coming in hot!

This year started out with some real fireworks in the sky. I was spending New Year's Day with several of my closest friends and noticed that the forecast was looking great for sunset. I don't make it to the Rockland area often so I didn't want to miss an opportunity to get some nice color while I was up there and we were not disappointed! All of us were treated to some beautiful golden light that seemed to sizzle for the better part of 15-20 minutes. It was a night to remember and a perfect way to kick off the New Year. I would later find out that this image was chosen as an Honorable Mention in the AAA Northern New England Photo Contest for 2020!   

Fire & Ice

Portland Head Light has always been one of my favorite places to photograph and is an easy choice when Southern Maine has a promising sunrise forecast. This morning really brought the heat in the sky and gave me some unique ice lines on the rocks as the tide went out. It's tough to find a new way to shoot the most photographed lighthouse in the world, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable!

PRO TIP: Don't forget your crampons when half the park is covered in ice!

Chasing neowise

This was one of the most exciting nights I've had behind my camera in a loooong time! Night sky photography usually consists of me sitting in the dark complaining about the cold or the bugs while my camera does the work, thrilling right? Through all of my complaints, winter layers, or cans of DEET comes moments like these where I'm able to witness a once in a lifetime space event that won't be visible here on Earth for another 6,688 years. The great company of fellow photographers and space nerds alike added to the experience. If you want to read more about this shot in particular, I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to it.   

foliage faux pas

In true 2020 fashion, a dry summer and some ill timed weather made for a less than spectacular Autumn that didn't stick around long. We got a lot of muted colors up here in New England and any vivid colors were few and far between. I also guessed wrong and booked my week of vacation for well after the colors had faded. Despite a meh season, I was still able to get out and see a new spot while there was still some color. It was a good weekend to do a little scouting for next foliage season as well. 

A day at the beach

Now that I'm living closer to Portland it's been much easier to run out for those last minute sunsets. This looks like one of those dreamy summer evenings on the ocean, right? WRONG! I spent about an hour walking around in ungodly wind that was just throwing all kinds of salty ocean air and sand right at my face and lens. I found a bit of relief on this path that was partially covered by trees and condos. The way the light hit the tall grass turned it into a sea of gold! Talk about a beach day only a photographer would enjoy. 

Moon Madness

Once in a while I like to torment myself by planning a shot that requires a plethora of conditions to cooperate and the timing to be absolutely perfect. I did quite a bit of scouting in person and behind the computer for this one and even rented a big shiny lens for the occasion. Surprisingly everything cooperated except for the blistering cold wind and gave me the perfect window to catch the Cold Moon rising behind Sprint Point just as the sun was setting. Nothing beats the feeling of a successful outing after weeks of planning!