Airport Adventures

As many of you know, I am about to embark on a new adventure - this time in the form of a trip for a non-profit organization I work for, Between Four Eyes, to Nigeria and Rwanda. I will be documenting a number of workshops and conferences, as well as the daily life of the communities we are visiting. I feel so blessed to be given the humbling opportunity to travel to Africa again, and intersect with truly inspiring people...

To make a long story short, I've had an unexpected 7 hours to kill at JFK, needless to say I am bored and ready to get on the plane. So here are a few "farewell" images - I'm hoping for some intermittent internet from afar, and will do my best to post a few updates. If nothing else I'll aim for a return "airport bathroom portrait" for contrast, although in reality I already look pretty disheveled.

Thanks to all the encouraged support and excitement that has come from my friends and family in helping me prepare for this journey. I can't wait to share stories upon my return in mid-November. Health and happiness to everyone while I'm away!

OIL

With the cold months soon upon us and gas prices (and the economy, for that matter) in the shape it's in, we all know winter is going to put a strain on the wallets. One family in Concord , seen here, is aware that "it's going to be a hard Christmas this year." Who's to say what's next on the global economic front - I just know that thinking about families being cold and strapped for cash is a sad, sad thing...

We Appreciate You

Did I mention that New Hampshire is gorgeous in the fall?

One of the local apple orchards hosted a Military Appreciation Day, to remind those who serve our country (and their families!) that their honorable work is deeply respected.

Perfect day for a wedding

not that marriage is ANYWHERE on my own radar, but an early October day in New Hampshire seems quite the perfect setting...

I'd be tired too

if I had just finished running a 5K through a wet, muddy, hilly course. I hope he had a nice, restful ride home...

A Tribute

this photo goes up not because I think it's particularly great, but because someone else thought so. I received a very thoughtful email from a Concord resident in response to this photo - she felt it showed the fire fighters at their best, and was an honorable representation. In the hectic world of spot news I believe it's important to take pause, and think about these individuals we're photographing - risking their lives to help others. Anyhow, this goes up as a thank you and sincere recognition to the dedication Concord Fire Department.

Deerfield Fair Portraits

Speaking of challenges, and things I've been wanting to work an improve on, we come to lit portraiture. Not sure how successful any of them are, but I had a hell of a time going out there to do it. The fair folk are such a dynamic, interesting bunch, and I hope I've done them justice...

High School Sports

So, fall is here - and with the beautiful season comes the phenomenon of high school fall sports. Admittedly, sports shooting is one of my weaker areas, and in need of some improvement. After a recent conversation with my new photo editor Alex Cohn, I've thought about seeing each sporting event as its own 90 minute (or so) story. When do things arc in that story? When is there tension? Excitement? Disappointment? Look at the shapes peoples' bodies are creating. Find light and wait for an explosive moment to happen there. So, here's to trying to turn it up and bring a different outlook to high school sports - stay tuned and hopefully see better things to come...

Fair Setup

Getting ready for the Deerfield Fair - all animals welcome.

Arts Market...

decisions, decisions, decisions...

Weird...

A hot air balloon lands in a cemetery, and the best part of the scenario is that the driver of the balloon keeps incessantly telling me "it's just standard procedure." So when air conditions change and the balloon is ready to come down, ANY semi-open space will do....I think this kid was on my page.

How I Saw NASCAR

So this weekend I covered my first NASCAR race - in fact my first pro-sporting event of any kind. It was a pretty hectic, overwhelming atmosphere, but exciting nonetheless. Most of these photos didn't go to the paper, but this is what I took away personally. I was intrigued by the fans and "fringe" surrounding the race...and the rain!

Political Arena Continues...

Guess those presidential candidate assignments were closer than I thought...

Circus Fit

Goofy clowns travel the state, visiting local schools, to use comedy as a vehicle to teach students about healthy and active lifestyles. Good initiative to help fight childhood obesity - I wonder if there are any stats on its effectiveness...keep up the good work clowns!

Rainy Day

Weather feature without even getting out of the car! - until I got out to get his name. I'm a creepy car follower...

Politicking

So lately there has been an abundance of red, white and blue in the Concord area. Primary elections were on Tuesday, following weeks of campaigning. Trying to keep things a bit spicier than a talking head at a podium, but it's not easy! Any ideas on how to pump some more life in to politics that don't involve Obama or McCain (hopefully I'll get to cover them one of these days!)

Dog Days

Move In Day

From Beijing, China to Henniker, NH...good luck to the new NEC grad students!

A look at the Fair

quite is disjunct view, but the fair is a crazy place that tends to induce sensory overload. we ran a number of stories on different aspects of the fair (see summaries below), which gave me the opportunity to try and see the scene a bit differently each time. i wish i would have stuck with at least the same stylistic approach, and maybe walked away with something more cohesive...oh well. one note: heading to a state fair to cover the animal scene when it is hot as hell, loud, and way too smelly is NOT recommended when you are extremely hung over...good to keep in mind for next time...

a look at the people who run the fair, and make all our conscession dreams come true!
a tribute to the parents that tirelessly bring their messy, usually loud, albeit adorable, kids to the fair year after year...
pigs running an obstacle course is a pretty hilarious sight

Weirs Beach