Michael Blanchard Inspirational Photography

06/05/2026

A print for a great cause.

This 24x48 framed canvas, “Ag Hall Winter,” will be part of the fundraising activities at the 29th Annual Water Tasting benefiting Vineyard House. I took this photograph during this winter’s snowstorm at the Ag Hall, with the old tractor standing quietly in front of the barn. It’s one of my favorite images from the season and a limited-edition framed canvas.

The Water Tasting is one of the most unique events on Martha’s Vineyard. No alcohol!! There was a time when that fact alone, would keep me from going. But now, feels so amazing knowing it’s a safe place for people like me! Vineyard House, the Island’s only sober home, is supported entirely through private donations and has helped many build new lives in recovery. The 29th Annual Water Tasting takes place July 23rd from 5:30–8:00 PM at the Captain Flanders Inn. For tickets and event information, visit:

https://www.vineyardhouse.org/water-tasting-2026

The event happens the day before I head to New Hampshire to climb Mount Washington once again as I celebrate 16 years of sobriety on July 26th. It is a special week for me.

If you’d like to support Vineyard House, come to the event, participate in the fundraising activities, or stop by the gallery and pick up one of my 2027 calendars. This year’s calendar project is also raising money for Vineyard House, with a goal of donating $5,000.

Have a great weekend.

06/03/2026

Made it back from Boston yesterday.

At one point on the ferry ride home, Brodie looked up at me and just stared into my eyes with her head tucked between my knees. You could almost read her mind: “Is this almost over?” LOL. She’s had so many exams lately, and she gets so nervous. It’s hard to watch. In addition to the kidney issues, she’s been dealing with some GI problems, and we’re hoping a very restrictive diet will help. We have a few more tests coming up to confirm the kidneys are continuing to heal, and those protein levels in her urine just keep dropping. Of course, our traditional McDonald’s cheeseburger on the way home is now officially out the door! LOL.

Last night, exhausted, I got in the car thinking there would be absolutely nothing to photograph. I was tired, discouraged, and honestly just wanted the day to be over.I headed down to Bend in the Road Beach at State Beach and met a fisherman named Mike. He told me he’s already caught plenty of striped bass, even though we’re nowhere near Derby season yet. I ended up chatting with several people and then, at the very last second, the sun slipped beneath the clouds and lit up the sky. Just when you’re sure nothing good is going to happen, you meet some nice people and get a beautiful sunset. Sometimes when you’re tired, discouraged, or just plain miserable, you have to force yourself to show up. More often than not, that’s when something good happens.

Showing up is the key.

Have a great day.

05/29/2026

Calendar update - "Live" on Amazon

We are up and running on Amazon - here is the link.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H3CFGTZF

They use AI to help produce listings and it is so much easier than past years. It will take a good 2 weeks before inventory is received and loaded at their warehouse.

I have 1000 calendar preorders to deliver -- those will require 670 mailers. I just finished 270 mailers that will go to the USPS Monday - made some good progress! May take another 3 weeks in total but you will have them by the end of June at the very latest. Likely much sooner than that. Have a great weekend.

The Michael Blanchard 2027 Inspirational Wall Calendar is a stunning celebration of fine art photography from Martha's Vineyard and beyond. Measuring 11 x 14 inches and opening to an impressive 14 x 22 inches, this premium wall calendar is printed on heavy fine art paper that brings each breathta...

05/29/2026

Chasing Rainbows

I closed the gallery yesterday and could see bands of showers moving across the Island. All I could think about was rainbows. Proof that my mind has not developed much beyond the age of five. LOL. I love rainbows.

I drove all the way to South Beach hoping for one, but the clouds dried up and nothing happened. Somewhat disappointed, I headed back toward Oak Bluffs. Then I spotted this massive storm cloud in the distance with rain pouring from the sky, yet sunlight was breaking through off to the side. I quickly got the drone up over East Chop, Ocean Park, and Oak Bluffs Harbor and was treated to one of the most incredible cloud formations I’ve seen in a long time. Mother Nature is amazing.

Then I headed down to East Chop Drive and watched this otherworldly cloud formation approach the pier. Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, who pulls up but my friend Tim. Johnson from the Vineyard Gazette. We spent a few minutes doing what photographers do — standing around staring at the sky and talking about clouds. He even snapped a few photos of me that I’ll share later.

For those who think everything is AI these days… don’t even start. LOL. These are real photographs of a very real evening when Mother Nature put on quite a show.

Have a great day.