CUTLINE: Nashua North fans get fired up before the Titans girls volleyball match-up against the Pinkerton Astros Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Pinkerton Academy. The Astros blanked the Titans 3-0 in during the semifinal round of the Division I NHIAA tournament.

TECH SPECS: f/1.4, 1/200, ISO 400, 24mm

THOUGHTS: It’s funny how you have an afterthought about a shot that occured weeks ago. I thought this frame really spelled out the spirit of battle in competition. I saw this gaggle of fans wait for another volleyball team to finish when they started their chanting. I had shot the football players earlier this day and they recognized me. It was nice they knew me so they felt comfortable with me shooting them up close. Too bad the girls lost.

CUTLINE: Maria Rosario, center, of New Bedford, Mass. becomes emotional during Barack Obama’s presidential acceptance speech watching via television Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Manchester. Obama ousted Republican rival John McCain to become the 44th president of the United States. “It’s a historic moment,” Rosario said. “It’s the epitome of what humanity is all about. I’m honored to be in this moment.”

TECH SPECS: f/1.4, 1/50, ISO 800, 24mm

THOUGHTS: I was watching the scene waiting for some emotion from the crowd. After a few yells and screams from other onlookers, I saw this woman. I’ll admit, another photograher was on her first, but he was flashing her face not taking advantage of ambient light, possibly because of the fact he did not want to use a higher ISO. Alas, I moved in and focused on trying not to include too much clutter behind her head while trying to include as many faces as possible. The end result I had several to choose from but this one stood out due to its framing and emotion. I think it’s a simple frame with a subtle moment on how most of America is feeling about a new president. Partisan rhetoric aside, you cannot deny change is coming. I hope it’s in the right direction and that the Obama hype is what it is cracked up to be.

CUTLINE: From left, Steve Dahl, comforts his daughters, Emily, 1, and Angelica, 3,  and Bethany, 11, Thursday, Oct. 23 at their home in Nashua. Last Sunday, the family experienced the next door neighbor’s apartment burning, causing heat damage to their home. According to Steve, the two youngest girls have been emotionally traumatized from seeing the flames and firefighters breaking down their door. The Dahl’s have put up black trash bags over their windows so the girls don’t have to be reminded of the charred remains a few feet from their apartment. All day I hear, ‘People are coming, people are coming in,’ or ‘Save me, protect me daddy,’” Steve said. “They are so traumatized they now run in circles when someone comes to the door, not knowing where to be safe.”

TECH SPECS: f/1.4, 1/85, ISO 800, 24mm

THOUGHTS: This is from the same series as the previous fire photograph portrait. Again, my heart goes out to this family and people in such unfortunate circumstances. While I wish I had less noise in the photo and a touch more depth of field, it summed up pretty well. The emotion and mood of the family was startled and skiddish. The kids were afraid to even be near me because I was a stranger. Let us all keep these and others in our prayers.

PURCHASE: Click here.

CUTLINE: Jennifer Dahl stands in the backyard of her heat-damaged apartment Thursday, Oct. 23 in Nashua. On Sunday, Oct. 19, a three-alarm blaze occurred next door destroying two apartments. Her landlord surveyed the damaged and assessed her apartment as “habitable.” However, since, Jennifer, her husband, and three girls have been experiencing breathing problems, vomiting, anxiety and/or insomnia. “They are trying to insinuate it (the fire) was our fault,” Dahl said. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through.”

TECH SPECS: f/5.6, 1/320, ISO 400, 24mm

THOUGHTS: When I first met up with Jennifer she seemed a little down about her house. Who wouldn’t? Her situation was not pleasant. She showed me her back porch area and I saw how bad the heat damage really was, it was bad. I thought it was crazy what her landlord was saying that the place was “habitable.” Our recent coverage of slum lords printed in the graph should have included their landlord. I felt terrible for the Dahl’s misfortune. So I wanted to show the detail in the side of the house. Jennifer didn’t really want to look at the camera, she seemed pretty bummed. Again, I don’t blame her. In the take, I think this frame said it all.The resulting photo ended up in a half-real moment, intended portrait. These are some of the best portraits because they contain the emotion of the moment with the information to wrap around that emotion. The light was nice so I worked with it to my favor. They will be in my prayers.

PURCHASE: Click here.

CUTLINE: Emily Reveal, 5, center, of Nashua looks on to see a puppet show performed Saturday, Oct. 18 in Greeley Park. Hundreds came out to support Children’s Day/Lights On After School event. This year marked the fifth annual Lights on After School which promotes after school activities in conjunction with the first annual Children’s Day. Children’s Day  was created by Samita Mohanasundaram, a junior at Nashua High School North, who initiated the day as a way to recognize, inspire and educate children. She is currently working to approve it as a national holiday.

TECH SPECS: f/1.4, 1/2700, ISO 100, 24mm

THOUGHTS: Everything was rolling visually. I felt “in the zone.” I had already gotten some safe shots before this shot, so I decided to see what would come of kids watching a puppet show. I planted myself near them and scooted closer as the show went on. Initially, they stared at me but after about 30 seconds, soon lost interest.

Would I have liked to incorporate the puppets? You bet. However, after seeing no reaction, I was about to give up hope until this little girl in the back, clinging her fingers to the edge of her mouth became excited at the end and smiled in a soft subtle way. The supporting children helped add to the frame. I knew I had something after I shot it and thought it looked more soulful in black and white. The tones really set this ethereal mood for a cherub-like child.

Afterward, being a responsible photojournalist, I talked with the mother and asked for her name. The mother, being a concerned parent, asked for identification. I showed it to her and was on my merry way.

I love children. I learn a lot from them the more I am around them. They remind me of the simple pleasures in life. I love them as Heavenly Father views me as his child. I respect them and honor them. Why? Because they are more perfect than me. I say that in the sense that they came from Heavenly Father more recently than me, they are perfect and are free from sin. Whenever, I photograph children I always think of the scripture from the Bible…

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3

PURCHASE PHOTO: Click here.

CUTLINE: Julia Ruth Stevens, center, of Ariz., daughter of legendary Yankees baseball player Babe Ruth, holds up Maddix Newton, 3 months, of Milford, with his grandmother Mary Seagroves of Lyndborough, left, while Glenna Mori directs to pose for a picture Saturday, Oct. 4 in Milford. Stevens came for over an hour to sign her newly authored book book Babe Ruth: Remembering the Bambino in Stories, Photos & Memorabilia. Dozens came out to see her and talk with the living legend. “I do this to keep his name alive,” Stevens said.

TECH SPECS: f/1.8, 1/2000, ISO 100, 24mm

THOUGHTS: I wasn’t sure what to think before going to cover this book signing in a little shop in Milford. To my surprise, the crowded little store revealed a wonderful little lady with rich stories and a packed house of eager Ruth fans. I wasn’t initially going to do any multimedia but as I investigated her and heard her talking with the people it was too rich a history to pass up. Besides, she is 92 and I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

My face beamed as she relayed stories to me. I asked her about how her father was as a person, dating, her thoughts of him in pop culture, the called shot and others. In the end I felt as if I had talked to the legend himself. So far this has been the best interview I’ve appreciated.

As for the photo, it really is nothing all that great but it struck a chord with me as a fun moment revealing her personality and character. I love the lady off to the right directing.

I walked away today knowing the Great Bambino a little bit more and know whenever I hear or talk about him I will smile and think about Julia and this day.

AUDIO: Julia Ruth Stevens: Remembering the Great Bambino

CUTLINE: David Quinn wrestles with his son Corey, 11, after work while, from left, his wife Gina, Carli, 9, and Cally, 16, look on, at their home Oct. 2 in Hollis. The family will be aired tomorrow night on the CBS show “Supernanny,” after spending two weeks in March with nanny Jo Frost. The premise of the show is to help mend dysfunctional families. “I think the kids, and I know Gina and I, have really benefitted from her.”

TECH SPECS: f/2.8, 1/100, ISO 800, 24mm

THOUGHTS: When I found this moment I was kinda so so on it. Quite honestly I wish other moments had held up better, but my poor execution, mostly focus issues, left me with this as the front runner. Those f/1.4 prime lenses are tough but I am determined to “get to know my new equipment.” Nonetheless, I forge ahead.

Looking at this image again and again it really says what this family is all about. Slightly chaotic/busy but fun and loving at the same time. I think we as American households aren’t too far off from this image. The Quinn family were humble and kind enough to let ABC and The Telegraph into their home to document. I know they will turn out for the better in the years to come.

CUTLINE: Nashua North’s Dominika Legatova lets out a hearty yell with her teammates after winning a point over Bishop Guertin Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Bishop Guertin High School. The Titans edged the Cardinals 3-2.

TECH SPECS: f/2.0, 1/320 (two remote Alienbee B800’s at full power bounced off ceiling), ISO 125, 85mm

THOUGHTS: This is a pretty standard jube shot. However, I was excited to use my new 85mm lens to see how it would handle for sports. My overall analysis is it handled very good. Sometimes it was hard to nail the focus tack tack sharp in a moments notice but when you did nail it, the frame was h-a-w-t.

This was my first time shooting on strobes for sports in quite awhile. I was not as rusty as I thought. Overall I was pleased with this moment. It’s got nice enegy with good supporting elements in the blurred background. If I had to be nit picky I’d like all the hands in the background shown but nonetheless a good moment. Not a portfolio keeper but worthy for strong daily work.

PURCAHSE THIS PHOTO

CUTLINE: Telegraph staff writer Joe Cote walks down N.H. Route 111 on way to The Hatch convenient store in Hollis. A robbery broke out at 8:30 p.m. with no known suspects.

TECH SPECS: f/1.4, 1/60, ISO 1600, 24mm

THOUGHTS: While on assignment Tuesday night I was with Telegraph staff writer Joe Cote. We were called to a robbery after hearing it on the police scanner. Letting him lead, I knew the light was beautiful streaming from the scene. I snapped this off. IT reminded me of a dream I once had.

CUTLINE: Nashua South’s Brian Goleman can’t stop a goal from Exeter Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Nashua High School South. Exeter edged South 2-1.

TECH SPECS: f/2.8, 1/3200, ISO 400, 300mm

THOUGHTS: I was really focusing on anticipation with this shot. The whole game I kept going back to Rick Rickman’s philosophy on, “…anticipate, anticipate, anticipate.” Those words kept echoing in my mind this day. Because I have to admit I have been off my A-game in shooting sports lately, well at least fallen from the high standards I adhere to. So today I just said to myself, “Corey, It’s not like you can see the future but you can prepare yourself for the moment.” That old Think Tank Photo slogan, “Be ready before the moment,” really is true.  The days I am off I notice myself being behind the play, reacting to what’s in front of me rather than using a heighten sensitivity to my surroundings to what is going to happen next. Sports being the most predictable there really is no excuse.

This shot came off of a goal kick, which yeah, makes it a lot more achievable but it was a nice frame when I looked at the LCD. I thought it would be the frame that he was stopping that would possibly be published but I liked the relationship of the eyes to the ball. The flying in the air and still eying that ball says a lot. I was happy with the composition too, something I’ve been focusing on a lot more lately. Editing with my feet has been a bigger focus ever since switching to mostly prime lenses for daily work. In the end this will most likely make it’s way into the portfolio of my sports work since I have zero soccer in there right now.

This blog has been interesting so far because people that I shoot get a chance to see my photographic thoughts and talk with me on assignment. Brian Goleman’s father came up to me and mentioned that this thoughts section was interesting. I told him to look tomorrow, this image would be up. Despite this being a shot scored on, what do you think Mr. Goleman?

CUTLINE: Kwang Ho Sohn takes a smoke break while creating his angelic sculptures adjacent to his tailor shop Aug. 26 in Nashua. Sohn had moved from Keene four years earlier and has been acclaimed by his work.

BACK STORY: Kwang Ho Sohn has been making angels for a little under a decade. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, an acclaimed fashion designer, he turned his sights to the States and concentrating his soul to plaster and copper mesh life-sized creations. His angels are unique and has been acclaimed by magazines and press. However, Sohn is quite quiet about raising attention to himself and his creations. He says he’s in it for himself and amid the 42 produced is more interested in reaching his goal of 100 and creating a museum dedicated to his collection.

TECH SPECS: f/2.8, 1/30, IS0 1250, 22mm

THOUGHTS: I met Sohn when I was passing downtown in my car to see his museum-like tailor shop. I had passed by his shop hundreds of times but didn’t actually stop until a few weeks ago on Aug. 8. I found out he was a shy, hard-working, wonderful Korean man with a gift and passion for creating with his hands. Originally a fashion designer, he makes angelic creations that people all over town come to see. I was pleased when I saw this shot. I had about three smoking shots from this take and really liked the complimentary colors involved. In the end this was used in the closer for my still slideshow.

THOUGHTS ON THE VIDEO (posting later): I wasn’t quite certain how this production would all lay out in the end. To be quite honest, after reviewing the images with Don, my editor, he was pleased with the images but not sure about the audio. My microphone’s cord busted during the first take and I had to scramble for a quick interview on Wednesday. Luckily I was able to come up with a solution despite me not having an ounce of b-roll to show for it. I had to listen to the track about five times before I could grammatically decypher all that was said. In the end I think his broken English adds to the unique nature of his character and his creations. Such a wonderful man. I’m honored to have told his story.

CUTLINE: Nashua South’s Brian Goleman blocks a shot from Pinkerton’s Donald Dane Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Nashua High School South. The Astros edged out the Panthers 3-2.

TECH SPECS: f/2.8, 1/3200, ISO 100, 300mm

THOUGHTS: While I wish the ball was in his hands at this moment, that wasn’t the case. I have the frame a nano second before this frame and it’s totally different. Doesn’t even remotely have this same feel. So not to take away from this moment, I wish it was more, despite its raw power. I saw this coming and was really prepared for this collision, probably moreso than the other goalie moments I have from this take, I don’t know why. But as sports action happens I always hear the words the great Rick Rickman talked about at the Missouri Photoworkshop in 2005, “You have to anticipate, anticipate, anticipate.” Overall I’m pleased from this frame, I think it does the moment justice. However, I’ll be looking for more in the future and know there are better goalie moments. Thanks Mr. Rickman.

P.S. Is it just me or is Goleman one of the best goalie names to have of all time? I was wondering the whole game, “Maybe he became a keeper because his whole life everyone kept saying, ‘Hey great soccer name.’”

CUTLINE: Head Coach Michael Palmer, for the Alvirne varsity boys soccer team, directs from left, Mike Carpenter, unidentified JV goalkeeper, Kurt Higgins, Evan LaRoche and varsity keeper Aaron Fellows before their matchup against Nashua High School North at Alvirne. Palmer is in his first year as head coach after a disappointing 3-11 last season. The Broncos edged the Titans 3-2.

TECH SPECS: f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 400, 28mm

THOUGHTS: I was on assignment to photograph this new head coach as well as peak action from the game. I was looking for something fresh, layered, and a moment. This kinda fell together for a split second and I grabbed it. I was reminded of my Eddie Adams Workshop experience where sometimes the most subtle moment can be story-telling. Although this is not the strongest moment in the world I felt it to be quirky enough to be interesting. All the players, except the keepers, are touching their lips. I find it odd that the coach was directing from his chair much like a film director. In the end they won, whatever works.

CUTLINE:From left, Chris Pike writes down the names of Adara Bourassa, 10, Abigail Pike, 10, Jacob Pike, 8, Nicole DeAlmedia, 10, David Pike, 6 and Zachary Pike, 8, all of Nashua Saturday, Aug. 30 at Mine Falls Soccer Fields in Nashua. A few groups of kids competed in the annual Elks Soccer Shoot that ran for about three hours.

TECH SPECS: f/5.0, 1/2000, ISO 400, 31mm

THOUGHTS: The instant I saw this scene, I thought I was in Mexico. I normally don’t use photos with kids looking at my lens but the innocents in their eyes really help make this photo. It’s not a portfolio keeper but I think it works. I dunno what do you think?

CUTLINE: Wanda Rascoe of Nashua photographs a water lilly Saturday, Aug. 30 at Camp Sargent in Merrimack. Dozens came out to celebrate the lives Eaton D. Sargent,  Frederic E. Shaw and George R. LaRocque as they were posthumonously inducted into the Camp Sargent Hall of Fame by the Nashua YMCA. Families spent the day playing games, eating and reminiscing about growing up around the camp. “I thought it was great,” Roscoe said. “It brought back a lot of good memories for my husband as a child.”

TECH SPECS: f/4.0, 1/3200, ISO 400, 16mm

MY THOUGHTS: I saw this lady lay down to photograph these water lillies and thought it looked beautiful yet playful. I felt this one was a bit different because you have a person so intently photographing a flower amid this angry sky. The juxtaposition really complimented nicely, I thought. Overall I was pleased with the frame after shooting practically nothing the entire event.

Well I’ve decided to be a bit more prfessional and move my blog to wordpress.com. While blogger.com is a adequate, I felt wordpress was a bit more intuitive. I hope the move for you all is not very painful.

My goal with the new site is to podcast as well as explain my feelings, thoughts, variables, settings and other pertainent information on my visual journalism on a DAILY BASIS. You’ll also most likely see video and multimedia links. For now it’s one step at a time so bear with me as I figure out the look and format of this blog. I thank all of you for supporting me as I go through my life on a visual journey.

Best,

Corey Perrine