Simple Question Project • Carmen

I was wrapping up for the day at the studio when Carmen walked in. She asked "Is this for real?" I replied "It sure is!"

So I explained to her the question, if money was no option, what would your dream job be, it could be anything?

Her response was that she would like to work in Social Services and be able to give back to the community. She explained that as a 60 year old she has turned her life around from selling her jewelry for drug money to getting clean, moving to Maine and receiving her Bachelor's degree from USM with the goal to go for her Master's.

Carmen - Social Services

I could have talked with Carmen for a while and learn more about her journey, however another commitment called, I hope that she stops in again and fills me in with her progress. I really enjoy the conversations and stories I hear from this simple question project. With the summer pretty much here (better be by now!) I hope to get many more responses this year.

Simple Question Project • Eugene

I met Eugene when he came by a few weeks ago and asked if he could wash my windows for $4. A ridiculously low price I told him he was more than welcome to, however that I was not going to pay him $4.

He has since stopped by a few more times, once to chat about photography and a possible shoot he would like me to do for him and then again today to clean my windows again.

He asked about the question and if he would qualify -- I said absolutely! It has been a bit slow on the project with the winter and all hindering people from walking by as often.

Eugene's dream job is to be a recording artist, something I should have known as the shoot he would like me to do in the future is for an album cover. We talked more today about possible backdrops for his shoot and he likes the idea of the river, because, like a river, our lives are always moving, always changing. Fluid.

Here is Eugene.

Simple Question Project • Mary

Saturday afternoon after Halloween, just before closing, Mary came into the studio inquiring about the sign on the chalkboard.

I explained my project and what the free portrait entailed. I think she was a bit surprised by the fact that it was a "right now" portrait but was a great sport about it.

Where it was later in the day we didn't have as much natural light as I would have preferred. But we did get a nice shot. While I was taking her portrait for the project she noticed the Halloween set I still had up so I took a few of her with that set up as well.

Mary's dream job is to be a mother. After telling me about her children and grandchildren I found she was like me, and had the opportunity to do her dream job. 

CMMC Baby - William D. III

This morning I went to the Special Delivery Birthing Center at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Today was my first day as one of the two new Maternity Photographers for CMMC, and a great first day it was!

After first calling in and being told there were no babies interested in portraits I started my daily workout, about 1/2 way through I got a call back asking if I would come in to do a quick photograph for a new little guy named William for the CMMC New Arrivals Website where they share birth announcements of the babies born at the hospital.

As it was my first day in this role I had the hallmark first-day nerves to deal with. Which in my case was waking up at 4am freaking out that I didn't have any boy props in my newborn stash! Good thing I know how to crochet! Made up this super cute hat and thought "There, at least I have ONE thing to use specifically if I have a little baby boy to photograph! Oh no! Watch me get twins!!"

Even though it was a little boy that I was photographing this morning, it was just one. Phew! 

Little William was so immensely sweet, I don't think I heard him fuss the entire time I was there! It must have been all the love that was there with him, momma, auntie & a whole bunch of cousins! 

His Auntie had gotten him a super sweet little moose sleeper set, and I had the perfect prop for that (a last minute grab from the studio) a little moose for him to snuggle with! 

He enjoyed snuggling with the moose so much I was able to capture the sweetest little smile in one of my first few shots! How adorable is he?

William Gary D. III • November 10th, 2014 • 10:12 am • 7lbs 9oz • 20" long