hold•life•still
The Medway Lions has graciously gifted my services to the graduating class of 2020. With graduation being limited to only two guests, we are using the next few weeks to get photos of the graduates and their families ahead of the August 2nd date. My last few families booked together for a group shot. Twenty-three families tonight to start with many more to go.
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Another “Small Planet” shot. This one is over the Charles River in Medway. The sun is higher on the horizon than yesterday’s. Better light, better clouds. I have gotten a few questions on the details of how it is done. Using my drone, I take 26 photos, all from the same location/height. Rotating the drone to overlap the images. I have a program that will stitch the images together. The key is a clear sky, clouds make a considerable difference, yesterday the sun was too low, so it was harsh light. I look forward to doing more—a matter of finding the right subject.
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A new look over Medway at sunset. Great sky for it tonight.
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Another event in the days of COVID. The Medway Middle School, 8th-grade class, had a parade in front of the school to celebrate the students moving on to High School. So many smiling kids and happy teachers greeting them. Congratulations class of 2024.
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A summer view at the local park.
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When the year tosses obstacles, the community comes up with solutions. In this case, June 7th was supposed to be Medway High School graduation day. With all going on, that did not happen, so the school organized a unique event for the Senior class to pick up their caps and gowns. Teachers lined up and cheered on the students as they paraded in the schools parking lot to collect their gear, Graduation will go on just later, I will be there to take photos. In the meantime, I was on hand to document the cap and gown event.
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Today I photographed Medway’s family-friendly march and rally in support of Black Lives Matter. It is one of the most moving and important days I have been a part of. We closed Holliston Street and Main Street down with the march. Then listened to moving words from town officials, Chief Tingley of the Medway PD, residents, students, and guest speakers. Inspirational words that needed to be heard. Thoughts that needed to be provoked. Stories that must hurt to share. A special thank you to Trinity, Medway High School student, an incredible young woman and in my opinion one of the bravest voices I have ever heard from, for sharing what we all needed to hear. The organizers put this rally together in a very short time and it was perfect. Thank you to them and the Medway Police Department for this inspirational and safe event. I am better for having attended, with all this said; what a beautiful world it would be if we never needed another like it. Be kind. It’s really that easy.
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A walk around the park at dusk.
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One additional photo from the Matondi Square session a couple of days back. I incorporated some photos of the Colonel, who the square is named after, as a tribute for his family. Bob, Colonel’s Grandson, supplied me with the younger photo on the left, I took the one on the right in my studio for the We Are Medway Project last year before he passed at 99. Thank you to the Colonel’s family for letting me produce this image for them.
Today I was back at the square for a unique Memorial Day ceremony. We had no parade, no crowd, just a handful of people, veterans, town officials, and a few spectators watching from across the street. It was not the same, but still moving in its own way. The Medway Memorial Committee did a perfect job under the circumstances, though I look forward to the full celebration next year.
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So many things are different. March, April, and now May, many events that I photograph – I call them my ‘set it and forget it’s’. Things I truly enjoy and once one is done, I add the next year’s version to my calendar. All, like many other things, are just not happening in today’s world. Tonight was one of those, would have been I think my 9th or 10th Cocktails For Courage event, an incredible fundraiser in honor of The Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen and all the great things done in his name. It kicks off my Memorial Day weekend. Then the town parade, I always enjoy photographing that, usually the first time I see everyone out. Not this weekend. So what can I do instead, well fortunately I have some enabling town contacts and it was time for a special shoot of our memorial square in honor of this weekend.
Matondi Square is sandwiched between Village and Holliston St. in downtown Medway. Named for Colonel Michael F. Matondi who passed away at 99 years old last August. A bucket truck, a collection of uplights, an officer for safety, the very temporary removal of one street sign and quiet night, and the right moment for a breeze. I got a few photos of the square all done up for Memorial Day. It is a beautiful spot that I am guilty of passing without thought often. So many names, I learned a lot of history about the stones last night from the Colonel’s Grandson and Great Grandson, both who assisted with the photo. In addition to Col. Matondi, we lost a few of our elder town veterans this last year including Fred Souza and Buzz Johnson, all great men in town; each who I have seen speak in this very square on Memorial Days in the past. Thank you to all who have served.
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A year ago today I visited Redgate Farm in Medway. The Wilson’s opened up the house and barn to me and my camera. I photographed the property for their family knowing it would soon be sold. Today if you drive by it looks a lot different. The barn has been removed, though I was told it was reassembled elsewhere. The land where the barn stood now has two, very nice looking homes, and there have been some changes to the main house itself, the historic house is still there.
At the time of my shoot, I was asked not to share the photos until after the sale. After reconnecting with them this week to verify, I figured today would be a great day to post them. Thank you to the Wilson’s for allowing me access to document this for you, your family, and time. It is a beautiful house full of so much history.
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Hanlon Field is lonely.
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