my new toy: the Lensbaby

I've known about this lens for a few years and only considered it in passing; but they're on sale right now, so I decided to buy the Lensbaby 2.0. Basically, it's a fixed, fully manual 50mm lens with a flexible barrel that is pushed or pulled to focus. You can then alter what is in focus in the frame by moving the lens laterally. The resulting blurring effect is what makes this lens so unique.

I used it a few times last week and, while it requires some learning and practice, have enjoyed the results. I have some ideas about when and where to use it. Below are some favorites from my first session with it: the top one is Cecilia's sidewalk chalk drawing of the rancor; the lower one was taken while Jessica was baking.

Laura + Chris

Laura and Ryan contacted me just a few months ago to discuss photographing their wedding, which is now less than two weeks away. The engagement session was postponed a few times due to weather, but we had a great time at Massabesic Lake.

My favorites are below; see the gallery for more.

Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 4

The reception's theme was Christmas in July, which looked great in a white room. The music was provided by DJ Dave.

Thanks to my assistant Jessica, who posted some of her favorites. Oh, and for those who don't know, she's my wife and has been instrumental to so much of what I do, including and especially all things photography. She has a great eye for composition and is decisive, which really helps during the editing process. (I call her in for the tough choices.) She'll be joining me whenever possible (only limited by having 3 small children).

The full gallery is available for viewing.

Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 3

The ceremony was held at the Parish of the Transfiguration, where Denis and his family have been attending for years. The side walls of the church are floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, and the late day light was streaming into the church.

Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 2

From Sarah's preparations.

Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 1

I met Sarah and Denis through his mother, who works at Saint Anselm College. It seems like forever since their engagement session, perhaps because Jasmine has grown so much (she wasn't walking the first time I met her).

They had miraculous weather--like most of July (and now August) in NH, it had been raining all week. Congratulations again to both of you; here are a few teasers with more to be posted very soon.

Serena and Leila

These two little ones are neighbors; I don't see them and their parents as often as I'd like, so I usually have my camera with me when I do. They make wonderful subjects.

Mirage Band

I really enjoy photographing live musical performances (especially jazz), so I was pleasantly surprised and very excited to see Mirage Band playing at the reception of a recent wedding. An even better surprise was seeing saxophonist Bill Doss, who had just joined the band. Our families met through mutual friends, and the kids were close while growing up: I knew his sister well, and he and my brother played a lot of music together. (Bill was just married last weekend--congrats!)

Some of my favorites:

Melissa + Matt's wedding, part 3

Melissa + Matt's wedding, part 2