This year marks the 100th birthday of the Roe Jan Community Library, which serves Hillsdale, Copake, and Ancram. The 3-year-old new building on Rt. 22 just south of Hillsdale has been such a fantastic thing for our community. First of all, it’s a really nice, comfortable, bright and airy space. And there is so much going on there–from Toddler Wiggle Time, to book groups, writers’ groups, yoga class, art exhibits, concerts, author’s presentations, and various workshops.

To commemorate the big birthday, I was asked to make a photographic portrait of the community, which features people using the library, staff, donors, board, the concerts and art shows. We also decided to make some of the portraits of folks outside of the library–in their homes, or doing what they do outside. I’ve enjoyed this tremendously as it gave me the chance to document all that’s going on, and meet lots of interesting and talented people, and so many volunteers who give their time so generously.

Saturday June 8, from 5-7:30pm is the 4th annual gala to be held at Camp Pontiac in Copake. It will be a lively event with cabaret performance by Laurel Massé, jazz by The Mike Schiffer Trio, silent and live auctions, and hors d’oeuvres from local chefs, as well as a slideshow of the photographs I’ve been working on. Here are a few to show you what I’ve been up to:

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library

Sculptor Leon Smith created the large green chair that sits outside the library.

The Troy Children’s Chorus in concert

Librarian Beth Adams leads Toddler Wiggle Time

High School student, runner, library youth team member Louisa Dodds

Major donor, Ben Lipstein

While your family is gathered together, wouldn’t you love to have natural family photographs that portray the love and joy of your time together? You don’t get too many chances to make family pictures of everyone together, and photos that have beauty, spontaneity and real feeling in them are very hard to make! You need a pro. I have a very limited number of “Home for the Holidays” sessions available. I come to your place, so you can relax and be yourselves, and let me reflect your lives back to you in pictures that you will treasure forever.

Call now 518-329-6239

to reserve a session and I will gift you a nicely framed 5×7 print from your portraits.

Sessions within 20 miles of Ancram: $200 for up to 1.5 hours. Print prices start at $50.

Travel fee applies to longer distances.

I love to photograph my wonderful nieces whenever we get together, and I’d like to do the same for your family!

I’m exhibiting my photography at Maplebrook School in Amenia from Nov. 10 to Dec 15.

The opening reception is Sunday November 11 from 1-4pm and my friends who make up the Bash Bish Bluegrass Band

have agreed to play at the opening! Hope you will come on over and have some fun with us. Last week we made a photo

of the band in front of the Taconic Wayside Inn where they play every 2nd Saturday of the month. Whether it’s

a group, a family, or an individual, I  really enjoy making natural photographic portraits that have a

spontaneous and authentic feel to them. Yes, we have to do some set-up to get the arrangement and light right,

but then I like to get people engaged in what they’re doing or feeling, or the reason why we’re making

the pictures to have something true and real shine through. I think we achieved that in this band portrait photo of

wonderful folks and great musicians.

With Father’s Day coming up, I want to encourage you to have me make photos of your family. People often say to me, “oh I wish I had made pictures when . . . ”  You know how we’re always saying, “I can’t believe it’s already June,” or “How is that time goes faster and faster the older we get?” Your children are growing up so fast–let me spend some time with you to create portraits that you will absolutely love. Seize the day! Family photography for Father’s Day  gift certificates are available now–just call me at 518-329-6239 for a gift that will be cherished for generations!  

To view my portrait portfolio click on any photo

Hudson Valley creative portrait photographer B. Docktor specializes in conveying your character, and capturing the spirit, beauty and joy of your family gatherings. I love to create beautiful images that show you at your best. Please call me at 518-329-6239. View portfolio here:  

OK, I admit it . . . I am partial to redheads. Believe it or not, my hair used to be very close to the color of this little cutie, Malayna. I wanted to photograph her beautiful mom, Susanna, since I first met her as one of my Zumba students! I first saw Malayna while I was photographing her friend’s first birthday party and knew I had make pictures of her. With her dad, Dave, they make a sweet and gorgeous family, don’t they? I love doing family portrait photography in this very relaxed and spontaneous way, to create images that will be cherished for a long, long time. Mother’s Day coming up–you can get a gift certificate for a family session for just $149 if you call before Mother’s Day–518-329-6239. For a perfect gift for mom, you could give the gift certificate as a promise of great family photos to be made in this most beautiful time of year. 

I’m so delighted I got the chance to do some natural, in-home baby portrait photography for my friends Emily & Jim and their gorgeous little guy Jack. Given the huge artistic and musical talent of both his folks, (not to mention their good looks), I’m guessing Jack is going to be a totally amazing, incredibly creative person. I’m thrilled that I’ll get the chance to be around him as he grows up! 

Creative portrait photography conveying heart and soul and humor. I first met Cory Schifano when I was photographing Olana’s summer bash a few years ago, and we were having a blast dancing. (Yes, I was dancing and photographing at the same time!) She’s one of my favorite bodyworkers in the region, and now she is also doing coaching. She asked me to make an on location portrait of her for her new website. What a delight, to photograph such a lovely, uninhibited, (and might I add agile) woman!