Joplin

I had the opportunity to travel to Joplin this weekend with a group from Greentree Church.  We took a trailer full of donated items and spent 2 days working on a clean-up crew.  It's impossible to adequately show the scope of the devastation, and it's difficult to find the words to explain it.  We had a group of 17 from Greentree and joined with  approximately 17 others, including a group from New York.  We spent several hours picking up debris from a farmer's hay field, clearing 30 acres, then went to some property that sat on the edge of the destruction.  Our group worked tirelessly in oppressive heat to accomplish a great deal, clearing debris from the yard and moving it to the curb (where it must be to be picked up by the city).  In spite of all this work, that left us exhausted, when you looked at the big picture, we had made no significant dent whatsoever. . . 

We traveled into the heart of the destruction, and it quite simply takes your breath away.  Had this happened to a single block or subdivision, it would have been an unspeakable tragedy, but as you drive for block after block after block, the view does not change.  I went to college in Joplin, and graduated in 1984.  There have been changes, but much of the city remains the way it was back then.  I couldn't get my bearings or "feel" where I was.  The visual cues your mind uses to orient itself are gone. . . 

We were fortunate to find hotel accommodations in nearby Carthage.  We returned the next morning for our assignment, and returned to the property from the previous day.  Again, using tractors, trailers, rakes, shovels, and hands and feet, we worked for several more hours.  Once again, the heat slowed the pace, but I marveled at the effort expended by this group.  I can't imagine property owners having to do this work by themselves.

In the afternoon, we were dispatched to Alabama street in the heart of the destruction where a backyard needed clearing.  Large trees had been toppled and piles of debris had blown in and clung to the trees.  On one hand, it was amazing the progress we made, but then again, it's just so little compared to what needs to be done.  

I'm embarrassed to say that I was glad when we called it a day.  I was hot, tired, and just plain beat.  I couldn't wait to climb in the truck and drive it home.  It was a relief to get out of there. . . but all day today, I've felt guilty for being in my air-conditioned house while thousands are still without in Joplin.  If you have been thinking about going to Joplin to help out, you should go.  Be prepared for miserable conditions & difficult and sometimes dangerous work.  But it's work that matters and work that will need to continue for a long, long time.  

KHS Fashion Design Class

It was time again for the Annual KHS Fashion Design Class Photo Shoot.  These kids work hard all year at making their own clothes, and I must say, they do an incredible job!  We had lots of fun shooting these images, so thanks alot, ladies.  BRAVO!!!

KHS Prom

Another great evening. . . Prom is always so much fun.  It's great to see the kids all dressed up and enjoying being together.  This year was special, as it marked the final prom for Dr. Holley as Principal.  I'm sure there are other principals around the country that would be willing to join the students on the dance floor, but I don't believe any could elicit the kind of joy and fun that the kids showed when they joined Doc and his wife for a rousing rendition of "Shout!". . . 

In the past, I've taken informal pictures of the kids as they entered prom just for fun, but this year I joined Reza Behnam and Stephanie Cotta as "801 Photography" and became the "Official Photographers" of the KHS Prom.  It was great working with Rez and Stephanie, and our goal was to create fun and memorable images at an affordable price for the kids, and I think we accomplished that.  

We had two areas set up, one for more traditional pictures and one for just "fun stuff".  These images are from the "fun" setup, and it was great to see the kids "working it". . .

More prom pictures are available at http://801photography.zenfolio.com

Alex

What fun!  So good to reconnect with Alex, who I had in class as a sophomore.  She's grown into a beautiful young lady who's ready to head out and make her mark on the world.  It was a hot night, but Alex was so cool.  She did a great job and having Mom around made everything go more smoothly.  Thanks for keeping an eye on the details, Mom!  

Alex, you were great!  You're ready!  Go get 'em!   

Sisters

This is what I love about photography. . . not just the images, but the opportunity to meet amazing people that I might not meet without the camera. . . Tonight I got to spend some time with Melissa and Meghan and Mom as we hung out in the park and had a great time.  It  was hot, but there was no complaining and we went right to work.  It's always fun trying to find a way to find a comfort zone, and as we tried to get there, we decided to have an "awkward picture" contest between the two.  It was fun, but Meghan will be the first to tell you she didn't stand a chance.  We found some purple flowers that were "Eureka Purple" so we did some work there, and as we were getting ready to leave, both girls relaxed and we were able to get a few great pictures of them with their arms around each other.  Meghan, it was great meeting you tonight, and Melissa, it was so fun to work with you again.  I hope you two had as much fun as I did.  You're amazing and New York's loss was St. Louis' gain!  Enjoy your graduation!  PS.  Mom, your work holding the reflector made all the difference.  You must be really proud of these two!!

Kaitlyn & Ian

What a great night!  Kaitlyn is a former student of mine and wanted to get a few pictures taken with her friend, Ian.  We did a couple of indoor "studio" shots, but the weather had cooled off, and you could tell these guys were ready to get outside.  We had a lot of fun and in addition to the train bridge, we found a couple other locations and had a blast.  I love shooting young people!  They have so much enthusiasm and and willing to try whatever crazy ideas we come up with.  Kaitlyn, it was great to see you again!!  Hope you guys had as much fun as I did. . .

Emma

I love doing senior pictures, but this one was a little more special than normal . . . Emma is a wonderful young lady, and I was lucky enough to have both her and her older sister, Tessa in class their sophomore years, but what makes it even more special is that I went to high school with their Mom.  It's difficult to believe that someone my age has a beautiful daughter who's a senior in high school. . .  This is a wonderful family, and I've really enjoyed getting to know them.  We met at the bowling alley tonight, and headed over to the train bridge for our first location.  It was a team effort with Mom brushing hair, Dad blocking the sun, and little sister giving advice.  Emma said she needed direction, but we got started and she just lit up!  Emma, thanks for making this so easy.  I wish you and your family all the best as you leave Kirkwood and head out into the world.  You'll make it a better world, I'm certain of that. . .