"Move a little to your left.... Now Suck in your gut..... OK, tilt your head a little...."

I'm not typically a "portrait" photography kind of guy, but when the opportunity arrises, and I am bribed with dinner, I'll bite. Denver and Nicole Craig, two friends here in Sasebo, Japan provided such an opportunity for me recently. They needed photos for the holidays, and I (CLEARLY) needed practice posing people as I've, well, never really done it before. Here's what we ended up with. Any blemishes, double chins, poor form or posture, or food stuck in the teeth are clearly the fault and responsibility of the photographer. That being said, enjoy!

Photos were taken on top of Mt. Yumihari, overlooking "99 Islands" National Park. (And thanks for dinner Denver + Nicole!)

Home for Christmas!

I was lucky enough to make it home to NH for Christmas and New years this year. It was the first time in a few years that all of us were able to be home together. It was also Kiyono's first real Christmas as Christmas is more of a commercial holiday in Japan, and not truly celebrated. It made for an outstanding two weeks!

Jack enjoying his new book and new sled in the kitchen, since we didn't have any snow in NH!

Kiyono was so excited to come to NH for her first real American Christmas that she bought presents for the whole family! 

Dad/Grandpa and Jack enjoying the Christmas morning flurries! 

Brian, apparently with some sort of nasal problem.....

Jack looking at me looking at him with my camera.

Grandma at Christmas dinner!

Juli contemplating the complexities of the universe..... 

Jeanne and Lynn having a good time at dinner!

Jordan with his usual "Paul why are you pointing that thing at me" expression.

Uncle Dave came too!

 

This is the first time in a few years we had everyone together. It was exactly what I needed. 

Kiyono-chan enjoying a sunset on Lake Massabesic. 

Anata wa bijin desu Kiyono-chan!!

Kiyono enjoying her first winter hike in Holderness, NH!

"Nani Paulu-Chan?"

The View. 

(Of the lakes, not Mike Mead, but thanks for providing a sense of scale, Mike!)

Boston Commons

Kiyono enjoying the steps in front of the State House in Boston, MA.

The State House in Boston, MA.

The old State House in Boston, MA. 

Lunch in Faneuil Hall!

Mom took this picture of me on one of our walks around Lake Massabesic.

The Sunset on Lake Massabesic