Island Spotlight: Randi Baird and Faces from the Front Lines

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
 
From a very early age, I was attracted to the arts. I loved arts and crafts, 2D, 3D, pottery, drawing, painting as well as piano playing. When it was time to think about high school, my parents suggested I apply to a special art high school in New York City – Art & Design on East 56 Street. I applied and was accepted, and photography became my favorite class to attend. I then went on to study Photography at Syracuse University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography ’87.
 
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPOT OR TWO ON THE VINEYARD THAT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE ISLAND EACH SEASON?   
 
I’ve lived on Martha’s Vineyard for the last 24 years, and it continues to offer me new locations and hidden gems that I can share with my family portrait clients. I especially love the South Shore and South Beach for its expansive views, interesting dunes, and lush seagrass. For those that want more of a nautical feel with boats, docks and beach plums, the Edgartown Lighthouse is another one of my favorite locations for photography sessions. You can read about some more of my favorite spots  here.  
 
 
ANY TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS OF KIDS OR FAMILY PORTRAITS?
 
If you’re taking photos of your kids, kneel down so the camera is at their height at eye level. It doesn’t distort the photograph, and it’s a fun perspective of your kids. It can be a challenge to capture your entire family in one shot, but if you want to give it a try, get a tripod, an extended shutter release, and tickle your kids while you keep clicking the release button. 
A black and white photo of a woman sitting on hay
A group of 5 portrait-style photos of a variety of people with masks on
WE HEARD YOU WERE DOCUMENTING SOME OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS ON THE ISLAND, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE PROJECT?
 
Yes, my project is entitled Everyday Heroes, the Faces from the Front Line .
 
When the shutter in place order first became effective on March 14th I knew I had to do something to support the crisis. I realized that while many were hunkered down at home staying safe, there was a band of resilient men and women braving risk and exposure to serve our community every day. By employing innovation and creativity, exhibiting strong leadership, adaptability, and relentless determination, these local heroes have been stepping up to keep our community afloat during this pandemic. I am compelled to capture them in their selfless moments of service, to share their stories and highlight their efforts, and to give a voice to these people who are holding up and keeping our community intact.
 
From the hospital employees providing care to the sick, the delivery drivers hauling supplies to the Island, the grocery store employees stocking the shelves, the school cafeteria workers and pantry volunteers providing meals for our vulnerable families, there is an overwhelming number of people who are serving as critical lifelines to our community.
 
Our collective health and well being is dependent on the actions of these brave individuals who have been deployed across the Island to keep our rock up and running, and who remind us everyday how critical it is for us to band together, especially in times of need. Their efforts speak volumes for their character and dedication, and their acts of compassion and generosity serve as a silver lining amid a crisis we will never forget. 
 
You can read more about the project here and follow along
with Randi’s daily profiles on her Instagram and Facebook accounts.
 
 
Thank you, Randi, for the inside scoop and we look forward to seeing you on South Beach with your camera and our guests this summer.

The Winnetu on Instagram

𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘

Share your favorite summertime treat in the comments.
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𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗟

Keep it cool, but keep warm thoughts on your mind this winter.
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𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗭𝗘

Sunny days and frozen drinks aren’t that far off. No resort fees at Winnetu means more fun. Get to know what’s included with your stay (link in bio).
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𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙

Each of our suites and cottages come equipped with our favorite beach lounger. Tap the link in our bio to explore our accommodations.
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𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗠

Have you heard, our cottages are dog-friendly? Check out our Pup & Play package for the ultimate four-legged getaway.
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𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠

We make our own ice cream at Winnetu. You’ll find it on our dessert menus and for sale by the pint in our General Store.
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𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦?

Our award-winning children’s program offers fun & friends all summer long for guests.
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𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧:

Beach Days, Clambakes, Firetruck Rides, Sunset Dinners, and Bike Rides into town.

Start planning summer 2023 fun today.
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𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗭𝗭𝗜𝗘

Our steadfast Director of Rooms, Lizzie keeps the hotel running in more ways than one. Managing our front desk team, dispatching housekeeping, keeping our shuttles running on time, and much much (much!) more.
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𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗…

… to improving our forehand this summer.

Book early and put summer thoughts on your mind all winter.
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𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗…

… to making a bunch of new friends at Kids Camp this summer.

Book early and start dreaming up your summer plans.
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𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘…

We welcomed chef Richard Doucette and his incredible scratch kitchen to Dunes.

Share a comment with your favorite 2022 dish from Richard’s kitchen.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #newenglandresort #vineyard #newengland
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𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬…

Before Winnetu (approx. 150 years ago), the Mattakeset Lodge was the place to spend the summer months in Katama. The hotel was famous for its clambakes, dances, and ocean breezes.

#mv #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu #newenglandresort #newengland
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𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦

Merry Christmas from all of us at Winnetu.

PC: @heyjaynic

#winnetu #mv #katama #marthasvineyard
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𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗙

General Manager Matt Moore loves Winnetu and the affection is mutual. He’s looking forward to his fifth season at the resort next year.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #newengland #newenglandresort
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𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗣 & 𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔

They met at Winnetu, and now they’re married! You might have met Chip in the lobby, or driving a Winnetu shuttle last season while Andra is holding down the fort at the General Store.

#winnetu #marthasvineyard #newenglandresort #mv #katama
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𝗕𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥𝗥, 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗨𝗟

Still beautiful, even if it’s a bit cold.

PC: @vineyardarts

#winnetu #marthasvineyard #mv #newenglandresort #newengland
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𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞…

…to this off-season scene from South Beach, ages and ages and ages and ages ago.

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #newengland #igersnewengland
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Wishing you a volley jolly holiday season. While you’re planning next year’s adventures with your family and friends this winter, we hope you keep Little Gem Resorts in your plans!

#winnetu #littlegemresorts #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
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𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧’𝗦 𝗔 𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣!

Thanks for an amazing season. We’ll see you next year.
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It may be apple season on the mainland, but it’s still ‘spritzing season at Dunes.

📸: @trendsandtolstoy

#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard
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𝗝𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗝𝗢𝗬...

Thanks to everyone who voted to land us on @cntraveler’s round-up of the best resorts in the Northeast in this year`s 2022 Reader`s Choice Awards. Tap the link in our bio to view the full rankings.
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𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘

𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘢𝘳𝘥. 𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
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