Make Your Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Last with Randi Baird’s Life-Capturing Photography

July 10, 2008 Leave a comment

Randi Baird is a celebrated photographer on Martha’s Vineyard who specializes in environmental portraiture, combining two of her, and my, favorite things – people and the landscape of Martha’s Vineyard. The island is a special place and your vacation on the Vineyard is a special time, something to be savored. I asked Randi to do this interview because she’s the one to capture your moment…forever.

Anne: What are your favorite locations on the island for family portraits?
Randi: I always ask clients if they have a favorite spot. I want to find places that are dear to them, places that bring out their best selves. If they don’t know the island well, I have favorite spots all over the island, so I ask them where they’re staying and I try to absorb and then match their mood with a specific island spot. Of course, I love to use the water, the beaches…

Anne: What is the significance of the Vineyard environment in supporting and enhancing the photo shoot?
Randi: The vineyard is about the environment, the visual space, the beauty…and people enjoying the landscape…they are completely linked. The Vineyard is a special place for people. They come back year after year, it’s family time, it’s down time – away from home and regular life and this creates an opportunity for people to really connect with each other…and themselves. I encourage people to wait 4-5 days into their time on the island before we do the shoot so they can really unwind.

Anne: Have you done portraits anywhere else in the world? and if so, what is different about doing them on MV?
Randi: I’ve worked in Asia, Europe, Russia and throughout the United States, traveling the world photographing life in action. What’s different about Martha’s Vineyard is its natural beauty and the indescribable feeling that people have while they’re here.

Anne: What is your technique for getting people to relax and for getting authentic photos?
Randi: I’m a mom, so I really enjoying working with kids, and I’m in-tune with them. I like when kids are kids and I do my best to just let them be kids. I capture them at play and then get some posed portraits. I’m capturing family time, a day in the life – moments within their lives. I do direct and I like direction and I bring fun props. Primarily, I connect with kids and adults in a similar way – by connecting on a personal level, starting conversations, going with the moment and being warm and friendly.

Anne: What is your ultimate goal when shooting portraits?
Randi: I’m the observer. Whether it’s a portrait I’m shooting for an engagement photo, a wedding or just to capture a relationship or family moment, it’s all about them. Oftentimes, the best photos happen when people aren’t looking at the camera – real life is captured.

Anne: What do you love most about living on the Vineyard?
Randi: We’re so lucky to live here! Because of the diversity of people, the sustained traditions, the farming, the fishing (it’s great to be surrounded by fish), the strong sense of community, the fact that you can create real change, that you can have a voice here…and be heard.

Anne: Many of our readers are lucky Vineyard vacationers, can you give us a quick list of things absolutely not to miss?
Randi: There are so many! Let’s see…
Lobsters at Larsen’s
Dinner and sunset on the beach in Menemsha
Chilmark Chocolates
Visiting the farmstand closest to the place you’re staying, and buying whatever’s in season
Up-island
Aquinnah beaches
Getting on the water – kayaking, sailing, surfing
Swimming every day
Shopping in Vineyard Haven
A walk through the Campground in Oak Bluffs
Black Raspberry ice cream at Mad Martha’s
Breathing deeply in the ocean air!

To contact Randi, visit her website, email her at studio@rbaird.com or call her at 508-696-5335.

Thanks, Randi!!!

Chappaquiddick, Families, Martha's Vineyard, MV Rentals

Chappaquiddick Exclusive: Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental

July 7, 2008 Leave a comment

I get excited about all of my rentals because every property on Martha’s Vineyard offers something unique and surprising. But, sometimes I list houses that truly blow me away – this is definitely one of those houses. Note: this house is available for 1-2 weeks this August 2008 only!

When you arrive at this Chappy compound, you will not want to leave – and you won’t have to because everything you need is right there. Made for big groups and surrounded by fields and ocean, it’s the ultimate getaway.

Magnitude. Perfect for entertaining or for bringing the whole family, the property includes a charming guest house, and in total offers 6 bedrooms, 3 kitchens and 6.5 bathrooms, housing up to 12 people. Set on 20 acres, this Chappy property offers total privacy and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Amusement. Pool, tennis court, pristine Chappy beaches nearby, Master Suite & kitchen that open on to covered patios, porches & decks surrounding the house, a private 6 hole golf course next door and 20 secluded acres to explore…need I say more?

Habitation. The house is newly remodeled and includes a family room, study and a bow window perfect for reading and relaxing. This space invites a full house and pure festivity, while offering quiet places for Vineyard escape and serenity.

For more pictures, details or rental inquiries, email me at annemayhew@gmail.com or call 508-627-6070 x27.

Martha's Vineyard

Traveling to Martha’s Vineyard: Ferries and Planes

July 3, 2008 1 Comment

How Do I Get to Martha’s Vineyard?

You have two choices for mainland to island travel – by air or by boat. Planes are small, fast and uncrowded. Boats are big enough to walk around in, have a snack bar with clam chowder, some carry cars and all provide the experience of traveling over water and past beautiful seascapes to reach the island.

BY AIR

Cape Air flies direct to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston, MA, Providence, RI, New Bedford, MA, Hyannis, MA and Nantucket. The Boston – Vineyard flight is the longest with a total flight time of 35 minutes. Cape Air operates year round, and flights depart frequently during the summer season and bit less during the winter. Flying Cessna 402’s, Cape Air is the largest independent regional airline in the United States and is employee – owned company. (p.s. each flight, someone gets to ride shotgun next to the pilot!) For more information and flight schedules visit: www.flycapeair.com or call 800.352.0714.

U.S. Airways Express seasonally serves the Martha’s Vineyard Airport from the following locations: New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL), and Hyannis’ Boardman-Polando Field (HYA). For more information and flight schedules visit: www.usairways.com or call 800.428.4322 (Reservations) 800.943.5436 (Flight Arrivals and Departure Information)

MVY Airport
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport is conveniently located in West Tisbury, and supplies bus, taxi and car rental transportation. For more info, visit: www.mvyairport.com.

BY BOAT

The Steamship Authority ferries passengers, cars, pets, bikes and dogs to Martha’s Vineyard all year long with increased trip service from Memorial Day to Labor Day and every weekend. The boats run about hourly and travel from Wood’s Hole to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. The Steamship Authority also runs ferries between Hyannis and Nantucket, including a fast ferry.

The ferry is a classic Vineyard experience, whether you are standing on the deck getting your first bit of island sun, or watching the game on the big screen tv’s inside (some boats only!). A snack bar boasts chowder, baked goods and wine and beer, and the seagulls provide the entertainment. The ride is 45 minutes long…and the ferries are always on time. For more information, schedules and fees, visit their website at: www.steamshipauthority.com or call 508.477.8600.

Hy-Line Cruises is a Cape Cod family-owned and operated ferry company with more than 40 years in the cruise business. This seasonal ferry travels between Hyannis and Oak Bluffs five times per day during the high summer season and four times per day in May and October. For the 55 minute ride, Hy-Line strongly recommends that you make reservations for their passenger ferry (no cars!). For more information, visit www.hy-linecruises.com or call 800.492.8082.

The New England Fast Ferry carries passengers (no cars!) from New Beford to Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs throughout the summer season. With special trips added for weekends, you have your choice of up to 10 trips per day from May – October. The trip takes one hour and offers incredible scenery as you move up the Sound. For schedules and fare, visit www.nefastferry.com or call 866.683.3779.

NOTE: Both Hy-Line and the New England Fast Ferry have added a $4 one-way and $8 roundtrip surchage to all tickets for the 2008 season due to fuel prices.

On MVY
Once you step off the boat, busses and cabs will be at your service, and rental cars and bikes are steps away….or you can always walk to your rental if it’s in downtown Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs.