Welcome Home Captain Richard Phillips!!

On Wednesday, April 8th, I received a call from the New York Post asking me to photograph the local news regarding Vermont's own Captain Richard Phillips. So I cleared the schedule and rushed off to Underhill, which is about 20 minutes away. Each day I joined up with a swarm of media in anticipation of news about the captain, but the news didn't come. By Saturday I had decided that I needed to get back to my life and told the reporter with the NY Post not to call on Sunday unless a miracle happened. Well two mimosas into brunch at our home with friends, the reporter called with the news the world was waiting for!! My friend Kim threw me into her car and we raced off to the family's home.
It was such a thrill and honor to cover this story from beginning to the happy outcome!! I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the photos like you probably saw everywhere, and a collection of behind the scenes photos that you probably didn't see anywhere.

Oh, and for all of you People magazine fans out there...be sure to look on the cover of this week's issue for the photo of the captain's wife and that same photo inside as well. The photo credit is very teeny tiny, but if you look close enough you will see my name. : )

On Thursday, the local CBS and Ryan Mercer, photo editor of the Burlington Free Press, interview a neighbor.
Ryan Mercer, left, and Toby Talbot with the Associated Press
A family member talks with the press.
A Fox camera guy naps.
Outside the family's home.
The media sets up for an official statement from the family.
My new friend Rebecca Rosenberg, a journalist with the NY Post, sets up her mike and gets caught on international news....a proud moment. ; )
Rick Leventhal with Fox News, New York
By Friday, the media had to move off the family's property and move into town. (The family was so gracious to let the media stay as long as they did!!) We had to find things to tell the story and didn't have to look too far...
The local priest is interviewed by CNN.
Rebecca and I decided to take a break and see some baby lambs near by.
Rebecca!

The farmer introduced us to some newborn goats in the barn and these tiny premature cashmere goats inside the home.

Reporters were all over town. Here CBS national is interviewing a neighbor who was tying yellow ribbon around posts.
The media's new spot was the church parking lot.
Super friendly Craig Boswell with Fox News
These little bunnies made the most of the media circus in town and sold lots of lemonade!!


Sunday morning. Holly with the AP.
My brunch guests and designated drivers, Kim + Melissa. Kim ended up being interviewed on the national NBC news when she and Melissa drove up to the corner store while waiting for me. So funny!!
Emily Nelson from the Free Press is all business.
Rebecca waits for the family's official statement.
Glenn Russell from the Free Press.
A Maersk representative gave the family's statement.
Craig Boswell and me.
Homecoming day!! Mike Taibbi reports.
Mr. Taibbi kept us all entertained before he was on the air.
The media mosh pit.
Our hero!! Be sure to look at his wrists...
Back at the captain's home...
I held it together really well until I saw this sign...
The community signed this one...so cool!!