Lifesessions Photograpy the Blog

Layla {childrens photography}

Josh — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:40:40 +0000

Meet Layla. This little one is so full of energy that I could barely keep up during our hour session. Also.. did I mention that she is possibly the cutest little girl I’ve ever met. The red curls, mile wide smile and amazing energy made this photo session extra special. What amazing images with real smiles and a real personality! Thank you for the awesome session! So here we are at Deering Oaks Park in Portland, Maine. Be sure to hit like on Facebook too.

Thoughts of London

Josh — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:56:03 +0000

My residence for over 5 years, place of marriage and birth of my son; this is the best city in the world, London. A blast from the past in images. I will be back next year for a visit!

This is Battersea Power, an old decommissioned power source for London. It just looks like a symbol of great power. It’s one of my favorites sites along the Thames.

Camden Market – home of everything weird and obscure.

Canary Wharf – London’s business district.

St. Paul’s in the City of London. Taken from Hampstead Heath.

Lloyds of London.

The London Eye.

A foggy night along Queens Walk with the London Eye hinting in the background.

Behind me as I took this was St. Stephens Tower (Big Ben) and Parliment. Seems so serene for the insane hustle and bustle that was behind me!

I guess this would have been our local pub. Just 50 or so steps from out flat on Canonbury Street, N12TA.

Another super early morning in London. Look at those shadows!

London fog along the Thames. I just love this image! Classic London!

View from the Tate Modern. By the way, all the museums in London are free. Tate Modern; a place of inspiration for the creative.

On the south side of the Thames looking at Canary Wharf.

The Tower Bridge.

Trafalgar Square Underground

Battersea Power

Camden Market. Need any goth stuff?

looking to see more? see my gallery of London here

Sammy

Josh — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:10:10 +0000

Meet Sammy, just a young boy of about 18 months. He’s got a gorgeous smile and saves it for only the funniest things… or when he’s looking at his mommy. He wasn’t even slightly impressed with my camera or lens. But I do have a plan for next time and it will likely involve gluing my sons Thomas train to the tip of my lens. That will certainly work! These sessions are all about chaos, often bribery and lovely photos (of course!). Sammy was truly a champ!

On a more serious note, Sammy will soon be undergoing an invasive cardiac surgery to repair a hole in his heart. Our hearts go out to him and his family for strength during this tense and stressful time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Album Cover from “The View”

Josh — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:51:55 +0000

This was the “Album Shoot” featuring the talented young artist Isaiah. After lots of thinking and discussion he decided that “The View” in Portland was the place to make the photograph and I’m glad he did. I threw out some of my own ideas but this was for his album and it needed to communicate what he wanted. Portland was his town. What a view and perfect location for the shoot! Thank you and nice work! So here we go with some of my favorites:

What a fun session and best of luck to Isaiah!

All in the eyes {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:29:47 +0000

If she has taught me one thing she has taught me that the photograph is made in the eyes. It’s the most important part of the expression which at the very top of the list in what makes great people photography. Yeah sure you need light, good light but if the expression is bad and the eyes don’t speak to you then it gets tossed. I’ve always been a stickler for super sharp images but am learning really fast that that doesn’t matter much either. Expression, expression, expression!!

My little rock stars!

Easter Weekend!

Josh — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:57:53 +0000

Rachel

Josh — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:48:58 +0000

Waiting for Spring

Josh — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:39:10 +0000

Hello there! I’ve been away, on a bit of a hiatus per se. I’m stretching out now and gearing up for the spring. Welcome to 2012!

From the Children’s Museum in Boston

Happy Holidays from Lifesessions Photography!

Josh — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:27:17 +0000

Wishing you the warmest, most festive holiday season and a wonderful year to come. And a special “thank you” to all of my wonderful clients who have given me the opportunity to photograph their beautiful families. The days, months and years blink by so fast and to preserve that moment, that memory is so important in the human experience. Let’s live today, for the moment that we call now and remember to look back on the blessings that we have been given and give thanks. Thank you!! Joshua Atticks

The Decker Family {family photography}

Josh — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:28:24 +0000

What a photogenic family! Here’s some of my favorites:

William {baby photography}

Josh — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:26:11 +0000

Meet baby boy William again! He was only about 4 months when we meet for his first photo session a year ago. Well, this time he wasn’t quite sure about the guy with the camera who was clearly interfering with play time. So it took a bit of a warm up period, a short nap and some of my best weird noises and faces and then, finally…. we got the smiles. Patience is the key! It was worth the wait for that brilliant smile and laugh. Here’s a couple from the session:

Now that is joy!

The Deckers {sneak peek}

Josh — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:34:04 +0000

I was thinking “police line-up”… “look tough” and I’ll throw some hard, fully gelled light. This is what I got. Can’t wait to show the rest of the shoot. These guys were really where as cool as they look here!

Leo and Rachel {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:09:04 +0000

Kids…. it’s rarely easy to get a good photograph, then when you start adding more it gets even harder. We had a quick session out in the back to try for a Christmas card. Try was the key word here as Rachel would not have it, even with the dried cranberry snack.. bribe. Next time well try the M&M’s!

Weekend Snaps! {in the life}

Josh — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:07:55 +0000

After a week with two sick kids the weekend was a short refuge and thankfully we all got a bit of rest. Here’s some highlights:

A morning walk down to Spurwink Farm where even the donkey has sea views.

Homemade play-doh always a blast. And fun to throw at daddy expensive lens.

Salty too!

And then off for an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine.

I just couldn’t help myself!

Views from Jordan’s Farms, Cape Elizabeth

Josh — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:49:16 +0000

I took my son out for a bike ride this past Sunday evening just loving the last moments of warmer weather. The camera was of course in stow and we took a short pit stop here at Jordan’s Farm. The sun was dropping fast and I really wanted to get a silhouetted shot of the farm equipment with the sun setting in the background. I was thinking; huge sun, hard light and flares galore but unfortunately we missed it. The sun was dropping to fast and we arrived just minutes late for the shot. No matter though, the light was still perfect and warm as it blanketed the countryside for a brief moment before the cool evening air moved in. I was happily snapping away enjoying a perfect moment.

Fire Chief Leo {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:26:47 +0000

A little boys dream come true. South Portland had an open house at the fire department and all the trucks and facilities were open for play. Luckily, Gemma was on the scene with camera in hand! These are my favorites:

Here’s the Fire Chief back at home on his red fire tricycle with his partner Rachel on the latter truck.

The Brinley Family {family portrait session}

Josh — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:05:56 +0000

Luke {senior portrait session}

Josh — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:11:26 +0000

Introducing Luke, senior photo session at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth. All I can say is that he looks like a rock star. Lighthouse not include! The total set was over 45 awesome photos and here are just a couple of my favorites. Cheers!

The McCabe Family {family photography}

Josh — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:20:42 +0000

Thank you Facebook. I guess I’ll have to say… Facebook really does bring the world together! An old friend from high school contacted me via my Facebook page and, loving my work (toot, toot) was looking for some photos of her family. Yes please! From what I remember back in way back yesteryear, this would be the picture perfect family photo session. And it was! And it was really lovely to see an old friend and the beautiful family she has made for her self. Here’s some of the shots:

Kirsten and Lucas {wedding photography}

Josh — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:36:58 +0000

Meet Kirsten and Lucas – Married at the lovely Doubling Point Lighthouse on the Kennebeck River here in Maine. I met them in Portland for an engagement session about a year earlier and had a blast snapping away as we made our way through the Old Port. I know their wedding day would be awesome and it really was, with a full helping of downeast style too! They really did it right picking a perfect Maine lighthouse as the backdrop for their nuptials and followed it up with a party at the farm house. My favorite was the woopie pie wedding cake! Here’s some of my favorites from the day:

Leo and Dylan

Josh — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:22:55 +0000

I’ve been doing some organizing in Lightroom and stumbled on some old photos from this past summer. So cute.. here’s Leo and his cousin Dylan hanging out at Pop and Gram-ma’s.

Bethany {senior session}

Josh — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:28:23 +0000

Here we are on location at Pineland Farms for a senior shoot with Bethany. Pineland Farms was a perfect backdrop for the session with the lovely lawns, ponds, and most importantly the stables. I think we covered the whole grounds then headed up to the horse barn to visit with Cinnamon. How perfect that she was available to be in the shoot! Here’s a few of the photos:

Rachel up and walking {in the life}

Josh — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:11:46 +0000

Ferry Beach, Scarborough {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:36:25 +0000

To be able to shoot anytime anywhere and come up with something decent is what being a photographer is all about. I am getting there… and for a practice session we headed off to Ferry Beach during the harsh mid afternoon sun for an attempt to return home with images of lite faces and bright eyes. There will be no raccoon eyes or squinting here! For this session I took my old Nikon D200 (beach camera) fitted with a 17-55 f2.8 and SB800 wired to be hand held off camera with ttl. For the first three images the camera was set in manual mode at f5 and 1/250. I wanted a shallow dof and tried to reduce the ambient as much as possible with my shutter at the highest sync speed of 1/250 of a second. So here’s the images.. ambient just about blown out but Rachel is looking great. Success! Alright now lets see if we can gain a bit more control of the ambient light. The next image I put the camera in Auto FP mode which allows the flash to sync with the shutter at much higher speeds. The image was taken at f5 at 1/1500 of a second. Now the beach looks the way it should and Rachel is flashed to expose her face properly. Lookin good! I then took the camera out of Auto FB mode and tried to control the ambient by adjusting the aperture. The cameras shutter was set at 1/250 (highest sync rate without using Auto FB) and f/14 which perfectly exposed for the sea and sand behind. Now the flash had to step up to the plate, hit a homer and illuminate the face, which is no easy task when you have to light something at f/14 and thru a diffusion dome. The SB800 was about 3 feet from her face and firing at almost full power. – cheers!

First day of nursery school {in the life}

Josh — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:59:15 +0000

He was talking about it for weeks prior and couldn’t wait for the big day. It was his first day at nursery school! “They have a huge sand box with diggers and dump trucks there!” It’s been a bit over a week now and he still thinks its the best. Here he is on his first day, back pack ready to go!

In the life at Kettle Cove {baby photography}

Josh — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:22:21 +0000

I’m a believer in morning sessions when it comes to photographing babies. A good sleep will make anyone smile and indeed it worked for this little girl! She was smiling as soon as her mom took her out of the car. After a rainy night we meet a Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth for a great session capturing the moment. Here’s some images from the session.

I Guess that’s a wrap!

Evening at Higgins Beach {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:52:32 +0000

A wedding album {wedding photography}

Josh — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:41:09 +0000

This is an example of a custom album, 10″x10″, book bound, and 60 pages. The first image is the back cover, inseam, then front cover (left to right).

Flash! {in the life}

Josh — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:47:57 +0000

How to make blah into yeah! Shall we make the sun set in our bathroom window and have a mini session? Well, this is exactly what we did. SB800 on a really tall stand, full CTO gel at max power located outside the window. As if you couldn’t guess!

Ozzie and Jax having a “fresh” water break.

There’s a car in my oven!!

I wish I had a fake arm for this one.

A self portrait {in the life}

Josh — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:45:42 +0000

Things have been busy here in the post production lab, real busy! Here’s the result of some flash fun.

The Great State of Maine Air Show {in the life}

Josh — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:15 +0000

This Saturday at the retired Navy air base in Brunswick, ME was the Great State of Maine Air Show. What a great time we had checking out the sites and sounds of the planes as the zoomed overhead. The booths were cool too and we got to sit in some Army vehicles and do some pull up for the Marine Corps (mind you I did squeak out 20!). It was quite the hot and humid day and the sun was really beating us down. Next time I’ll bring the the chairs, lots of sunscreen, and an umbrella and we’ll make the whole day. We didn’t manage to see the Blue Angels but we did have a fantastic time. Here’s some photos from out day:

Morning Light {in the life}

Josh — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:26:58 +0000

Previously in my blog I mentioned that I might wake up early one morning to revisit my favorite sunflower field in some warm morning light. Well this morning showed all the promising signs and as I laid in bed my brain started racking and I just had to go. So with a coffee in one hand and my camera bag in the other I headed off. I arrived a bit early and noticed that the field was not yet illuminated so to burn some time I took a walk down the path, deeper into the farm. As I turned a corner I could see some yellow through the trees and soon was approaching a huge, super field of sunflowers. What a find and what a lovely morning. Here’s some of the photos:

Kirsten and Lucas {wedding sneak peek}

Josh — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:15:33 +0000

Stay tuned for more from Kirsten and Lucas’s fabulous wedding. Coming soon from Lifesessions Photography!

Doubling Point Light, Kennebec River, ME

A sea of sunflowers {landscape photography}

Josh — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:58:31 +0000

Yesterday on the way to Hannaford Leo and I saw this most amazing field of sunflowers with the perfect back lighting. We quickly bought our ice cream and other goodies and sped home for my camera and step ladder. We are expecting rain over the next couple days and would be kicking myself if I missed this light. So off I went and captured these just before the clouds rolled in and blocked the sun. I think I may stop by at this location once again for some morning light, then maybe on a clear night under a full moon for a super long exposure (okay, one could dream). Location: Spurwink Ave. (just before the horse barn), Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Like these, why not get one huge in canvas! Click here for a print!

A year with Rachel {in the life}

Josh — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:01:26 +0000

It seems like it was just yesterday that we were bringing her home from Maine Medical Center. Now look at her go! We love her so much… Happy birthday to my little girl, Rachel!!!

Click on the slide show and turn up the volume for the year of photos.

happiness is a kite {family session}

Josh — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 04:00:14 +0000

This sequence was taken from a family photo shoot here in Cape Elizabeth. I just love it as they show the pure joy of being five and having the best time ever!

She’s looking at her mommy.

Hey Dylan! {baby photography}

Josh — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:17:01 +0000

Picnic at Kettle Cove {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:37:41 +0000

We met up with friends at Kettle Cove for an evening of fresh air, great views and fantastic food. I love it here! And that light was just about as yummy as the spicy shrimp on the grill. Here’s some quick snaps from our evening after dinner.

“This time please look at the camera and smile”

Summer Snaps! {in the life}

Josh — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:45:03 +0000

The Beach at Pine Point, Scarborough, Maine

For those of you who don’t know. This is Ozzie!

Snaps from the week {in the life}

Josh — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:35:56 +0000

Summer is here with a vengeance and luckily here in “vacation land” we have the best places to cool off. That of course is the cold Atlantic ocean… or maybe Aquaboggan to change things up once in awhile. Monday is discount day there and so we went with the two kiddos. This was Leo’s first pool experience and at first he was very timid. Then we found the toddler section and soon he was having a blast. Aquaboggan is a great low key water park for children. I think it’s great that you can bring in your own food too.

This will be our third year at the Yarmouth Clam Festival! Off to Newcastle to visit the grandparents and a stop by Reds… for a photo that is.

Love Reds but this time we tried out Sprague’s Lobster. Really good!

Can you tell Rachel had corn on the cob?

Satruday morning at the Farmers Market in Deering Oaks Park, Portland

Supermarkets can never compete with this stuff. Non GMO veg, grass fed beef, fresh eggs from real farms. Let’s make this a habit!

Meet Rosie {baby session}

Josh — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:58:11 +0000

This is what photography is all about. Preserving the moment… and those gorgeous eyes and smile of a six month baby. Before you know it she’ll be walking, then off to school and then a life ahead. Life really does fly by. We had a great session! I made some weird sounds and played a couple musical instruments while snapping away. Rosie and her mom did an amazing job looking great! Here’s some shots from the session:

These two are my favorites!

Lynn and Adam {engagement session}

Josh — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:59:35 +0000

I can almost hear Adam saying, “honey before dinner why don’t we take a quick walk on the beach at Mackworth Island?”. He’s a pretty cleaver guy to orchestrate this one (and a smart one for calling me to document the whole thing!). It was a rainy, blah evening but thankfully the clouds soon cleared and then their car arrived. I tried to be some kind of bird photographer in the moment with my long 70-200mm mounted on the front of my camera… and then it all happened. It was quite the moment. Pure happiness would be an understatement.

She has no idea!

Rachel {mini baby session}

Josh — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:45:27 +0000

It’s amazing how quickly babies grow into little people. You blink and then they are crawling and then soon they aren’t so chubby anymore. Where did the time go? Mommy took Leo off to go shopping so this little one was all mine for a little mini session. That’s after I cleaned the house, of course. Here’s Rachel at 10 months!

Summer is here!

Josh — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:40:50 +0000

Summer is here.. well kind of. I don’t think we’ve had two consecutive days over 80 degrees as of yet but I’m still hopeful. Here’s Leo enjoying his ice cream at Kettle Cove Creamery which of course was followed by a visit to Kettle Cove for a dip in the sea. Yup, he went in with is shirt, shorts and Keen’s on and then had a roll in the sand to top it all off. We’ve smartened up and now have a change of clothes in the car… just in case. The bit I can’t figure out is why at home water on the clothes is such a problem. Even a little drop of water on his shirt is followed by “wet sleeves!!!”. Enjoy the good weather!!

Anyone Need a Stroller? {in the life}

Josh — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:27:46 +0000

Anyone out there looking for a Quinny Buzz 4 stroller/pram? Well we’re selling ours with all the fixings. And since this is a photography site I just couldn’t help to post the photos on my blog!

Snaps from the Weekend {in the life}

Josh — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:51:05 +0000

Here’s a handful of pics from the weekend (Saturday that is). The weather forecast said sun all weekend until Friday night when they changed their tune. We made the best of the gray drizzly weather and caught the parade on Shore to Fort Williams. Then it was off to the Air Expo at the Portland Jetport. It was just Leo and I and we had the best time checking out all the cool airplanes. We were able to board each plane and ask any questions to the military servicemen who where especially friendly and accommodating. If you haven’t been to the Air Expo then mark your calendar now and we’ll see you there next year! Here’s the pics;

Leo was also very interested in the snow removal truck on the right.

HH-60 Black Hawk

The USAF B-2 Spirit “Stealth Bomber” in flight. Your looking at just about 1 billion dollars right there!!

From this angle it looks like some kind of punctuation mark.“Miss Hap” – General Hap Arnold’s personal airplane. A B-25 Mitchell 1940. Just looking at the style and design takes me back to a time I’ve lived only in print through fascinating novels set in the time.

Douglas C47 Skytrain (a.k.a. DC3 & Dakota) – 1940. I love how they paint images of lovely ladies on their planes.

Then off to Wild Willies for a burger! Voted best in New England.

Leo looking like a cool guy.

and then back home.

Evan and Peter {wedding photography}

Josh — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:36:30 +0000

Meet Evan and Peter, newlyweds and now celebrating their first month together as husband and wife. When I first met Peter and Evan in the Old Port for an engagement shoot I thought that certainly this was my lucky day. Stylish and good looking and then when you get them together a bit of magic happens. So we got some pretty amazing photos from that shoot and I just couldn’t wait to shoot the real deal, the wedding. It took place on April 30th at the lovely Black Point Inn in Scarborough, Maine. It was the perfect day. Here are some of my favorites. Thank you to Evan and Peter!

To view the entire gallery simply enter your access code below

Passwords are usually the brides maiden name, lower case, no spaces.

Acadia National Park {in the life}

Josh — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:12:40 +0000

This year for our family vacation we decided that Acadia National Park would be the place to go. It could have not been a more perfect holiday! No cell phone reception, no internet, no crowds, just views galore and fresh air. Lovely! The kids were perfect too and let us enjoy 3 epic bike rides around the beautiful park. Honestly though, it did feel a bit like we were on some kind of “fat camp” as I pulled a trailer full of kids (and camera) up some huge hills. Thank you Mother Nature for the decent weather! Here’s some of the pics from the trip.

America’s first light atop the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Taken at 05:10Bar Harbor in the wee early morning. (4:30)

Sand Beach, Acadia National ParkOne of the various waterfalls seen from the carriage roads.

Evan and Peter {wedding photography}

Josh — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:30:42 +0000

Congratulations to Evan and Peter!! An amazing couple and an amazing wedding. I’ll soon be posting the story of their wonderful day. Please stay tuned!!

Easter and a Birthday {in the life}

Josh — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:02:14 +0000

Here’s some snaps from the weekend. Happy B-Day Pop!! What a wonderful Easter party with the family.