Fresh snow on a small branch, in a big forest in New Hampshire, New England. From my film days.
Nordic Skier — Effortless Technique
A young girl shows off her nordic ski skating technique at the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Jackson, NH
Last weekend I joined many old friends to honor the life, friendships, and outdoor accomplishments of the late Dave Duncanson. Two years ago Dave skied approximately 100K of the groomed trails of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in Jackson NH — in one day! Last Saturday, most of the 40 to 50 folks who showed up, followed more modest distances on the track. The weather and the snow were ideal (V40 wax) , and the grooming at Jackson was immaculate. So what else is new?
This little angel on skis was probably not among the Duncanson celebrants but she was worthy of a photograph for her outfit, rosy cheeks, and terrific ski skating technique. If anyone can identify her please let me know!
Two Sledding Course Records Set by Newcomer
New sledding course record holder Mozell on Sled Firebolt286
by Sledski Tobogganyev, Sochisports Field Reporter
Today, sledding specialist Molly of the Galvin Middle School Olympic Team set two course records on the hill behind the Bear Hill Country Club. Mozell hurtled down the icy course on Green Plastic Sled and Plastic Inflatable Tube a distance over 500 meters before coming to a stop, as measured by the most accurate Russian Digisled instrumentation. Continue reading
Fresh Daffodils
Even after a day of perfect nordic skiing in Carlisle, MA with my daughter and winter at peak goodness, it is nice to know that spring flowers like these will be in our gardens in April. Currently, these daffodils are in my dining room.
You are welcome to purchase an archival print of this photograph or license it for commercial usage. Just click on the image to go to the commerce section of my site.
Band Portraits
Yesterday I had the pleasure of making publicity photographs for the bluegrass-roots-Americana-fusion band Acousticana. The setting was The Waterworks Museum beside the Chestnut Hill Reservoir in Boston. The band wanted to avoid cliche album-cover images such as railroad tracks, brick wall, and dry, open fields. The museum’s fascinating restoration of giant wheels and pumps provided the ideal setting.
Rob Dross
Bass player Matt Carlen
Early Morning Fog
Morning fog on the upper common by Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts is “socked in” or, shrouded in thick fog early on a winter morning.
Click image for larger view. This photograph is available as a fine art print or licensed for commercial use.
Here’s Why I Love Wyoming
Late afternoon light in the Tetons, 1987
The light, the distances, the storms, the way the Tetons just rise up from the valley floor.
Street Photographer
Street photographer, Chelsea, MA, 1981
In 1981 I encountered this photographer who was working on the busy streets of Chelsea, Massachusetts, shooting and processing his photographs on the spot. His camera appeared to be home-made — fashioned from a sturdy equipment case. The simple lens was triggered with an air release, exposing a small sheet of positive-exposure photographic paper mounted in the box. A negative was not required. Also in the box were a couple of tiny trays containing print-processing chemicals. He reached through a port in the back of the camera to swish the exposed print in the chemistry.
The paper sign on the front of the camera reads, “30¢ A photo, Frames 5¢ Each, Finished in 4 Minutes While U Wait.”
I regret that I did not pose for a photo myself. I do recall seeing a young couple pose happily in front of a brick wall on this side street, returning a short time later to pick up their photo.
A worthy memory in these days of digital everything, don’t you agree?
Aliens Plow Main Street
As tonight’s six inch storm was winding down I walked the nearly empty Main Street of Wakefield looking for photographs. Imagine my surprise when a snow plow disguised as an alien spacecraft passed me by. A police office pulled over, rolled down his window, and showed off a great photo of he had just taken with his phone of a home decorated in a pretty Christmas display. He said that he would later remove the utility wires in Photoshop. No mention of the spacecraft. A few minutes later a fellow approached me to show off the photos he had just taken with his phone. He was dispatching them immediately to friends at home in Turkey. I also admired some images he had made a week earlier in Bermuda. A plow driver waved hello and suggested that I not stand in the middle of the street.
Another terrific hour in the snow.
Golden Light Again in the Great Marsh
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary where the Parker River enters the Great Marsh In the town of Rowley.
Over the past couple of years I’ve learned to appreciate the great outdoor spots within 30 minutes of my home. The other night I returned to the Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary on the edge of the ~20,000 acre Great Marsh. Right on queue it seemed, the long rays of the fading sun turned to gold. The folks who have homes on the distant shore in Newbury get to see this every night (along with the mosquitoes).
If you love this shot it is available as a print or a licensed image for commercial use.