fly away

that's sort of what i feel like doing right now...Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

tuckerbox

A new cafe in White River Junction! I like that they use chalk...I will be back for many coffees to come. A prize for whoever can tell me where the word "tuckerbox" comes from (hint: it's Australian)

slow dancing

very intriguing art piece put on display in front of the HOP at Dartmouth. To summarize: David Michalek filmed someone executing five seconds of a choreographed dance routine at a speed of 1,000 frames per second. When played back at "average" speed (30 frames/sec, which is how most video cameras record, and how we see television) the choreographed bits turned into 10 minute clips. And everything was in super slow motion...A little freaky, especially when you start playing with car reflections...Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

jason and i play with light

Photographer extraordinaire and lighting master Jason Johns indulged me in a quick crash course in lighting this afternoon. We played around a bit with some different set up for portraits and whatnot, while I'd tried to take good mental notes before putting some of my newly acquired skills to use later in the day. It's an interesting exercise to look at the following two photographs next to one another (keeping in mind they were shot in the same exact location, about a minute and a half apart).

Before...

after...
Pretty amazing what an added light, a little gel, and an adjusted exposure can do to an image. This led us to an interesting conversation about pushing the envelope in terms of portraiture, and how much playing around is too much. The sky certainly did NOT look like this to our eyes (see above!) so are we lying if we show this image to a viewer, and they assume this was the natural setting? How much liberty are you given with an image if you call it a portrait? How much influence is assumed to have been exerted by the photographer when you use this label?? Interesting stuff...

Suzanne

I know that three images of the same person is a little excessive. But this woman, Suzanne, was quite an exceptional character, and the light in her kitchen was really egging me on, so bear with me, and enjoy a "mini-portrait series" of Suzanne...
Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

my punishment - a self portrait

I was ruthlessly reprimanded the other day by Geoff and Jen for not having taken advantage of an opportunity to embarrass a reporter (poor Erin had to try out something called a "unitrainer"...enough said.) At any rate, I was informed that when, given the chance, you ALWAYS take the incriminating photo of the reporter. Needless to say, the next day I received an assignment about logging, and was asked to sport the ever-so-trendy hard hat and safety goggles. I think I am on my way to redemption...

Race in Lebanon

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

This is exactly what I would look like after running a race...except I'm sure my face would be more red. Kudos to this guy...

In all seriousness though, I have registered to run in the Susan G Komen "Race for the Cure" in July (don't get excited, it's only a 5k). Covering this race was sort of the last straw in terms of motivation, and I have to say I am very much looking forward to the event. Send me your best racing wishes, ha.

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

This really has nothing to do with the race itself, I just like bubbles I guess...

dog days

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

The first ever dog park officially opened in the Upper Valley a few weeks ago, and these schnazy boots were there to help ring in the event. I don't know what I want more; a cute puppy or the stellar boots...

the ramp

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

One of the local ski mountains transforms into a summer skate park, and practice arena for the true skiers/snowboarders. Eventually, they'll cover the ramps with "snow gel" to emulate ice and what not...gonna try to go back for that part!

play day at the beach

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

This was during the couple day heat wave that hit the Upper Valley. I was so jealous of these kids that got to splash around in the water, while I sweating all over my camera! (I would definitely be the one in the middle, with the grass foot)

Vermont Open Golf Tournament

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

This was on the putting green, near the club house, where players were warming up before they hit the course. This photo doesn't quite do the whole scene justice; there were more pastel polos and matching shoes than I had ever seen in one place.

Copyright 2008 Valley News - May not be used or reprinted without permission

The female counterparts to the male golf players. I don't blame the first girl for bringing a book...

good morning

waking up in connecticut...

Dartmouth Graduation

Copyright 2008 Valley News – May not be used or reprinted without permission

Dartmouth's graduation ceremony, while moving and momentous, was scorching hot. Three hours in the middle of the open green, sun beating down. I guess I can't complain too much since I wasn't dressed in a full length, black, polyester robe (although I was lugging all my gear!) The top photo really has nothing to do with graduation, except that this mother was trying to save seats, and having to hoard off other late-coming families. Something about this photo just represents what that day is like to people other than the graduates (i.e. parents that are will to stand in the blazing sun for hours BEFORE graduation even starts, all so they can get the best photo of their graduate.) Bottom photo is clearly your typical, celebratory grad shot...

State Track Meet

Copyright 2008 Valley News – May not be used or reprinted without permission

Covered Bridges Half Marathon

Copyright 2008 Valley News – May not be used or reprinted without permission

Copyright 2008 Valley News – May not be used or reprinted without permission

Copyright 2008 Valley News – May not be used or reprinted without permission

These are a few images from a package that ran in paper from an event called Covered Bridges Half Marathon. Essentially, a group of about 2,500 insanely athletic and motivated people get together and run a beautiful 13 mile course, that just happens to wind through a few old-school bridges. The winner finished in a time of about 1 hour, 14 minutes; which if you do the math equates to pace of about 5:40/mile...sustained for 13 miles!!! I've felt more motivated to get out and run since this stupendous display...

kettlecorn

one of my all-time favorite treats, available at farmer's markets across the land. delicious...

Hanover Boys Tennis

they won the state championships as a team, and as you can see, were VERY excited!image copyright the Valley News.

image copyright the Valley News.

dandelions

some of the beauty of the upper valley...

remember birthday parties and balloons?

i saw this on my street the other day, and it made me feel nostalgic. coupled with the sound of laughing kids and the smell of hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, i strangely wanted to be transported back to age 8. maybe i'll buy some balloons and cool-ade for the next bbq i attend and try to recreate...

light is your friend

feeling like i was having a bit of a rough time shooting yesterday. luckily the sun and some trees decided to help me out a bit...