Nick

Looks like the we're going to follow a theme for a few days here. I was able to take some portraits of the band individually after their performance on Saturday. Nick plays the clarinet and plays it great so far as I can tell. Of course, what really sets the man apart from the crowd is the chapeau. Man, that is one righteous topper.

Angela

At the end of every semester, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School hosts a culminating show of the various Jazz Ensembles that play there. My son, John, is in an ensemble of eclectic instruments and people. Angela is, obviously, the violinist. Sunny and vibrant, short, and always smiling. When asked for the group's name just prior to taking the stage, she said from the wings, "Don't Have One." And so that's how they were introduced.

Jillian

A friend and playmate of my daughter. They're fast friends, although in different classes this year. Funny how third-graders tend to narrow their social circles to whoever is in their class, forgetting about best friends from last year's class so quickly (out of sight, out of mind). So we haven't seen much of Jillian this year. Next year is the big change where all students from the three elementary schools feed into one school for fourth grade. Jillian was a giggler; this was one of the few shots that weren't outright laughs and giggles.

Jimmy

So Kerry wants Jimmy to buy into the business. Jimmy appears to be reluctant. I don't know. The pizza's awful good. Jimmy makes it and serves it great. Appears to be happy. Who knows?

Kerry

Kerry is the owner of Chicago Pizza Express here in Barrington. He tells me that he's been doing this for more than 20 years, although he couldn't have been, based on his youthful appearance. Anyway, the pizza, the calzones, the sandwiches - all top-notch - my preferred lunch (and sometimes dinner) when I order out. Tomorrow' post - the future owner of Chicago Pizza Express - if he can be convinced.

Rob

For the past 20 years, Rob has been the play-by-play man for the Jackson (NH) Wildquack Duck Race, which takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. It takes an odd "duck" to narrate the misadventures of little yellow ducks on a New Hampshire river, and Rob has been pretty good at it all these years. Money raised is pocketed by the organizers ... nah - they put it to good use. Congratulations Rob on 20 years and here's looking at 20 more!

Ryan

This guy is a freshman on the track team. He also plays basketball. Like my son(s), he is a distance guy. I won't disguise the fact that anyone who runs 800 meters or longer is what I consider a real runner. The other guys are just blessed with strength and speed - obviously they work hard and those who excel are tremendous, but really, it takes a special kind of person to run for 20, 30 or more miles every week.

Chris

When we moved here in 1999, Chris, who lives across the street, was 12 I believe. Now he's a college graduate and not much like a 12-yr. old. He's a graphic designer (has designs on it at least) and is looking to carve his adult path. I told him he should ... well, I didn't suggest anything. He's got some ideas working and I'm sure they'll work out for him. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

Mary

Getting this photograph was my main reason for visiting Maine this week. That smile represents joy at getting a nearly 100% clean bill of health from Dr. Tarraza after recovering from ovarian cancer. The blood levels are within the normal range and the CT scan was clean but for a few fuzzy areas that will be re-scanned in six weeks. It has been a long winter and spring is now here. Time to get out and enjoy it Mom. I love you.

Michael

Michael is my cousin. As an only child, I looked upon him as a brother when we were growing up. We had great times. Nowadays, we have a chance to get together and catch up a little every year or two. Every time we do I wish we could do it more. This week was one of those occasions. He's married with two kids - one of them was posted here yesterday. The other was sleeping at the time I visited. You can see her here. Another one with a presence in front of the camera. He's also an actor though, so you can see his confidence at work.

Griffin

Griffin is my cousin's son. He's a feisty little dude who has a dramatic flair. I was visiting in Maine for a couple of days, and showed up to visit with them and photograph them on Tuesday night. He devised this pose himself; I'm not sure of his intention here. Bowing perhaps. It seems both reserved and confrontational at the same time. His gaze is intense; unlike others I have photographed, he was unflinching in front of the camera.

Andrew

I just met Andrew today, but he is not unfamiliar to me. No one in the Northeast who follows high school running can not know him. I won't cite all of his impressive accomplishments, other than to say that he is probably the best high school miler in the country. He's run a mile equivalent of 4:05 or 4:06. Oddly enough, he's not completely in a class of his own here in Rhode Island. Mark Feigen and Nick Ross have given him a run for his money whenever they're in a meet with him. Ross is only a junior. Glory days for Rhode Island track!

Grace

Well, Grace is posed here in an unsusual outfit. Her interpretation of Olivia (the pig) for character day during Reading celebration week. She doesn't usually wear all these stripes. Really.

Chris

Chris is a smirker; one of the many reactions I get when I point a camera at folks. He was allowed to keep his hat on, in deference to the tremendous hat-head he was sporting. Chris is a co-worker of my wife's, and here you can see he's dressed nattily for a day at the office.

Aaron

The particular look on Aaron's face is probably a direct result of having been made to remove his hat. Ostensibly it was because of the shadow it cast on his face in the overcast light. Really it was because it was a Yankees cap - I'm a tolerant man, but I won't publicize the enemy. Looks like I lost the NY gallery crowd - oh well.

Ray

Ray is my next-door neighbor. We were both in the backyard (me gardening, him golfing) and chatted for a while. People in this suburban plat tend to not see much of each other in the winter and long wet spring, so it was lucky happenstance that we were both out. We all tend to go door to car to wherever, and back again. Ray's a mean cribbage player and has played with both Mary and Jim as well as myself.

Danielle

Danielle was an insistent child when it came to having her picture taken, although she enjoyed being on the other end of the camera as well. Today was book picnic day - a chance to sit and read a book over lunch with your child. Unfortunately the weather was less than cooperative with thunder and lightning in the offing. The window light of the cafeteria was the best I could do. What a frank and honest expression, eh?

Matthew

A nephew. Photographed his uncle (dad's side) at Easter dinner a few weeks back. Matt's an eagle scout at a young age (15) and a rabid Red Sox fan. Red Sox fans are always welcome on this photo journal.

Victoria

Victoria is an intense little soccer player on my daughter's team. She's one of the goalies - a tough position to learn at that age - the disappointment of every goal is tough to take, and for the parents even worse. She's solid though and really seems to enjoy it.

Jim

This dude is a shoe salesman. Running shoes, like Terence. Between my own running and my two teenage sons, we spend a lot of time and money at Rhode Runner. Jim was particularly helpful this day, and besides, he was the only one who would have his photograph made.

Sunny

Cherubic. Shirley Temple-ish. She tags along after her big sister and is intrepid in her determination. And now she herself is a big sister to her new brother, Alex. Congratulations to Tom and Darota!

Natty

He makes his second appearance in the photo journal because the first was unflattering and I won't provide a link to it either. Harsh flourescents to begin with. Anyway, he's a goof and good kid. Most always happy and ready to go. Has made the trip to New Hampshire with us on at least one occasion and I'm sure he'll make another this summer. Currently a junior in high school and a master smoothie maker.

Sid

He's a runner. I mean, he's a high school student and I'm sure he has other interests. But he's primarily known in these parts as a runner. And one of the best that Barrington High School has ever turned out. We got to talking while we were both working an aid station at the Cox Rhode Island Marathon. My sons are both on the track team with him as well. He's planning on heading off to UNH in the fall and he seems like a great kid.

James

One of several people I shot today while working an aid station at the Cox Rhode Island Marathon. We were around mile 17 or so and people wanted the water for certain. Nice weather though -overcast and 50s so there weren't any medical problems that I know of. James is a recent college grad who's back in the area and he apparently also volunteers for Save the Bay. Enthusiastic and encouraging of all the runners and joggers and even walkers.

Jessie

Unfortunately, this picture has lighting and toning issues, and it has nothing to do with Jessie, who was so nice and perfectly suited for a great portrait. The lighting (dim fluourescent) was difficult and hard (obviously) for me to handle (even adjusting the RAW files). There wasn't much space to work with and overall I'm sad to have to post this. However, Jessie was great and accepted my challenge with grace and positive energy. I was at the Rhode Island Blood Center making a platelet donation (which takes a couple hours - they remove the blood, spin it through a machine and take only the platelets a little plasma, returning white cells and plasma back to you) and of course, sitting there for a long time gives you a chance to get to know people. These people do great work and everyone who is able should make time to donate (either regular whole blood, or if you can, platelets).

Abe "Emma" Lincoln

So, the school had a biography fair and my daughter's class portrayed our presidents. Emma was Abe Lincoln and really, I can't imagine anyone doing a better job. No third-grader on earth is going to resemble the man so it's not about the looks. Emma has a certain intelligence and wisdom for one so young, just the thing for a young Abe. The lighting was great, with big windows casting light directly onto her.