Maine Head Shot Photographer:: Another Round of Photos for The April Cohen Team

2020, right? Haha that’s just how I start all things now that involve me being behind in whatever. So, here we are, December 2020. And after a strange year and shoots that didn’t get to happen and events that were gone from the books and other shoots that got moved to later dates, I ended up having the majority of my 2020 in photo land almost all at once making this mediocre blogger and instagrammer even more behind than I normally am. That’s so 2020!

But, here we are. December and the editing is mostly caught up, the majority of people have their images and others are about to get their print orders and I’m over here looking at my lists and reminding myself to just take it one shoot, and one story at a time. So, let’s say hi to this fabulous group of realtors known as The April Cohen Team!

The April Cohen Team, 2020.

April and I have been meeting on the streets of SoPo for years now, capturing her personality, enthusiasm, and infectious smile, for all things relating to her real estate life. This year her team has grown to be 5 people strong. It’s pretty cool to get to witness these kinds of shifts over the years.

And true to our norm, there was no shortage of laughs and middle of the street shenanigans, along with all the very professional behavior needed to get the job done. I just know I always have fun with her and her team, so it seems right that in the middle of a pandemic we still found ourselves cracking up in the middle of the street and down side alleys. All in the name of getting those images that show the world who they are.

The 2020 April.

We definitely accomplished what we set out to do - capture who they are, make sure it feels like SoPo, and laugh as much as we can. And there will be no mistake going forward what year these photos were taken!

Congrats April and team on your growth and making 2020 one of your best years yet!

Thank you Lee, Jacci, April, Gina, and Megan for being so fun and great to work with. Again. I am so going to your holiday party when we finally get back to doing those kinds of things!

Lee, Jacci, April, Gina, and Megan ready for all the things.

You can them on your social medias @theaprilcohenteam and @soporealtor or listed on The Bean Group website.

From The Archives:: Victoria, State Legislator

I fell behind in my blog posts for this project and in that time our country has shifted and the news cycle is no longer leading off with corona virus related information. I have been trying to absorb, listen, understand, and think about what work I need to do. So, as I post these blog posts in an effort to catch up and share people’s stories during this time, I have my head and heart on those articles I still need to read and the book I just got about race in America. I am trying to learn that balance of finishing the work in front of me and working on growing and being better.

So, remembering this day with Victoria and her family helps. We took these photos for her campaign. We were in the process of scheduling her next round of campaign photos when our lives shifted and our town issued stay at home orders. So, like all my sessions that were in the calendar this Spring, this one got postponed until the time allows.

I’m looking forward to seeing them all in real time again, but also trying to be patient so we do that when the time is right and we can all be around each other safely and comfortably. For now, and as I catch up on this From The Archives project, enjoy Victoria’s story she so generously shared with me several weeks ago. A lot has changed and shifted since then, but her words still feel very fitting for now as well…

This family ❤️

Victoria Morales.

State Legislator.

1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things? My dad had a stroke during the pandemic.  Not being able to visit the hospital, worried he was scared, confused and alone, and not knowing how he was was until we got him home was terrifying. 

2. What has been most challenging?  So many things Taking care of my dad after his stroke, supporting my children through online learning, working from home in a small house with everyone home, helping my constituents navigate unemployment issues and many concerns and fears related to Covid-19. The two most important things that have been last on my priority list and shouldn’t be are spending quality time with my partner and with myself.  Deep self care during this time is absolutely necessary to strengthen our foundation of resilience. 

3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?  My children are bonding in new ways, everything seems to be in the blooming process, the garden is growing, and the birds are singing in harmony.  And, as a policy maker, it is becoming very clear that people have to come first, particularly when it comes to essential foundational needs such as safe affordable housing, food, quality education, and health care. 

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

5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again? Go outdoors on hikes and to the beach with friends and family

6. Anything else you want to share..?  I have been thinking about grief a lot lately, about the loss of our lives as they were, both generally and through specific tragedies, and I keep coming back to the word transformation, and the idea that through this crisis we will be presented with many opportunities to create and accept change for the better. 

Thank you Victoria for always encouraging people to want and work for better! I’m ready!

From The Archives:: Meg From Portside Real Estate

Meg shows up in front of my camera ready to rock every time. Whether it’s for her head shot update or at an event I may be shooting. So, yes my camera loves her and her enthusiasm and bursting confidence.

I actually wish more people could have that confidence. Imagine how much nicer we would be to ourselves if we didn’t spend all our time telling ourselves bad or untrue things. So, if I could I would bottle up her confidence and energy, because I think a lot of us could use a dose of what she’s got!

Meg’s words as she navigated Covid19 are below (posted weeks after she sent them to me! Which is not how I planned to do this project, but I’m just going to channel my inner Meg and believe that this is all fine. Haha, it’s not, but we can pretend….)

Name: Meg Smith

Occutpation: Broker, Portside Real Estate

1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things?  Lack of structure!! I am an organized person that needs routine, so creating a new one to still be productive is a bit of a challenge.

2. What has been most challenging?  Again, I will go back to that lack of structure.  Not "having" to be anywhere.  Very easy to slip into staying in my robe drinking coffee all day.  I live alone, so nothing that is pressing to be done.

3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?  I have dusted off my sewing machine, and certainly had (have) a good project list at my house that is getting completed.  Also, just may get my taxes done on time this year!

4. Are there any shifts you are hoping to stay in place as we move forward?  Walking my 89 year old neighbors dog for sure.  As well as facetiming with friends on the West Coast and family in NY.

5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again?  OMG- so much!!  The hustle and bustle of daily life, work, GYMS, going out to eat.  Most of all, hugs from my Sister and my Mom.

6. Anything else you want to share. ....Never realized how much of a homebody I am, I think I just may be the ultimate extroverted introvert, lol!!

Thanks for sharing and laughing with me, Meg! Looking forward to our next photo session and whenever events can happen again….

Maine Family Photographer: Morales Family

I like lists. I like crossing things off the list as they get done, and seeing the list get smaller and smaller. I REALLY like those days when I get lots of things crossed off the list. I know I am not alone in this. Today I made a list that will guide me as I head into blogging for 21 days. A list that will give me a sense of accomplishment as it gets bigger, which is opposite of my usual to do lists. This will be a GOT IT DONE list, and will have 21 things checked off at then end. Maybe more. We’ll see.

So, it’s day 3 of blogging every day for 21 days (I keep repeating that so it will become habit). I want to share some favorite photos, some stories behind a photo, or just sessions that are more focused on the images and less on the words. It’s going to be a real mixed bag around here.

So today’s list included: Post to IG | EDIT | laundry | EDIT! | find pot holder loops (because the niece and I have plans for crafty fun times) | Make a blog list | BLOG | get the broken husband out of the house | Barre class | make potholder | EDIT | read.

(Yes, I have some editing to do, haha!)

Most of things are getting done. So may I share with you a few faves from a quick session with the M fam, from a day cooler than today, where snuggles were needed and silliness was unavoidable. I loved every minute of it.

And now I think I need to add BUY TOPHAT to my list.

Thank you, Victoria, Alberto, Sylvio, Wilow, and Lucas! Let’s do this again soon…

{365} Photo Project: May

May. Month 5 of photographing life every day. The month where we all seem to come alive in Maine. I love seeing and hearing neighborhoods with kids getting outside and playing. Bikes come out, sidewalk chalk gets used, people start gathering outside to chat, eat, and laugh. This May was a wet one here in Maine, but my camera and I managed to capture combinations of chilly damp days and the happy relief of getting some sun in our eyes. And, as is always my goal this time of year, I made sure to get by and IN the water.

Eating, hanging out, capturing events, seeing live music, recitals, birthdays, walks to raise money for important causes, traces of shifting seasons, laughing, and even trying indoor climbing for the first time… all got to be part of what made May a pretty busy and great month. Thankful for this project to remind me of the good that continues to happen month after month…

5/1. Thunder and the Niece at the 2nd annual Red Storm Strikes Out Cancer Walk in Scarborough.

5/2. This was a delicious and fun meal.

5/3.

5/4. One of my faves from the month. I love people’s different body language and gestures.

5/5. For years the Neph has been holding an annual bake sale to raise money for The Maine Cancer Foundation. This year he raised money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and for their walk where he was being honored as one of their heroes of the year. Pretty cool kid, right?

5/6. Hi Spring!

5/7. Another rainy day, another photo shoot. Kallie from Portside Real Estate at the end of her photo session before we both jumped into our cars and out of the rain.

5/8. These two. Laughing and reading books after school.

5/9. The Niece turned a whole year older this day. Happy 7th birthday, Button!

5/10. Recital Dress Rehearsal. Waiting to go back stage.

5/11. Family birthday party for this one.

5/12. Mother’s Day. We went out for ice cream with my mom. This one stayed home in her cozy hoodie robe thing.

5/13.

5/14. Someone got a dollhouse for her birthday…

5/15. Small Business Awards. Lots of Mainers doing some great things!

5/16. Only one of these is for me.

5/17. The Ghost of Paul Revere and the Perry Brothers playing at the Zachau Construction celebration for 50 years in business | Brick South, Thompson’s Point, Portland, Maine.

5/18. About to walk for Crohn’s & Colitis. This image cracks me up because every face seems to lead you to another face doing another thing…

5/19. My high school pal and I tried this thing and it was only sort of scary and I’m only sort of bad at it. And we laughed about how it’s on land where people maybe partied when we were in school. Maybe.

5/20. Hooligans.

5/21. City Hall | Portland, Maine.

5/22. Bikes, books, unicorn castle time, and heart shades for this one on this day.

5/23.

5/24. My friend’s kid, Maggie is one of the coolest people I know. She plays guitar and violin. IN A GIRL BAND.

Maine Academy of Modern Music event | Bayside Bowl | Portland, Maine.

5/25. On this day I met Willard! Then went in the water while my friends floated in a giant unicorn.

5/26. MOVIE time with these two.

5/27. Neighborhood artist.

5/28. Prepping for this year’s Port Fringe. Keep your eyes peeled for the schedule and be sure to go see Seance on a Tuesday afternoon!

5/29. The other Beetle.

5/30. Met this handsome guy on a shoot.

5/31. On a rooftop. Or a boat. Almost doesn’t matter because it’s eat and drink outside season!

Ok, May that was busy and fun and now I’m ready for more sunny days by the water!

{365} Photo Project: March

Here we are, month 3 of 2019. March is a funny time in the Northeast. There are sparks of hope for warmer days, coupled with snowstorm excitement.. Ice cream stands dare to start to open for the season and Mainers line up next to piles of dirty snow to get that taste of the Summer treat.

Frankly, it’s a bit confusing.

So, my camera and I spent time inside, but also tried to get out more, and chased light around my house, neighborhood, and community. Fun with the niece, and food with friends. Splashes of color and looking for something that would work well in black & white. My journey with the 365 project seems like a mixture of predictable and we’ll see what happens! That feels right.

Here is how March and I walked together. Ups and downs and laughs and aches and pains and challenges and rewards and ending feeling like a shift was happening. Seems like the right way to end the month and the winter season….

3/1 The niece {Button} and my mom {Jamma} being entertained by animojis.

3/2 My Pal Karen and I like to get together every so often for what we are now calling “Pirate Brunch”. I am on a quest to photograph the people in my life, and I finally got her! :D

3/3 After the Neph’s one act play.

3/4 Snow!

3/5 These. I have missed them.

3/6 Office time.

3/7

3/8 Button at the salon. My new favorite thing to photograph.

3/9 Brother in law broke his leg. Last time we saw him he was recovering in the hospital. Progress!

3/10

3/11

3/12

3/13

3/14 My kitchen shows me different light and colors and it’s pretty great.

3/15 THAT JOJO BOW! More ladies hang time with Button and Jamma.

3/16 Selfies at roller derby where all my derby pals talk to her and make her feel awesome and I’m super grateful for that.

3/17 Projects for Spring.

3/18 I didn’t go in, but I liked the light and the composition so I dropped my grocery bags and took a photo. or 5.

3/19 Home nook. Metal owl by the hubs.

3/20 Feeling uninspired on this day, so I went to Smaha’s to get some yummy eats and saw this as I was headed to my car. So, again, I dropped my groceries and took out the camera, framed it a few different ways, put the camera away and picked up groceries and continued on my merry way like one does when photographing in alleys or on other people’s property.

3/21 Hung out with this kid after she got off the bus. I think this was the second outfit of the afternoon.

3/22 My Friends are fun.

3/23 Sopo.

3/24 Hangman and personal space invasion with these two xo.

3/25 More kitchen colors, etc.

3/26 Pasta steam. This is something I keep wanting to get better at shooting. So, just in case you see a similar photo again during this project…

3/27 I decided I might like Yin Yoga.

3/28 This day’s cycle class kicked my butt. I have been working on not letting that happen in the future. Or at least not as badly as it did this day. Anyway, this little space on the wall spoke to me.

3/29 I surrendered to a sick day.

3/30 A roller derby baby shower.

3/31 in the final days of 15 he sat in a chair, chatting with me, and played with his sister’s homemade ‘fortune teller.’

So, that was my March! I am sure I am not alone in being ready for Spring to show up and for more time outside. And with that, I am off to get caught up on April images….

Head Shots:: Personality with April & Lee

So you need a head shot but really want more… where do you start? Maybe with a photographer who also wants the same things for you. You can have both professional and personality-filled photos to promote your company and your brand, or to bring your social media presence up a notch. And you can get some serious or posed images to make sure people know they are dealing with pros. Pros who also know how to enjoy life.

April Cohen and Lee Goldberg of the April Cohen Team at the Bean Group.

April and her new team member, Lee, are a perfect example of using this home grown fun professionalism to show who they are and the community they love to serve.

We had only a tiny amount of fun photographing in the fog, under a bridge..

I like to call this the April Pose. We end all of her photo sessions like this.

So, here’s what we do. Pick a date and find a spot. Then show up ready to roll. Or rock. And capture who you are and what you want to share with the world. And if it happens to be gray and damp like it was on this day, that’s ok! It might even be great.

And if you are perhaps less outgoing than someone like April, don’t worry about it. You be you, and I’ll capture it as it unfolds. And hopefully we won’t find ourselves running from the law. Unless, you want to find a way to make that happen.

Nothing to see here.

Family Photos: Zephyr's Family

Years ago I met and worked with Tricia, selling lip balms for a small company, and sharing life stories over daily lunches. Since then she has moved out of Maine, and now has this group of people to call family. And luckily I got to hang out with all three of them at the beach this Fall…

Zephyr, Tricia, and Merrill.

We met at the beach on a somewhat dreary day, but you know a little bit of rain looming in the air does not have to damper a child’s excitement to see the ocean.

I love watching kids get excited when the water hits their feet. As an adult I still love that feeling! Toes in the sand and cold water around my feet never gets old. Z definitely loved getting not just her feet but her legs in the ocean water.

Those curls!

Let’s also take a moment to give it up for Zephyr’s mom who made that adorable top she’s wearing. Perfect for a beach session, and looks great in color or black & white!

Thank you, Tricia, Merrill, and Zephyr for a fun(ny) family photo sesh!

Final goofy photo on the way back to the car. Adults with a little steam left, Z is now running on empty. I appreciate this honesty :)