIGHT FROM INSTAGRAM

peterbillardphoto

Semi-legendary professional photographer shoots exemplary portraits for business, creative, corporate, and professional clients—why? Because I can.

Love Story! Today's our 37th anniversary and it fe

Love Story! Today's our 37th anniversary and it feels especially sweet. We both kinda flip-flopped in relationships before we met in 1983. I knew in my heart and brain that after meeting Nancy, I had no intentions of ever second guessing my choice to hitch together and then get married in 1984. We've been married longer than our entire years before knowing each other––amazing! Photos: date night out at former Harbor Park Restaurant in Middletown; making the moves on Nancy with camera in the studio; kayaking on the Salmon River; walking on the Airline Trail. I love you, sweetie!
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Four Portraits Story––Our son Jesse's always b

Four Portraits Story––Our son Jesse's always been the most willing person to photograph I've known. Handsome, too. He groans when I start telling a joke when we're in a group, but he's always a good sport in front of the camera. There have been so many shots over the years. These four are all arranged similarly in the studio. From 1997, 2001, 2016, and 2020. For 3 or more years he used an office in my studio for his work. Whenever I set up the camera and gear for a soon-to-arrive client, Jesse offered to sit in for the test shots. Some of the shots we did were goofy after we did the straightforward type pics. Then COVID struck and his work arrangement changed. There'll be more to come in the years ahead! Thanks, Jesse!
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Happy Fourth of July, 2021! Special thanks to Arch

Happy Fourth of July, 2021! Special thanks to Archibald Willard's painting 'Spirit of '76' as Nancy, Jesse, and I commemorate our nation's holiday. Make music, merriment, and stick a feather in your hat and called it macaroni!
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#fourthofjuly #spiritof76 #threedayweekend #4thofjuly #4thofjulyweekend

#7 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#7 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. A favorite spot to meditate during cold months is directly in front of the pellet stove. The warmth on my back and steady sound of the fans is very relaxing. The glass front of the stove was clean and allowed the flames to illuminate the room. I can’t sit in lotus position––my legs, hips, and back don’t like it, but sitting seiza is very comfortable, and can do so 40 minutes or thereabouts. Time spent in stillness and reflection is a necessary countermeasure to life’s busyness and activity. Photo from March 2016.
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#headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #meditation #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #seiza #sittingseiza #cometflash #nikon #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait

The best bread results for me have followed the Ta

The best bread results for me have followed the Tassajara Bread Book method: half the dry ingredients and all the liquid to make an interim ‘sponge’ step. It takes more time, but the bread's better, so which is more important?––answer: the bread. I bought the book in March 1973 at a Madison, Wisconsin hippie-health food store. Don't remember its name. The price written inside reads ‘2.39 tax inlc.’ It's as good now as it was then!
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#headshots #selfportrait #breadmaking #photostudio #jumpshot #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #tassajara #tassajarabread #nikon #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait

#6 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#6 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. Later this month I turn the next higher number. From July 1973 is this photo when I still lived in Beloit, Wisconsin. I’ve always enjoyed making bread, and the best bread results have always followed the Tassajara Bread Book method: all the liquid and half the dry ingredients to make an interim ‘sponge’ step. It takes more time, but the bread is better, so which is more important?––answer: the bread. In the front of the book is a Charles V. W. Brooks quote: ‘We need more cooks, not more cookbooks.’ I agree. I bought the book in March 1973 at a Madison, WI hippie-health food store. The price written inside reads ‘2.39 tax inlc.’ I still use it!
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#headshots #selfportrait #breadmaking #photostudio #jumpshot #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #tassajara #tassajarabread #nikon #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait

#5 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#5 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. Later this month I’ll turn the next higher number. A common occurrence with all this gear so handy and open shooting space is the temptation to just fool around in front of the camera and lights. Fortunately, I’m up to the task. Once in a while I can persuade someone else to jump after we’ve done the real shots. I even have a mini-trampoline stored in the back for special occasions. It’s all part of getting the jump on the competition. Photo from July 2018.
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#headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #jumpshot #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #speedotron #cometflash #nikon #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait

#4 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#4 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order. These are 7 different self-portraits than IG & FB posts in Oct. 2020.) From August 1983 is this photo in the studio done as a self-promotional piece. Film was Kodak 120 PXP - Plus-X Pan Professional. Camera was Mamiya RZ-67. I had Speedotron strobes, but in 1985 and 1986 I sold them after buying Comet flash gear. One was huge and bulky, the other compact and light, and with more options. I made post cards in the darkroom and mailed them out to clients and prospects. I don’t remember what message I wrote on them, but this was a fun shot to engineer and set up in the studio at the time. The area code and phone number have long since been replaced. I liked those soccer shoes.
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#backandwhite #headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #soccer #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #speedotron #cometflash #nikon #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait

#3 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#3 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order. Seven different self-portraits than posted in October 2020 on IG & FB.) It’s useful and eye opening to explore lighting, no matter what kind of photography you do. A common exercise in beginning photography classes is to light and shoot several eggs on a plain background. The egg’s curves allow seeing firsthand the highlights, shadows, and transition areas. Lessons learned there can apply in principle to other subjects and situations. So, to this day, I play around with lighting on faces. This photo is from September 2018. There’s also expression, background, ambiance, style/flavor, and Photoshop treatment. So much to explore! (I'm all out of eggs...)
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#backandwhite #headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #nikon #photoshop #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital

#2 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my

#2 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order. Seven different self-portraits than posted in October 2020 on IG & FB.) These photos from 1979 were a test before shooting some kind of job. Serious and goofy. I had started my business a year and half before. My first five years were out of the house, later in 1982 I moved into my current commercial space. It had become awkward for clients to come into my home, as well as inconvenient if they were coming from the Hartford area. I gained a huge amount of new work space and got back my living room.
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#backandwhite #headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #nikon #glastonburyct #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital

#1 of 7 self-portraits throughout the years in 7 d

#1 of 7 self-portraits throughout the years in 7 days to acknowledge my 70th year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order. Seven different self-portraits than posted in October 2020 FB.) From the summer of 1970 in Aspen, CO. While at Beloit College in Wisconsin, my photography professor urged us students to attend the summer photography workshops at the Hotel Jerome. I hitchhiked the whole way out. It was called The Center of the Eye, run by Cherie Hiser. Her husband, David Hiser, was a prominent photographer. It attracted people from all over the country who were serious about photography. She also drew big name people for the courses. While I was there, a few notable people I engaged with were Ruth Bernhard, Nathan Lyons, and Cornell Capa. This double exposure in camera wasn’t for a class, but it’s a good self-portrait from that time and place. It was a formative time and experience.
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#aspencolorado #photoworkshop #cheriehiser #headshots #selfportrait #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

Nancy came home from an appointment and errands. S

Nancy came home from an appointment and errands. She knocked me over when she came through the door! I grabbed the nearest thing I could shoot photos with. I was smitten! That’s my sweetie!
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Jacquelyn at Sensations Day Spa helped us to have

Jacquelyn at Sensations Day Spa helped us to have a successful photo session last week! So glad we had her expert makeup talent to start us off on the right foot. I wish all clients would use her beforehand. We did headshots, playing at the keyboard, and striking the singing bowl.
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Here’s ‘Return Of Crab-Monster’! The sequel!

Here’s ‘Return Of Crab-Monster’! The sequel! Part Deux! Not seen in public since Halloween 1998! It’s baaack! No one is safe––hide!
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#halloween #monster #headshots # #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #scarymonster #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #scarymonsters #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

#7 and last of of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to co

#7 and last of of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order.) February 2020. What’s happening to us? What’s happening to our country? Not wanting to face the reality of a problem or situation doesn’t make it go away. That which is neglected deteriorates and that which we ignore gets worse. When we fail to pay attention, things fall apart. Sometimes irretrievably. Ambivalence, timidity, and disinterest, when practiced by large numbers of people, places all of us at risk. Anguish and hopelessness is not a life sentence of imprisonment. We can choose to act in ways that elevate the human condition and make the world a better place, or not. That’s my choice––to make a difference, to matter, relieve suffering in others, stand up to bad behavior, and uphold higher standards of conduct than ordinarily practiced. Foof!
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#strength #selfportrait #adversity # #barbedwire #headshots # #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #gitzo #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

#6 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate tu

#6 of 7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order.) August 2018. Brought home lighting gear and a smoke machine to do an after-dark shot on the brick walkway. Purpose was to illustrate a iece I had written to support Nancy and give her strength several years before. Her last year of the teaching season 2013-2014 (she taught 37-1/2 years) was particularly tough, on several fronts. I wrote her this:
7 Questions To Ask Yourself and Reflect Upon:
1. Have you lived a good life?
2. Have you loved others and have others loved you?
3. Have you given back more than you've taken?
4. Have you developed and made use of your talents?
5. Are you grateful for the human life provided to you?
6. Have you faced adversity, loss, tragedy, and discouragement and handled it?
7. Can you experience the wonder and beauty of the world despite the suffering and cruelty?
© 2013 Peter Billard - share freely if you like, written submission and registered with the US Library of Congress Copyright Office.
In Nancy’s case, she answered affirmatively to all questions, thus helping her through a difficult period.
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#strength #selfportrait #adversity # #shootfilm #headshots # #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #gitzo #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order.) September 2014. A solo Mt. Washington hike after Labor Day. I used to stay in the huts or the Joe Dodge Lodge, but the AMC rates became ridiculously astronomical. Since then I drive up the day before, stay at a Gorham motel, drive to Pinkham Notch real early the next morning, hike up, get a bowl of chili at the top, hike down, and drive home to Connecticut. An advantage is I can have my gear packed, watch the high peaks weather forecasts (never given more than current day + next), and go on short notice. Preferred route is Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Helmit Lake Shelters, then either con’t. that one or the Lion Head Trail. Often up one and down the other! It’s an experience you can’t buy on Amazon at any price!
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#mtwashington #tuckermanravine #lionhead #headshots #hikewhitemountains #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness # gitzo #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order.) August 1975. At the time, I wanted to convey that I was a ‘serious’ photographer, therefore the stern look into the camera and natural light and setting. In 1975 I didn’t yet know which direction to follow in photography: fine art, commercial, free lance, employed, or something else. Looking back and considering everything that’s happened since then, I chose a very good path. I bought the Calumet 4x5 and Gitzo tripod the year before. I still have both. The camera is retired, the tripod is still going strong. The old wood shed behind me was demolished long ago.
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#4x5 #4x5viewcamera #calumentphoto #headshots #gitzotripods #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness # gitzo #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. (Not posted in any particular chronological order.) November 2010. A challenge to design, arrange, and light the shot. An additional challenge to balance atop the Gitzo tripod and not fall. It took a while, but I sure had a blast doing it. How can photography not be this enjoyable? Answer: only if you make it so. I choose to make it enjoyable.
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#balance #photostudiogear #headshots #gitzotripods #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness # gitzo #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning

7 self-portraits in 7 days to commemorate turning 70 earlier this year. Not posted in any particular chronological order.
February 1968. I was still 17, in high school, and learning photography. My parents, younger brother David, and I, were living in Munich. I made a darkroom in the basement of our house––a board atop two shipping trunks. So simple and plain, but I was thrilled. For more advanced stuff, I’d go the the Army PX with a classmate who had privileges.
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#bandwdarkroom #filmdarkroom #headshots #munich #munchen #photostudio #corporateheadshots #ctbusiness #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #portraitshooter #profileportraits #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #connecticut #ishootdigital #nikon #glastonburyct

I bought Nancy this cool blue jean jacket. I took

I bought Nancy this cool blue jean jacket. I took a guess at the size. When I got home, she tried it on. It’s every bit I hoped for and much more. She looks so good! An added touch to the photo is the store tag hanging below her arm. Such a beautiful woman!
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#prettywoman #bestheadshots #locationportraits #womenpower #strongwomen #ctheadshots #womenentrepreneurs #corporateheadshots #locationheadshots #studiophotography #headshots #photostudio #portraitshooter #locationshooting #bestportraits #nikonz6 #connecticutphotog #glastonburyct #ctphotographer

A nice shot of Jesse in the studio from January 20

A nice shot of Jesse in the studio from January 2020. One of the most fascinating parts of shooting portraits of people is the wide range of expressions that can happen. It’s a real treat to have an animated, responsive, and comfortable person in front of the camera. Facial transformations during a shoot may come naturally to some, and not to others. In the batch of shots Jesse and I took, this was the most standout. The others were farther down the top-ten list––all because of changing expressions.
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#bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #bandw #womenpower #blackandwhite #strongwomen #ctheadshots #womenentrepreneurs #corporateheadshots #locationheadshots #studiophotography #headshots #photostudio #portraitshooter #locationshooting #studioportrait #bestportraits #nikonz6 #connecticutphotog #nikkorlenses #glastonburyct #ctphotographer #hartfordct

One thing coronavirus has not stopped is running i

One thing coronavirus has not stopped is running in the morning. It’s something I appreciate more now than ever.
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#runner #locationheadshots #locationportraits #headshots #connecticut #photoshoot #running #fitness #exercise #ctheadshots #photostudio #portraitphotographer #bestportraits #ctphotographer #glastonburyct #ctbusiness #womeninbusiness #profileportraits #portraitshooter #strongwomen #womenempowerment #hartfordct #bestheadshots #bestportrait #corporateheadshots #nikonz6 #studioportrait

Even Westies need good looking studio portraits of

Even Westies need good looking studio portraits of themselves if they’re going to get anywhere.
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#corporateheadshots #proshooter #ctbusiness #westie #ctphotographer #westies #hartfordct #headshots #photostudio #photoshoot #locationshooting #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #bestportraits #locationstudio #dogportrait #studiophotography #studioportrait #nikonz6 #hartfordct #studioflash #ishootdigital #nikkorlenses #glastonburyct

Photographers who cannot shoot for clients during

Photographers who cannot shoot for clients during stay-at-home orders make quizzes to fill the void. Match the clue to the object in the photo. Win a gold star. .
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#headshots #photostudio #portraitshooter #photoquiz #quiz #picturequiz #locationshooting #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #ctheadshots #corporateheadshots #locationheadshots #studiophotography #studioportrait #bestportraits #nikonz6 #covid19 #coronavirus #stayathome #nikkorlenses #glastonburyct #ctphotographer #hartfordct

Non-essential business shutdown + social distancin

Non-essential business shutdown + social distancing + COVID-19 = hair salon dilemma. I’m overdue for a hair trim & styling. What can I do? Not sure, but I’ve explored some options. Take a look for yourself. No. 1 is the current situation. No. 2 thru 7 are alternative styles. Whaddya think?
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#headshots #photostudio #shutdown #socialdistancing #photoshoot #corporateheadshots #covid19 #coronavirus #hairsalon #hairstyle #portraitshooter #ctphotographer #hartfordct #locationshooting #bestheadshots #locationportraits #studioheadshot #locationheadshots #studiophotography #studioportrait #bestportraits #studioflash #nikonz6 #cometflash #nikon #nikkorlenses #glastonburyct #chimeralighting #ctbusiness #ishootdigital

April 2019 - Adam K. and the guys came by the stud

April 2019 - Adam K. and the guys came by the studio for some shots before a big event they were attending. Great bunch to work with!⁣
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⁣#headshots #photostudio #portraitshooter #locationshooting #bestheadshots #locationportraits #ceoheadshots #studioheadshot #womenempowerment #womenpower #strongwomen #ctheadshots #groupphoto #womenentrepreneurs #corporateheadshots #locationheadshots #studiophotography #studioportrait #bestportraits #blackandwhite #nikonz6 #nikon #nikkorlenses #glastonburyct #ctphotographer #hartfordct

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