I am thrilled to be a part of Maine. The magazine's January/February 2011 edition. I interviewed and photographed Ralph Lewis for the Q&A section and was also selected to be featured as a contributor in this issue.
During my travels, I come across some interesting people and have blogged about them along the way. When I was staying as a guest of Adam and Susan in Bailey Island, Maine, I met and chatted with their neighbors, Ralph and Dolly. Susan introduced me and told Ralph that I was a photographer and after he kiddingly waved his hand at me and turned his back, he turned right back around with that contagious smile to greet me. A few days later, he came over for a visit and we chatted about what it was like for him to be the photographer for the State of Maine. He showed me Maine road maps where his photographs were featured and told me tales of the people and things he took photographs of. I blogged about my time with him HERE. Listening to his stories was such a treat. I asked him if I could come over later that evening to take his portrait and he said, "sure."
I went over later that beautiful fall afternoon to chat with him and his wife, Dolly. They were certainly a pleasure to be around. I instantly felt at home with them. I went back to their winter home a few weeks later to record an interview for the magazine and took some additional shots of him talking about his experiences and while showing me one of the cameras he used. Ultimately, that photograph was chosen by the magazine to use for the feature.
The best part of this experience was getting to know Ralph and Dolly. I feel as they are a part of my extended family now. They are so sweet to me...I even received a Thanksgiving and Christmas card from them.
I also enjoyed meeting Susan, the editor of Maine. The Magazine and the people who work there. I am very thankful to all of them for the opportunity. Each and every staff member was a pleasure to work with. After falling in love with the state of Maine, this just added to my positive experience in that beautiful state of ours. I know I will be back.