Sometimes it can be hard to believe in princesses and pumpkin carriages. You want to reach for your magic wand and check the house for glass slippers, but real life tends to claim your attention. This year was especially daunting for Camden Hills, as well as many other high schools in the area, thanks to an early winter storm which cancelled school for three days during the final week of rehearsal. But, the show must go on, and Cinderella not only is up and running well, but touching us with a bit of fairy dust along the way. Of course, it's really a story about transformation. Let's see some "before and after" photos.
The pumpkin before
The horses before
The pumpkin and horses carry Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother to the ball
A pit orchestra rehearsal with cast before
The pit orchestra in performance
Lionel and Frederick learning how to introduce a prince
The prince is having a ball!
The ballroom scene in early October
The ballroom scene during the final dress rehearsal
Shadows backstage
Shadows onstage
The assistants to the Fairy Godmother- the tech crew makes the magic happen
But there are those who just can't change
Hair and Makeup Call 2 hours before curtain
It all comes together
Congratulations to the cast and crew of CHRHS! May you help make wishes come true.
Many more photos here: http://martistonephotography.zenfolio.com/chrhscinderella
It takes much more than talent to bring midcoast dancers together for an original performance on an island in the Penobscot Bay. Will the cell phones work? (not for most)- Will the ferry go? (not if it had to make an emergency trip the night before)-Did anyone remember to put the blackboard out to alert everyone on the island that the show is tonight? And does everyone have a place to stay or a private boat for the return to the mainland after the show? That doesn't even count all the choreography and costumes, as well as finding rehearsal time when everyone is working or in school or both.
Co-directed and co-produced by Katie Thompson and Lauren Zontini, "For What It's Worth" was a one-night opportunity to see 15 dances, each featuring original choreography and related visuals by dancers from the Midcoast area. Make that 13, since one person who was scheduled to perform 2 solos, was unable to attend, at the very last minute- reportedly due to the ubiquitous "ferry problem", which can be roughly translated to "it doesn't go when I need it to go". Eleven dancers participated in the show, with technical assistance and visual art by Brett Thompson and lighting by Bill Trevaskis.
Many of the performers have been seen on midcoast stages representing Studio Red and Rockport Dance Conservatory, among others. If you go to the always amazing Camden Hills musicals (and you should!), you have seen Gretta, Lauren and Moira in recent years, and both Katie T and Gretchen have been involved with choreography for the high school shows. (Consider this the first PR announcement for the upcoming "Cinderella", which will be choreographed by Gretchen). Katie McMorrow was a stand-out high school basketball player before deciding to put more time into dance. Michaela Stone, a full-time visual artist and woodworker, came back to dance this summer after a 7 year hiatus. And then there's Wesley, age 11, who seems to be quite a natural. I didn't get to talk to the other 3 dancers, but according to the program notes, they dance "because life is too short to not dance" (Sarah Brennan); because "dance is my release and relaxation" (Aidan Giasson); and "because you can be whoever you want in dance" (Madison Imus). Enough said.
Waterman's Community Center, on the island of North Haven, includes a state-of-the-art performance space
"Waiting Game" choreography by Katie Thompson. Performed by (L to R) Lauren Zontini, Katie Thompson, Katie McMurrow, Michaela Stone
"Am I Wrong" choreographed and performed by Moira Pieri
"Run, Run, Run" choreography by Gretta Buckley. Danced by Aidan Giasson (front), Katie McMorrow, Sarah Brennan, Gretta Buckley, Madison Imus, Lauren Zontini
"Sing" choreographed and performed by Wesley Henderson, age 11
"Hide & Seek" Choreography by Michaela Stone. Performed (l to r) by Lauren Zontini, Michaela Stone, Katie Thompson
"Canned Heat" choreographed and danced by Gretchen Henderson
"Duality" Choreographed and danced by Katie Thompson. Visual art by Brett Thompson.
"Pinch Me" Choreography by Lauren Zontini
"Photograph" choreographed and performed by Lauren Zontini
"One Hit" choreography by Michaela Stone. Danced by Michaela Stone and Katie Thompson.
"Bloom" choreographed and danced by Katie McMorrow
"An Ending, and A Beginning" choreographed and performed by Lauren Zontini and Katie Thompson
"Original Don" choreography by Katie Thompson
Front Row (L to R): Aidan Giasson, Madison Imus, Katie McMorrow, Gretta Buckley, Wesley Henderson, Lauren Zontini, Katie Thompson.
Back Row(L to R): Moira Pieri, Gretchen Henderson, Sarah Brennan, Michaela Stone
So what is it worth? There are times when you know you are living in the moment, and it's a moment that won't be repeated. It was a perfect late summer day on North Haven and these dancers managed to put their creativity on a stage and share it with all who could get there. A week later, they are scattered among schools, jobs and other artistic pursuits. Let's hope they all keep dancing, wherever they are. It's worth whatever it takes.
How many healthcare photographers have a portfolio that also includes professional musicians, prisoners, weddings, high school drama festivals and even a goat on a horse? Then again, how many hospitals have a photographer with extensive previous experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner? I've always been interested in art and healing, and my frequent work with Pen Bay Healthcare and MaineHealth has given me plenty of opportunities to put the two together. Few things say "we care about a healthy community" better than an event such as the free screening of Toxic Hot Seat, an HBO documentary film by Kirby Walker and James Redford. Presented at the Strand Theatre by the Environmental Health Strategy Center, in collaboration with the Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation, the Professional Firefighters of Maine, and the Camden International Film Festival, the film examines years of corporate deception by chemical and tobacco companies and resulting misunderstandings that have led to alarming levels of toxins in our homes and bodies.
Kirby Walker, one of the filmmakers, traveled from San Francisco to discuss the film at the Strand and at SPACE Gallery in Portland
The Environmental Health Strategy Center, based in Portland, provided more information and opportunities to become involved
Patricia Callahan, investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, was one of the principals featured in the documentary.The Tribune's "Playing with Fire" series won several national awards and has been used to substantiate many ongoing efforts regarding manufacturers’ use of toxic flame retardants in household furniture.
(from left): Kirby Walker, filmmaker; Hannah Pingree, former Maine Speaker of the House and one of the activists featured in the film; Betsy Salstonstall, Manager of Community and Planned Giving at Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation; and Sarah Ruddy, Executive Director of the Strand Theatre.
Many local fire fighters attended the screening and received recognition from the panel and the audience. They gathered before the show with Pingree and Walker.
Hannah Pingree, a former Maine legislator, long-time advocate and parent of two young children, is featured in the movie. In one scene she is testifying before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in 2012. This line received a burst of spontaneous applause from the Strand audience: "I don't trust these companies to tell the truth about these chemicals and I don't think the American public or you, as senators, should either."
A panel, moderated by Pingree, offered a Q and A session after the screening. From left: Hannah Pingree; Mike Belliveau, Executive Director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center; Ross Endicott, flame retardant free furniture designer and owner of Endicott Home Furnishings; Dr. Susan Shaw, founder and president of the Marine Environmental Research Institute, Caroline Knight R.N., clinical research specialist at Pen Bay Medical Center, and Kirby Walker, filmmaker.
Dr. Susan Shaw is the founder of the Maine Environmental Research Institute in Blue Hill and Professor, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Albany, State University of New York, Albany. Known for her work related to the impact of toxic chemical exposure on wildlife and human health, she is studying occupational exposure to toxic chemicals among fire fighters.
Cynthia Hyde hosts a reception after the screening at the Caldbeck Gallery
In the end, it's all about Naomi (above) and her generation. Will you take a stand or remain in a Toxic Hot Seat?
(Complete photo gallery HERE)
As the Oceanside High School cast gathered for warm-ups before a performance at the Class A Maine State Drama Festival, their director passed a question around the room. "What line speaks to you today?" Each actor responded with a line from the play, using expression and feeling. The energy in the room grew. I wasted no time in stealing her idea (thanks Alison) and asking myself, as I photographed the festival, what did each play say to me? Unlike the judges at this competition, I wasn't charged with scoring or evaluating anything. My comments make no knowledgeable references to scripts, quotes or awards. Information like that is readily available from people who actually know something about drama and from the press and The Maine Drama Council. I brought nothing to the exercise other than extensive experience in photographing performing arts and the ability to eavesdrop and observe. Here's what I saw, in order of performance:
Tragedy of Tragedies ; or, the Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great
presented by Skowhegan Area High School
THE TAKEAWAY: TEAMWORK PREVAILS and GO OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN WITH IT
Scenes from: Mother Hicks
presented by Gorham High School, winner of the Class A State Finals
TAKEAWAY: HANDS CAN SPEAK AND OUTSIDERS CAN CONNECT
The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)
presented by Oceanside High School
TAKEAWAY: EVERYONE HAS WINGS (quote from the team t-shirt) and LISTEN TO THE LINE THAT SPEAKS TO YOU
And You May Contribute a Verse
presented by Bangor High School
TAKEAWAY: HOPE, as pictured above, and WE OWN THIS SHOW (which was written entirely by students)
Jack and the Ruffians
presented by Scarborough High School
TAKEAWAY: SMILES AND SUPPORT SAY IT ALL
Charm
presented by The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School
TAKEAWAY: PASS THIS ROCK AROUND AND REMEMBER THE MEANING OF WATER AND THE POWER OF STONE
The Spirit of Life- Hasidic Tales of the Holocaust
presented by
Windham High School
TAKEAWAY: THE HUMAN SPIRIT PREVAILS, as shown in AUTHENTIC FAMILY PHOTOS and heard in MUSIC
TAKEAWAY (HEARD BACKSTAGE 7 TIMES FROM TOM HEATH, FESTIVAL TECH DIRECTOR): "IT'S YOUR SHOW NOW!"
MANY MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE SOON AT MARTI STONE PHOTOGRAPHY . SECOND SHOOTING BY COLIN STONE. MANY THANKS AND MUCH RESPECT TO THE STUDENTS, DIRECTORS, AND FESTIVAL HOSTS-AS WELL AS THE MAINE PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION AND MAINE DRAMA COUNCIL- FOR KEEPING IT ALL GOING EVERY YEAR.
I once photographed 9 one-act plays in a single day, thanks to a previous snow day cancellation. The first performers were on stage by 9 am, and the awards were presented after midnight. Three different audiences were involved and I wouldn't want to guess how much pizza was consumed, but the show went on. Last weekend 79 Maine high schools sent drama teams to nine locations for the annual regional competitions. The Midcoast Regional was hosted this year by Oceanside High School. Here are just a few scenes, backstage and onstage, from the second day of the festival.
Actors from Freeport's "Unhappily Ever After" carry assigned set pieces to the stage. The set must be completed in 5 minutes to qualify for awards and a chance to advance to the finals.
Freeport has a tradition of using original scripts by students. Freeport won the Class B category and will advance to the States.
Half of the gym is used as a storage area for sets and props; the other is a temporary food court. Ellsworth is next up here.
An Ellsworth student emerges from the costume rack to listen to the director's last words of advice to cast and crew
A scene from Camden Hill's "Something's Rotten in the State of Denmark". The guys with the swords and the king were named to the All Festival Cast. Locals may know them as (left to right) Donkey, Pinocchio and Shrek from the fall musical.
Dave Johanson is the technical director of the festival and keeper of the all-important timer
A scene from Lincoln Academy's "Macbeth". Under the direction of Griff Braley, Lincoln Academy is known for serious dramatic productions. They have advanced to the States many times.
Oceanside runs through a relaxing warm up before the show
Oceanside's "The Neverending Story" took first place in Class A and advances to the State Drama Festival
A close-up of the character featured in the shot above
Ellsworth uses blue cloth effectively to represent water. Their ensemble won an award for this scene, among others. The total amount of real water allowed onstage has been limited by a new rule in recent years. Let's just say everyone learned the hard way.
Excellence in puppetry noted for Cyclops from Ellsworth
Lincoln Academy's Lady Macbeth concentrates backstage before the production
Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from Lincoln Academy were named to the All Festival Cast
Characters of all sorts could be seen roaming the halls of Oceanside High School. This is Freeport as they head to the stage area.
Host director Alison Machaiek has led Oceanside/Rockland to many regional and state titles. She's laughing at the antics of her cast just minutes before the performance.
Then she decides it's time to focus and the whole cast responds immediately.
Camden Hills hosts the Class A State Drama Festival March 21 and 22 at the Strom Auditorium
MANY MORE PHOTOS HERE: http://martistonephotography.zenfolio.com/midcoastregionals14
Thanks to second-shooter Colin Stone.
The other schools who participated in the festival, but were not photographed, are Belfast, Wiscasset, Medomak and North Haven
When Chantel Renee Wright entered the green room at the Rockport Opera House, her voice was noticeably fatigued and raspy. That didn't stop the musician/professor/pentecostal preacher from gaining the instant attention of the 26 young singers traveling with the Songs of Solomon Gospel Choir, who immediately gathered and began their vocal warm-ups. The weather was bitterly cold, with the first real storm of the season quickly approaching. "My feet have been cold for two days", Wright told the group. "Listen to my voice- it's clearly not at its best. But when I enter the room above us, I will bring no excuses. You must also come without excuses".
In the green room, only those in the front row were rehearsing this piece, but the others paid full attention. The group was highly disciplined, with the older members clearly taking on leadership and supportive roles. At the same time, there was a sense that the choir was like a big family, with lots of humor, faith and love shared.
One of the soloists in rehearsal. The choir has an established repertoire, but conductor Wright makes most of the specific song choices from the stage as the individual performance evolves.
A sense of physical and spiritual energy grew with each part of the program. The conductor and the singers moved around the house and interacted with the audience, encouraging participation and response.
Every eye, literally, is on the director
program notes: "Wright is a firm believer that arts education stimulates children spiritually and intellectually, builds the family through its commitment to a child's development, and gives a sense of pride and ownership to the community".
Manuel Bagorro, the artistic director of Bay Chamber Concerts and Summer Festival, takes on the challenge of maintaining the well-respected Bay Chamber Concert musical traditions while also bringing in new experiences, with appeal to new audiences. As a native of Zimbabwe with extensive experience in visual and performing arts around the world, he brings a valuable sense of perspective to the community.
"We don't look much alike, do we?" Wright said during her opening comments to the audience. No, we don't. And for a group who is used to participatory audiences who sing and clap and dance from the opening moments to the last notes, it must feel like alot more work to perform here in coastal Maine. But there was no stopping the energy, as you can see above.
In the green room, before the performance, Wright had more to say to the choir after the warm-ups, with or without her full voice.
"If you enter the room with fears or allow yourself to be distracted, you deprive the people in the audience from having a transformational experience. Some of these people have never heard a group like ours and some may never see us again. You have something to offer. Give them these moments".
Local friends, she was talking about us. The choir members brought everything they had to the stage. Wright's voice sounded clear and strong, and I am sure her feet were plenty warm. Yes, there were differences in culture and beliefs and ethnicity, but music and spirit united us. Thanks Songs of Solomon for sharing your gifts.
More photos: marti stone photography
Videos and story: Penobcot Bay Pilot
The story behind these photographs takes place inside the Maine State Prison, but it's not about prison life or criminal justice. The inmates are involved in a woodworking class taught by a master craftsman, but the story is not about technique or artistic vision. You might say that this post is about a place in which there are no stories- a time for respite from the past and the future, along with all the affiliations and tensions of being Inside. Each Sunday, selected inmates participate in the Fine Woodworking Program led by Furniture Master Brian Reid . For a few hours, they focus on making beautiful and functional things from wood, by hand.
Furniture Master Brian Reid
Reid is a longtime instructor at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport. The curriculum that he developed for this program is modeled on a similar program in the New Hampshire prison system and involves aspects of his work at CFC. Follow the preceding links for much more information about the process involved in this volunteer endeavor.
Brian asked me to come in for an afternoon session to get some images for future publicity about his program. Yes, he'll probably be asking you or your organization for money at some point, and it's going to be hard to say no after you see how much time and talent he and his team donate.
I didn't give the specifics much thought until the day for the shoot arrived. I am so accustomed to working in varied environments, with people of all ages, that I know how to respond to just about anyone or anything. Other than supplying personal information for a background check in advance, this was much the same. It was just as we were passing through the various security points that it occurred to me that I'd never actually been inside a prison, even though I've known plenty of people who have been on both sides of the law.
My experience there was predictably uneventful. Yes, I drew a few stares as I passed through the more public areas, but that was about it. Once in the shop, I started working in my usual manner, talking to the individual inmates as I went along. They had all agreed to be photographed and to allow their faces to be featured. I knew that they wanted to stay in the program and had far too much to lose to bother to cause any trouble, and I got nothing but cooperation and an eagerness to show me their work. So everything went smoothly until someone (not me and not the inmates or staff, so you figure it out) accidently pushed his emergency button. A swat team appeared in record time, asking "where is she?". I just held up my camera and said "I'm right here and I'm fine". That was it. As I said, no stories. After a couple of hours, I had looked at the situation from every angle and I knew I had more images than Brian could possibly use. I was finished, but the class still had 90 minutes left. It was a beautiful fall day outside and my dog was waiting for a walk, but I knew I wasn't going anywhere. Short of a major emergency, there was no reasonable way for me to leave my own photoshoot. It was an odd feeling, even for that brief amount of time. "Sorry about your incarceration", Brian said. So I just kept watching, knowing full well that I wasn't understanding much about prison or woodworking, but that I was seeing something a bit beyond both worlds.
Students work on their projects while Reid prepares some equipment for a demo
Class runs for about 7 hours on Sunday and is a mix of lectures, demos, and individual consultation.
Students must earn the right to participate. On Sundays they frequently miss the football game on tv in order to attend class. They get the score from a staff member when he stops in on rounds.
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, another midcoast gem within the woodworking industry, donated the majority of the handtools to the program
Larger tools were donated as well
A student shows me photos of his previous projects. Some of the finished pieces are shown at The Gallery of Somes Sound, a sponsor of the project. Other pieces will be displayed in a special section at the Maine Prison Store in Thomaston. Proceeds from sales are primarily used to buy additional tools and materials for the program.
Beyond being an internationally recognized artisan and designer, Brian Reid has some special attributes that make him an effective teacher, whether the students are in prison or not. He easily engages, but he leaves enough space for the student to find his own way. He has high standards, but he's non-judgmental. He is skeptical, but he honors tradition and history. He's practical and tells it like it is, but he's enough of a dreamer to think that prisoners are part of humanity and have something to offer to themselves and others.
I think someone in Shrek cast a spell on me. I'm always amazed at the Camden Hills musicals, but I tend to lean toward the shows like Les Mis, Phantom, West Side Story- with the songs that make you cry. Well, at least the comedies are often brightly lit and easier to photograph, so I thought this year would be a couple of quick trips to the Strom and I'd be done. But then the spell took hold and kept dragging me back to see the latest transformations. So who did it?
Which of these characters looks trustworthy?
This little Ogre seems friendly enough.
The Mad Hatter with her real eyes closed
It's all in the dancing details
If you think the costumes were rented, think again. Only the green prosthetics for Shrek and the Ogre Family were rented.
A deflated pig plays some classical music while waiting for her next scene
One of the young Fionas prepares her wig
Shrek cools off during a dress rehearsal break
A rabbit in the mirror, with Terri Harper Ralston, a stage hair/ make-up artist who shares her time and talent with students
The rabbit without the mirror
Fiona, center, is the female lead this year. But look at the ensemble members. This group includes Christine from Phantom (left), Maria from West Side Story(right), and all 5 have been in featured roles and/or soloists in concerts both for Camden Hills and other performing arts groups in the area. Listen up when that ensemble sings!
If you don't know what this photo has to do with Shrek, look below
The dragon has come a long way in the past week. See the previous post for a view inside the belly of the beast. Now look under the dragon. Then look under the stage. All the adults are professional musicians from the community. This year there are also 2 students in the pit.
The donkey, who leads the show along with Shrek and Fiona, finds a snack onstage
So, who cast that spell? It's a mystery, like all good fairy tales. Words may fail and there's always that swamp to cross, but if Donkey can do it, we can too. It turns out to be a good year for a show full of laughs and the belief in a big, beautiful world.
Production photos coming here soon.
It began innocently enough in 2000, when the Strom Auditorium was brand new and the Camden Hills were alive with The Sound of Music. My son was cast among the 5 young Von Trapps who were not yet in high school. Things were pretty chaotic, and by that, I mean that there were literally no chairs installed for the audience a few days before opening night, and professional construction crews were hammering the real walls while students were hammering the set walls, and the cast was trying to sing over it all without those nice wireless microphones that came later. Since none of the younger members of the Do Re Mi club were driving yet, and they were in alot of scenes, we parents aka chauffeurs were around alot. I could see that I'd better get busy fast or I was going to be backstage, pretending that I could actually sew or paint or, worse, build something. That's when I took the easy route and became the production photographer. Ever since then, I've watched one amazing feat after another as students, under the technical direction of Rick Ash, make whole worlds literally rise up before our eyes. Some winter day when I have the time, I'll gather some photos of the amazing sets from past productions for another post. But until then, know one thing. They all start out as a sketch, a pile of plywood, collections of odds and ends from previous productions, and endless wires and lighting equipment that only a senior techie understands. The transformation from random object to an essential part of a story on stage is part tech, part hard labor, part community and part magic.
Up next at Camden Hills is Shrek, The Musical, which opens November 8th. Plenty of publicity is out there now or will be coming soon with all the details and photos of students both onstage and off. Check back just before opening night for a sneak preview of the show. In the meantime, here are a few examples of Shrek Tech that won't be in the press releases.
Shrek's rehearsal gloves. The official gloves are saved for final dress rehearsals and performances.
Noses and whiskers line up at the ready
The pit orchestra includes students and professionals. Here 3 of the principals rehearse vocals with members of the pit. At the center is Glen Sargent. Note that he is playing three instruments. At the same time and in the same room, other actors were lining up for their headshots, which are displayed in the professional theater tradition during the run.
A dragon in the making
The dragon apparently has quite an entrance
So little time, so much painting to be done.
This is a typical hair-and-makeup call backstage. This show, The Phantom of the Opera, was performed by 2 CHRHS casts in 2011.
Rick Ash, technical director and technical theater teacher, gets a lift on the Genie to make an adjustment to the Phantom set
Tools and wood storage
Those curtains are heavier than you think
With apologies to Kermit, it ain't easy singing in green either. Jacob Corney will play Shrek.
It looks like the stress of directing the musical has taken a toll on Kim Murphy this year
Kim may have gained a few pounds, but at least she still has her head. I hear that these legs belong to Duncan Hall. When I find out where his head has gone, I'll come back with some production photos. Until then, many many nods to everyone who paints, drills, collects props, makes costumes, plays in the pit, moves furniture in the dark, builds yet another castle.... not to mention those who design sets and lights and master sound. No show goes up without you.
I am a seventh-generation Midcoast Mainer, on both sides of my family. My mother's family were the Cries, of Criehaven, Crie Hardware, etc in the Rockland/Thomaston area. My father's family had a house full of sea chests, sailors' gear and even a model ship built by my great-great grandfather, Captain Henry Atherton Starrett, who sailed cargo ships around the world and later based his family in Belfast. It's in me blood. BUT... I've lived in many other places, including Vermont, Montana, overseas, in a major city....all (gasp) inland. I can barely tie a bowline. I get on the water quite often, but it's photography, not sailing proficiency, that gets me there. The need for the smell of salt in the air and the nuances of wind, weather and light have stayed with me. But the skills and traditions are disappearing, even from families like mine. The windjammers are mainly a tourist-based industry now and so is the Camden Windjammer Festival. It's a small part of the culture here which supports all the ways we connect to the mountains meeting the sea. Many thanks to those who work so hard to make this festival and so many other events a reality. I needed some new images for Cape Air and the Pen Bay Chamber of Commerce for next year. Here are a few portraits of the people and pets I met during the shoot. 
I am grateful that we were able to raise our children in a coastal environment and I hope that our grandchildren will continue to see schooners in the water, not just as miniatures in a glass case. Here's the bow of the Lewis R French.
Headquartered at Graffam Brothers Harborside Restaurant, which was the festival sponsor for the Pen Bay Pilot, Holly Edwards (above), Lynda Clancy and others, provided full, almost instantaneous coverage of the 3-day festival.
has devoted his life and art to maritime themes and fantasies. No stranger to the realities of the climate, he was down at the public landing in Camden at 2 a.m. Saturday morning when a strong wind and thunderstorm blew through. The work was not damaged, but some of the materials for the children's art workshops were on the soggy side. Smith also has a long-time association with the Sweet Chariot Music Festival on Swans Island. Many of the schooners here sail to Swans for the sea chanties and musical performances each August.
The crate race is one of the most popular events at the Camden Windjammer Festival. Advantages go to those who are light and quick.
The focus of a five-year-old crate racer
This dog helped Rick Bates supervise the races. Bates is the new Town Manager for Rockport and also Captain of the smallest Appledore
Bridget Qualey and Saphrona Stetson, long-time local sailors, literally brought the kitchen sink as part of their woodstove cooking display
It's never too early to introduce the next generation to the ways of the water
Members of the West Bay Rotary Club relax at Graffam's after working at the Chowder Challenge
Pirates at Graffam's steal the First Place Best Chowder award this year Ready for the Sea Dog Show
Ready for the Sea Dog Show, organized by P.A.W.S. this year
Plein air painters surrounded the harbor throughout the festival. Here's a painting in progress by Eric Glass of painter Michael Vermette
The Build-A-Boat Race participants designed and built their boats from scratch during the festival 
Jen Martin and Courtney King take a break on their family-owned schooner, Mary Day, before the Open House
A battle raged between the Royal British Navy and Pirates of the Dark Rose. Sky the parrot was visiting with a pirate from southern Maine.
Everyone survived and will be back for next year's celebration of the Midcoast's maritime history and culture. Many more photos here.
At first glance, 28 Pascal looked almost European during the rehearsal dinner for Bonnie and Jack.
The ambiance shifted a bit toward the Maine Coast as Doug Day and his team brought out the lobster and corn.
Jack and Bonnie kept the nautical theme going all weekend.
Luckily the slightly nervous ring-bearer had a big sister for guidance
She handled the flowers as well
Big brother managed to keep the 1-year-old contained during the ceremony
The small, intimate family wedding took place at the Children's Chapel in Rockport, Maine. 
Everyone gathered together for this moment. Guests were primarily from midwestern and southeastern cities.
Time to steal a kiss at Rockport Harbor before boarding the Heron for a sunset dinner sail
Dinner served by First Mate Ross and catered by Maine Street Meats
Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) greets the newlyweds! This is a fairly rare sighting in this area.
Sixteen months of age and still looking pretty and going strong back at 28 Pascal after all the festivities
Bonnie and Jack dance to live music by David Dodson and friends. Cake by Cortney Gionet for Laugh loud Smile big
Many more photos here
It is a quintessential summer day on the coast of Maine for a wedding aboard the Heritage, sailing from Rockland Harbor. 
Captains Doug and Linda Lee built the schooner and have quite a collection of sea time and sea stories
It takes plenty of hands to get underway aboard the Heritage
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse from the Heritage
Megan and Archie are married under fair skies and fair winds
Bring on the party!
The wedding party and guests 
The hard-working crew
The lovebirds
Cheers!
The feast was catered by In Good Company
You know you're in Maine when you see lobster like this
We know where Megan gets her sense of style
The Heritage under sail. I took this last year from another schooner in the fleet.
Congratulations to Megan, Archie, Hazel and Stella! What a wonderful way to begin a new phase of life. Many more photos here: http://martistonephotography.zenfolio.com/williamsgreen
When our children were really young, I used to walk by restaurants and look at the people inside as if they were in an exotic environment- a place that I could only vaguely remember from that other life before kids. It's not that we couldn't have gone inside, but the thought of all that work- the snowsuits, the waiting, the 2 seconds that the kids might actually spend eating versus the 20 minute tantrum when it was time to put the coats back on...made finger food at home sound like a gourmet option. At the time I thought I knew it was temporary. I could have told you that a day takes forever and the years pass in the blink of an eye. But the truth is, you can't really know until you have lived it- and by then, you've blinked.
Here's a visual way to repeat the paragraph above:
Meet "The Girl" from 2009-2013 (more on her name later).
"The Boy". These photos look deceptively still. Usually he's running around chasing various balls.
"The Baby". These photos add to her proof that there was no family until she was born.
Obviously this is a photographer's dream family. Not only are they all great-looking and easy to work with, but they travel from Atlanta to Maine every year to visit their extended family, and they make the photo session an annual part of the trip. Sure, they're not alone, but how many clients will also write your blog for you? Susannah, who "curates humor", somehow finds the time here. Locals- don't miss her impressions of Maine in recent posts. Susannah goes pretty easy on the photo sessions- in fact, she sounds more like a paid advertisement- but I'm pretty sure there's a second version out there written in a more mocking tone. She's got too much Southern Charm to let me see it. If you read "Out Went the Light", you'll understand the names of the kids. I'm happy to say that they also have more specific names in real life.
Here's the cast of characters
Here's the central cast plus Susannah's father, her sister and the dog. The dog has quite a collection of portraits too.
Partners in Crime
Sisters
The other sisters
What it really looks like most of the time
With Susannah writing the blog for me and these assistants, I could just stay home. But then I'd miss all the fun.
So, about the blink of an eye. What does that really mean? Here are some phrases associated with the expression, according to various reputable dictionaries:
to look with half-shut eyes
to close and open the eyes involuntarily
to yield, give in <each side waiting for the other to blink
to react to (something) with surprise or disapproval:he doesn’t blink at the unsavory aspects of his subject
to prevent yourself from crying or to make your tears go away by blinking
to shine with a light that goes on and off; a momentary gleam of light
A small town, second chances, lonely hearts, secrets, town gossip, accidents and fear mixed with hope and new beginnings. Is this your town? Is this every town? Northport Music Theater presents The Spitfire Grill. Don't confuse this with the movie. And don't make assumptions about small town musical theater until you've read the bios of the actors and musicians, not to mention the director, the founders of the theater and many others associated with the group. There's some serious professional talent and experience represented at this small, intimate theater. Being in the audience is like being IN the Spitfire Grill- or the cafe of your choice- without having to sing any solos or know any lines.
Savannah Creech plays Percy Talbot, a young woman just released from prison who is looking for a new life
Annie Watson (left) and Meg Nickerson (right) have lengthy performance credits in the midcoast area and beyond. Watson is also President of the Board of Northport Music Theater, which has recently received non-profit status.
Here's a very short video excerpt from "Shoot the Moon"
Meg Nickerson as Hannah doesn't always listen to her well-meaning nephew, Caleb (John Coleman)
The town postmistress and gossip is played by Kathryn Robyn
Tyler Johnstone as Sheriff Joe Sutter
Mystery Man- you have to come to the show to know more
Much applause to Northport Music Theater for adding quality to life in Midcoast Maine. Come out and support them now and at future productions- and don't forget the theater camps for every age group each summer. Many more photos: http://martistonephotography.zenfolio.com/nmt
There are days when I'm dragging equipment all over New England, on a schedule dictated by the weather, when I wonder exactly why I decided to work on location. What was so boring about that convenient, light-and-temperature-controlled studio again? But then I see something like this and I remember why I chose to deal with the inconvenient beauty of real life. The goat on the horse inspired me to gather up a few of my livestock images and the stories behind them.
Who would expect the sweet Daryl Waters Conner, master groomer and manager at Yankee Clipper -yes, the one who names her little dog "Flirt" and has been known to transform her from white to various holiday colors- to go home to a literal menagerie? Before and after a long day with dogs and cats and their owners, she can be found doing barn chores involving her pony, goats, ducks, chickens, a rabbit and other assorted critters, with the help of at least 5 dogs. When she goes into her kitchen and emerges about 30 seconds later with a freshly prepared, gourmet-level dish....well, she obviously has the balance of a goat.
Notice what happens when puppies are replaced by goat kids for a portrait
Alfie Wakeman leads the annual sheepshearing day on Nash Island .This image was published as a double-page spread by Coastal Living magazine and used extensively by Swans Island Blankets.
CVM/Romeldales photographed for Long Ridge Farm in Westmoreland, NH and The Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney, Vermont
The designs for the boys' hats and sweaters, as well as the story of the fleece, were featured in a book that I illustrated for The Green Mountain Spinnery and Countryman Press a few years ago called 99 Yarns and Counting. 
Isn't this what everyone does for a senior portrait? Erin Rollins had her own Belted Galloway as part of a project at Aldermere Farm.
She chose a different photo for the yearbook!
Another senior portrait never seen in the yearbook but full of fond memories for Hope Kassen and her family
If you ever need to renew your sense of new beginnings, do your best to find an alpaca cria like this one
Watch for news from Yankee Clipper about portrait sessions for your dog or cat. Livestock portraits are done at the farm!
Monica and Chris met three years ago while teaching at the same high school in New Hampshire. Does that make them high school sweethearts? Both are from Maine and wanted a small, simple, family wedding representing the outdoor essence of coastal Maine that they love.
Monica and Chris begin their day with portraits on Mt Battie, in Camden
The couple have the tower at Camden Hills State Park to themselves while a few other visitors to the park applaud in the background
The family portraits begin on a sturdy bridge in Camden and continue at Camden Harbor Park
The father of the groom gives a formal welcome to the soon-to-be-married couple at 40 Paper
Chris and Monica are married aboard the Schooner Olad
Captain Aaron Lincoln of the Schooner Olad marries the couple just off Curtis Island
The families celebrate Chris, Monica and the beginning of their own family, which will soon include a very welcome baby.
Many more photos will be online soon at marti stone photography
Tropical storm Andrea graciously made her nor'easter exit an hour before Mary Kate and Trevor began their wedding ceremony at the Children's Chapel, in Rockport, Maine on June 8. Here's a sneak peek!
A bittersweet look at the little girl, the memories of teen and college life,
the wedding dress, and the open shelves and door of the future.
Many of the attendants were fraternity/sorority members who
contributed their pins to the floral bouquet for the ceremony
The minister, who traveled from upstate New York, included his memories of baptizing the bride as a baby.
The ceremony took place at the Children's Chapel in Rockport.
The smile says it all, and they were both smiling the whole day, except when they were kissing!
A true Maine bride: jeans jacket, hot dog at Harbor Dogs, bridal gown
Good times aboard Betselma after the ceremony
Lobster and steak at The Whitehall Inn followed by the cake-cutting which looks more dangerous than it was.
Everyone survived and moved on to the after-party at the home of a much-loved Grandma who died recently but attended in spirit.
All the best to Mary Kate and Trevor and your families and friends as you move on to the next part of your journey.
Many of us know a dog like Fred and his "I regret nothing" attitude. But none of us can immortalize the Fred spirit quite like E.B. White. White's words may be associated more with mice and spiders for some, but it turns out that he had quite a collection of dogs over the years, as well as the ability to combine humor with a universal touch that makes us remember all the dogs we've ever known. Luckily his granddaughter- our local author and editor, Martha White- just published a new book, E.B. White on Dogs. Here are some photos from her reading at Left Bank Books in Belfast. Watch for more opportunities to get your own copy signed as well as to get a professional portrait of your dog. Be like Fred- no regrets!
Piper gets a closer look at the window display at Left Bank Books featuring the recent collection, E.B. White on Dogs
Martha White is introduced before reading excerpts from her new book at Left Bank Books
A cake honoring Fred is featured at a book launch event at Left Bank Books in Belfast
Martha White with her golden retriever, Augie. A black and white version of this image is the author photo