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For as long as I’ve been in Maine I have dreamt of having a portrait on the cover of a magazine! How fitting that three of my favorite things, @downeastmagazine, sustainable forestry, and chainsaws would coalesce into my dream coming true! Pam Wells is such a fabulous person and does so much for sustainable forestry education! Also she wins epically for holding her chainsaw in the most unsafe way for this picture! Thank you Pam! @mfphoto, thank you as always for the assignment! . . . #chainsaws #forestry #forestryeducation #Pamwells @realstihlgirls #sustainable #womenofthewoods #maine #mainefaces #oldtownmaine #stihlchainsaws @stihl @stihlusa #mainewoods #forest #downeastmagazine #editorialphotographer #visualstorytelling (at Old Town, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B40Gus2AnUJ/?igshid=v6p2pb9vncti

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In early May I found myself in a school bus, parked far from @charlotteslegendarylobsters, with owner Charlotte Gill where she showed me how she tested getting her first lobster, Rosco, high. Her crude hot box set up consisted of a bowl attached to a air mattress pump and connected via some simple tubbing. Since I've moved to Maine I have heard of at least half a dozen different ways to cook a lobster, each claiming to be more humane than the last, but this was something different all together. My mind raced with countless questions; is it legal, will I get high from eating this, why do this? I learned quickly that at the moment the state does not allow her to dose lobsters with THC. Her key test subject, her 83 year old Episcopalian minister father, ate a whole lot of dosed lobster, and tested negative for Cannabis after taking a drug test. The article that Will Grunewald wrote for @downeastmagazine t does an amazing job of fulling explaining the whole process, legality, and effectiveness of everything (profile link). The thing is, she might be onto something, and if you talk with Charlotte for a minute it's easy to see how much heart, research, and time she has put into this. Plus if you visit her store, are baby goats out back that are so freaking cute! . . . #Maine #mainelobster #lobster #THClobster #THC #Lobsterroll #mainelobsterroll #lobsters #lobsterpound #CharlottesLegendaryLobsterPound #SouthwestHarbor #onassignment #Downeastmagazine #Maineeditorialphotographer #strangeplaces #Mainefaces #whynot (at Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1pYjofANQx/?igshid=e4h0mn7t5i5y

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My hope for this story was to provide information, visual knowledge of something that most people may not have seen before. Prior to this assignment I knew virtually nothing about cannabis and medical industry here in Maine, and I am far from any kind of expert on the matter now, but can say I am way more informed about the changes happening around Maine. The level of professionalism I witnessed while working on this story was astonishing. Producing, processing, and selling Medical cannabis is not an easy job, you are full time farmer that has to operate under strict federal and state regularions. I didn't want this story to have any sort of counter culture feel, but rather a look into an expanding industry. The landscape for Cannabis in Maine (and the USA) has been changing and hope this serves as a record of that. . The extraction process comes in many different forms; heat, butane, Co2 are some of the most common, and all results produce slightly different product. Industry expects please correct me in comments if I have incorrect information. 1. Rosin produced from pressure and heat. This amber liquid here is concentrated trichomes that has been pushed to their melting point. 2. A Short Path Distillation machine uses heat and vacuums to remove impurities from extracted material. 3. Jeff Jewett and Mike Trimm of SJR Labs transfer distilled product from one vessel to another preparing for another round of distillation. 4. Distillate being transferred 5. Residual distillate being heated to fully transfer it. 6. Distilling equipment at SJR Labs. 7. Distilled CBD oil 8&9. Vaporizer cartages being filled. Typically the clearer the distillate the less terpenes (flavor) it has. In this case once the clear distillate is produced terpenes are added back in to produce a clean flavor. 10. A selection of cannabis products available to the medical card carrying consumer. . . . #Cannabis #maine #medical #handgrown #legalweed #cannsbisfarming #cannabisbusiness #mainecannabis #mainepot #mainebusiness #green #mainefarming #mainegrown #medicalmarijuana @sjrlabs #cannabisprocessing #drying #editorial #mainephotographer #editorialphotographer #onassignment (at Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gaUXQgU1D/?igshid=iohe81eve06d

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When buds on flowering plants reach full maturity they are moved into the processing room. From here buds are hand cut from the plant and hung to dry. Plants are dried slowly as the production of cannabinoids continue during this time. Hand trimming comes next, this removes excess stem and leaves from buds before product heads to the consumer market. Like the recreational market in Maine (which has not legally been opened up yet) the medical marijuana market has a wide variety of customers who prefer their product in a variety of forms. Some product goes to market as physical plant and for others there is one more step known as extraction. The beautiful written portion of this @themainemag article by @katykelleher goes into more detail, link in profile. 1. Fully grown plants ready for harvest. 2. A plant being processed. 3. Ready to harvest bud. 4. Processed plant drying. 5&6. Hand trimming. 7. Sample product at the consumer end. (sample fo sight and smell only) 8. A Maine Licensed caregiver, Chris Lemieux in his growing room. . . . #Cannabis #maine #medical #handgrown #legalweed #cannsbisfarming #cannabisbusiness #mainecannabis #mainepot #mainebusiness #green #mainefarming #mainegrown #medicalmarijuana #trimming #cannabisprocessing #drying #editorial #mainephotographer #editorialphotographer #onassignment #plant portrait #maineorganictherapy #seaworthycannabis (at Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1d0iF-g5MN/?igshid=147lk2oska051

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"When you think about it we're basically trichome farmers," Matt Hawes, owner of Seaworthy Cannabis tells me in one of our initial conversations. Growing Cannabis is an extremely labor intensive process. Often grown from small clones, plants spend weeks growing into full leafy plants, followed by weeks more in the flowering stage. Along the way plants are tended to meticulously, from defoliating, to rotating individual flower bunches for optimal light absorption, to being supported as they increase in size under the weight of their buds. Watching the stages of this agricultural process was fascinating in both it's simplicity and extreme detail. . This past spring I got to take on an assignment that I have been wanting to to photograph for several years now, medical Cannabis in Maine. When I pitched the idea to @pdkoenig & Joel at @themainemag, I thought it was a long shot, but luck would have it they were already brainstorming a project like this! I didn't quite realize how involved this project was going to get, and am so thankful for all the people that helped out along the way, and for all that I learned while doing this. This is also my first assignment with Maine Mag, and I am so happy with the outcome, Thank you Paul & Joel. . . . #Cannabis #maine #medical #handgrown #weed #pot #legalweed #growninmaine #cannsbisfarming #cannabisbusiness #mainecannabis #mainepot #mainebusiness #mainefarming #medialpot #maineeconomy #mainejobs #trichomes #mainemagazine @meowy_jane @jarco_me #seaworthycannabis #cannabiscommunity #cannabisvariety #editorialphotographer #onassignment (at Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1brVoIBh6A/?igshid=18d3lu2ear8cc

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I recently had the joy of photographing the Roux Center for the Environment on the @bowdoincollege campus for @decormaine’s August issue. This building has a certified LEED Platinum status and was designed by @cambridgeseven architecture firm out of Cambridge Mass The warm wooden exterior is so pleasant to look at especially with the contrast of the green trees. So happy to see this image make the cover as well! . . . #architect #building #greenbuilding #LEEDbuilding #bowdoincollege #bowdoin #editorialphotographer #green #solar #solarpower #poplar #woodexterior #naturallight #modernbuilding #architecture #collegebuilding #dwell #maine #mainearchitecture (at Bowdoin College) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KHCnrAZye/?igshid=1pb2go2d9j8ol

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Excited to share this August cover of @downeastmagazine! Feeling grateful to have had two covers this year for Down East, both from completely opposite seasons! @mfphoto called me and asked if I had time to snap some food shots and a couple of styled beach scenes. A quick call to my friend, and studio building neighbor, @skipping.without.tripping and the next morning we were at Parsons beach with her amazing kids making pictures! Thank you Paige for being awesome! . Lobster Roll - @theclamshack Rum Punch - @barnaclebillysperkinscove Ice Cream - Dunne’s Ice Cream Salt Water Taffy - Goldernrod Saltwater Taffy Fried Clams - @huotsseafood Sand & Pebbles - @mwphotographic private collection . . . #maine #mainebeaches #beachfood #kennebunk #downeastmagazine #mainesummer #moresummer #summertime #beaches #beachliving #michaelwilson #michaelwilsonphotography #beachtime #beachfun #mainecoast (at Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HIDq2A05o/?igshid=1ecenlb72flot

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Spent last week on vacation with family and friends in Wildwood Crest, NJ. Nothing really beats time like this. Snapped some pictures of things that caught me eye. Now, time to tackle August! . . . #NJ #Wildwoodcrest #beaches #crabs #waves #hashtags #bluesky #NewJersey #boardwalk #sand #sandeverywhere #everywhere #summerlight #dogdays #workhard #relaxedaf #familytime (at Wildwood Crest, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ED4IAArV_/?igshid=1pctcfgiiaatd

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While putting together the Belgrade lakes story this morning for my website, I found this image of Ben and his dog Lily. Editorial shoots come with their own set of challenges, short amounts of time to tell a story, coordinating schedules of key players, and in this case a lack of local knowledge and connections. @briankevinme of @downeastmagazine connected me with Ben Ford for this story. Ben, Barb, and their dog Lily we so helpful and accommodating! From finding someone to drive me around the lake for the sailing regatta, to waking up before sunrise and carting me around in their vintage Lyman boat “Junebug.” No way this story would have happened with out their help! Thank you Ben, Barb, and Lily! . The more I do this the more I realize my favorite part of this job is getting to meet total strangers and getting to share some stories and laughs together. After all, I think that’s what being human is all about? . . . #Belgradelakes #Belgrademaine #visitmaine #maine #mainesummer #lakelife #laketime #mainelakes #lymanboats #vintageboats #lyman #downeastmagazine #boats #swimming #michaeldwilsonphoto #exploringmaine #mainetime #editorialphotographer #dreaming #workhardplayhard #worktrip #onassignment #humans (at Great Pond. Rome, Me) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Vs5udgpsG/?igshid=1qqgzwoit1l9d

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Jenn Legnini is the owner and operator of @turtlerockfarm, a certified organic food processing kitchen. Turtle Rock Farm not only grows and cans their own produce but during peak season they minimally process local farms excess produce, which extends the shelf life of that produce and in turn keeps food waste down. As someone who intentionally buys the ugly, near overly ripened produce, I am so excited by what Jenn is doing. Plus with blueberry season finally here this feels timely and delicious. . . . #localfarms #canning #turtlerockfarm #Mainebusiness #maine #onassignement #downeastmagazine #organicfood #organiccanning #mainefarms #mainefarm #mainegrown #mainemade #maine #mofga #indulgelocally #editorialphotography #michaelwilsonphotography #mainephotographer #mainestories #mainepeople (at Brunswick, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0POeULAMRR/?igshid=1r2f07dd544dg

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Great pond spans several towns outside of Belgrade Maine and is home to one of the last US mail routes delivered by boat. John Govostes has been delivering mail for five years on this route. Each morning in the summer he loads his boat behind the Post Office in Belgrade and heads out on the water. Along the way he interacts with residents and even pets a dog or two!* When he's not delivering mail John can be found playing table tennis, which he is a two time Maine state champion of! I really love when a photo story has smaller micro stories within it. Shot as part of the Belgrade Lakes feature for @downeastmagazine . . . *Side note, dogs disliking letter carriers is a real thing! My mom was a letter carrier for 35 years and was bite four separate times by dogs. So watching John pet dogs along the way filled me with a little fear and a bunch of amazement. . . . #Maine #Mainemail #lettercarrier #Uspostalservice @uspostalservice #usmail #BelgradeMaine #Mainelakes #specialdelivery #summertime #mainesummer #onlyinmaine #mainejobs #tabletennis #champion #editoralphotographer @mwphotographic #michaelwilsongphotography #michaeldwilson #boats #mailboat #mainething (at US Post Office) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0GYPJsA3u3/?igshid=ewkwqciirfnu

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The Harvard Study of Adult Development has been run for over 75 years. Robert Waldinger is 4th director in charge of this study, and has one of the most viewed TED talks of all time. This study followed the lives of over 700 people to see what it is that allows someone to live a happy and healthy life. The key to this mystery, in the words of Robert Waldinger is simple, “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” His TED talk is well worth viewing. Photographed for @bostoncommag. . . . #happiness #harvard #harvardstudy #harvardmedicalschool #casestudy #happyhealthy #healthylife #relationships #friendship #community #friends #goodlife #boston #bostoncolleges (at Harvard University) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0D2BO3AQ4O/?igshid=l05a2pgk4vmp

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A few more images from the Belgrade lakes story that ran in @downeastmagazine. . . . #Belgradelakes #beanoutsider #Belgrademaine #visitmaine #maine #mainesummer #lakelife #laketime #mainelakes #summerwaters #downeastmagazine #boats #swimming #michaeldwilsonphoto #exploringmaine #mainetime #editorialphotographer #dreaming #workhardplayhard #worktrip #onassignment (at Belgrade, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_pEyoh3HO/?igshid=izefkxpqviri

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Sometimes assignments come along where you find yourself working really hard and simultaneously really really enjoying yourself! This is precisely how I felt when @benjaminwilliamsonphotography of @downeastmagazine sent me to the town of Belgrade to photograph some of the magic that is Maine in the summer time! . . . #Belgradelakes #Belgrademaine #visitmaine #mainelife #mainesummer #lakelife #laketime #mainelakes #blueskies #downeastmagazine #boats #swimming #lilydog #maine #michaeldwilsonphoto #exploringmaine #mainetime #editorialphotographer #dreaming #mainething #workhardplayhard #worktrip #onassignment (at Belgrade, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9XT70gwVQ/?igshid=172kmlzq8ixqn

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New Systems Exhibitions is a gallery space In Portland Maine that is artists owned and operated by some of the most motivated artists I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Since this shoot the gallery has grown in number. Do yourself a favor an check out their next show! Shot for Decor Maine. . . I have what feels like a hopeless amount of images to share on here, I have decided I am just going to share work from the past 8 months in a seemingly random order! . . . #maine #maineartists #mainearts #portlandme #Portlandmaine @visitportland @newsystemexhibitions #artgallery #artists #newengladgallery #workingartists #artme #artistsatwork #artistsowned #artistsoperated #visitmaine #mainefaces #arts @mwphotographic #michaeldwilson #michaelwilsonphotography (at New System Laundry & Cleaning) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6cxptAcdN/?igshid=1e91ebmwme23w

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Paul Baldacci owner and opperator of Mamma Baldacci’s mobile catering. Shot for @downeastmagazine . . . . #foodtruck #Italianfood #italiangoodtruck #mainefood #bangorfood #Bangor #maine #mainebusiness #maineeats #Downeastmagazine #editorial #summerfood https://www.instagram.com/p/BzBOqq-gD1V/?igshid=1o0kic4szvhjb

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Jack Watkins is the 19 year old owner of @spencersicecream in Brewer Maine. Jean Abbott worked for years making ice cream under the previously owner and spent a good deal of time teaching Jack the ropes. Here they are taste testing new flavors together! It’s not all the time you get to have this much fun on an editorial shoot! Shot for the June Issue of @downeastmagazine this feels like a good kick off to a great summer! . . . #icecream #mainemade #Mainebusiness #summertime #Brewermaine #Icecreamshop #handmade #eatmoreicecream #maine #downeastmagazine #teaching #somanyflavors #nostalgia #mdwphoto #icecreamparlor #milkshake #floats #editorialphotographer #michaeldwilsonphoto #michaelwilsonphoto #redbench #bluewalls #icecreamcone #icecreamscoop (at Spencer’s Ice Cream of Bradley, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0KgTDA1De/?igshid=gkclkphh3uu9