Well, we’re at it again… preparing for another 6 day/550+ mile ride in support of those who are fighting cancer: the doctors, the survivors, the family members and the researchers.  Our group is called the Fireflies, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t start off by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the support and love that we have already received.

For those who don’t know, my sister Lea was diagnosed with leukemia almost six years ago, and has survived an amazing array of treatments including a bone marrow transplant.  She literally went from a 32 year old carefree triathlete and newlywed, to a tactical survivor at war with her disease.  Over the years I’ve seen the physical and emotional toll that it has taken not only on Lea… but on her amazing husband, my mom and me.  She is now cancer free, but suffers from a variety of incredible medical challenges too personal to mention here, but suffice to say we fight constantly to keep her healthy, though her constant smile is never in jeopardy.

Back to my gratitude: many, many friends stepped up last year and this spring to support my efforts to complete my first The Fireflies West Ride down the coast of California and then The Fireflies Tour from Geneva, Switzerland to Cannes, France.  These rides have been an incredible life experience, and it has been an absolute joy to participate with so many dedicated people committed to raising awareness and money for survivors.  The rides were hard, beautiful and they affirmed my belief that the world is a better place when people do what they can, when they can.  That time is now.  We raised a tremendous amount of money, and as importantly, were able to add HUNDREDS of people to the bone marrow registry!  THANK YOU!

In the event I haven’t made it clear: I live with gratitude for being able to have so many wonderful people in my life; to cherish the health of my sister; and to have the opportunity to be part of a team like the Fireflies.  Thank you to my clients who tolerate my occasional absence, thanks to my donors who donate generously, and to my family who always encourages me to chase after my dreams.

This Friday, I’m leaving for another Fireflies Ride down the coast of California to raise money and awareness for leukemia and lymphoma survivors.  Specifically, we’re raising funds to support the City of Hope Hospital’s Hematology Oncology Center.  Our small group is a fusion of American and European riders from the advertising industry who are all dedicated to the cause.  We ride “for those who suffer” and appreciate all your thoughts and encouragement!

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!!

1.)  Donate any amount possible directly to The City of Hope via this link (100% of donations go directly to City of Hope): http://www.fireflieswest.com/

2.)  Beginning this Friday, we leave San Francisco for a 6 day ride down the coast of California.  Though I always ride for my big sister Lea and her ongoing battle with this awful disease and the aftermath of her bone marrow transplant, once again, I’ll be dedicating a part of each day’s ride to a cancer survivor that YOU tell me about.  Just email directly HERE or leave a comment & send me their name etc.  You can also contact us via Twitter or Facebook.  We know there are cancer survivors out there, and we want them to know that we’re in the fight with them.  There is power in Unity. It may be a really steep climb, it may be the day when my legs are exhausted from the hundreds of miles I did days before, or the incredible view from Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean… but connecting with survivors will motivate me to keep going, to tell their story, and hopefully to remind them that they’re not alone.

3.)  Follow our progress on Twitter: brianwedge  Want to meet us on the road with hand painted signs?  DO IT.  Want to see us climb the canyons of your home town?  DO IT.  Want to hear hourly updates about what part of my body hurts and what form of food I’m most craving at that moment? DO IT!  In all seriousness, there will be some tough days coming up, and we would love to have some some support along the way.  Twitter is great for real time communication:  Bring your bike to ride along or don’t bring your bike… just get involved!  (Disclaimer: specific ride routes may change and sweaty athletes may not be able to stop for very long, but smiles and appreciation will always be shown).

4.)  The fourth way you could help, is to go find a friend who hasn’t yet registered for the bone marrow registry and get them committed to signing up.  It breaks my heart to see people literally dying without a proper donor match… often because the public just doesn’t realize how EASY and FREE registration and donation is.  You can go HERE for the link to all the information, and the FREE registration process.

It wouldn’t be the New Year without a brief look back on where we were, and a BIG, BIG “Thank You” to all our fantastic clients, thoughtful supporters and wonderful friends and family.  We would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few key partnerships that kept us going in 2010: one with Apple Computers (you know, that little California company), another with Canon Professional Services and last, but not least our friends at Broncolor Imaging and Calumet Photo.  For those that aren’t familiar with Broncolor: simply put, they make the finest lighting equipment in the world and through their New England rep Dave McRitchie (and Calumet’s Wayne Cozzolino)… they also provided incredible 24-7 support to keep us “in the field” doing what we do best.  Thank You!

We’re starting 2011 with a short update on the tail end of 2010:  Thanks very much to our friends at The Wedding Photojournalist Association who again selected one of our images for an award in their international photo contest.  We always feel lucky to be selected… and congratulations to Lyndsay & Josh for having such an amazing winter wedding at The Mount Washington Hotel!

In other (belated news) our friend and fellow Bowdoin alum Coren Moore, featured many of our weddings on her website.  Coren is wildly successful dress designer in Manhattan, and we were honored that she would feature our images in her blog (here, here, here and HERE!).  Thanks Coren!

We have news and updates from California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Maine… and everywhere between!  Rest assured, we’re back… and have lots to share!

Individual pumpkins form the 350.org logo for the 10.10.10 celebration in Freeport, Maine.

The environmental group 350.org asked us to take an aerial photograph of their 10.10.10 celebration at Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport, Maine.  Founded by Bill McKibben, 350.org gets it’s name from it’s mission: to lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere to below 350 parts per million.  350.org is a great organization attempting to raise awareness and a sense of urgency about the earth’s climate crisis.  If you have a moment, check out their website here, and consider getting involved:  350.org website.

On the short flight to Wolfe’s Neck Farm, I couldn’t help but look out the window and capture some of Maine’s incredible beauty.

The leaves were bursting with color.

We passed farms with cows…

And boats still moored safely in harbors.

Seeing Maine from the air always reminds me of how precious our environment is, and how we all can do our part to protect our planet.

350.org  is a global movement.  Check out what people are doing worldwide, and how you can help!

]]> http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2010/10/11/350-org-aerial-shoot-at-wolfes-neck-farm-freeport-maine/feed/ 1 http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2009/05/28/highlight-of-the-year-the-gift-of-life-please-pass-this-on/ http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/2009/05/28/highlight-of-the-year-the-gift-of-life-please-pass-this-on/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 19:40:40 +0000 brianwedge http://www.brianwedge.com/blog/?p=992 Continue reading →]]> We have had a GREAT winter and spring thus far, supporting clients all over the globe, shooting in some pretty incredible locations… but business and life have been busier than ever.  As I look back on all the achievements, opportunities and folks we’ve worked with… I realize that this is the very first year in the past four years that I wasn’t  absolutely consumed with thoughts of my sister’s cancer, her bone marrow transplant and the messy logistics that goes along with all of that.

My sister’s improved health has been the result of tenacious determination, an indefatigable spirit, a talented team of caregivers… and most importantly, the selfless, incredible gift from her anonymous bone marrow donor.

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to actually meet my sister’s bone marrow donor.  Her donor’s name is Tammy, she’s about my sister’s age, and we had dinner together along with her fabulous husband Chris just before I flew out for another photo shoot.  Meeting Tammy and Chris was one of the most surreal moments of my life.  I was giddy with excitement, bubbling over with emotion (READ: tears)… and challenged to fully express my sense of gratitude for her sacrifice, and for the lifetime of pain she had spared Lea and everyone in our family.  As much as I wanted to know all about her and Chris, she wanted to know all about Lea and the process from the patient’s side.  We talked for hours sharing our experiences.

With The Heroes: Chris and Tammy on the left (and me)

I spent most of the night thanking them both for their efforts, for their selfless gifts, and for THEIR determination to see this process through.  Tammy and Chris had a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to help someone that they didn’t even know… and they took it.

Some call it Providence, some call it karma… others call it dumb luck.  Whatever it was, we were very fortunate to find a donor at all… never mind someone like Tammy who was a perfect match, and who was so willing to give so much.

As we left the restaurant that night, I told (yelled at) every person we saw that “This woman saved my sister’s life.”  I know it embarrassed Tammy, but it is the absolute truth… and it’s something not only to celebrate, but also aspire to.  What if we ALL stepped up to the plate for someone we didn’t know?  What if we were all willing to give of ourselves so that someone else may live?  If you had the opportunity, would you?

VIDEO: How to register / get tested

Getting tested for bone marrow is easy… it literally just involves swabbing your cheek with a Q-Tip and it’s FREE (optional donation to cover costs accepted but not required).  Here’s how to sign up:

http://www.dkmsamericas.org/category/marrow-donors/become-donor

You might never be a match, but if you are… wow, you’re in the position to save someone’s life!!  You’re not donating a kidney or a lung now… so get that whole gory, life altering concept out of your head right off the bat.  The act of bone marrow donation can take on one of two different forms, but 70% of all donations are taken in a procedure very similar to the simple act of donating blood.  The cold hard truth though is that every year 35,000 people need a donor and only 3800 will find one.  Bottom line: we need more people involved and you could be that one!

A great video that explains what the actual donation process is here:

Our lives are forever changed by Tammy’s gift.  Her generosity has inspired so many… and I hope it inspires YOU and those around you.  Thank you Tammy!!!

If you would like to thank Tammy for her donation in the comments section below, have at it!

If she inspires you to register, or get friends/family registered let us know… and by all means pass this blog post on!

“Be the change you want to see in this world.”  -Gandhi

Gandhi said and did many wonderful things, but those words specifically have inspired with me for years and years since I first read them.  Though we’re far from perfect, my wife Malia and I have tried hard to build an environmentally and socially responsible company.  We often chat with clients who are surprised to hear the lengths that we’ve gone to stick to our core values… and to support those non profits who are promoting positive change in this world.

At the repeated request of more than a few of our clients and our colleagues, we thought we would share a bit about what we’ve been up to… why we’re actively supporting certain organizations… maybe even inspire a few folks to join us… and to remind everyone out there who is doing good in cyberland that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.  These “tough times” are hitting charitable organizations harder than any other sector of the economy, so they need our help!

Here’s our most recent attempts to be that change we wish to see… with our time, with our money, our expertise and with our actions.

Last year we donated over 10% of our profits to charities and non-profits.  Some call that tithing, others call it corporate responsibility, we just call it contributing to the common good.  We have committed in writing through a group called 1% For The Planet to make that same level of contribution every year.  They review our end of year tax documents, and they independently hold us accountable to our agreement.  The third party system of authentication is very important to us… we want folks to know that we’re committed to improving the world we live in, and not just exploiting a cause because it’s fashionable.

We operate our business out of a sustainably built (LEED Design) boathouse studio that’s a passive solar, super-insulated, reclaimed/recycled material based space, that is a joy to work out of and to meet clients at.  We’re very proud of the end result because of it’s low impact on the environment, it’s beauty and the fact that we built it ourselves with the help of our friend Bevan Harris.

We also donate over two weeks of professional photography services to non-profits who would otherwise be unable to afford such a  high level of creative investment.  It’s been an absolute joy to get to know these local, national and international non profits… and to “tell their story” in ways that help them further their mission.

Everyone always wants to know… where specifically did all that money go??  Who is benefitting and why?  Here’s the short answer for the past 12 months:

The Lance Armstrong Foundation:  Most folks know by now that our family has endured the hell that is cancer for the past three years as my sister, Lea, was diagnosed with leukemia.  Our support has ZERO to do with Lance Armstrong as an individual or as a celebrity (though I ran the Boston Marathon on his team, and he did seem like a nice guy)… it has EVERYTHING to do with the aggressive actions of the non profit to motivate/support research for survivors in their time of need.  We think cancer sucks, it infuriates us that it devastates so many people’s lives and we believe that there is power if we unite to destroy it.  We believe that cancer should be eradicated across the board… so we don’t fund individual types of cancer research nor age groups of cancer… though we have a special hatred reserved for breast cancer which took my aunt’s life, and leukemia which my sister battled with a bone marrow transplant and knocked back into whatever hole it emerged from.  My anger towards cancer is another reminder that I’m not Gandhi, but when channelled that frustration has been very helpful as we raised over $11,000 in 2008 alone.

The Surfrider Foundation:  I grew up near once-filthy Boston Harbor… so I’ll first say that many of our coastlines are cleaner now than they’ve been in a long time.  But we live on the edge of the ocean, our studio is on the ocean, we play and harvest food from the ocean… and the Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

The View From Our Boathouse Studio…

Cancer Community Center of Maine:  This is a great organization that was available to us when we dealt with cancer.  The Cancer Community Center provides a warm and friendly place where adults living with cancer, their families and friends can come together in a comfortable, caring setting to build social and emotional support as a complement to their regular medical care. 

The Jane Goodall Institute:  I grew up in a household of strong women who broke through social barriers and did things that they “weren’t supposed to do.” For example, my sister and wife were ridiculed as the first girls that played boys baseball in their respective hometowns, my mom was a weirdo in the 1960′s who consistently did things that were typically reserved only for men.  They did things before their time, and so did Jane Goodall.  Besides inspiring girls to live their dreams, the Jane Goodall Institute “advances the power of individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment for all living things”… how can you argue with a mission statement like that?

The United Way:  The United Way funds so many different community based organizations it’s amazing.  My direct connection: I learned to sail at a Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Boston.  The experience changed my life forever.

The Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics:  We’ve been around the world to some incredibly special places, and can’t help but notice that we are sometimes loving our environment to death.  Low impact wilderness travel is an essential skill that is often forgotten or ignored as we tromp through the our favorite backcountry spot.  The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.

Red Rocks, Nevada

The Access Fund:  The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.  They’ve done wonders for climbers over many years in spite of a relatively tiny budget and staff.  

Pro Peninsula: Pro Peninsula strengthens individual and community efforts to protect the natural environment throughout the Baja California, Mexico Peninsula.  One of the world’s last truly wild places, the Baja California peninsula is a unique yet threatened environment. Strong environmental organizations are needed to promote social awareness and participation in order to counter the relentless threats to the region’s environment, while at the same time promoting sustainable development alternatives.

The Kokua Hawai’i Foundation: Kokua in Hawaiian means “help,” and the Kokua Foundation supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai’i.  My wife, Malia, was born and raised on Oahu… and it’s still our home away from home.  The Kokua foundation’s mission is to provide students with experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be lifelong stewards of the earth.

“Our hometown beach”  Lanikai, Hawai’i.

Though we continue to assist other organizations like the Nature Conservancy, National Public Radio, The Portland Museum of Art and The American Lung Association in smaller ways, the organizations above have been the focus of our major efforts in the past year.  Thanks to everyone who has harassed us for so long to share the extent of our involvement… we hope it helps, and we appreciate the support of numerous clients who encourage our efforts.

We’re all in this together, we’ve been inspired by other 1% For The Planet Companies who have made certifiable commitments.  Our hope is that others out there might read this and be inspired to act in a way that contributes to the greater good.  The downturn in our economy means that our efforts are even more important, and we have a unique opportunity to step up and support the causes we believe in.

   Our traveling exhibition “STRANDED: The Sea Turtles and Fishermen of Baja California Sur, Mexico” is back in New England!!  Our good friends at the Patagonia Clothing Company are hosting the latest version of our exhibition in the Freeport, Maine store.  If you’re anywhere near Portland or Freeport, go check it out… learn a few things about the environment, buy some great quality / sustainably constructed clothing/gear and have fun.

    In addition to the exhibition, we will be delivering a few more of our famous slide talks on the “behind the scenes” of our assignment in Baja in the coming months.  The slide talks are always a blast and we promise you’ll learn something, laugh a lot and go home wanting to help make our world an even better place.  As always, our talks are either free or 100% in support of a charity we believe in.  We’ll post the exact dates when they get finalized.

    We’ve posted a link to the Patagonia Store directions here, and in the meantime, you can preview the exhibition online at www.brianwedge.com/stranded.  We’re proud to partner with Patagonia because we share many of the same core values that are rooted in an absolute commitment to quality, sustainability and responsibility.  Patagonia, like Brian Wedge Photography is also a fellow member of 1% For The Planet… putting their ethics to action and making a significant impact toward improving the world we live in.

Links:

The background story on the assignment in Baja

Patagonia, Freeport, ME Directions

STRANDED Exhibition link

If you’re ever in Seattle with leukemia about to start a bone marrow transplant the next day… we highly recommend you go ahead and catch a fish at Pike’s Place.

It’s been three years today since I got the call from my sister.  Through the tears and the gasps there was something about “blood test” and “they don’t know” and then the word “cancer” followed by the word “leukemia.”  It was the most horrific moment in either of our lives.  Me getting that news… and her, having to share it with her baby brother.

It’s a moment that replays daily in my head like it happened yesterday.  The instant nausea, the concern and the start of one incredible journey.  But just like most journeys, it takes a bit of time and distance to fully appreciate how far you’ve come.  The good news is that we’ve been through hell and back… and Lea is recently and currently cancer free!  She’s survived not only leukemia, but the misery of numerous demoralizing failed treatments, thousands and thousands of invasive tests.. and that most amazing “if it doesn’t kill you” experience of a bone marrow transplant.

Cancer isn’t as glamourous as you might think…

Her hair is growing back slowly, she goes to the doctor only 3-4 days a week now and her journey continues.  Today marks a very special day for all of us, because it’s another milestone: the start of her first complete year without leukemia since diagnosis!

Lea, on the left looks beautiful sans hair.  I shaved my head in solidarity… though most people are quick to note that there wasn’t much to take off.

Congratulations to you, Billy and all of those who love you and have supported you along the way!!!  You’re doing GREAT!!  Go celebrate today!

    Today was a day for images.  A day of images.  Think about it…

    The Kenyan women celebrating, the jubilant mob in Times Square, Jessie Jackson crying, the incredible lines of voters, the American Flags… these enduring images carried the day.  No matter how you heard the news, no matter where you were; what followed was a steady stream of incredible images that said more than words could.

    As someone who knows the work, skill and effort involved in capturing enduring, meaningful images, I thought I’d take a moment today to recognize my fellow photojournalists out “in the field” bringing these incredible moments directly into our lives and our living rooms.

Newspapers turned their front pages sideways, to allow for more room for images.

    The work truly is grueling.  It’s physical, it’s tedious, it can be frustrating and it’s always challenging.  Too often their work goes unrecognized.  Their names hidden by the shroud of media sources like the AP, Reuters, or Getty Images.

Around The World…

    Today I wanted to bring one of those anonymous photojournalists into your lives.  Her name is Scout Tufankjian, and she’s a friend of a friend, as well as a fellow member of the National Press Photographers Association with me.  Scout embodies the true work involved in photojournalism.  Scout has been with Barack Obama for TWENTY THREE months.  Not a photo op here, or a press briefing there… but 23 months.

    Her work, much like some of my documentary work, isn’t the type of thing that you get to come home at night from.  It requires true endurance, tenaciousness and dedication.  Behind each of those images you saw over the past few days, there was some talented person working hard to capture it for us.

Click Scout Tufankjian’s image above to go directly to her site documenting Obama’s campaign.

    If you get a chance, go check out Scout’s site (the secret service gallery is my favorite).  She’s amazing… and is one of the many photojournalist’s whose names and faces are often hidden from view, but whose talents make historic nights everlasting.

    To those in the field…. Thank you!

The gasp of a loggerhead sea turtle fighting for the surface…

But thanks to my amazing wife Christine, I have also learned that I am a perfectionist… and sometimes the timing is never ideal.  With that said… everyone keeps asking to see some of the images from Mexico.  I wanted to hold off because there’s an important story here that even I didn’t fully comprehend until I was there… seeing the effort, the waste, smelling the smells and witnessing the hope of some incredibly dedicated researchers.

After wrestling the turtle aboard, it is weighed.

Turtle skull on shell… and sadly there’s hundreds more in every direction.

With the important disclaimer that there IS an amazing story and many more interesting images “in the vault” that will be released as soon as I come up for air, I offer up a little taste of what’s to come.  Stay tuned.  And to Hoyt and the team down in Baja… thank you for the opportunity… more is on the way.

Hauling the remains off the beach.

Another stranded turtle is discovered.

Note: wild sea turtles are not happy when caught, and despite the tranquility of this scene… that turtle was mad, and has it’s mouth open to defend itself against foolish photographers who dare come too close.

Once caught, scientists weigh, tag, measure and take blood samples.

About to be released…

The turtle cemetery.  The Mexican government didn’t quite believe researchers when shown evidence that turtles were being killed at such an incredibly high rate.  Mass graves are used to document the numbers of turtles killed.  All these turtles died during my one week visit.

Who says biologists can’t tear it up?

Shark fins drying at a subsistence fishing village.

Those wonderful Mexican smiles…

After 12 hours out on the boat… the fishermen clean their catch for 4 more hours.  Everyday.  (everyday).

Local girl.

“Rodeo” is the act of cruising in a boat at 10 knots until a turtle is spotted, and then jumped on before being wrestled onto the boat for study.  Here’s Hoyt showing All Star Rodeo form.

The release.

The Mexican Press Pool… covering the Governor’s crowning of the Turtle Beauty Queen.  Had to take it!

A Sea Turtle Assignment in Costa Rica a few years back…

    The Loggerhead sea turtles (or caguamas in Spanish) stop in Baja during their migration from Japan and Hawaii to a specific series of “hotspots” in the Mexico. During their time in Baja California Sur, thousands are killed every year accidentally by shark and halibut gill-netting fishermen. The local fishermen are not intentionally killing the turtles but their nets consistently produce a “bykill” of caguamas every year.

I’ll be bobbing around in a small boat about 35km off of Baja California Sur…

    My old college friend, Hoyt Peckham is a PhD candidate studying these populations, and has spearheaded an incredible campaign to educate, inspire and engage local communities to protect these turtles.  Watch Hoyt’s FANTASTIC (and entertaining) short video to get a sense of the problems facing the caguamas and the communities that are rallying to protect them.  Much more to come!

    In addition to making consistent financial contributions to the environmental organizations and community groups we believe in, we also commit one week a year to photographing for the causes that are making a positive difference in this world. If you’re part of an organization, you believe in a cause or you know of a worthy story that could use our help, let us know!

The Tour de California Coverage

  So how is it that a Yankee hater like me loves editorial assignments involving cycling?  Or in the case of the Tour de France, how is it possible that I can gleefully watch 3 weeks of chartreuse spandex clad cyclists, hurtling through the countryside with rapt anticipation and genuine interest?  It might be because the Tour de France has always read like a soap opera, complete with bad acting, deceitful affairs and agonizing defeats.  The tour is about the backstory, the strategy, the intrigue, the human suffering.

Prelude Criterium at Tour de California

 Last year’s Tour was marred by drug doping, blood doping, cheating, lying and more lying.  A whole new era starts on Saturday… and this video is great.  It’s all about “taking back” the past behavior, the false victories and the fake competition.  Heroes step off podiums, remove their yellow jersey… and everything starts anew.

Click to See The Video

  The Tour is certainly more than a bike race… it’s a punishing journey filled with tradition and intrigue.  I’ve personally witnessed and photographed the spectacle that is The Tour de California, and found the same strange fascination.  I don’t completely understand it myself, but beginning this Saturday, I’ll be on the edge of my seat watching another saga unfold.

Looking For Rain

It’s a great experience, and one that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy for 7 years… but I’ve NEVER done it with my crazy friends Ben, Leslie, Amanda, and of course the amazing and talented Christine.  To say it was “different” trip this year than in past seasons was an understatement.

Feeling good (because we haven’t yet started day 2)

I was a bicycling medic again which is why I get to wear the snazzy oversized red shirt.  My jersey paled in comparison to Ben’s undersized circa 1992 bike shirt complete with multi colored cactus and geometric spines.  Ben was the darling of the Trek… and his years of smoking (irony?), overeating and utter refusal to train actually paid off in spades.  He was incredible on the bike, and even more so in the rest stops, doing deals on his cell phone until the market closed on Friday.  Frightening… and amazing.

Helmet Stripes

Speaking of frightening… guess who forgot to put sunscreen on their bald head?  The brilliant medic.

Hypothermia sets in: Is it over?

The trip was fantastic, and I highly recommend it: http://www.mainelung.org/Events/Trek/

Leslie, Ben and Amanda have been our friends for years, and it was wonderful to spend time with them becoming hypothermic in the rain, laughing, and gorging on more food than we will ever “burn off” while riding.  We survived, and so did all my patients!!!!

Back to normal.. or as close as we get to normal.

  Very soon, you’ll be seeing another logo displayed near ours… one that indicates our recent membership in a fantastic organization called 1% For The Planet.  We’re one of the very first companies in Maine, and the very first photographer in this state to make this commitment.  By joining, we’re dedicating 1% of our entire sales before ANY deductions are taken (not just 1% of our profit), to be donated to organizations who are helping protect and improve our natural environment.

  I was so happy to hear that my Alma Mater, Bowdoin College, is awarding an honorary degree today to Yvon Chouinard… an icon of responsible businesses, the founder of Patagonia Clothing Company and one of the creators of 1% for the planet.  I’m very proud of Bowdoin and their commitment to The Common Good.

  Here’s a great short video on Chouinard and 1% for the planet: 

  We’re proud to be looking beyond the photos we create to support the people and causes we believe in.  And we’re just getting started.  We hope other companies will follow our lead, and learn as we have that making commitments to the common good are a necessary and responsible business decision!

  Contributing to our community is one of our most important core values… and though our clients love the beautiful images we create, we also know that it “matters” HOW we do business.  I’m just thrilled that our business is growing by leaps and bounds every month… and that we’re staying committed to the causes that mean so much to us.

  What goes around comes around.  Thanks for YOUR support!

  Mr. Bennett, Travis Hill and numerous other members of the greater university community protested the use of the flag in this way.  At first they picked up the flags, but were told that they were not allowed to do that.  As a last resort, they peacefully stood in front of one of the American Flags, arms folded, ensuring that at least One American Flag did not get walked on.

  I was incredibly impressed by these guys.  No matter where we all stand on this war, this administration or even the use of the American Flag… I admire people who stand up for what they believe in, and do it in a compassionate and peaceful manner.  During the photo shoot, I learned that they both had gone to war for this country, putting their own lives in jeopardy to protect our freedoms.  The flag is a symbol of that sacrifice and of their fellow soldiers who never returned home.  

  It was an incredible reminder for me that I could never be enjoying my family this Memorial Day without the tradition of sacrifice embodied by these two guys.  To all those families out there who have made that sacrifice… thank you!

Anyway, one of their main characters is obsessed with sailing in Maine… and they saw some of my work in a few magazines and thought it would be a great fit. How cool is that? I think it’s as close as I’ll ever get to being in the movies… so look for these images in a few months when the movie premieres!

   They’re still some of my favorite venues if for no other reason that they usually span several days, and as a professional “storyteller,” there’s ample opportunity to get to know everyone and cover every element of the weekend.  Here’s an example of one such wedding I shot at The One and Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It was named “Favorite Destination Wedding” by theknot.com:

   Luckily, many of the great clients I work with create wedding weekends in that same spirit regardless of location.  Their “destination” weddings may be a few states away from where they live, or in their adopted home city.  The same elements of celebration, thoughtful activities and beautiful locations apply.

   It’s a wonderful trend that I’ve delighted in noticing.  Families are increasingly spread all over the globe and the weekend wedding celebrates not only the wedding day, but the friends and relatives that make the couple who they are.  When I shoot in Maine, a schooner cruise, lobsterbake or sea kayaking trip is common.  In Napa, it’s wine tasting, horseback riding and hot air ballooning.  

   Wherever your wedding is and whatever your interests are, taking the time to share your special place with those you love goes a long way to solidifying your location as a destination… regardless of the distance.  Even if your wedding isn’t far from home, check out a recent book we collaborated on that features our work.  It’s filled with ideas that are sure to inspire!

Listen to the 30 second NPR Interview of one of our supporters (Jim Kahn) talking about Lea.

Nothing sums up the experience better then this.  It’s worth it!!!!

The race was wonderful… and difficult to say the least.  Despite having the flu all last week, I went into the race feeling positive and excited.  We met with Lance Armstrong and Joan Benoit Samulson on Saturday, and it added to the inspiration.

The crowds were fantastic and the weather couldn’t have been nicer.

The first half of the marathon went really well.  I had promised to go slow, to savor every aspect of the fans, the runners and to think of all of my wonderful supporters!

I started to have some of that chest congestion like I had last week around mile 14, and by mile 20 (Heartbreak Hill) the “wheels were coming off the bus.”  Breathing was a bit tough, but I saw my family and friends on the hill… and it made a HUGE difference (thank you for being there!).

Some cramped legs and a little “Kona Shuffle” brought me in the rest of the way.  I finished well over an hour beyond my projected time, but I’m really not disappointed at all.

This journey started in the depths of winter with my sister enduring rounds of Cytoxin, my mother watching her baby girl lose her hair, my brother-in-law having to leave his wife overnight in the hospital and Christine, my constant companion seeing the impact of this hell on me.

This entire marathon was a journey of hope, of family, of friendship and of faith.  The fact that I found myself suddenly a little under the weather reminded me of the millions out there touched by cancer who are fighting to LiveSTRONG.  I was running for THOSE people who couldn’t have this opportunity and I was running most of all for Lea… who in classic grace and athleticism ran this course in just over three hours a few years ago.

Sometimes the greatest joy comes from the challenges that are most difficult… and this race was no different.  Of all the races I’ve competed in, this is the most significant for me.

I know you’ve been with me every step of the way.  THANK YOU.  I know Lea’s struggle and the battle against cancer has touched you in a unique and very real way.  I’ve truly felt the support.

There’s very little that sums up our cumulative feelings better then this 30 second interview I heard this morning on NPR.  One of our friends who was out on the course was asked “why he was out there.”  Grab some tissues… because it’s the same reason you all have been with us:

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE 30 second NPR INTERVIEW of one of our supporters (it’s worth it)