Stories in Images: August 2008

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

journey to a wedding

last weekend, Janet Johnson and Sampson Davis wed in Concord. They are both refugees from Liberia , and remarkably did not come to the states together. Their incredible story of how they reunited is inspiring, and best read in the words of Chelsea (a Monitor reporter) here. And as Chelsea puts it, it really was a day of celebration...

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

things they lost in the fire...

everything. The Ingram family has been living in a single room in a hotel for over a week, after a fire destroyed their house, leaving them displaced. Local residents and community members have rallied to donate everything from money to furniture to diapers, all of which are currently crammed into their small, temporary living space.

Monday, August 25, 2008

places

toning for cmyk is far easier when there are no skin tones in your images...maybe i should try to start a wave of "person-less" photos for the monitor?? probably wouldn't go over so well, but in the meantime, it's always a fun thing to take photos of somewhat mysterious, abandoned pieces of history...

camp days

camp kesem has a brilliantly inspiring mission - provide a safe, fun, free place for kids whose parents have cancer to come spend some time for the summer. creating a supportive, nurturing and distracting (in the best possible sense of the word) atmosphere, camp kesem in new hampshire appeared a blissful retreat for these young ones, who have far too much to deal with in the real world. at kesem, all are referred to ONLY by their camp names - so today, I'm Sammy, a name given to me by the charismatic Rhinormous.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A tribute to Center Sandwich

Remarkably, this was the very first New Hampshire town that I ever visited, two summers ago, with the wonderful Jesse Neider. An assignment brought me out this way yesterday, and I couldn't resist a nostalgic visit to the Center Sandwich General Store, a place of many happy memories...

Military Burial

Second assignment for the Monitor was certainly a tough one.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Hello Concord

New chapter - new adventures, new challenges. Monday marked my first day working for the Concord Monitor. At this inarguably pivotal time for the Monitor, I am entering this experience with optimism and enthusiasm. I know there is much to be learned here, especially from the masterful Lori Duff, and I hope I can even come close to filling the shoes of Mandy McConaha. I am lucky to have the love and support of my family and friends as I embark on this new journey and face the challenges that sometimes come with transition.

Departing from the Valley News seemed eased by the fact that I wasn't going to far away, in physical distance, although I feel quite far right now. I think my reflections about my summer internship in the Upper Valley will filter in over the next few weeks, but for now I am thankful. I am blessed to have had four inspiring mentors, and believe I have expanded as a photographer since my time there. I am grateful for the time, space and encouragement that Geoff Hansen gave me to pursue stories and situations whole-heartedly. But not to fear, as I will most certainly be returning for the Tunbridge World Fair.

Stay tuned for updates and images from Concord (and don't hesitate to wish me luck, as I know I can use it!)

My last REPLAY

Play Soccer camp - cute kids running around playing soccer related games - made for my last REPLAY for the Valley News. Bittersweet...

Monday, August 18, 2008

Hard Hitting

Not quite sure I'll ever fully wrap my head around this sport...

Gov. Candidate Campaigns

Two people, two heads - good??

Time Travel Tuesdays

The Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vt has maintained an early 19th century farm house, and entertains guests with letting them take a glimpse into the past. Daily chores are replicated and period games are played - and of course, people are wearing the time-appropriate clothing.

dress rehearsal

for Madame Butterfly in Lebanon

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Bear Ridge Speedway

As part of the Valley News' "Summer Journal" installation, long-timer Bob Hookway wrote a nostalgic piece on Bear Ridge Speedway, a race track he used to cover during its heyday back in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Although I was only able to see the track in all it's glory for one night last week (and it poured rain, halting all races) it was still an experience. I hope this look truly did Bob's piece, and everyone who's been attending races for decades, justice.