John McCain at Saint Anselm College

I'm not really a political rally kind of person, so I wasn't going to attend this at all. But then I decided to get some outdoor photos; when I arrived, though, nothing was outside (no signs, people, etc.). So, not wanting to walk away with nothing, I went inside, despite the event being almost finished. I was able to catch the last 10 minutes, as well as some candids of him signing autographs. Here are a few favorites.








Christina + Sean

Christina and Sean were engaged just prior to when she began working at Saint Anselm College. As we became friends (along with my kids, who loved visiting her), we talked about me photographing her wedding. We started with an engagement session, which was last year (pre-blog). With the wedding being tomorrow, I thought it would be a good time to post some of them:




Miss Julie

theatre kapow is a new theater company and is comprised entirely by some of my closest friends. Brian, Matthew, and I graduated from Saint Anselm College in the same class, and Carey and Rachel within a couple years. This production, staged at the Stockbridge Theatre last weekend, was their first as this group.

They asked me to photograph the dress rehearsal, and Jessica and I attended the final show, which was outstanding. The audience--about 30 maximum--was positioned on two opposite sides of the stage, so the photographs below are a close likeness to what everyone (cast and audience) saw.





Carey Cahoon as Julie





Brian Kennedy as Jean






Rachel Follien as Christine








Mandy O'Neil and Maureen Kenney receive direction

Mark Marshall rests between takes

Matthew Cahoon, director

Kyla + Jason's wedding, part 4

The reception was held on the outdoor patio, which was a great space. It gave me the opportunity to work in both very low light and with my Lensbaby. It was a challenge but fun, and I'm pleased with the results.

Note the betta fish--each table had one, and I was able to bring one home. The kids were pleasantly surprised when they saw him the next morning on our kitchen table.








Kyla + Jason's wedding, part 1

Congratulations to Kyla and Jason, who were just married at the magnificent Castle Hill Estates. Everyone's experience upon entering the grounds was one of amazement, and the weather was perfect to boot.

I started the day with the men--we went to the beach and found some great dunes. As I returned to the main house, Kyla and her entourage (many bridesmaids, two mothers, and two nieces/flower girls who nearly stole the show) arrived. Their preparations took place in a wonderful room for photography: two large windows (receiving indirect light), white walls, high ceilings, and great decor.

More photos to come soon.






my new toy: the Lensbaby

I've known about this lens for a few years and only considered it in passing; but they're on sale right now, so I decided to buy the Lensbaby 2.0. Basically, it's a fixed, fully manual 50mm lens with a flexible barrel that is pushed or pulled to focus. You can then alter what is in focus in the frame by moving the lens laterally. The resulting blurring effect is what makes this lens so unique.

I used it a few times last week and, while it requires some learning and practice, have enjoyed the results. I have some ideas about when and where to use it. Below are some favorites from my first session with it: the top one is Cecilia's sidewalk chalk drawing of the rancor; the lower one was taken while Jessica was baking.


Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 4

The reception's theme was Christmas in July, which looked great in a white room. The music was provided by DJ Dave.

Thanks to my assistant Jessica, who posted some of her favorites. Oh, and for those who don't know, she's my wife and has been instrumental to so much of what I do, including and especially all things photography. She has a great eye for composition and is decisive, which really helps during the editing process. (I call her in for the tough choices.) She'll be joining me whenever possible (only limited by having 3 small children).

The full gallery is available for viewing.