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Ben McCanna has been a staff photographer and occasional writer at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2015 and has been working for newspapers since 2010. Ben studied creative writing and literature at Emerson College and embarked on a decade-long career in publishing after graduating in 1997. In his mid 30s, Ben shifted careers by taking a job as a reporter at a small newspaper in northwest Colorado and never looked back. Over the years, he slowly transitioned from writer to photographer - his true passion. Ben is a 2018 winner of an Award of Excellence from Pictures of the Year International. He lives on Peaks Island with his wife, a nurse practitioner, and two sons.

Latest
  • Published
    March 16, 2024

    In photos: Portland Bike Party holds a St. Patrick’s Day outing

    About 75 people of all ages pedaled the 5.5-mile St. Patrick’s Day course, beginning at Thomas Knight Park and continuing to Willard Beach for a customary dance stop before looping back.

  • Published
    March 14, 2024

    In photos: More than 100 protesters show up to Matisyahu concert at State Theatre

    More than 100 people showed up Wednesday night to protest a State Theatre concert by Jewish American reggae singer and rapper Matisyahu. The demonstration, organized by Maine Jews for Palestine, followed calls for the venue to cancel the show over the musician’s vocal support for Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza. The group said […]

  • Published
    March 8, 2024

    In photos: The best of February

    If you were planning to visit Maine for the first time, February wouldn’t be the best month – unless you were a high school sports fanatic. Then you’d be in heaven. But after the destruction of January’s two major storm surges, we welcomed a quieter, milder February. Here are some of the Portland Press Herald photographers’ favorite photos from the month.

  • Published
    March 2, 2024

    In photos: See the action from Saturday’s championship basketball games

    Take a look at some of our favorite images from the boys’ and girls’ basketball Class AA, A, C and D state championships.

  • Published
    February 25, 2024

    One Of Us: Headlights and highlights – from auto repair to hair, she likes her work hands-on

    ‘There’s just something about working with tools,’ says Krystal Stone, 35, who is both a mechanic and a hairstylist.

  • Published
    February 20, 2024

    In photos: See the action from Tuesday’s high school postseason games

    Take a look at some of our favorite images from the basketball quarter and semifinals, nordic skiing and wrestling championships.

  • Published
    February 14, 2024

    Peaks Island children spread the love for Valentine’s Day

    Despite the frigid air, 48 students departed Peaks Island Elementary School on Wednesday morning to spread joy throughout the community on Valentine’s Day. The Love Parade, now in its fourth year, involves a short walk from the school grounds, along Island Avenue and then eastward to Fay Garman House, an independent living community for people […]

  • Published
    January 13, 2024

    In photos: Maine’s coast battered by yet another storm

    Around 2 inches of rain fell Saturday in southern Maine, flooding low-lying streets and businesses, while a record-breaking high tide inundated the already-soggy coast, eroded beaches and washed away two iconic fishing shacks.

  • Published
    January 10, 2024

    In photos: Aftermath of the storm

    A winter storm that started Tuesday night and ended late Wednesday morning carried heavy rains and high winds, resulting in widespread flooding and power outages across the state.

  • Published
    December 26, 2023

    2023 Photos of the Year: Homeless in Portland

    Homelessness in Portland grew to new dimensions in 2023. Even as a new city shelter opened in Riverton, homeless encampments emerged throughout the city – in parks, on trails and even on a state-owned parking lot. Local agencies struggled with how to respond, and the issue was central in Portland’s mayoral election. Throughout the year, Press Herald photographers documented people living outside, learning their names and their stories and offering readers an unblinking look at one of society’s most complex challenges.