Single Photo Friday:: Sock Monkey

Happy Holidays everyone!



Well, the holidays are in full swing and I know that not because I have a calendar in front of me but because the sock monkey has made its way out of a box and onto our tree. I'm giddy.

And note the blue lights in the background - a throwback to the Christmases of my youth. Big blue bulbs that overheated and matched the blue/green shag carpet of our home. I'm happy to see they have made a comeback, only now they are a little safer, less chipped, and seem to go nicely with the wood floors and orange walls. Oh, and of course they look great next to the Sock Monkey!

What kinds of things do you do that help you get into the spirit of the holidays?

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Neutral is Not Always Best

This photo cracks me up. I see future teenager mayhem when I look at this.

What images come into your head when you think family photos? Everyone dressed the same standing in a straight line? It doesn't have to be that way. Dressing in neutrals works well for some people, but it may not suit everyone. If your kids are colorful and energetic, perhaps they should be able to show that off to the camera.

I was a little obsessed with Natalie's shoes.

Corinne and Natalie came to me on Halloween weekend, in costumes, ready to laugh and smile. There is no way I could have rejected these outfit choices! They are, quite honestly, some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of photographing. They were both going as butterfly princesses, which is quite a difference from the standard toned-down neutrals intended to blend in to whatever landscape is nearby. Blend in, or perhaps just not stick out too much. You walk down to the beach with 2 little girls wearing wings, tutus, striped socks and sparkly sneakers and there is no blending in. All eyes will be on you, and everyone will want to somehow be part of the fun, even if just for a moment.

Strangers' smiles followed us everywhere we went.

People wanted to talk to us.

Natalie wanted to pet every dog she saw.

Corrine wanted to play and run and jump and climb and and and...

The light was slipping away, the air was getting cooler. I knew I had a limited window of opportunity before the fun drained, the light faded, and the cold air started wearing everyone down. But the other side of family photos is kind of letting things happen and seeing where the pieces come together. Capture them where they play, encourage them to show mom some love, try to get all eyes in the same place, all faces happy. But when girls are wearing butterfly wings and tutus, smiles and laughter come easily.

2 years ago, almost to the day, I photographed this family only Natalie was still a few weeks away from arriving. When I look back at those photos I see the same sparkle and sass in Corinne's eyes and smile. I love how her spirit unfolds in front of the camera. How she is often so aware of the camera, while her sister could care less if it's there.

Corinne ready to pose at every chance, Natalie waving to strangers as they walk by with their dogs.

I loved watching the two different personalities come through.

This photo makes me think we should all wear wings every once in awhile.

Telling Mom a secret.

Always ready to pose with mom.

Getting Natalie into the shot took a little more work. She has a pretty strong independent streak, which I love.

These photos would have been totally different had everyone been dressed the same, had the colors been more muted. And the bright color palette suits them and their personality. People always ask me what they should wear for family photo shoots. They see their friends' photos hanging on living room walls and think they should do the same thing, that if they dress like their friends did their family photos will come out as good, or the same. But that is not necessarily the best approach.

I continually laughed at her tutu being in her armpits, and how much she didn't care. :)

First, each photographer has their own style (hopefully) so if you want photos that look like your friends' you could hire who they hired, but realize different personalities mean different images. Whoever you are is going to come through, and you should celebrate it.

But more importantly, hire the photographer whose work speaks to you and who you want to tell your family's story. The story of YOU is important, not to be trusted to the inexperienced, and will come together easier if the person photographing you GETS you, gets your kids. I always tell parents that the photos are for them now, for their kids 20 years from now. Natalie and Corinne will not remember what they were like at this age, but the photos will tell the story.

Best. Shoes. Ever.

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Single Photo Friday:: Family Fun

I recently hung out at the beach with Mike, Maria, Ryan and Nick. Family photos are one of those things I love doing, especially when I get to see the same family members through the years. Last time we did this Nick was a lot smaller and perhaps not quite as active!

I love seeing what will happen when I tell the kids it's ok for us to do a goofy photo. The above photo is a classic example of how that can unfold.

This time of year is perfect for family photos. So if you are thinking you need them done I encourage you to act sooner rather than later to take advantage of the long summer days, great weather, and amazing light. And to give you plenty of time to use your images as holiday gifts ;-)

 Enjoy the weekend!


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Celebrating Dads

Today would have been my dad's 70th birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Dad! I miss you tons, and especially on this day.

I also spend Father's Day missing him. If you are visiting my blog for the first time you may not know that my dad passed away a little over 5 years ago from Mantle Cell Lymphoma (a rare, currently incurable cancer). So, June is often a month that challenges me, on a personal level.

However, while there may be moments of missing or feeling kind of sad, there are also great moments of remembering. Hearing or seeing certain things that remind me of him, that often trigger smiles or even laughter. I try to celebrate him in little ways on both these days. So, on this birthday the Weekend Warrior and I will be going to see 3 houses as we have put our adorable and well-loved house on the market. We are looking for a place to help grow my business, and that feels exciting.

I spent Father's Day photographing a family, which felt like the perfect thing to do. The more time passes, the more I am in tune to how important these moments are for a family unit. As a family we all share many amazing and fun memories, but rarely do we get photos to document that. Kids grow fast, time speeds by. Recording these moments is not easy, especially while trying to also be a parent. Luckily, that's where photographers can step in! Telling a piece of the story that is your family, capturing moments you would not be able to get on your own.

So, hanging out with the Aiello family on Father's Day was, for  me, a great way to spend a day that often challenges me. They were willing to go to a place that wouldn't necessarily strike people as the ideal place for photos, and I loved that. They wanted photos done somewhere that meant something to them (more applause!), somewhere they like spending time together.

So, we headed down a trail that opens up to the marsh and hung out together. I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you. Father's Day served up some great light that day and a gorgeous sky, so that was an extra gift.

I love the color of these rocks against the sky.

Brothers throwing rocks into the marsh. 

The goofy brother.

The serious brother.

The parents.

 

The tickle war!

Did I mention I also photographed their wedding back in the early days of my career? Yes, so it's great to work with the same couple 10 years later. Ten years is a long time - how things have changed! Thanks for sharing Father's Day with me Kate, Justin, Mason, and Max!

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Single Photo Friday:: Smiles

Oh man, it's Friday already, and you know what that means: Single Photo Friday! Only I've had kind of a crazy week and haven't given an ounce of thought to what kind of photo I should share today. Hmmmm... what kind of a mood am I in?

Haha.

Well, I had a reminder today how important positive people are in our lives. I try very hard to surround myself with supportive people and a general positive outlook. I need to find a photo that reflects that, or one that makes me happy....

Joe laughing @ Chowderhead's.

Yes, I do believe we have found a winner! How can you look at this face and not smile or crack up laughing? 

Thanks, Joe for brightening my day! 

I get a dose of double happiness when I look at this photo, since it brings back memories of the visit that brought him to my doorstep. Two friends and a baby who left NYC last summer to hang out in my town and on my back porch and eat as much seafood as possible. So, I see this photo and remember the long weekend I shared with them laughing, smiling, EATING. I love how a photo is powerful enough to bring waves of memories rushing over you, creating instant happiness.

Really good stuff.

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Rules to Live By

A window in San Francisco promotes one of my life mottoes.


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Sunday Morning Silliness: Part of the Sunday Morning Series

Max, via my new Lightroom Presets

The Easter Bunny made a few stops this weekend. My nephew got a bunch of things to make him happy, mostly all centered around his love for animals. Between bites of food, I snapped some shots of him. This one is my fave.

"Look at this, Juju!" Max would say to me, plopping a plastic owl into my hand.
"That is so cool!" I would say back.
"I know, and I have another one too, only in a different color!" His sentences always seem to end in exclamation points.

Hopped up on sugar I went home and started to install some new Lightroom Presets that a fellow photog shared with me. After figuring out that little technical piece I started playing around and before long my behavior was not that different than my 6 year old nephew when he was playing with all his new toys. Transforming image after image had me giggly and inspired and excited.

Hours later, in front of my computer I could be heard "WOW! Look at that! That is SO cool!"

My favorites were the ones that made a sort of vintage or washed look, which is somehow also a bit edgy and definitely fun. I thought about how this one little discovery could bring me so much joy, creating a stronger bond to my software, another reason to love my craft. I find these kinds of moments to be so crucial. Reasons to laugh and jump around and feel excited about what you do and how much you love it. Reasons to feel like a kid again.

Time Flies: My Year in Photos

2009 is here, and I am, in some ways, still trying to catch my breath from 2008. It was the year of re-connections and creative inspiration. There were a few risks, some adventures, lots of laughs, and many improvements. And on December 31 I punched out for the last time, leaving the place I have worked for the last four years. I am officially on my own. Self-employed. Unemployed. However you want to look at it.

It feels pretty good. So I spent New Year's digging through the photos of the past year, seeing where I've been and how far I've come. Here are some of my favorite moments....

New Year's Day, 2008. I photographed the Annual Lobster Dip, a fundraiser for Maine's Special Olympics. Crazy people jump into the Atlantic Ocean to support a good cause.

The weekend warrior started making animals out of scrap metal. I took a portrait of his latest, the pig.

The WW and I in a garage in Purcelville, VA. We bought an El Camino on EBay, and took a little road trip to fetch it.

This is my nephew, Max, on Easter. It's amazing how young he looks in this photo.

Tom Brady's love child is born in Portland, Maine. I'm kidding. This is Charlie Ellis, and he's pretty darn cute.

Hanging out with friends and therefore lots of kids is common for me. I'm a sucker for a swing set and always love photos of people swinging, no matter what age they are.

In the spring some college friends reunited in Ithaca, NY. First order of business: hit HotTruck. I saw this as a good opportunity to add to my collection of Ben Photos, and the shiny head in the Hot Truck light was irresistible, photographically speaking. Oh, and our friend Jeremy got engaged the next night. Woohoo!

I hung out on a rooftop with the band memebers of The Lomax. Later we hung out in an elevator and a woodworking workshop. It was cool. They are cool.

Just a family portrait I like. They each have their own personality.

A fun wedding shot. Can't remember what was so funny. I have to assume it was me.

Another photo from a wedding. I like it when I can get artsy while shooting weddings.

The El Camino was a hero driving up the East Coast in snow storms. It spent the summer resting and recovering in our driveway. The Weekend Warrior has a mistress.

These crazy bunch of New Yorkers left the city and spent some time in Maine. We all watch Dana as she decides what she thinks about this ocean thing. The next frame showed her running away from them laughing.

Max started Kindergarten. I of course showed up with my camera.

In September I took an awesome workshop on how to shoot film stills. This is Ryan. He was a very good photographic subject.

Happy Boxing Day!

Wow. Christmas is over for another year! I got a hug and many smiles from my nephew, a bellyache from laughing so hard, and what seems to be a pulled muscle from several victorious rounds of Wii boxing. I think I have discovered a new talent and pastime.

I didn't pick up my camera as often as I wish I had, but it is hard to entertain and photograph at the same time. Not impossible, just a challenge that simply means when you are doing one, you are neglecting the other. Such is life. But at least I got this shot that shows our Santa Pumpkin, along with a few others that make me smile....

Things started off with Max like this, but quickly turned into..

... this. Let's rock&roll, it's Christmas!

And this...we are a family of out-loud laughers.

Gift Opening Gone Wild:)

Pete and Max laugh at how hilarious they just were.

As usual, may family came over to our house where we mix old traditions with some of our new ones, and spend a lot of time laughing, eating, and tearing into presents. We ate a late breakfast with some favorites from my childhood - Monkey Bread and Cinnamon Rolls in the shape of a tree with green frosting. How my brother and I used to fight over the 'filet' as kids! Now he doesn't have to worry about me snagging the prized cinnamon roll since I am too busy making and eating my own Gluten-Free baked goods, and sometimes wrapping a final present I somehow forgot. Christmas 2008 will go down in the books as one with lots of laughter and joking and the year my nephew Max showed up with red ink stains all over his hands, arms, and neck. Seems he and his Uncle Pete thought it would be cool to build a snowvolcano (as opposed to a snowman), which would naturally require some red lava. Turns out red food coloring is permanent, a detail previously unknown to Uncle Pete. I laughed every time Max put his hands anywhere near my line of vision.

Later in the day Max is happily licking chocolate batter off his face. What he doesn't know, or doesn't care about is the fact that it's Gluten-Free chocolate batter.

And, so today on this day after an exhausting and fun Christmas I have declared Boxing Day as the day where sleeping in is allowed, guilt-free. Staying in pj's, reading books, playing with new toys, and feeling no pressure to go anywhere are also greeted without guilt and with great happiness. That's sort of how I have spent the day, especially the sleeping in part.

Still Crazy After All These Years

Beth, Shari, and I in the parking lot on our way to see Kelli

The internet has a crazy power over some of us. And, after going twenty years without certain people in your life, the internet seems to have the power to bring them to your door. That is what seems to be happening in my life lately.

Well, more accurately, I have been on a roller coaster ride down memory lane for the last four years. The ride honestly started while working a god-awful waitressing job at a hideous chain restaurant. I would tie my apron on before every shift, try to muster up my strength, and wonder "who will I have the pleasure of seeing/waiting on tonight?". Because every shift at that god-awful job was like an episode of 'This is Your Life' playing out for me in the dining room. It was, at times, painful.

Then, the roller coaster ride sped up. With the horrible chain restaurant job behind me, my family was walking through the minefield that comes with a loved one battling cancer. People appeared and offered to help. When my father's battle ended, even more people appeared and one familiar face after another offered support. And then, I found myself living in my hometown again. Running into people from my past seemed pretty likely.

After staying clear of the town I went to college in for almost 14 years, I found myself there twice in the span of a few months this past year. And since then have had many welcome reappearances and connections with the long gone college crowd. High School pals and acquaintances were resurfacing with more frequency. Then, in what I have to assume is the final stop on this crazy ride, the faces of Middle School and Junior High were in front of me. One day Kelli emailed and said "I'm coming to Maine in November, and would love to see you!"

So, it's like that. Well, ok. And I started to scheme.
I thought it would be great to see Kelli after all these years, but then I thought it would be EXTRA GREAT if I could track down our other pals, Beth and Shari. For these are the friends of that time in life when boundaries and rules were to be tested and experimented with. The people who I shared first attempts with booze, smoking, sneaking out of the house, and other random acts of bad behavior (if my mother is reading this, then that last sentence was just for show). There is a definite bond with the people who helped you figure out which paths you felt like you could handle walking on or not.

My hope was that Kelli would never see it coming. And she didn't. It's safe to say that we surprised her.

Before I ramble on any further with the story of an amazing day, I should remember that this is technically a photo blog- a blog about photographing life! SO, I came armed with camera. I shot these images on a 20mm lens at 800 ISO. I didn't want to use a flash and hoped a few things would be in focus. I also wanted to see how much noise was happening with my camera. Some of the colors are a little funky, which I like. Besides being a great day with old friends, this was a good exercise with my equipment. I guess I was doing some modern day testing of boundaries, trying to see how much I could get away with...


And this, well it's the face and the smile I hoped we would see.









Here Samantha and Jonah (Kelli's son) watch us loud ladies. I love the colors.

So, here we are ..

(this photo is not by me)

We spent the day erupting in fits of laughter and disturbing the peace. Similar to how we spent most of our days together so many years ago. I'm looking forward to our next get together...