"Social distancing" is a readily understood and frequently used phrase. My neighbors took to the streets with their daily version. At least most of us got outside a lot more than before. Outdoor parks and trails became overcrowded with people wanting to do some type of activity they could do Safely. Speaking of which, "Stay safe" was another phrase people used on a regular basis instead of goodbye.

"Car parades" become a way to celebrate people and events.

The streets were so empty in May, it was so easy to experiment with long exposure night shots, in places that wouldn't have been safe to do so before.

What a year it was! Trying to select my favorite images from 2020 was hard. I really wanted about 100 of them. I tried for the top 20, but couldn't do it. I couldn't leave some of them out. So their are 25 images here. I love capturing people, so I am not surprised that most of my favorites are of them.

Sometimes I use my cell phone. This is one of those pictures. Composition, subject and lighting, all win here. Focus is not sharp but it is over ruled by the content. My grandson loves animals, and they seem to be interested in him, too!

When I saw this women fishing, I loved her silhouette, kinda like a twist on the "Marlboro Man."  I love the colors and the edge light.

I love so  much about this one: the light, the color, the lines that lead to her, the ease in expression. The skirt billowing out in the opposite direction she is looking, makes it for me. It breaks the symmetry, adding a bit of interest. She just looks at peace  in a place she loves- the beach.

A  tiny newborn cradled in dad's arms. The head cupped in dad's hand and his gaze get me.  The choice of black and white pulls them together more with like tones. A moment captured between a dad and his daughter.

its all about the color tones and subject in this one of my husband.

I like how down low this one is. Your eye moves around to the different parts of the image because of the lines. The ice on the recently withered wild flowers with the dramatic sky and sunset, add to the sense of time here.

 This is all about the color of the light skimming the edge of this little girl and the her loving the texture of the sand.

A crisp and clear image with true colors. I like the intensity of color in the reflections in the water,  framed by some wildflowers in the foreground.

Fog and layers ,with the fishing boat in the horizon line, work for me here.

It's the lighting here that I love.

I challenged myself to learn new skills during the times when I couldn't work. Here is a long night exposure in Camden, Maine. It was easy to do right after sunset in the spring because there was no one around. Two cars went through as evidenced by the  light trails. I really like doing these kinds of pictures and will be doing more of them.

I love the color and expression here. The image is enhanced by the little bit of breeze to blow her hair so  it delicately frames her face.

Johnny Ford Dumais sits at Chief John Ford's desk. The Cheetohs covered face, the eyes upside-down in the name placard, the leading lines, and of course, my grandson, make this image for me.

All the negative space works for me, here. Lines color and framing help to make this image.

This just looks like a painting of my friend, who loves the ocean so much.

The story telling aspect of this image is what I love about it. The haircut did not happen.

Another cell phone image. It's the content that matters. This one also tells a story with my other grandson. His personalty is revealed without even seeing his face.

It's the facial expression here on my husband John, is what I love.

A portrait without a face.

I love experimenting with light. My husband had the idea for this one, and I'm glad he did.

The colors and connection with me, make this one.

I love the way the blur of the train makes the subjects stand out. Her hair and expression make it, too.

The setting , light, and expression make this one a favorite.

 The peacefulness, detail and colors, of these last two images, make them stand out in my mind.

"We need someone to take our family picture. This was our attempt." is the text I received the other night. I knew right away that they were  going to be a great family to work with, they needed something I could deliver.

They booked a session and we headed out to create memories.

I love to encourage everyone to have fun while we are out. It didn't take much to get these guys going.

Authentic smiles are the best!

Some really sweet moments happened.

Then there were some silly moments.

I think we managed to get a few great family pictures by the end of our time together, but what was even better, was the fun we had! Thanks Maureen and Justin
​, for sharing your family with me.

Windows are one of the things that I often photograph.  

In these three images, I like the reflective nature of the windows with vibrant colors.

Having something in front of the window as you are looking out, adds an element of interest.

Capturing people through a window, tells a story.

The color of the light and the shadows that are created through window light, create a certain mood.

The contrast of old wood  with panes of glass, is appealing to me.

Animals love windows. Making images of them in windows or looking out of window, gives the viewer a little slice of life with pets.

Sometimes it's all about the color in or surrounding the windows.
​

Other times I feel monochrome simplifies  the image making it more peaceful.

These last two images are result of me just trying something creative.
Get out there yourself, or stay in and look out. Try your hand at making images that include windows. Have fun!

I know I'm a bit late, but I always like to do a year in review. Having been too busy to get to it, is a good thing in this business. Fair warning, there are a lot of images.  Many are not technically correct, but that is not what it is about all of the time. I sometimes only have my cell phone with me and I see an image, so that's what I use.

One of my first sessions of the year was my own daughter Emily's engagement shoot. We went to Maine, one of her and Corey's favorite places. The weather was perfect and the colors and tones just worked.

My Husband is so supportive and will often let me try ideas on him. Here, its all about the window light and focus fall off. ...and how much I love this face.

When you're just sitting and chilling and there is a dog butt in your face.

The fact that my grandson, at less that 2 years old, loves to play with my old cameras, delights me.

This one was taken in Hawaii, as will be several that follow. It is a beautiful place full of color and texture. This image struck me because of all the layers.

Striking contrast and horizontal lines with symmetry, had me here.

I love the color tones and the story you can get from this one.

We went to a local high schools hula night. I was so moved by how beautiful the dancing was and by how embraced it was by all the students in the audience. 

The devastation that was caused by the eruption of Mount Kilauea, was mind boggling.

The vast variety of landscape is just amazing in Hawaii. I like the color tones and leading lines that I saw and of course the subjects.

Here are my parents at my daughters's bridal shower. They are always up for a good time.

I just find this funny, so full of expression!

Just pure sweetness between a grandfather and his granddaughter. Leading lines help tell the story.

I love fog. I go out in search of a good shot when I know there will be fog. This image has good layers; foreground, middle ground and background. It was in Maine.

When this client contacted be about doing some boxing shots, I was so excited. I had been wanting to try out some creative harsh light shots. She was willing. I love the intensity in her eyes with her arm forming a leading line to them. I also like the slight shadow on the wall behind her.

Here she is wrapping her daughter's hands. I used some intense rim light.

The harsh shadow was just what I was going for. The selective color was a suggestion from the client. It's great to have people willing to collaborate together.

This was a very unique happening. The fawn was all by itself and very attracted to my grandson. 

 I was at an arts festival in Belfast, Maine when I spied this artist's palet. I was srtuck by how beautiful it looked . I loved the colors and the story it tells about painting. The paintings in the booth were just beautiful. Come to find out, the artist, Erik Minzner, is the husband of a wonderful women who hired me to take her headshot earlier in the year.

This was maiden voyage of the vintage wooden Penn Yan boat that my husband lovingly restored. He took my son-in-law, grandson and myself out on our local lake. We made it half way across and the engine died. It has yet to start again.

What a privilege it is to be able to record the  birth of my second grandson, Luke.

Just an amazing moment for a the family. Let your eye travel all the way from the front to the back of the image. There is so much going on, here. Notice the looking on of the nurse all the way in the background.

Macro lenses are so much fun to work with.Getting good focus involves lots of patience.

This is Faith. She is awesome to work with. Here I am experimenting with shadows.

Faith frolicking in the daisies.

Faith in soft window light.

Johnny visiting John E. Ford, in his office.

Johnny's first flight early in the morning.

Just a dad at the beach. Too funny!

Beautiful sunset in North Carolina.

Mom and Dad. They are so cute.

This little guy was such an easy subject. He looked good, no matter what!

These two are getting married in April. We spent some time at the Arnold Arboretum  for their engagement pictures.

I can't wait to photograph their wedding. They were a blast to work with.

There are some wedding when you get to really have fun with the guests.....

Brooke and Taylor’s wedding was that wedding. I had so much fun.

They met at Boston College and that is where they got married.

She was a stunning bride.

This is Ford, my niece's son. This image is just so him, he loves the water.

This is Ashley, a very talented and equally nice, past student of mine.

This just captures her soft beauty.

I got down even with the table to document this beautiful wedding reception table in Rockport, MA. 

A great mom and her two girls. Colors, leading lines, expression and how Willow, on the left is always her own little person, only one hand under the chin for her.

Another beautiful bride that I had the privilege of photographing this past year.

Her mom was awesome, so much fun to be around.

Twin sisters and their mom in a moment. 

They caught me trying to get creative shots. I LOVE how grandma waved at me and grandpa is framed between the boards on the covered bridge in Newery, Maine.

They are all cute, but the expression of the little one on the left, just makes this image it for me.

 Another past student, Ben and his mom, what a treasure for her to have this image before he goes off to college next fall.

The light on Chelsea is as soft and beautiful as she is.

The interaction between Chelsea and Jamie and the reaction of the people in attendance, is why I love this photo.

The colors and soft background make this a great headshot.

Rim light and bokeh are what I like about this one, and his expression.

This was a great pumpkin patch day with family.

This picture just captures my sister and her husband perfectly. I love it!

Fall is the perfect time for donuts on strings and matching Carhartt clothes.

My Daughter's family are always willing subjects.
Thanks for making it all the way through. I love sharing my work.

Bringing out the Christmas decorations every year gets me a little sappy. So many of them evoke special memories. This ornament didn't even make it on the tree, my daughter just handed it to me as I was decorating the sideboard. She said she knew it was a favorite because it was really "vintagey." She was right.

 Then there was the year when we did everything in blue, all blue ornaments and lights. Not too many of the blue glass balls are left. Johnny decided to throw one and to his surprise, it shattered into a million pieces. He thought it was a regular ball.

Then there was the red and white themed year. We had two trees that year, one upstairs and one downstairs.

This ornament  was given to me by my mother-in-law. She knew how much I loved Christmas. It holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of her love and acceptance into her family.

My sister-in-law, Yvonne gave me this one. It is tin and beautifully painted.

My girls did Irish Step dancing for years. We had a love hate relationship with it. 

Tommy Gouthro, who was a teacher I used to teach with, made this. It brings back great memories of him working in the wood shop at the middle school. He was a well loved gym teacher, who has since passed. My husband and I still miss him.

This well worn ornament was a baby's first Christmas ornament. It was given to us when Maddie was born.

I asked Sarah to pick out an ornament that she liked. She picked this one. I asked her why. She said, "Because the feet are chewed off." I'll leave it at that, a typical Sarah reply.

This is the backside of my favorite ornament. This was from our first married Christmas. We had decided to make presents for everyone. I was painting little wooden hearts and was struggling. Painting is not my talent. John said "Let me help you. "In about 5 minutes he painted this:

That was it! I put everything away. I couldn't compete with that. No one got a painted heart from me that year, but I got one.

While taking pictures for this blog, I noticed something on the mantle that I did not put there, the glass doorknob with the tree attached to it. Wow, how cute! I asked my husband where it came from. He told me he made it and put it there. I know what I will love to put out and remember next year.

Brooke and Taylor's wedding was one I won't soon forget. This couple knows how to treat each other and the people around them. My heart was full seeing how much they were loved by their friends and family. I am sure it is in part because of how they  are so kind and loving toward everyone.  I only met them last year, but I was touched by their gentle spirits.

Brooke was so calm before the wedding. Everyone was enjoying the getting ready time.

Mom was pretty calm, too.

Nothing like a kiss from the one you love, on your wedding day.

Brooke's dad went to high school with my husband. He is such a nice man. I just love the Dunkin cup he came out holding after he got suited up. It completes the look.

The emotion in this image!

She is positively stunning!

Just look at the  bridesmaid's reactions as Brooke comes down the stairs.

 The neighbors come out to see them off.

A big shout out to First Choice Limousine. The driver, I am sorry I don't remember his name, was amazing. He really knew how to go above and beyond in his job. He was so helpful.

St Ignatius Church at Boston College, where the couple met, is beautiful.

It was a beautiful ceremony.

To say this was a tight knit, fun group, is an understatement. This is a thing they do when they get together. They are all cousins.  I'm not so sure what it's about, but maybe I'm better off not knowing.

Toasts given by the Maid of Honor and the Best man, were both touching and hilarious. 

The guests at the wedding were so much fun! I had a blast with them!

Th DJ really kept the crowd dancing and did a fantastic job!

Best to Brooke and Taylor! Thanks for letting me join in your celebration!

This is a story about a Moose. The moose is dead, but the story lives on.
The man in the picture above is my husband and you see, he has a problem with having an addiction to online auction sites. Things could be worse.

So as I sit in my home in Maine typing this, I can see 8 things in this room alone, that have been purchased on auction sites. Most of these things I love, so I benefit from his addiction.

However, recently he came to me and said, "I just want to tell you that I bought a moose head."
To which I replied, "What the hell? Why do we need a moose head?"
His casual reply was, "It was really cheap, you don't see them that cheap. I always see them for way more money!"
Wait, my mind was in disbelief, he actually knows what moose heads sell for? Who knows that? I thought that only people who hunt moose have them as trophies on their walls. And.... people actually sell moose heads? Really? Isn't that just not right if you didn't shoot it, you just bought it?
I then ask, "What are you going to do with this moose head?"
To which he again casually replied, "It's for my barn in Maine, and I bought a bear head, too!
WHAT???

This is what the barn looks like and will look like for a long time. Construction had to go on hold because my daughter is getting married and we need to pay for a wedding.  Apparently, you can't wait to buy the decor for the barn because you will never see it at such a bargain price again.

The story gets better, the moose head is too large to ship, so we are off to a little overnight vacation to Pennsylvania to pick up , "Rudolph",  the moose. (now named).
Here we are picking him up in Pennsylvania. Note, the moose has a ripped nose and a hole in the fur on his head.  Perhaps that is why he was such a bargain.

Of course, Rudolph does not fit in the back of the vehicle fully, and we have to travel all the way back home with back of the Explorer roped down with a part of a moose sticking out..............

...and this guy in the back seat.

So now Rudolph stays in our basement, for the time being.

 John and Johnny can spend time admiring him there. 
As it turns out, our son-in-law's German Shepard's fur was just the right color match. John was able to use little bit of it to repair Rudolph's issues. This is the first time Jager's   excess fur has been viewed in a positive light.

As for the other purchased decoration, I think we can bear with him for a little while longer.