When Jane and Graham were married in 2010, they invited everyone to the home they built along the Connecticut River in Thetford, Vt. Jane and her father — and the rest of the wedding party — entered the ceremony by canoe! It’s fun to photograph personal touches at weddings.
Looking for newspaper features (photographers call them stand-alones, editors like to say wild art) is a challenge that can be frustrating when it doesn’t work out, or incredibly rewarding when it does. When I found Harris Griffiths working on his truck from a pit in West Claremont, N.H., in 1990, his pet geese became the photo’s special touch. And I loved his quote: “They’re awful pesky,” he said. “They carry off my tools.”
Copyright © Valley News
May not be reprinted without permission
While preparing for her wedding ceremony on the town green, Morgan checks her flowers in the storage area of a general store in Canterbury, N.H., in October 2010. I enjoy looking at the contrast between her beautiful dress and the store’s mundane surroundings. That’s why it’s one of my Archival Quality favorites.
While the snow flies outside, I’m reminded of the blessing of the snowmobiles event I photographed for the Valley News at the summit of Mount Sunapee, N.H., in 1996. Episcopal priest Alice Roberts gave each rider a blessing as they rode through. I love pictures that are a twist on the expected. I still remember the speedy ride back down on a snow machine!
Copyright © Valley News
May not be reprinted without permission
Marion and Greg were married on a brilliant summer day at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. The strong light made for a high contrast picture of Marion and her bridesmaids walking outside the church, which is why it’s one of my Archival Quality favorites.
While in Boston on Saturday to celebrate my daughter’s 12th birthday with her friends, we ran across the Dog Tag Memorial near the Old North Church. The memorial honors those who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq — it was interesting to watch the girls as they looked for names and reacted to the display of rows and rows of tags.
In 1993, author Ernest Hebert and I collaborated on a portrait for a Valley News story about Hebert’s book Mad Boys. The book opens with one of the characters emerging from a swamp as part of a Huck Finn tale set in the present, where they travel by highway and virtual reality. Using a friend’s shallow pond, we recreated the moment as Hebert sat in a shallow pond then leaned back to get the effect. I was happy with the result!
Copyright © Valley News
May not be reprinted without permission
The annual Christmas Revels opens tonight at Dartmouth College’s Spaulding Auditorium; the other day, I photographed a rehearsal for the Valley News’ Entertainment Highlights feature. It’s an annual tradition with a cast of local people. The music and dancing is very impressive!
From top: Kevin Quigley, of Hartford, Vt., leads the audience in singing “I Saw Three Ships” during a rehearsal of The Christmas Revels at the Hopkins Center this week; Jennifer Culley Curtin, left, of Washington, Vt., and Bill Shults, of Norwich, and other cast members dance; Children sing “The King of Love” during the rehearsal.
Copyright © Valley News
May not be reprinted without permission
Rebecca and John’s 2005 wedding in Boston was memorable for me because of the traditions they brought to their wedding day. After their ceremony at First and Second Church, a Korean wedding ritual was held at the nearby Cyclorama. At its end, John carried Rebecca on his back around the dance floor in traditional attire. Later in the evening, John did break-dancing with friends. What energy!
Yesterday, I photographed Santa and Mrs. Claus’ visit to the Tunbridge Library. It’s a decades-long annual tradition, with Euclid and Priscilla Farnham in the roles. I’ve been the event’s volunteer photographer for a few years now — it’s always fun to watch the kids’ reactions!
