cinderella tech

The pumpkin before cinderella 14 The horses before cinderella 14 The pumpkin and horses carry Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother to the ball cinderella A pit orchestra rehearsal with cast before cinderella 14 The pit orchestra in performance Lionel and Frederick learning how to introduce a prince cinderella 14 The prince is having a ball! The ballroom scene in early October  cinderella 14 The ballroom scene during the final dress rehearsal cinderella 14
Shadows backstage cinderella 14 Shadows onstage cinderella 14 The assistants to the Fairy Godmother- the tech crew makes the magic happen cinderella 14 But there are those who just can't change cinderella 14 Hair and Makeup Call  2 hours before curtain cinderella 14 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

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. for what it's worth

 Waterman's Community Center, on the island of North Haven, includes a state-of-the-art performance space for what it's worth dance "Waiting Game" choreography by Katie Thompson. Performed by (L to R) Lauren Zontini, Katie Thompson, Katie McMurrow, Michaela Stone for what it's worth "Am I Wrong" choreographed and performed by Moira Pieri for what it's worth dance "Run, Run, Run" choreography by Gretta Buckley. Danced by Aidan Giasson (front), Katie McMorrow, Sarah Brennan, Gretta Buckley, Madison Imus, Lauren Zontini for what it's worth "Sing" choreographed and performed by Wesley Henderson, age 11 for what it's worth "Hide & Seek" Choreography by Michaela Stone.  Performed (l to r) by Lauren Zontini, Michaela Stone, Katie Thompson for what it's worth dance "Canned Heat" choreographed and danced by Gretchen Henderson for what it's worth dance "Duality" Choreographed and danced by Katie Thompson. Visual art by Brett Thompson. for what it's worth "Pinch Me" Choreography by Lauren Zontini for what it's worth dance "Photograph" choreographed and performed by Lauren Zontini for what it's worth dance "One Hit" choreography by Michaela Stone.  Danced by Michaela Stone and Katie Thompson. for what it's worth dance "Bloom" choreographed and danced by Katie McMorrow for what it's worth dance "An Ending, and A Beginning" choreographed and performed by Lauren Zontini and Katie Thompson for what it's worth dance "Original Don" choreography by Katie Thompson for what it's worth 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.

pbhctoxic14

Kirby Walker, one of the filmmakers, traveled from San Francisco to discuss the film  at the Strand and at SPACE Gallery in Portland

pbhctoxic14

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.

pbhctoxic14 (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. pbhctoxic14 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.

pbhctoxic14 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."  pbhctoxic14

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.

  pbhctoxic14

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. pbhctoxic14

Cynthia Hyde hosts a reception after the screening at the Caldbeck Gallery pbhctoxic14

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)

Tragedy of Tragedies ; or, the Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great

presented by Skowhegan Area High School skowhegan tragedies

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 gorham mother hicks

TAKEAWAY: HANDS CAN SPEAK AND OUTSIDERS CAN CONNECT

The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)

presented by Oceanside High School oceanside states 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 spirit of life TAKEAWAY:  THE HUMAN SPIRIT PREVAILS, as shown in AUTHENTIC FAMILY PHOTOS and heard in MUSIC skowhegan tragedies

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. freeport unhappily ever after

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 unhappily ever after   Freeport has a tradition of using original scripts by students. Freeport won the Class B category and will advance to the States. ellsworth odyssey 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. ellsworth odyssey An Ellsworth student emerges from the costume rack to listen to the director's last words of advice to cast and crew chrhs rotten in denmark 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. ellsworth odyssey 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 neverending 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 oceanside neverending A close-up of the character featured in the shot above ellsworth odyssey 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. ellsworth odyssey Excellence in puppetry noted for Cyclops from Ellsworth Lincoln Academy's Lady Macbeth concentrates backstage before the production LA MACBETH Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from Lincoln Academy were named to the All Festival Cast freeport unhappily ever after Characters of all sorts could be seen roaming the halls of Oceanside High School. This is Freeport as they head to the stage area. oceanside neverending 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. oceanside neverending Then she decides it's time to focus and the whole cast responds immediately. oceanside neverending

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

bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir

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.

bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir 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.

bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir Chantel Renee Wright

bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir 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. bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir Every eye, literally, is on the director bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir   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". bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir

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. bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir

"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. bay chamber song of solomon gospel choir 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

prison furntiture class

prison furniture class

prison furntiture class

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.     prison furntiture class

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. prison furntiture class

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.

prison furniture class

Students work on their projects while Reid prepares some equipment for a demo

prison furniture class

prison furniture class

Class runs for about 7 hours on Sunday and is a mix of lectures, demos, and individual consultation. prison furniture class

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.

prison furniture class

Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, another midcoast gem within the woodworking industry, donated the majority of the handtools to the program

prison furniture class

Larger tools were donated as well

prison furntiture class

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. prison furntiture class

prison furntiture class 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. 

shrek Which of these characters looks trustworthy? 

chrhs shrek

This little Ogre seems friendly enough. chrhs shrek The Mad Hatter with her real eyes closed chrhs shrek 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. chrhs shrek A deflated pig plays some classical music while waiting for her next scene

chrhs shrek One of the young Fionas prepares her wig chrhs shrek Shrek cools off during a dress rehearsal break chrhs shrek A rabbit in the mirror, with Terri Harper Ralston, a stage hair/ make-up artist who shares her time and talent with students chrhs shrek The rabbit without the mirror chrhs shrek

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! chrhs shrek If you don't know what this photo has to do with Shrek, look below shrek 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. shrek 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.

shrek tech

shrek tech

Shrek's rehearsal gloves. The official gloves are saved for final dress rehearsals and performances.

shrek tech Noses and whiskers line up at the ready shrek heads 13

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

shrek tech The dragon apparently has quite an entrance shrek tech 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 shrek tech Tools and wood storage shrek tech 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.

windjammer festival 13

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.windjammer festival 13

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.

windjammer festival 13

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.windjammer festival 13 The crate race is one of the most popular events at the Camden Windjammer Festival. Advantages go to those who are light and quick.windjammer festival 13

The focus of a five-year-old crate racerwindjammer festival 13 This dog helped Rick Bates supervise the races. Bates is the new Town Manager for Rockport and also Captain of the smallest Appledorewindjammer festival 13 Bridget Qualey and Saphrona Stetson, long-time local sailors, literally brought the kitchen sink as part of their woodstove cooking displaywindjammer festival 13 It's never too early to introduce the next generation to the ways of the waterwindjammer festival 13 Members of the West Bay Rotary Club relax at Graffam's after working at the Chowder Challengewindjammer festival 13 Pirates at Graffam's steal the First Place Best Chowder award this year Ready for the Sea Dog Showwindjammer festival 13 Ready for the Sea Dog Show, organized by P.A.W.S. this yearwindjammer festival 13 Plein air painters surrounded the harbor throughout the festival. Here's a painting in progress by Eric Glass of painter Michael Vermettewindjammer festival 13 The Build-A-Boat Race participants designed and built their boats from scratch during the festival windjammer festival 13 Jen Martin and Courtney King take a break on their family-owned schooner, Mary Day, before the Open Housewindjammer festival 13 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.

laurie lucas wedding

laurie lucas wedding

laurie lucas wedding

The ambiance shifted a bit toward the Maine Coast as Doug Day and his team brought out the lobster and corn.laurie lucas wedding Jack and Bonnie kept the nautical theme going all weekend. Luckily the slightly nervous ring-bearer had a big sister for guidancelaurie lucas wedding 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.

laurie lucas wedding Time to steal a kiss at Rockport Harbor before boarding the Heron for a sunset dinner saillaurie lucas wedding Dinner served by First Mate Ross and catered by Maine Street Meatslaurie lucas wedding Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) greets the newlyweds!  This is a fairly rare sighting in this area.laurie lucas wedding Sixteen months of age and still looking pretty and going strong back at 28 Pascal  after all the festivitieslaurie lucas wedding 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

Williams Green Wedding

Williams Green Wedding

Captains Doug and Linda Lee built the schooner and have quite a collection of sea time and sea storiesWilliams Green Wedding It takes plenty of hands to get underway aboard the HeritageWilliams Green Wedding The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse from the HeritageWilliams Green Wedding Megan and Archie are married under fair skies and fair windsWilliams Green Wedding Bring on the party!Williams Green Wedding The wedding party and guests Williams Green Wedding The hard-working crewWilliams Green Wedding The lovebirdsWilliams Green Wedding Cheers!Williams Green Wedding The feast was catered by In Good CompanyWilliams Green Wedding You know you're in Maine when you see lobster like thisWilliams Green Wedding 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

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.Khayat 2013

Here's the cast of charactersKhayat 2013 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 timeKhayat 2013 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

nmt spitfire grill Savannah Creech plays Percy Talbot, a young woman just released from prison who is looking for a new life

nmt spitfire grill

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.

AIMG_8372 Here's a very short video excerpt from "Shoot the Moon"

nmt spitfire grill Meg Nickerson as Hannah doesn't always listen to her well-meaning nephew, Caleb (John Coleman)

nmt spitfire grill The town postmistress and gossip is played by Kathryn Robynnmt spitfire grill Tyler Johnstone as Sheriff Joe Sutternmt spitfire grill Mystery Man- you have to come to the show to know more

nmt spitfire grill

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

goat on a horse

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.conner 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.

conner goats

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!

faucher baribeau wedding

Monica and Chris begin their day with portraits on Mt Battie, in Camden

faucher baribeau wedding

faucher baribeau wedding

faucher baribeau wedding The couple have the tower at  Camden Hills State Park  to themselves while a few other visitors to the park applaud in the background

faucher baribeau wedding The family portraits begin on a sturdy bridge in Camden and continue at Camden Harbor Park

faucher baribeau The father of the groom gives a formal welcome to the soon-to-be-married couple at 40 Paper

faucher baribeau wedding Chris and Monica are married aboard the Schooner Olad

faucher baribeau wedding Captain Aaron Lincoln of the Schooner Olad marries the couple just off Curtis Island

faucher baribeau wedding 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

brady hamlin wedding

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.

brady hamlin wedding

Many of the attendants were fraternity/sorority members who

contributed their pins to the floral bouquet for the ceremony

brady hamlin wedding 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.

brady hamlin wedding The smile says it all, and they were both smiling the whole day, except when they were kissing!

brady hamlin wedding A true Maine bride: jeans jacket, hot dog at Harbor Dogs, bridal gown

brady hamlin wedding Good times aboard Betselma after the ceremony

brady hamlin wedding 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.

left bank books

Piper gets a closer look at the window display at Left Bank Books featuring the recent collection, E.B. White on Dogs

left bank books Martha White is introduced before reading excerpts from her new book at Left Bank Books

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