Often I photograph opening night of shows and concerts, but it is rare to get behind the scenes access. Access to national theatrical performances is even more unique. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time in the afternoon with cast members – Pumbaa and Rafiki – of The Lion King. Later, I was invited backstage to photograph them preparing for the show in the make-up room. Here are a couple of pictures of Rafiki. If you would like to read about The Lion King stars’ experiences in the City of Greenville and watch the video (shot by John Olson), click here. And the gallery of photos can be viewed here.
The Greenville News front today was a story about the jeans company, Beija Flor, that was started my a Greenville mother-daughter team. I got the spend some time at home with the women behind the denim. I enjoy the assignments where I can spend some time and catch the natural moments. In an age where everything needs to be instant, these opportunities can be hard to come by. This photograph was my favorite of the shoot. Want more info? You can read the story here.
Recently, I was sent to a construction accident that left one worker dead and one injured. The other workers were noticeably upset by the situation. After the firefighters pulled the body of their friend/co-worker out of the site, officials took the gurney over to the crew. They gathered around the body and prayed. It was an extremely touching and emotional moment.
Every election and primary season, I always try to find a different way to photograph people voting. Not always an easy task. This primary happened to have a fairly low voter turn out, which is what I tried to illustrate. I found it interesting that the Patriot statue (a mascot for JL Mann High School) stood watch over the empty polls, the poll workers had time to sit down and that voters were able to walk right up and vote.
Traveled to Anderson, S.C., to photograph one of the candidates who had been decertified before the June primary. The reporter and I interviewed him next to his truck filled with campaign signs he had retrieved from the side of the road. You can read the story and watch my short video here.
I recently received a tour of One, the newest building to hit the Greenville skyline. Crews continue to work on the building as they dangle over Main Street. Here are two of my favorite shots. I definitely couldn’t handle working at such heights everyday. I also shot a quick video, check it out here.
On May 13, 2012, my mom lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer. There is no doubt we will miss her sense of humor, love, kindness and friendship. We will carry her in our hearts forever.
While I am the photographer of the family, my sister is a great writer. Here is a photograph from a few years ago that I made of my mom long before her diagnosis along my sister’s “Things I Learned From My Mom.” We love you, Mom.
“Things I Learned From My Mom”:
1. Never leave the house without makeup. Ok, maybe if you’re in labor.
2. Be careful what you say in public because you never know who might be listening. All Jews know each other!
3. Love your family above all else, and be there for them no matter what.
4. A corollary to the above: your sister is your best friend.
5. A woman should always be able to manage her own (and the family’s) finances.
6. A husband and wife can be equal partners in a marriage even though they might contribute in different ways.
7. Choose friends who like you for who you are, not what they think you can do for them. Hang onto your true friends for life.
8. Don’t buy an overbred puppy, or you might end up with more than you bargained for! Like, say, a dog who can climb on countertops, jump over gates, and eat pizza out of the refrigerator.
9. Nordstrom’s is good. Harrods is better.
10. Chocolate is a non-FDA approved antidepressant.
11. Schoolwork takes precedence over boys.
12. Really take the time to listen to your children and understand who they are as individuals. They are your ultimate legacy.
I hope we can make you proud, Mom.
South Carolina is making national news because its the first primary in the South. Over the last week or two I have been sent all over the Upstate of South Carolina to photograph the republican candidates for president. Here are a selection of photographs from a few different events. These photographs are not an endorsement of any candidate.
I was sent to photograph an old tree that fell, blocking a Greenville road in Cleveland Park, Tuesday. By the time I was able to get out there, the tree had been removed. There were still crews working the scene and I had to get a photo, so I walked over. This was my favorite picture from the shoot mainly because I liked all the fallen, broken traffic lights lined up. Also, you can spot the old tree stump in the background.
A day after a fire destroyed a Greenville home, I was sent to the location to get a few photographs. I came across the family that owned the home, who was trying to recover what they could, including a wedding dress hung on a nearby tree. Here is the initial story in The Greenville News.
