New Hampshire State Budget Protests

The State House lawn in Concord, New Hampshire was filled with an estimated three to five-thousand protesters who opposed various aspects and issues of the Republican led 2012-2013 budget. Many of the cuts will affect the health and human services departments as well as collective bargaining of public employees. Read about it here

Bird on a Wire

Pulled off the road tonight on my way home to talk with a friend. Four birds were laying next to a electrical pole at a converter station. Three were near each other, the fourth was about 20 feet away. Unusual and sad.

Plum Island, Massachusetts

Waiting on some people on assignment down in Massachusetts.

iPhone...deal with it...Guatever

Ron Paul visits New Hampshire

He said he had a spark in his belly, but not a fire. Then someone offered him a match. Dover, NH at the Dover Republican Committee's Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.

Volcano Run

Editing

I photographed a wedding in Guatemala last week and I've been working on editing the images. I shot a lot. A lot, a lot, a lot. And I'm happy with it all. It was such a fun time it reminded me how fun this whole photo thing can be.

Cirque de Primary

What I learned from tonight, as seen in the following photos, is that there isn't much variety to my shooting and it's going to be a fun challenge in the coming months to find a consistency while shooting the presidential candidates as they make their way through the state. To shoot something different beyond the literal grip and grins and yet still capture moments and the story in a creative refreshing way is the challenge. But isn't it always? I don't want to rely on gimmicks nor for the photography to overpower or detract from what's happening because it becomes more about the photography and less about the historic moment in time. The key is finding that balance. I like some of the photos with flash, but how much of that is just me thinking it looks cool?

Guatemala

I started my day this morning at 7:30 catching a ride via bus to the airport. I caught my flight to Miami and then again on to Boston, finally arriving at 10 p.m. So, for now, this photo will have to do until i find time for the rest.

The Hat

Brother-in-law and his new baller hat.

To the Streets

Yesterday was a long day, leaving my house in Concord, NH at 5 a.m. to catch my 8 a.m. flight out of Boston. After catching my connecting flight in Miami, I landed in Guatemala City around 3:30 p.m. and was greeted by Juan, who had a sign with my name on it. We got to talking, his English was very good, and I picked up a little Spanish from him here and there. He told me about being in the states for 8 years working as a boat mechanic in San Diego before being deported. In the 1980s, he was in the army during the civil war and spent a lot of time in the jungle. He said sometimes it is dangerous in Guatemala, that's why he has a gun. He tapped the pack around his waist. We drove...rather, dodged our way through the city to meet up with a few others and headed to Antigua, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city.

Last night I met up with my sister and brother-in-law, and their friend Sarah, and we hit the city for some food and drinks. The cobblestone roads, the old buildings, the colorful walls, the motorcycles. Everything just fits. We ate at a café where there seemed to be a lot of ex-pats. I went with rice and beans, probably the most 'authentic' course on the menu that also included lasagna. But there'll be time to hit up the local places.

This morning I snapped out of bed at 7 a.m., which may be a surprise to those of you who know me, and met up with Jennifer and Pablo, the couple who will be getting married tomorrow, and Jennifer's dad Seamus. Wonderful people with plenty of ideas. We scouted out a few locations for portraits, the spot for the ceremony, and walked the city. I can't wait for tomorrow. There's so many places to photograph for the portraits I wish I had the whole week!

So, here's a few little snaps I took walking too and from various places. Sunday and Monday are 'free days,' so I hope to explore more then.

Also, I may not ever leave this city. Markets are open. Houses have courtyards off the living areas and kitchens. Roof tops with views of 3 volcanos. Relaxing. I know I'm considered a tourist and only here for 5 days I'm not going to pretend I know what the country is all about, but I feel life again. Relaxing. Happy. Something new and fresh.

New Faces of Merrimack County Representatives

After Republicans swept much of the midterm elections, there were many new faces in public office. A total of 157 new representatives in New Hampshire, 18 in Merrimack County. I recently completed a portrait series to introduce readers to their new representatives in the county. It was an interesting experience trying to coordinate with all 18 representatives, some who I never heard back from while others returned calls and emails within the hour. In the end, I was able to meet up with all who I made contact with, unfortunately it was only 12 out of the 18. Nonetheless, I think it's still successful in showing the majority of the majority.