Thinking of Buying a Camera?

People often ask me what camera to buy.  The answer is pretty simple right now... buy a phone.  The iPhone 4s.  I'm serious.

Last week I was in Arizona and because of time and mediocre light, I only made a handful of images with my DSLR.  But, I frequently shot with my iPhone.  It's easy, high quality and as Chase Jarvis says, "the best camera is the one that's with you".   You take your phone everywhere.  The iPhone isn't just a great camera, it's a great ecosystem for people interested in photography with all sorts of applications that feature different cameras with various cool effects and photo processing tools.  Software you find for the iPhone costing from  $.99 to $4.99 would be $100's of dollars for a computer.  It's amazing really.

So, unless your going to make the leap to a $500 camera like the Canon G12 or indulge the joy of changeable lenses with a full blown DSLR or one of the nifty micro four thirds rigs like the Olympus EP's, save your dough.  You need a new cell phone anyway.


iPhone 4s, Pano camera app processed with Nik Snapseed for iPhone



iPhone 4s, ProHDR camera app processed with Nik Snapseed for iPhone

iPhone 4s, ProHDR camera app processed with Nik Snapseed for iPhone

Solo Saloon II

A little over a year ago, I worked with Christian Essex and Jacob Quimby to make images for Solo Saloon's first CD.  You might recall a blog post I did with images from that shoot.  Over the weekend, Christian and I got together to try out a couple of cover art concepts for the next Solo Saloon release. They're starting to mix their second CD now, so look for new music in the coming months.  In the mean time go take a liking to their facebook page or check out their first release on iTunes.  It's too early to tell what the final cover art will be, but here are a couple of images from the shoot.

2011 Retrospective

2011.  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  But mostly I'm thinking about the best of times.  And when I do, it all somehow comes back to the camera.  Certainly because photography is something I love and the images bring back good memories, but that's not the whole story.  Let me share a few of my favorite images of 2011 and maybe you'll understand what I mean. 

In 2011, my kids occasionally actually stopped and looked at the camera.  Mostly no smiles, but that probably makes both of these images.  In all seriousness, my boys are young but photography has really become a thing we share.  They are always excited about the pictures and even are making a few of their own.

Evans Notch, Maine

Portsmouth, NH

Thanks to a good friend, I took pictures at my first sporting event late in 2010 and enjoyed shooting several showshoe and mountain running races last year.  The photography was exciting and fun, I found paid opportunities for the images and, best of all, I met wonderful people and amazing athletes. In many ways, this work brought dreams to reality in 2011.  Thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me at these shoots. 

Kevin Tilton at the Sandwich Sidehiller Snowshoe Race  Sandwich, New Hampshire

US Mountain Running Championships   North Conway, New Hampshire


Inov-8 Evoskin Photo Shoot

Speaking of friends, last year I met several other NH photographers and they have become great new friends.  I owe some of my favorite images of the year to their companionship, guidance and tolerance for random explorations to look for locations.

Sugar Hill, NH

Sandwich Notch, NH

Jefferson, NH

Sedona, Arizona

And sometimes friends asked me to take pictures of remarkable things.  I'm indebted to them for the opportunity and so much more.

The Stanley Cup at Krista's Restaurant  Cornish, Maine

Old Theatre  Kezar Falls, Maine

For a long time, photography has been a zen escape for me.  When I pick up the camera and start to focus on framing images, everything else slips away.  The  noise of day to day life disappears and things fall into place.  The natural order of the world is restored.  This year I really needed that.  As always, I met amazing people, saw beautiful, inspiring things and every time I walked away with a new perspective. 

Shelburne, New Hampshire

Berlin, New Hampshire

Leonard Knight   Salvation Mountain, California

Joshua Tree, California


Duluth, Minnesota

When I reflect on the last year, photography nourished and sustained me when I needed it most. Making images also connected me to people and places in ways I never imagined.  I don't think it's an exaggeration to say it's changed me and my life in many, many positive ways.  I'm so grateful for the amazing people that surround me... my kids, extended family, friends and collegues.  Their support, feedback and encouragement have made a huge difference in my life.  I wish us all a fantastic 2012!