Linden Place Movie is Now Live

The Linden Place Flash Slide Movie is now live on their website

http://www.lindenplace.org/wedding.htm Then click the "Wedding Flash Movie"

How cool is this.

The Many Faces of Jillian

She's only a couple months old, but Jillian is already an expressive little child. Images from today's portrait session.

Acupuncture

About a year ago, I went to a foot doctor for some pain that I had inbetween my toes. Turned out I had both plantar faciatus and a neuroma. Well, I got pair of orthodics for my shoes and that helped the plantar, along with some stretches my brother taught me. But the neuromas never went away. I was back at the podiatrist office, and was told surgery might be the only option. I waited, wanting to avoid surgery at all costs. I'd heard from a Vietnam Vet, who was injured in that war, that his neuroma surgery was the most painful thing he'd ever experienced.

So, this year, as winter came on and the neuromas were kicking in again, I asked a doctor friend about acupuncture. He recommended Nancy Graham here in Rhode Island. I was a little skeptical at first, but now after little over a month of treatments, I have to say, I'm really noticing the difference. The pain is much less. Some skeptics say it's the placebo effect, others swear by acupuncture. A friend of mine who has been on depression medication for several years, has been going to another acupunturist, and she is now off here meds.

Yes, it's a little freaky with the tiny needles at first, but you get used to it, and the results, well, for me great so far.

I have a secret

I have a secret, but I promised I would hold off. No it's not me, and it's not my wife. I'll keep you posted in the next few weeks. I'm not allowed to identify the people, yet....

Off to Hollywood

Patrick is off to Hollywood. He's applying to film school and hoping to start his career. A former US Army officer, and now free to explore his passion for Theatre. Patrick came to me via our local lab who recommends me for portraits. We did some "headshots" (Hollywood lingo for portraits) Here is the one he chose, originally in color, and converted it to Black & White. Patrick, if you make it bigtime, let us know. Best wishes.

Podcasting

I am starting to explore Podcasting as a tool for Photography. Somehow merging the audio and visual. I just bought this kit from M-Audio, and when I get some time, I'll start exploring. The thing about Podcasting is, ya gotta have something to say. Hmmmmm. I'll let you know.

Celebrities

OK. So I'm not photographing Tom Cruise and what's her name, but I found out this week that one of my upcoming weddings includes the morning anchor of an ABC outlet in another state coming to Rhode Island for her wedding. Lisa and Mike invited me to capture their wedding this year. Watch out, Katie Couric is next.

I've reduced the number of weddings I'm photographing in 2007 and going forward. In a way, I'm being more picky, but it's really an issue of a) wanting to do a good job with the few I do b) setting aside more time for other projects and c) discovering that if I do a select number I'm more likely to keep doing this over the long hall.

Abstracts

I have no idea why, but...I was having lunch with David Williams in Providence at this Chinese Restaurant, and I stood up at the end of the meal and saw this image, pulled out my Leica, and framed it. It's a cool abstract. What does it say? Hmmmm, "Welcome" "Eat alot" or "2=2+4" We may never know. If you do, let me know.

Recent Magazine Work

A couple of New England Magazines have published my work recently. La Bella Bride did a feature on Irene & John's wonderful Summer Wedding, and Newport Life asked me to do a portrait of Herb Rommell a World War II veteran.

Available Light & the Digital advantage

With the exception of the Large family group, all of the photos in the McGlaughlin series (below) were taken with available light. (The family group was double lit with umbrellas & strobe)

I learned the availbale light technique froma number of people, but the main advocate is Australian photographer David Williams. The great advantage of the new digital cameras (I use the Canon 5D) is the combination of high speed ISO settings and fast lenses. In the days of film, there is no way I would have felt comfortable doing this kinda thing. Digital has so many advantages - one image can be in color, black & white, sepia - retouching is a 1,000 times easier - but for me it's this ability to shoot without tons of equipment, get great moments with wonderful light.

McGlaughlin Family Portraits

Between Christmas and new Years, I spent a morning with the McGlaughlin family, photographing their families and the kids. We got some great images.

Last Year's favorites

I am working on pulling some of my favorite images from 2006. Since Elena & jonathon's album just got sent off - I was aware of their wedding last year. I found this iamge and worked on it for a while. It's such a sweet moment.

St. John's in the Virgin islands

We are back from what has become our annual vacation in the Virgin Islands. We've been there 5 years running now, and this may have been our last. We love it. But, i think we've exhausted all the options. Still it's such a relaxing week. 84 degrees, snorkeling, a day trip to the British Virgin islands, a dinner at Skinny legs in Corral bay, camping in the tents of Maho Bay. I don't know if we'll find a replacement for this little piece of heaven on earth. I am feeling so refreshed and relaxed.