From The Archives:: Kate, Writer & Film Maker

Kate. Kate & Betsy. I used Kate’s words but had to use this photo of the two of them, from a spontaneous run-in one day as I was leaving a shoot, saw them in their driveway and jumped out with my camera and possibly startled them both, but then we laughed and caught up and I took this photo of them. I love it. I love moments like that. Even if I do scare people by yelling out my window at them.

Before the Covid came to town we have worked on several collaborative projects of theirs, shared many stories, ideas, and eats in their kitchen, and were starting a winter game night when suddenly we weren’t going into each other’s homes anymore. Someday we’ll get back to sharing those moments. But today I’ll share Kate’s story and a photo I took on a random cold day…..

Kate Kaminski, Writer/Filmmaker (About to be Former Adjunct Professor)

1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things?

I really miss being in a classroom with my students. I’m teaching my final semester of college film studies this month, so I’m a little sad I won’t get to have that “last class” and be able to give these past 20 years of my working life a proper farewell. (I guess I’ll have to find another way!)

2. What has been most challenging?

Worry and stress, compounded by a fairly significant life change. This is one scary virus and I definitely don’t want to risk getting it so going out is fraught.

3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?

I’m finding a lot of inspiration working in my garden. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have had this much time to dig in the dirt, move plants and tidy up. I wish you could come over and hang out in it with me because it's looking really good:)

4. Are there any shifts you are hoping to stay in place as we move forward?

I’d like to think that we will all be more aware of the huge contributions of service workers (of all types) to our overall, collective quality of life and learn how to be kinder and more appreciative of each other. I won’t miss having to shake hands, so that can go away forever. But mostly, I truly hope this terrible event helps us move toward a more equitable society for all people, especially the most disadvantaged among us.

5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again?

I look forward to being able to hang out with friends again. I keenly miss my friends.

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Let’s also give it up for Kate who just finished up 20 years of teaching. In the middle of a pandemic. What a strange way to end a huge life chapter (or entire book)…

Thanks Kate! I too look forward to hanging with my friends. Very Much xoxo

From The Archives:: Sean

Sean and I have crossed paths here and there over the years over what I like to refer to as “the Portland thing”. One day we were on set together and I took this image of him. I LOVEloveLOVE shooting behind the scenes images for film and video productions (and anything really that needs that kind of documentation of a process). And if I’m not following the camera crew around I definitely gravitate to the sound person. I can’t fully explain why, it’s just what always seems to happen.

Had I not been doing this project, it is unlikely I would have ever reached out to Sean and learned of some of his challenges during this time. I think when I got his email I had that feeling that YES, this was a good project for me to take on. In the middle of a pandemic people shared their stories and worries just so I could share it with a photo of them I liked. So, although focus has been hit or miss for me during all of this, I’m glad I picked this project to not only work on but to look forward to. It’s reminding me how good we all can be, even when things aren’t easy.

So, thank you Sean for sharing with me! One day so many of us will be on a set again, grateful for the work and the camaraderie.

Sean Slaughter. Musician/ Sound Mixer in the TV/film industry 

1. The most notable change in my life has been I’ve barely worked in 2 months (Location Sound Mixer in the film/television industry). I’ve been at home all that time, except for going out for necessities and taking the family (wife Marie and 14 year old son Evan) our for family walks with our dog, Arrow. I haven’t played music with anyone in person for all that time either. Thankfully I’ve done some fun remote collaborations with other musicians through the internet. 

2. The most challenging part of this era is trying to make sure my wife and son are happy and well taken care of. Our son has Autism and he doesn’t really understand why he can’t go to school or see people, aside from my wife and I. He has limited communication skills, but we know he’s lonely and sad. Also a distant second place answer here is-dealing with all the idiots who think this disease is a hoax. That is VERY challenging. It drives me insane. They are going to prolong the problem by not following proper protocol. This is a tug of war between humans and a virus. You can’t have humans jumping over the line and pulling the rope on the virus’ side and expect good results. 

3. The silver linings for me are-

A-Spending more time with my family

B-My mind being temporarily free of the normal hustle and bustle of being a free lance worker

C-Since my mind is less occupied I’ve picked up my guitar and have been writing lyrics and music. Haven’t done that in a long time. I’ve been doing more creative passion projects in general (Editing music and videos). I’ve missed that. 

D-Mother Nature is getting a long overdue respite from the constant abuse we humans dole out. 

4. I hope there is a global shift in the way that humans operate. On all levels. This could be a great wake up call. Hopefully greed and stupidity won’t win out. It’s been winning here in the USA for so long it’s hard to see it not winning here, but hopefully humans will treat each other and the environment with more care and compassion. Also I hope my mind stays more relaxed.

5. I can’t wait to be able to connect with humans again in the real world; loved ones, friends, acquaintances. Playing shows, working film/tv shoots, going to restaurants and picnics, going to the beach, having fun with real live people.

6. PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, DON’T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM, BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!! BE AWARE THAT REFUSING TO BELIEVE THIS VIRUS IS REAL, IS BEING PART OF THE PROBLEM!

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Until we meet again… on a set or at a show…. I will take your advice and try to be part of the solution!

~ Judy

{Maine Lifestyle Photographer}: Behind The Scenes / Film Stills

I love being on set. I love the lights and the chords and and the light stands and all the gear weaving in with the humans working together in a bit of controlled chaos (but a few notches down from actual chaos). All working together to make something that will be seen either on the big screen or in your family rooms.

I love following the light to see what it can help me capture. And I love documenting people creating.

So, yes being on set and behind a camera is one of the things I love.

The images in this post were all taken on a shoot for The Campbell Brothers, on a sound stage in Portland, Maine where there was dry ice being used. I am not sure why I needed to mention that other than the fact that these images look a little different than some of my work because I guess dry ice (is that right? It may have been a smoke machine…) definitely give things a different look and feel than what I am normally photographing. And I like it.

There will definitely be more photos from other sets to share soon….

And as always, be in touch if you are in need of someone to document the behind the scenes moments of your business or project!