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Say hi to my friends, the Ellis Family. A photogenic and fun foursome who have hired me for family photos 3 times. The first time we did this Charlie wasn’t walking yet and had a fantastic thing going on with his hair where he looked like he was working a serious comb-over. He was in a lot of photos that time around since he wasn’t very mobile. This time around…. well things were different. It took all 3 adults to keep track of him!

His laughter in the photo above tells me things are about to get crazy. But in a good way!

These two are so natural in front of the camera.

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But that is sometimes the reality of kids of a certain age, which is why my images tend to lean more towards the documenting of this time in your lives rather than a photo shoot that is one posed shot after another. There aren’t too many 2-4 year olds who would be down with that at all.

But that doesn’t bother me. I also wasn’t bothered by Maggie’s bruised cheek, as they had just come from her soccer game. That is simply their reality the day we did the shoot. Whatever people have going on the day of a shoot, we just roll with it, because for me this is who they are at this time.

I know I have to shoot fast with him

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Headed off on some adventures.

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This is literally how she looks when she’s talking to me, telling me about her life, etc.

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The day will come when Charlie isn’t running around, cracking himself up and trying to escape any adult that comes near him. The day will also come when Maggie isn’t so naturally affectionate with her parents. Maybe. But luckily we captured pieces of this time, and somewhere down the road the photos will remind them of this hot day when their kids were different.

He looks like he is cracking himself up in this one.

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Fake teeth are always fun. And can really add to photos.

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I love her body posture in this one.

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Which is why I think family photos are so important. People tell me all the time they want them done, but not everyone follows through. I have noticed moms worry about money and time and skin irritations or bad haircuts or mood swings, etc. But I say that is all part of growing up and it’s ok to get photos when your child has a bruise or a scrape or something else. It’s okay if part way through clothes or hair get a little messy. If you make family photos a regular part of your life (every year, every other, every third) then it may seem less worrisome if something happens to a family member the week of your shoot. If your child shows up in a cast I will smile and know the photos will actually mean even more because something happened that week that may not have been planned, and may not have been easy, but will certainly be remembered.

And it’s just one more element we can use to make sure our shoot is fun and unique!

Time to tackle Mom & Dad!

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Ha! Pigpile on Mom!

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Knowing I was dealing with an energetic kid I appealed to him by plotting an attack on Mom & Dad. This does not happen on every shoot, but sometimes when the grass or the sand is soft enough and the kids are getting restless and I need to find a way to make everyone laugh…

Then it happens.

But then this happens. And everyone has kind of a sweet moment together. And I love that stuff.

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I am about to go hang out with my mom, but wanted to thank all you moms who have trusted me over the last few years to capture moments of you with your kids. And to those of you have said you want to get family photos done, please be in touch! Life is always hectic when you are raising a family, but carving out some time to be {captured} together is always worth it. And with photos you have something you can look back on for years to come!

Your kids will thank you years from now.

And, besides, you are so totally worth it!

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He describes her as fun, positive, and beautiful. She describes him as a gentleman, neat, and a perfect partner in crime (or otherwise).

Diane and Dennis met at work, and like many of the couples I get to know and photograph, one of their favorite things to do is hang out at home together. TV, couch, yardwork, spending time with family. They also love to eat out, kayak, and share an occasional adventure together. It seems to be the perfect blend. Spend a few minutes in their company and you will be very aware of how much they truly enjoy each other.

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When I asked them what they thought was unique about them as a couple Diane said they are still completely in love. Dennis said she is truly his best friend.

I love both those answers!

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When asked if they would rather go to a concert, movies, or play, Dennis didn’t hesitate to say concert. But then again, he’s a musician so that makes perfect sense. But I might not have know he was a musician had I not asked that question. Which is one of those things I love about what I do! I get to know people and things about them just by asking simple questions.

I also dig that they chose a slightly more adventurous urban location for their shoot. Though I am always a fan of shooting at the beach, and often try to find places with a little privacy when working with couples, it’s fun to try out new places or go against what might seem like the easy choice. We walked around Portland together and found spots that appealed to each of us, and for different reasons. At one point we found ourselves behind a bar, not far from a dumpster. But there was a fantastic wall there I couldn’t pass up! And, they were totally up for it. Which is another reason why I love working with these two.

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I am so glad they opted to do a be{loved} shoot before their upcoming wedding. I know it helps people relax when they are comfortable with their photographer, especially if they don’t love being in front of the camera. But now we know each other so much better. I know things about them that will help me on their wedding day, and will ultimately allow me to show how much they care about each other and how fun they are.

Thank you Diane & Dennis! Looking forward to more shooting fun in June…

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be{loved} • be{celebrated} • be{you}

I’m going to share things that are both photo related and not. Maybe next time it will be all non-photo related. Even though I believe we are all our brand, etc etc, I also firmly believe we are all humans first and therefore filled with quirks and imperfections and great stories and good qualities that people might not know about us unless we take the time to share them. And unless we all take the time to listen to others.

Thanks, Renee, for the idea/inspiration!

Me. On set. In the rain. Photo by Tony Calarco.

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So, one thing about me is I LOVE love shooting film stills and being on set. It is seriously my favorite scenario where cameras are concerned. I love the collaboration, laughs, fun, and being part of a process that requires the talent of several people in order to come to life. Photography is often a solo endeavor. Working on film sets is pretty much the opposite. Plus, I have met some of my favorite people in these scenarios.

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My favorite physical activities/forms of exercise generally include things with wheels – biking & rollerskating. Hula hooping and Zumba are right up there as well. Just don’t expect me to get on a skateboard or go skiing or pretend to like running.

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I eat cereal before photo shoots. It’s a weird habit I started in the last year or so. Eating a bowl of cereal before heading out for a shoot somehow calms me. I slow down, look out the window, eat, and think about getting into my zone and capturing the awesomeness of the people I am about to photograph. It also makes sure I have some fuel in the tank so I don’t get all crazy running around in the heat. Or in the rain. I’m an overheating mess whenever there is humidity involved. I have also convinced myself this bowl of cereal is the right mix of protein and carbs to keep my energy and focus levels where they need to be. I don’t really care if there is any truth to that.

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Fellow photog, Audra Bayette and I eating ice cream after a shoot. Photo by Matt Sinclair.

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Now you know a few more things about me. I am open to sharing more, so please feel free to let me know if you have something to share (in common with me or not) or have questions I can use to answer in any future posts! Use that handy comments section below …

And in case you can’t tell, I’m a little goofy at times.

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Tuesday evening I had a little photo shoot with a local skate shop – a derby owned and operated place called Turn Two Skate Shop.

In case you didn’t know, I love working with small businesses to help them get the word out about what they do and why we should go to their shops. Turn Two is no exception, but you might not know about them unless you 1) do something roller derby related or 2) skateboard. If you do either of those things and haven’t heard about them, you are welcome! Now get yourself to their shop!

Tell them Grind’er sent you.

Turn Two Skate Shop • 897 Brighton Avenue • Portland, Maine • 207.699.4499

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Stephanie Sersich, working in her studio.

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This past Fall I followed my friend, Tricia to a bead making lesson with Stephanie Sersich. I was beyond excited to photograph this process. I  knew there would be really great colors, I am a fan of glass beads, and I have always wanted to see (and photograph) how it’s done.

Ok, ok, fine. I’ll admit it – also because I have secretly worshiped Stephanie from afar for a long time. But that is simply because I love her work! I commented on one of her necklaces so many times to my former boss that she wrote my better half a note so he knew to get me one. She probably just wanted me to shut up already.

But my worshiping of Stephanie aside, it was a great chance to shoot personal work while learning something new and getting to know some other creative types. A few months later I went to a local PUG meeting for photographers where we talked about the importance of personal projects and shooting for yourself. I have always been a huge believer in that, and I know that is what has helped me shape the look of my work. When you shoot for yourself there is a certain amount of pressure that is let go, and a freedom that steps in allowing you to play and experiment and learn. These are the times when I leave smiling. Then just keep smiling for hours.

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When I step into these shooting-for-me kind of situations I don’t always have a plan. I think in my head I have ideas of what I want to go after, but all that can change when you walk into a place and see what is there before you. Then I just shift into documentarian mode, and notice details, light, shapes, colors. And watch the action. In a glass studio I was absorbed in all the fun colors, but also really focused on their hands and the whole humans making things piece.

I also remember that I am a guest – with a camera – and therefore need to respect their space and act like a human. I see very little need to get all paparazzi on anyone. Interacting and blending in (and maybe getting to the point where people forget I have a camera) is what works for me.

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Tricia is on her way to becoming a master bead maker.

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I love how human this image is, despite no real humans being in it.

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And this one. Just because.

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I still compliment my friend/former boss if I see her and she’s wearing one of Stephanie’s pieces. I think it says something about her work – and how unique it is. She makes beautiful pieces because she is passionate about her craft, has a strong vision, and has worked many, many hours to perfect her skills. And it is evident in her work.

So, she was cool enough to let me hang out, document, and basically spend the day laughing and sharing. The three of us had a blast, to be quite honest.

And at the end of the day, she is just like any of us with life and family and responsibilities to take care of. She just comes with an extra side of awesome because she makes amazing things and is really fun to hang out with. Oh, and it feels good to support a local artist. Of course.

So, shooting personal work is crucial in this field known as photography, but also in any creative sector. Really, no matter what you do for work, doing personal projects can only benefit you. And you just might get to witness moments like this one and expand your horizons and friendly circles a bit.

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* For more info on Stephanie’s work head over to her site http://www.sssbeads.com/  OR her Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieSersich *

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It’s been a crazy warm week here in Maine. People are dancing in the streets, playing hooky, and heading to the beach to celebrate. Which made me want to share this fun photo of Rachel from a recent photo shoot where she performed a song and dance for me about bananas.

Rachel showing me the banana dance.

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How do you celebrate the arrival of warmer weather?

So before I let more time slip away, or lose my focus, I need to get the bloggy juices flowing again. Then maybe I will catch up on all the posts I have yet to do. There are lots of cute faces just sitting in folders on my computer..

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So, I thought I would jump back into things by bragging about my brother and sharing some general local community goodness. If you know me you know cancer has touched my life repeatedly, and that I try to do my part somehow. Last year I attended my first Mary’s Walk (and blogged about it, of course). My brother heads up a team called Red Storm Strikes Out Cancer, and it’s incredible to witness what a difference he and many others are making. He had a small idea to involve his students and friends to raise money and make a difference in the ugly fight against cancer. It is a perfect example of turning a crappy situation into a good one.

My dad died of cancer. My brother survived it. The list of people and friends we know who have either fought or lost loved ones to cancer is way too long. It’s maddening at times.

So, he had an idea and got people involved. Fueled by passion and even some pain, a small idea by one person has grown into a community coming together to make a difference.

Team Red Storm Strikes Out Cancer getting ready to walk.

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Old school SHS sweatshirt, with some new school technology. The photo geek in me also wants you to know how much I like red against a blue sky.

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Her mom used to babysit me!

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This year my 8yr old nephew had his own bake sale to raise money for the cause. I may have cried when I read his email about having lost both his grandfathers, but luckily his dad and dog are ok – in his words it’s because people cared enough to donate money.

201 people joined team Red Storm Strikes Out Cancer, raising over $11,000. For the second year in a row they were the top fundraiser.

This year Mary’s Walk had over 4,000 participants and raised over $250,000.

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Dan. He placed in his age group for the 5k run.

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That’s what can happen when people get either mad, sad, or excited enough to do something. And it shows that one person can make a difference. They may need to gather an army of loved ones and strangers, but all it takes is one person with one idea to make a difference. And I think that is a pretty great thought to cling to, especially in something as big as the fight against cancer. But also in little everyday things that may need changing or improving.

It’s winter here in Maine. It’s been a strange one, weather-wise. Snowy days followed by days that feel like it’s April. I have been planning for the year ahead and catching up on my sleep, while the Weekend Warrior catches up on inside house projects. The other day I was headed out for a walk in the cold (with my camera) when I caught this. Our dining room looked completely different in a day’s time. It’s too bad we don’t really dine, because this room gets some of the best light in the whole house!

I was honestly attracted to the colors and the little splash of red on the snowman balanced by the red sweatshirt in the background. These are the kinds of things that catch me eye.

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What kinds of things do you do when it gets cold?

Well, I spent New Year’s eve on a bus, in a car, then on 3 ferries and finally at a house with some college friends. It made me wonder how much your New Year’s Eve festivities may or may not dictate what kind of year you have. It’s been awhile since I have done anything very exciting on NY’s, and I am not always even awake at midnight. But this past year I found new momentum with my photo business, made the roller derby team and turned 40. So, this New Year’s I was so excited to actually have plans with people who matter, and spend time laughing, sharing, photographing.

I wanted to spend the New Year doing something I would remember, and wanted to keep this good roll going.

Allow me to share some of my final thoughts and images of 2011 (a month later)….

In Maine I got on a bus.

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And I may be one of the few people who loves riding on a bus. I love being on a bus because I know it means I’m going somewhere and therefore hopefully about to do something fun/see something new.

I used my time on the bus from Portland to Boston to write down what I want and hope to do in 2012.  Travel is part of that list. It always is, but I know I am best when I get away every so often. I want there to be more every so oftens. And I want them to include my camera and good people.

In Massachusetts I got a coffee. It wasn’t very good.

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In Connecticut we got lunch.

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This is THE DAY.

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I had cream soda with lunch! I liked how the colors balanced with Jen’s sweater.

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Lunch! When I’m with Jen & Jeremy we like to take pictures of whatever we are eating..

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The streets of New London, CT. And the air seemed way to warm to be New Year’s Eve.

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There was something about this sign I liked.

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Hey – what’s in that window…?

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Wait, it’s not a cougar. I guess we won’t buy it after all.

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Jeremy shows me how he likes to pretend his mints are teeth.

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Our Ferry awaits us.

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I always want to go where I am being told not to.

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Good friends wait for you while you take pictures of stuff.

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It was so warm we actually sat outside. At first.

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Goodbye Connecticut…

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Hello Baby Sweeney! xo

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Jeremy got a fancy new camera for Christmas. I approve!

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Delicious food for all, to be served on horse plates.

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Let’s make some dark & stormies…

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Rhiannon’s first New Years. She slept a lot.

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So I want more travel and a reminder to focus on personal shooting projects. I want to spend time with the people who matter, doing things like laughing, talking, eating, sharing. And of course, I want my business to grow to another level by finding more people who are the right fit for me/my photographic style. I also wrote that I want to:

GET UNCOMFORTABLE. Because I know that is where some of the best ‘stuff’ comes from.

Complete something that is unfinished. Because my life has quite a few unfinished things.

BE WILD.  Just wild enough that I take some chances and get a little more creative. And see where it takes me. Maybe it will simply take me to a friend’s dining room table, maybe somewhere I can’t imagine quite yet.

Care to join me? I would love the company!

This photo contains so much goodness – food, friends, babies, delicious beverages….

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And maybe I will post a part two to this post of the photos taken on the first day of the year. Outside. At the beach. With no coat.

Stay tuned.