The Way it Was

For my final project in Advanced Techniques in photojournalism I traveled to the Camp Jackson Affair Civil War reenactment in Lemay, Mo. I worked with Nick Michael Quint Smith and Lori Marshall to produce a three minute multimedia piece on wet plate photographer Douglas Harding.

Recreating a 150-year-old process Douglas Harding attempts to "time travel" to 1861 both chemically and psychologically.

The Way It Was from 1504 Pictures on Vimeo.

Senior Sendoff

Every year the freshman class at the University of Missouri sprints through the columns towards Jesse Hall to symbolize their entrance into the university. The following spring the graduating class participates in Senior Sendoff a bittersweet mirroring of the event as the walk through the same columns towards downtown. The freshman will meet tiger stripe ice cream while the seniors receive free beer and lunch on the south quad.

University of Missouri graduates rush through the columns at Senior Sendoff to symbolize their exit from the university and entrance into their futures.

University of Missouri class of 2011 enjoys a reception on the Mel Carnahan Quadrangle.

Daily Nommin'

With finals week approaching my kitchen has become my haven for procrastination. 

Blueberry muffins topped with cinnamon nutmeg crumble

Mango-lime-chili quesadillas with cilantro, salsa, lettuce and tomato

Homemade tabouli with hummus and sauteed zucchini in pita

Chicken and eggplant curry with cous cous 

Blueberry muffins topped with cinnamon nutmeg crumble

Time Traveling To 1861

I spent the past weekend at the Camp Jackson Affair in Lemay, Mo. covering Douglas Harding an authentic wet plate photographer. The event was held in celebration 150th anniversary of the Civil War. I worked with three other photojournalists to create a multimedia piece using stills, video and audio. The piece will be posted next week but for now here are a few shots from the weekend.

Wet plate photographer Douglas Harding prepares to photograph a group of reenactors at the Camp Jackson Affair in Lemay, Mo.

Douglas Harding prepares a piece of glass that will act as his negative.

Civil War Reenactors socialize after the public leaves The Camp Jackson Affair in Jefferson Barracks.

Reenactors attend the ball celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War at the Camp Jackson Affair.

Mizzou's greektown reacts to announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death

Over 3,000 Mizzou students rushed to greektown after the announcement of Osama Bin Laden chanting, drinking, and celebrating.

Advanced Techniques: Painting With Light

For our painting with light assignment I worked with Allison Pasek, BJ Worley and Robson Abbott to create a whimsical photo illustrating adolescent fantasy literature. We went to two locations for our painting with light but had more luck with our second concept. 

In the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series, contemporary authors such as J.K. Rowling have rejuvenated the fantasy genre in literature. This renaissance has helped spur childhood and adolescent reading and literacy rates over the last decade. These books are also beloved and well read by adults of all ages.

How we did it:
1. Strobe on me reading the book
2. Lit a sparkler and ran it from the book in a spiral to behind the tree
3. Used a strobe gelled blue to paint the tree
4. Held the book and used strobe at 1/64 power

Lighting Diagram:

Here is an outtake from our attempt to illustrate the increase in gas prices:

Columbia Earth Day

Columbia celebrated Earth Day in Peace Park with muddy feet, educational booths, and plenty of animals. Spring has sprung!

Brandt Martin, 4, plays in the creek in Peace Park at Columbia Earth Day.    

Mackenzie Mccollum sees her butterfly face painting for the first time at Columbia Earth Day.

Hazel Zettl plays in Peace Park with her red balloon.

A great horned owl is displayed at the Missouri Wildlife Rescue Booth.    

Niall Owens waits for ice cream at Columbia Earth Day.    

Amateur Drag Show: Fake Nails & Fedoras

Tri-Co hosted their annual drag show in honor of Pride Month Friday night in Allen Auditorium. All tips given to performers at the event were donated to The Center Project, the only LGBTQA community center in mid-Missouri.

Krystal Chandelier flips her hair at the Amateur Drag Show. She has been performing for over 20 years.

LSD places a rose behind an audience member's ear.

Honey Cheffan sings "Do It Like A Dude" at the Amateur Drag Show.

Fake nails are strewn around the dressing room. All the performers do their own costume and makeup.

Advanced Techniques: Multiple Flash

For my multiple flash I set up two SB 900's and triggered them with pocket wizards. The image was crosslit with strobes low on either side.

Nathan Gibbons skateboards April 12, 2011 at the Columbia Skate Park 

Here is an outtake from before I set up the strobes.

Boone County Fairgrounds Horses

I went to shoot an event at the Boone County Fairgrounds and stumbled upon some horses and owners winding down after barrel races.

Brittany Lowary lets her horses graze after barrel racing at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Lynsay Mcgarvey hoses down her horse after barrel racing on Saturday, April 9 at the Boone County Fairgrounds.